Given that most people obtain information on scientific and medical research largely from the media and that public opinion can drive policy, it is important to know whether he information the public receives is indeed accurate.
In a related commentary, Dr. Celeste Condit points out that journalists and scientists alike may contribute to exaggerated claims in newspapers: the journalist in seeking the "hot" story, and the scientist in pursuing academic promotion, grant funding or financial gain.
p. 1399 Do the print media "hype" genetic research? A comparison of newspaper stories and peer-reviewed research papers
– T.M. Bubela, T.A. Caulfield
p. 1415 Science reporting to the public: Does the message get twisted?
– C.Condit
Canadian Medical Association Journal