Talking about science and ethics

THE recent report by The New York Times (NYT) on the Nutrition Society of Malaysia’s research funding and scientific publication has been labelled as an “improper attack on a study” (The Star, Dec 25). Some scientists have come forward to defend the work of Dr Tee E Siong and the organisation, citing the journalists’ lack of critical thinking and training in science and the philosophy of science.

The point of contention by NYT was not about the soundness of the study by Dr Tee itself, but rather the value and ethics of such research finding.