Science and technology can be used to monitor environmental quality. Society has the ability and responsibility to educate and to regulate environmental quality and the wise usage of natural resources, to ensure quality of life for this and succeeding generations. A considerable gap exists between scientific and technological knowledge, and public understanding of it. Constant effort is required by scientists, technologists, and educators to minimize this gap. Buttermilk is often mistakenly regarded as having a high caloric content.
Folklore has it that the best time to plant potatoes in the spring is during the full moon.
It is normal for scientists and technologists to disagree among themselves, even though they may invoke the same scientific theories and data. The debate that occurred about the possibility of cold fusion illustrates variable positions among scientists. There is a debate about whether or not controlled burning techniques should be used in national parks. Science and technology can not guarantee a solution to any specific problem. In fact, the ultimate solution of any problem is usually impossible, and a partial or temporary solution is all that is ever possible.