Science chronicles the Year of Darwin

Charles Darwin just after the publication of Origins.

As The Times (London) wrote in 1909 in honor of his first centenary, "To no other man has it been given to effect a revolution in human thought so large, so pervading, so sudden, and yet so enduring. Darwin taught mankind to see all things in a new light, not only the mysteries of nature, great and small, the mysteries of existence and the innumerable objects of research, but the common things of everyday life." (from Science)

2009 marks the 150th anniversary of On the Origin of Species, one of the most influential books ever written in any genre and one of the most important (if not controversial) books in science.  Written by the iconic Charles Darwin (2009 also happens to be the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth), Origin created the foundation of evolutionary biology that has withstood the test of time with amazing resilience.  The theories Darwin proposed in 1859, such as survival of the fittest, are still used today.

In celebration of this historic year, Science magazine has launched a year-long web-event not only to reexamine Origin and chronicle how it has impacted science since 1859, but also the commemoration events that will undoubtedly crop up over the year.  Even though it only just launched, the webpage is already highly informative, offering entire transcripts of essays that appear in the magazine itself as well as an interactive blog that will be updated regularly by Science contributors.  It also has book reviews if you are looking to investigate further into the topic of evolution. In addition there is also a smattering of podcasts with scientists and authors who are still at the heart of the evolutionary progress and debates.

The blog in particular appears to be extremely user friendly and full of easily accessible science stories related to Darwin and his work.  It opens with a simple truth, “Had Charles Robert Darwin had access to the Internet, he would have been a blogger.”  The first entry sets the tone for the Darwinian exploration that will take place over the year. It will also expand upon the essays that appear in the print form of Science each month.  The blog, as well as the rest of the materials provided on the main page, is definitely worth checking out for history buffs and science enthusiasts alike.