I've been reading the most interesting Star Trek novel! It's called "Immortal Coil" and it's by Jeffrey Lang. It's about a group of Androids, who patrol the galaxy making sure that other Androids are not created by scientists without conscience, who create Androids for evil reasons or who will treat them badly. 

Interestingly enough, when I sat down for my daily Star Trek TNG episode, Data (an android) had just created a "child"... another sentient andriod (an android with a conscience.) named Lal.  Admiral Haftel from Starfleet found out about Lal's creation, and decided that the best environment for her to live in was in a science facility, surrounded by experts, and without her father.

As Data tried to convince Admiral Haftel that Lal's place was at his side, Lal became overwhelmed with fear, and her terror at the thought of leaving her father (the first thing she'd ever "felt") totally overwhelmed her... the android version of a psychotic break I suppose. 

It was, of course, really sad!

But it made me think about our scientists in the real world.  How different are they really?  In the day and age we live in, with stem cell research, easy access to abortion, and cloning technology, I wonder who should decide the morality of science.  Who decides what is moral, and what is not?  And who will keep the scientific community accountable for the things they do?

Anyone got thoughts?