With a flurry of threats to scientists, science funding, and health policy, the USA now faces a crisis reminiscent of Soviet-era Lysenkoism.

When we abandon the scientific process and choose whatever conclusion best suits our whims, preferences, or proclivities, the underlying scientific reality doesn’t stop being true. We simply suffer the consequences that come along with choosing a less-than-optimal path for dealing with the very real problems that we’re facing.