"Climategate" scandal...

is slowly drawing increased scrutiny from the press and government agencies that funded the now suspect climate change research. Some updates on the developing story can be found here and here, and so far no one has denied the documents are genuine. One gem found in the published emails that goes beyond scientific dishonesty:

“We need to show some left to cover the costs of the trip Roger didn’t make and also the fees/equipment/computer money we haven’t spent otherwise NOAA will be suspicious.”

So not only is there collusion to influence the peer review process, apparent fudging or manipulation of data, use of erroneous and flawed software code, intentional and coordinated deletion of documents in order to frustrate FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) requests, now there may be accounting fraud to add to all that. Don't believe it? Read the documents for yourself, or consult this summary.

The contempt for scientific objectivity that is revealed here is staggering. Unfortunately, this growing scandal is going to make science (in general) and scientists (specifically) lose credibility with the public.

However, on the lighter side, get your "Hide the Decline" t-shirts and merchandise. And enjoy the hilarious "Hide the Decline" video by Minnesotans For Global Warming.