January 24, 2009 | David F. Coppedge

Immune System Has a Code, Language and Memory

“Decoding the language of memory cells” is the title of an article in Science Daily.  A researcher at the University of the School of Medicine is using the concepts of codes, language and memory to understand the way T-cells “remember” a pathogen to prevent later infections.  “We are currently figuring out which signals are important for memory generation and protection,” said Emma Texeiro.  “This is important for improving vaccines and tumor immunotherapies.”

Two frequent criticisms of intelligent design are (1) that it necessarily requires belief in a supernatural God, and (2) that it brings science to a halt.  Think about that in relation to this story.  Dr. Texeiro is probably an evolutionist (we will assume that in the absence of information to the contrary).  The question, though, is whether metaphysical naturalism or evolutionary theory was any help in her research.  Words like code, language, signal and memory refer to information.  They are design words, intelligence words, function words, purpose words.  They have nothing to do with chance and random motion of atoms.  One can do science with the presumption that programmed function is present and discernible.  Does that stop science?  Of course not.  Her team is actively working to understand this coded system to improve medicine.  For all practical purposes, she is pursuing her research as if intelligent design is scientific.  It’s not necessary for her to debate whether the assumed background intelligence that coded this information is natural or supernatural.  The assumption of design is not a science-stopper; she is going full speed ahead, and we may all benefit.  What’s the problem?  Why are the anti-ID folk so adamant against ID?  Why do they suppose that acknowledging the obvious, that design is apparent and can be understood, will put America in the Dark Ages?  Has the commitment to evolutionary storytelling done something for you lately?  Has it given you understanding?  Has it benefitted your health?  (See next entry, 01/23/2009.)  The only thing evolutionary theory is good for is a belly laugh once in awhile.  In a perverse sort of way, that can be good medicine.

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Categories: Health, Intelligent Design

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