news ‘FLAT Earthers’ in battle with creationism [SAN DIEGO] A group of US scientists and Barber, who objected to their five-year-old educators is using parody to fight creation- son being taught in kindergarten that ism in a school board election in Kansas. dinosaurs lived millions of years ago. As cre- The group argues, for example, that the ationists, the Barbers say they believe the teaching of ‘round Earth theory’ in schools Earth was formed 10,000 to 60,000 years ago. should be questioned, as the Bible makes With a campaign under way for last Tues- reference to the world having four corners day’s (6 April) election for the board of the (Revelations 7:1). Lawrence Public Schools, the Barbers and When creationists started an organiza- POSH sought to persuade candidates to tion to diminish the teaching of evolution in advocate teaching evolution as theory. schools in Lawrence, Kansas, the scientists When FLAT parodied their efforts, Ellen formed FLAT — Families for Learning Accu- Barber said she felt “ridiculed”, adding: rate Theories. FLAT has posted its ‘Biblical’ “They are trying to discredit our views. If views on the Internet. they discredit God or the Bible, we are dis- “We don’t necessarily all believe the world credited.” Melott denies this, saying that reli- is flat,” says Philip G. Kimball, FLAT’s trea- gion has its appropriate place in schools — surer, an author with a masters degree in but not as a so-called science. education from Stanford University. Ironically, say Melott and Kimball, their “Another possibility is a tetrahedron. The the University of Kansas in Lawrence and FLAT campaign has brought them ridicule as group isn’t settled on the Earth’s final form.” another founder of FLAT, acknowledged well, with hate mail posted on the Internet With tongues firmly planted in cheeks, that parody was being used because “rea- and derision at home, because many people FLAT members comment that the Bible says soned argument with creationists has failed”. seem to have missed the joke. “My wife wants that p is 3, not 3.14 (I Kings 7:23), and that “The dialogue has given the public the to use her maiden name for a couple of studying foreign languages is ‘unbiblical’, as idea that there are two sides to the story of weeks,” said Melott. God created many languages to prevent peo- equal weight,” said Melott. “Scientifically, Humour aside, the issue of teaching cre- ple from recreating the Tower of Babel. that isn’t the case.” ationism in schools is a serious business in In an interview with Nature, Kimball FLAT was formed to counter a group Kansas. Creationists are lobbying the state insisted on adhering to the satirical line. In called Parents for Objective Science and His- board of education to include their view in contrast, Adrian L. Melott, a cosmologist at tory (POSH), formed by Ellen L. and Joel M. statewide scientific standards. Rex Dalton the international weekly journal of science invites applications for the post of Chief Editor, Biological Sciences o you have what it takes to lead a growing team of talented The ideal candidate will probably have some editorial experience, Deditors publishing the world’s finest biological sciences but will certainly have intellectual vision and strong leadership papers? To take on the most demanding and stimulating editorial qualities. He or she will have significant achievements in biological role in biological sciences publishing? To be responsible for the sciences research; demonstrable interests across a wide range of highest standards in assessment and review? To represent biological sciences; respect in the scientific community; a capacity Nature in the biological sciences community – and to ensure for prompt and balanced critical assessment; good that Nature serves the interests of that community? communications skills; and imaginative ideas for the future development of Nature and their contribution to it. If so, we want to hear from you. The job is based in Nature’s modern London offices but will The Chief Editor, Biological Sciences, is a involve international travel to meetings and laboratories. senior appointment, reporting directly to the Editor, backed by a strong Applicants should write in confidence, marked ‘Personal’, to: commitment to investment and Dr Philip Campbell, expansion. He or she will play a key The Editor, Nature, part in developing Nature’s publishing 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, UK. policy. Terms and conditions will be They should include a CV, a discussion of relevant experience, and an highly competitive, reflecting the indication of their specific ambitions for Nature. Applications should be critical importance and responsibilities of the role. sent as soon as possible and no later than 16 April. NATURE | VOL 398 | 8 APRIL 1999 | www.nature.com © 1999 Macmillan Magazines Ltd 453.