In the chapter Chain of Command, the pictures of Ebola had not been published because, according Nancy Jaax, “Gene Johnson … had difficulty writing papers. And, well, they just had not gotten around to publishing it” (Preston, 1994, p. 171). General Russell wanted the Ebola pictures published because then other scientists would know how Ebola looks. Also, other scientists will be able to identify Ebola if they were to come across it in their lab. This will prevent confusion when identifying a virus. Publishing scientific discoveries advances science because it prevents two scientist from performing the same experiments or from making the same discoveries. If all scientists decided not to publish their work because they felt it was their intellectual property or for whatever reason, then multiple scientists will perform the same experiments without even knowing it. Then, there will be multiple scientists discovering the same things; for instance, there will be multiple experiments that discovered the HIV virus, the influenza virus, E. coli, and so on. Also, publishing scientific discoveries shows scientists what they have already discovered and what other things have yet to be discovered. If no one published their work, then all scientists would make the same discoveries and think that they were the first person to make that discovery. Therefore, it is important that Jaxx publishes her discoveries, especially since Ebola is lethal. Although the virus may scare the public, it is important that they know it exists so they can be cautious.
Citation: Preston, R. (1994). The Hot Zone. New York City, New York: Random House.
In the chapter Chain of Command, the pictures of Ebola had not been published because, according Nancy Jaax, “Gene Johnson … had difficulty writing papers. And, well, they just had not gotten around to publishing it” (Preston, 1994, p. 171). General Russell wanted the Ebola pictures published because then other scientists would know how Ebola looks. Also, other scientists will be able to identify Ebola if they were to come across it in their lab. This will prevent confusion when identifying a virus. Publishing scientific discoveries advances science because it prevents two scientist from performing the same experiments or from making the same discoveries. If all scientists decided not to publish their work because they felt it was their intellectual property or for whatever reason, then multiple scientists will perform the same experiments without even knowing it. Then, there will be multiple scientists discovering the same things; for instance, there will be multiple experiments that discovered the HIV virus, the influenza virus, E. coli, and so on. Also, publishing scientific discoveries shows scientists what they have already discovered and what other things have yet to be discovered. If no one published their work, then all scientists would make the same discoveries and think that they were the first person to make that discovery. Therefore, it is important that Jaxx publishes her discoveries, especially since Ebola is lethal. Although the virus may scare the public, it is important that they know it exists so they can be cautious.
ReplyDeleteCitation: Preston, R. (1994). The Hot Zone. New York City, New York: Random House.