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When science speaks in extremes

A new study published in JCOM identified the characteristics of polarized scientific digital messages, proposing a system to codify and characterize polarized discourses. The research found that simplifying and presenting scientific information as unquestionable can limit critical thinking and hinder scientific progress.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2024

Communicating discovery science

A new special issue of JCOM explores the challenges and opportunities of communicating basic science, highlighting its relevance in everyday life. The issue emphasizes the importance of curiosity and the need to convey the impact of scientific discoveries on individuals.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·DateOct 21, 2024

Simple headlines attract more online news readers

A recent study published in Science Advances found that simpler headlines tend to be clicked on more than complex ones. Researchers evaluated over 30,000 real-world field experiments from the Washington Post and Upworthy, finding that simplicity was a key factor in attracting online readers. The study identified three hallmarks of simp...

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

The tentacles of retracted science reach deep into social media. A simple button could change that.

A new interface developed by researchers at the University of Sydney aims to reduce the spread of misinformation on social media. The tool adds a 'more information' button to posts, linking users to details about retracted science claims, which can help them make informed decisions about their health.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2024

Study finds media coverage focused on Katherine Johnson's achievements, treated discrimination as past problem

A study found that media coverage of Katherine Johnson's death emphasized her exceptional mathematical skills but downplayed the ongoing racism and sexism she faced in NASA and society. The research highlights how journalists often focus on a person's achievements without critically examining systemic inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Black Studies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Study shows news organizations still lead in sharing difficult information on social media

A new study shows that despite the rise of community orgs, news outlets still dominate discussions on tough topics like racism and health disparities. Researchers analyzed over 1,250 Facebook posts from various organizations, finding that only 14.5% mentioned the pandemic and 2.5% racism/Black Lives Matter.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 26, 2024

Crowdsourced fact-checking fights misinformation in Taiwan

A new study from Cornell University reveals that crowdsourced fact-checking platforms like Cofacts can effectively combat misinformation online. The research found that Cofacts users responded faster than journalists to queries, with their responses often being just as accurate, and clearer in presentation.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Online Trust and Safety·DateNov 21, 2023

Five factors that assess well-being of science predict support for increasing US science funding

A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center researchers identifies five factors assessing science's self-presentation and their impact on public support for increasing US science funding. The factors capture differences between conservatives' and liberals' perceptions of science, highlighting key differences in what matters to each group.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2023

‘You just emotionally break’: understanding COVID-19 narratives through public health humanities

A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedical Humanities·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 25, 2023

New call for joint effort to bolster research integrity

A new article by leading researchers emphasizes the need for a coordinated approach among all stakeholders to improve trust in research. The authors outline roles for each group, from funders to media outlets, to work together to fortify science integrity.

SourceDigital Science·JournalFrontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 17, 2023

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering and the National Academy of Engineering launch new social media news series

The USC Viterbi School of Engineering and National Academy of Engineering launch a weekly social media news network, The Circuit, to promote engineering to the public. The program aims to engage diverse audiences in conversations about engineering and highlight notable engineers and technologies that shape our world.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeNews article·DateFeb 22, 2023

Science coverage of climate change can change minds – briefly

A new study suggests that science reporting on climate change can lead to more accurate beliefs and support government action, but these effects are short-lived. Researchers found that factually accurate science reporting changed people's factual understanding and moved their political preferences towards supporting climate action.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022

‘Alternative facts’ are cons, Illinois Tech philosopher’s paper argues—and journalists can help quash them

Illinois Tech philosopher J.D. Trout argues that journalists should prioritize settled science and dismiss 'alternative facts' as cons. He suggests that reporters should not engage with disputed claims when the scientific consensus is clear, and instead promote epistemic humility and respect for expert knowledge.

SourceIllinois Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateJun 14, 2022

New awards in science communication totaling $600,000 annually launched by Schmidt Futures and the National Academies

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communication will provide cash awards and training resources to recognize and develop outstanding science communicators. The program aims to encourage high-quality science communication and build a diverse community of science journalists, research scientists, and institutions.