Science

Washington Judge Allows Expert Testimony in Monsanto PCB Case, Rebuffs ‘Junk Science’ Claim

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Seattle, WA – A Washington state judge recently rejected Monsanto’s effort to disqualify expert testimony in a lawsuit regarding alleged PCB poisoning. The company had argued that the expert’s views amounted to “junk science,” but the judge disagreed, allowing the evidence to be presented to jurors. The case centers around claims that Monsanto is responsible for PCB exposure that plaintiffs argue has led to significant health problems. PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are chemical compounds that were widely used in industrial and commercial applications. They were banned in the late 1970s in the United States after … Read more

Revamped Federal Rule Sharpens Scrutiny on Expert Testimony in U.S. Courts, Aiming to Curb ‘Junk Science’ in Legal Battles

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WASHINGTON — In the intricate dance of courtroom litigation, expert witnesses often play a pivotal role, swaying jury opinions with their specialized knowledge. However, despite their advanced degrees and confident demeanor, these experts’ assertions are not always rooted in sound scientific practice. This potentially leads to unjust outcomes and multimillion-dollar verdicts, particularly in toxic tort lawsuits that hinge significantly on dueling expert testimonies. To address these concerns, the Federal Rules of Evidence, specifically Rule 702, dictate the admittance of expert testimony in federal courts. Traditionally, this rule allowed for a liberal acceptance of expert testimony, … Read more

Texas Man’s Execution Halted as He Testifies on Flaws in State’s Junk Science Law

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Austin, TX — A significant development occurred in Texas as the execution of Robert Roberson was halted, triggered by a legal tool intended to combat wrongful convictions from faulty evidence—the state’s pioneering “junk science” law of 2013. This law permits convicts to seek retrials if the evidence used during their trials is later deemed unreliable. Roberson was set to testify before a state House committee regarding the law’s implementation, just days after his scheduled execution. Roberson, 57, faced death row for the 2002 murder of his two-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis, in Palestine, Texas. Prosecutors initially … Read more

Vesalius Innovation Award Joins Forces with BMJ Group to Propel Startups in Science Communication

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Basel, Switzerland — A notable advancement in the field of scientific communication, the Vesalius Innovation Award heralds a new era of collaboration and ingenuity as it enters its fifth year, this time with BMJ Group partnering alongside Karger Publishers as co-presenters. The award aims to catalyze progress in the dissemination and effectiveness of scientific knowledge, offering a hefty total of $25,000 in prize money to the most innovative contenders in the industry. This pioneering award seeks to honor groundbreaking approaches in science communication, covering a wide array of crucial elements including artificial intelligence, research integrity, … Read more