Kennewick Man Update -- Science as Circus

John Hawks notes that the hype surrounding the examination of Kennewick man is way out of proportion to the potential benefits of the current research being done. He notes that nearly every kind of analysis possible has already been done or attempted and that the current investigation can do little more than to confirm results achieved as long a six years ago. Once again, "scientists" and journalists have conspired to create a storm of hype surrounding a piece of evidence that is of only moderate importance.

Read Hawks superb commentary here.

Of course, taking a realistic view means taking much of the drama out of science journalism, and let's face it, drama sells -- both to the public and to granting agencies.