Dragonflies

This morning I heard an NPR story on obesity in dragonflies...yes, dragonflies. The presenter was explaining a study of full-figured dragonflies which revealed a parasite which caused a pre-diabetic condition in the portly insects. I was interested until the presenter said this may be a step to eliminating the notion that diabetes should always be managed in part by diet and exercise.

I do not begrudge any scientists his/her passion for discovery. However, the capitalist interference in science has corrupted the motives of some of our best minds. In this dragonfly case, the research is most likely being sold to funders as a potentially marketable cure for diabetes. In other words, a competing (in capitalist terms) product for diabetes treatment.

Advances in treating any disease are welcomed. However, as seen with the vast marketing of antibiotics by capitalist pharmaceutical companies, losing sight of the practical in favor of the profitable can do great harm. Capitalism is in love with the new and marketable. However, the new and marketable is often detrimental to human life, especially when it overshadows the practical, simple and reliable.