title: The prion dilemma confounding science educators.
abstract: In this paper, the issue of the prion hypothesis, a simmering controversy within the scientific community, is addressed. We inquire into the appropriateness of the use of certain augmentations and rhetoric approaches used during scientific debates, as well as the aptness of unequivocal statements in textbooks that indicate "abnormal prions" as a primary cause of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies.
authors.affiliation: Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, 10007-1097, USA.
authors.forename: Igor V
authors.initials: IV
authors.lastname: Zaitsev
authors.affiliation: Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, 10007-1097, USA.
authors.forename: Ling
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, 10007-1097, USA.
authors.forename: Susie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Boydston-White
authors.affiliation: Borough of Manhattan Community College, The City University of New York, New York, 10007-1097, USA.
authors.forename: Manita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pavel
authors.affiliation: Irkutsk State Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation.
authors.forename: Svetlana N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Shugaeva
authors.affiliation: Irkutsk Medical University, Irkutsk, 664003, Russian Federation.
authors.forename: Alla G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Petrova
authors.affiliation: American International School of Bucharest, Bucharest, 077190, Romania.
authors.forename: Oksana V
authors.initials: OV
authors.lastname: Williams