The Bush administration is trying to keep actual science from playing a role in matters where scientific research had previously been a key player, say the speakers at a convention for the American Association for Advancement of Science. The White House, they charge, has increasingly dropped scientists from policy-making processes, slashed research and training funding and spent time arguing facts rather than finding solutions.

Rosina Bierbaum of the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources pointed out that, until Bush, "scientists were always at the table when regulations were being developed." Bush, however, prefers questioning the existing science - particularly on environmental issues. The result is a complete lack of planning for the curbing of fossil fuel use, global warming and climate change.

While the scientific community assumes the president doesn't want anything hindering the profits of his polluting buddies, a White House spokesperson insists Bush isn't that kind of guy and anyone who doubts it is "ill-informed."

» Scott Saxon