From Cloning to Aids Research, World's Top Teen Science Students Speak out
Participants at the 1998 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Address Today's Hot Button Science Issues
FORT WORTH, Texas, May 13, 1998 – In addition to chatting with Nobel Laureates, observing a demonstration of the Mars Pathfinder Rover and competing for more than $2 million in college scholarships and grants, the participants of the 1998 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) have weighed in on some of today's most pressing science topics.
The survey was designed to gauge the opinions of the students who will be leading the way in science and technology during the 21st Century. The results indicate that this year's Intel ISEF participants are a group of young scientists who place importance on making advances in areas that would immediately benefit the world's inhabitants.
Prioritizing Research
When asked to select a field of research where $20 billion would best be spent, the majority of the students (55 percent) indicated the money should go towards AIDS research. The second most popular choice was a human genome project, with 21 percent of the students selecting it as a priority. Students who favored AIDS research said that they felt it would have the most immediate impact on the most people. One student responded, "Many times, society focuses too much on uncharted territory while failing to recognize immediate problems at hand. While space exploration is fascinating, AIDS continues to take the lives of hundreds of thousands of people – eliminating the disease must be a priority."
Cloning The Intel ISEF participants also had strong feelings about cloning. When asked if they agreed with the statement, "Cloning of human beings is acceptable," only 38 percent of the students indicated they were in favor of cloning. Of the 62 percent who disapproved of the practice, many made the distinction between replicating an entire human being and cloning a specific organ, noting that creating organs for transplant purposes would be a beneficial scientific advancement.
Medical Marijuana
The use of marijuana for medical purposes was strongly favored by the students. Nearly 70 percent indicated that, with the appropriate regulation, marijuana should be available by prescription. One student noted, "Marijuana does have its place in modern medicine – withholding a drug that can alleviate some of the pain experienced by terminally ill patients doesn't make sense."
The Environment
The Intel ISEF participants had diverse opinions about the development of industry at the expense of the environment. When asked if they agreed with the statement, "It is acceptable to allow some damage to the environment to provide good jobs and the goods and services necessary to the local community," 43 percent either agreed or strongly agreed, while 57 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed. Comments ranged from, "What good would money be without a world in which to spend it," to, "Some damage is unavoidable, but the current rate at which we are destroying the environment is unacceptable."
The 1998 Intel ISEF
The students participating in the 1998 Intel ISEF represent the top high school science students from 34 countries. The winners of the weeklong competition will be announced Friday, May 15th.
About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.
* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
|
