[Dave S]

Censors science? Since when has metaphysics been part of science. Is the state required to accomodate voodoo too?

[Fester Chugabrew]

Since when has metaphysics been part of science?

Since the time intelligence designed the first hypothesis?

[GregoryFul]

ID is not metaphysics. It merely proposes that the stuff of life, DNA, was designed by an intelligent agent. Francis Crick believed that there was not enough time for DNA to accidently originate on Earth, in the short period from the existence of liquid water to the first signs of life. He thought that "pan spermia", DNA originating else where in the universe, and propagated to the Earth, was more likely than its spontaneous eruption on Earth.

It is conceivable that some advanced civilization encoded the seeds of life into DNA, that included instructions to generate a plethora of utilitarian regimes to deal with a broad scope of environmental conditions, and to select for sets of effective regimes to enhance survival of the package. And then broadcast these seeds throughout the universe.

Even in our primitive state of knowledge with computer software codes, we develop genetic algorithms that cope with varying conditions in virtual space, and select and incorporate the most effective code fragments to deal with particular problems.

The payoff in exploring this interesting idea is motivation to decode DNA, with researchers looking for encoded messages that lead to greater understanding without having to wait for evolution to express the design.

Our "junk" DNA could be an encyclopedia of knowledge!