Remembering Lysenko, the breaker of science

Over at Catallarchy is this history of Trofim Lysenko, the man responsible for the long term harm to many of the USSR's scientists. He is mostly known for choosing to back the Lamarckist theory of evolution rather than the Darwinist form, due to simple mindedness and ideology. He was raised to his position of dominance through his ability to twist biology to fit the USSR's ideological needs.

Not noted in the post is that Lysenko's influence was still strong long after his crackpot ideas were proven wrong. Nikita Khruschev's son, a rocket scientist, had to explain to his father there was nothing to Lysenko's theories. It goes to show the grip ideology can have on people.

Followed the link from the Unabrewer.