There are a number of cases where public controversies remain in areas where the scientific community considers the existing body of evidence conclusive. One such topic, which Ars has experience with, is the proposal that mercury-containing vaccines play a causative role in the development of autism. Despite the fact that all evidence points against the existence of a link, some parents of autistic children have pursued both "cures" for mercury poisoning and lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers. One of those lawsuits has now embroiled an autism blogger, Kathleen Seidel, and her attempts to stay out of it may wind up testing constitutional issues and the role of citizen-journalists.
saved byAdam B on 2008-04-05
