It is difficult to pick up a newspaper or turn on a television without being inundated with news from the "mysterious" realm of science. From the latest, fastest microchip to a promising new treatment for cancer, research findings are presented in the media on a daily basis, and some of these may have profound implications for our daily lives, our nutrition, health, safety, workplace, recreation, and family. Many non-scientists have to interpret and use scientific information at work, and make business decisions based on technical reports or research data. Science and technology touch almost every aspect of our lives, from the cars that get us to work to the foods we eat. But what is science? How many of us understand the basic principles that underlie this sea of information we are swimming in?