I have a tendency to believe that stringent laws in the US have an adverse affect on scientific development and progress. More laws makes it difficult and/or illegal for professional scientists to continue their work. It can also completely block amateur tinkerers from improving upon designs or making important chance discoveries. Despite my perception of the state of American law, it appears as though British law is even worse.

The Guardian posted a story a few days ago about a research team that will be leaving the UK for American shores. Apparently they are having a very hard time getting government approval for their research. This team is researching the genetic modification of pigs to grow organs for human transplants.

Sorry for the two political articles in one day, space nerds and future freaks. Politics rules the day. Unfortunately, politics plays an important role in shaping our future, and so I consider this germane to ACEIZE.

The folks at JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratories) in California, many of whom worked on the Galileo Probes, the Mars Rovers, etc. are launching a class action suit against the federal government and CalTech in a bid to protect their constitutional liberties. Before September 28th all employees of JPL must sign a document permitting extensive background checks or be 'voluntarily terminated'. These background checks will apparently delve into all private matters of the employees at JPL, including 'medical, financial and past employment records, and to question friends and acquaintances about everything from their finances to sex lives.' The suit claims that these investigations constitute 'violations of the Constitution's 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure, 14th Amendment protection against invasion of right to privacy, the Administrative Procedure Act, the Privacy Act, and rights under the California Constitution. The information collected on employees will not be available to the employees themselves - which makes sense in a police investigation (except this is not a police investigation).

I think it is. Perhaps I owe readers an explanation for my opinion? Here is a link from AP news about a couple who is being charged with a felony 'first degree breach of peace' for sprinkling flour on an IKEA parking lot. The couple is also being sought to pay for the cities response to this particular 'terror threat'. Apparently it took several dozen government officials several hours to determine that the 'white powder' was flour. AP news: Running Club Members Face Felony Charges

Okay, so I will delve into an explanation of my title. All of us, as Americans, are subject to the conclusions of ignorant officials in government. Lots of little things scare ignorant people. Government officials can hold you accountable for scaring them. It is my opinion that this power/ignorance/fear combination is not a healthy atmosphere for scientific progress. Scientific advance is often not understood by professional scientists, let alone some desk jocky. Sometimes seeking knowledge through science is not pretty, science can explode, science can be dangerous, and science is not understood by everyone. But seeking knowledge through science is not terrorism. Unfortunately, the US government does not make the distinction between misunderstood science and terrorism.

Starting August 11, 2007 it will be illegal to possess a solution containing over 2.2% Iodine in the United States of America. Iodine will be a regulated chemical subject to tracking, approvals, import and export regulations. Certain exemptions to this rule have been granted by the government. It is be legal to possess 1 fluid ounce of Lugol's solution. Additionally "Persons handling regulated iodine materials are required to register with DEA, are subject to the import/export notification requirements of the CSA, and are required to maintain records of all regulated transactions involving iodine regardless of size." Farmers who regularly use up to 7% iodine solution for their livestock will fall under this monitoring and regulation, as will any manufacturing facilities. Amateur chemists will likely be unable to obtain Iodine legally (unless the are very familiar with US paper work procedures).

Michael Enzi, of Wyoming, is one of America's esteemed Senator's pushing to tax the internet. Sales Taxes, Access Taxes, and email tax? Evidently the US Senate is tired of the Internet stealing revenue from local governments. You terrible internet users!

The CNet article explains that this isn't the first time such legislation has been proposed, however this is the first time that a Democratic Majority has been seated in congress to view the proposal. From the article, "the political dynamic appears to have shifted in favor of the pro-tax advocates and their allies on Capitol Hill."

Bush signs new law defining the principles of space research for government offices.

From the summary...

The National Aeronautics Research and Development Policy defines the principles upon which Federal Government aeronautics R&D will be based and the policy goal, objectives and general guidelines that will drive Federal Government aeronautics R&D activities through 2020. It describes the roles and responsibilities of the involved executive departments and agencies in each of four primary areas of aeronautics R&D: (1) stable and long-term foundational research; (2) advanced aircraft systems development; (3) air transportation management systems; and (4) national research, development, test and evaluation infrastructure.

The City of Berkley will introduce legislation to regulate the effects of nano-technology on human health and the environment.

Nothing like the ignorant legislating a burgeoning industry to ensure its success. Perhaps the fine politicians of Berkley will take the time to get to know what they are doing before passing any laws. It would be a shame to have a repeat of the dihydrogen oxide incident.

Thinking about this a little more, why doesn't na