Links for Feb 10/05

The Theological Robot (Boston Globe)
Robotics theologian Anne Foerst seeks to bridge the divide between religion and AI research--by arguing that robots have much to teach us about ourselves and our relationship with God.

Open-Source Practices for Biotechnology (NY Times)
The open-source movement, which has encouraged legions of programmers around the world to improve continually upon software like the Linux operating system, may be spreading to biotechnology.

Scientists Shy Away From Controversial Research (DrKoop.com)
Report found informal constraints more pervasive than formal ones; scientists engage in a sort of self-censorship in response to various social, political and cultural pressures they perceive around them, new research suggests.

Teach Evolution: Leave No Child Behind (Space)

Black Hole Growth Self-Limiting, Simulation Shows (Space)

What Did Galileo See? (Universe Today)
Born February 15, 1564, Galileo Galilee was a scientist, philosopher, mathematician, professor, optician, musician, painter, and father of three. Despite all these accomplishments, it is easy to conceive that - like many amateur astronomers of today - one of his greatest loves was to turn eye and telescope upon the wonders of the night sky. This article retraces a few of his steps and comes to a deeper insight into the kinds of questions driving his personal quest for understanding.