I do think that the public understanding of science is improving (largely due to the mainstreaming of education) but it seems that there are clusters of ignorant people who will never embrace the truth that science brings. Not surprisingly, a large proporton of these people are those who have been indoctrinated by religion.

I've read so many comments on various discussion boards all over the internet, saying things like 'science reaffirms my belief in God' or 'science proves that God exists' but really, that just shows how perverse religious indoctrination is in warping our prized reasoning capabilities. If science does not go hand in hand with religion, they will either try and force science to take the shape of religion, or discard that scientific theory outright regardless of the sheer mountain of evidence behind the scientific theory.

Let me give you this classic example I had while debating with a creationist. After typing out close to 2000 words on evolution, the undeniable proof of its validity and providing solid examples on it, the creationist replied "If evolution is true, why don't we see monkeys giving birth to humans?" People like this make me lose all hope in humanity.

And btw, Richard Dawkins ftw