Science, Innovation and the Future of Humanity.

different individuals, science is the most powerful tool we have for innovation and discovery, although luck is always helpful [Trevors et al., 2012]! Science tries to remove biases and subjectivity, minimizing the chance of incorrect conclusions. The scientific method starts with an observation or idea, progresses to a question that leads to a hypothesis and predictions, and these are then tested by experimentation and further observation [Silva, 2007]. This may involve using independent researchers and independently replicated experiments to arrive at robust conclusions. Rejection of a hypothesis through experimental investigation often leads to a new or improved postulate, closer to the truth, allowing the investigators to conduct new experiments. Data gaps can be filled, and fragmented knowledge can be better connected and often applied. From the earliest use of the scientific method to the present, this method works with remarkable success if applied correctly. Science, when conducted at the highest level by credible researchers, makes every attempt to get it right, and incorrect conclusions are likely to be examined by numerous other independent investigators, providing incentive for anyone in the scientific community to publish correct data and conclusions the first time around, or suffer the consequences. The data, if correctly obtained and interpreted, leads to reliable conclusions. There will always be data gaps and fragmented knowledge, but the scientific method can be used to fill the gaps, Local, national and international security are all promoted through the application of reliable scientific knowledge. This information can be used to establish and maintain personal and public health, and critical to this last goal, a detailed knowledge of microbiology (e.g., vaccines, proper storage and consumption of food, plant pathology, agricultural production, sewage and water treatment) is essential [Ales and Katial, 2004; Forrest et al., 2014]. While this conclusion is generally accepted worldwide, it may not be recognized that the evolution of a stable and equitable modern democracy also depends on factual information obtainable through science. This editorial deals with these issues. Science is the only systematic method available to us for testing a hypothesis using observation, statistics and experimentation [Stolar, 1980]. Where religion ends, science begins. Oscar Wild said: “Science is the record of dead religions.” What did he mean by this provocative statement? Religious myth represents a proposal, a hypothesis, as to how things are, or were or will be, and science uses the empirical method to test the accuracy of such proposals. Regardless of whether the religious postulate proves to be true or false, that postulate subsequently enters the realm of science; it is no longer a part of the unknown. It is no longer necessary to dogmatically claim truth for an idea that is unsubstantiated [De Cruz, 2017]. When used with a plausible, testable hypothesis and the independent replication of experiments observed by Published online: April 28, 2017