There’s a reason why media outlets, like Scientific American, are on the decline, and this is it.

At least she apologized. But that’s not saying much.

Laura Helmuth is, of course, the editor-in-chief of a magazine that endorsed Kamala Harris for president—just the second time in nearly 200 years that Scientific American has publicly supported a political candidate. It’s abundantly clear that her worldview has shattered.

In the end, this issue goes beyond a specific editor or journal; it reflects how inflammatory rhetoric and rage-driven posts have become common in scientific fields that overlap with plicy and politics.

Scientists are human and have a right to their own opinions and emotions. However, those who seek to be taken seriously, particularly by the public, must reconnect with the foundational principles of science and adhere to the scientific method. They must also be open to being challenged and engaged in debate by individuals with differing perspectives.