Articles tagged with Scientific Literacy
Despite scientific progress, public faith in science is collapsing due to the proliferation of digital platforms and the democratization of access to information. This erodes trust as people rely on expert opinions without evaluating scientific claims for themselves.
Researchers at the University of Washington created PaperTok, a tool that uses AI to help scientists and researchers create short-form videos from research papers. The system generates scripts and video clips in 45 seconds, making it easier for non-experts to engage with scientific content.
A new study found that AI-powered chatbots can make vaccine-hesitant parents more likely to say they will immunize their children against HPV, but no more than standard written public health materials. Additionally, the effects of the chatbots did not last longer than those of government health materials.
The Oeiras Experimenta project, a Living Lab for climate-resilient crops and sustainable food production, has won the 2026 Mariano Gago Ecsite Award. The award recognizes the collaborative work of researchers and citizens in building knowledge relevant to society.
A study by University of Colorado Anschutz researchers found that structured engagement with Wikipedia improves public access to accurate, high-quality information. The study revamped the AAA Wikipedia page, increasing content, references and credibility.
The NCCN Advocacy Academy connects oncology professionals with policymakers to drive evidence-based cancer policy. The program aims to cultivate policy leadership skills among emerging scientists and care providers.
JMIR Publications invites journalists, researchers, and experts to contribute to its News & Perspectives section with in-depth analysis and commentary on digital health trends. The publication aims to provide well-researched analysis that goes deeper than headlines, with a focus on factual precision, integrity, and empowerment.
Aspiring nature writers will participate in a unique workshop and ecotour in the remote Smith Inlet, led by Lesley Evans Ogden. The program offers daily writing coaching and feedback sessions, with optional one-on-one coaching, and includes accommodations, meals, and wildlife tours.
Associate Professor Shefaly Shorey has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of Midwifery, a leading international journal in midwifery and maternal health. She aims to champion high-quality, compassionate care through evidence-based practice, honours dignity, strengthens equity.
The Flat-Fee Unlimited Open Access Partnership between JMIR Publications and Jisc has expanded to cover 22 UK research institutions. Participating authors can publish in JMIR's Gold Open Access journals without APCs, simplifying the publication process.
The Journal of Medical Ethics has been ranked the world's leading bioethics journal according to 2025 Google Scholar Metrics. The journal is co-led by Associate Professor Brian D Earp and a new editorial team seeking to promote ethical reflection and conduct in scientific research and medical practice.
Amber Hazzard, a doctoral candidate at MUSC, has been named an AAAS Mass Media Fellow for 2025. She will intern at The News & Observer in Raleigh to promote science communication and increase scientific literacy among the public.
Prof Chen brings extensive experience to the role, with a focus on clinically translatable theranostics. He aims to catalyse collaboration and accelerate knowledge exchange in the global nanomedicine community.
This theme issue explores digital health solutions to address social isolation, health literacy, and cultural influences on aging health. Contributors are encouraged to submit their work by September 30, 2025.
A nursing study pairs teens and older adults with smartwatches to test monitoring health in under-resourced communities. The results show that 91% of older adults engaged with the smartwatch prompts, highlighting the importance of social engagement for brain health.
A University of South Australia study found that students who exhibit higher levels of creativity tend to excel in literacy and numeracy assessments. Higher flexibility in divergent thinking was associated with stronger NAPLAN literacy outcomes, while mathematical creativity was linked to stronger numeracy performance.
A study reveals that 65.8% of adults have low trust in their healthcare system's use of artificial intelligence, and 57.7% fear AI-related harm. Hospitals should increase or improve their communications with patients about AI tools to build trust.
The PREPSOIL project aims to enhance soil literacy among European teachers, promoting innovative examples of soil education. The initiative received over 50 submissions showcasing creative approaches that combined science, humanities, and hands-on activities.
Climate change advocate Kelley T. Lê argues that schools are crucial in mobilizing a global response to the climate crisis. Her new book provides practical tools to equip teachers with the knowledge to teach climate science and inspire students to take action.
Two studies found that readers perceive a lower level of credibility in news produced with AI assistance, regardless of whether they understand the extent of AI's involvement. Readers attribute human contributions more value than AI-driven content.
Researchers found that brief scientific literacy interventions can undermine conspiracy beliefs, particularly those built on faulty reasoning. These interventions were most effective against novel conspiracies and among high-conspiracy groups.
A Michigan State University researcher has identified key challenges in communicating scientific research on environmental health issues. The study found that different communication strategies can have unintended consequences, highlighting the need for scientists to be more intentional about their messages.
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.
A new open-source platform called CheckMate allows users to interact with and evaluate the performance of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. Researchers found that while LLMs can be helpful, they also make mistakes and provide incorrect information.
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.
A recent study led by the Institute for Systems Biology highlights the transformative power of informal STEM learning, offering practical insights into co-creating experiences with students. The research shows significant gains among high school students participating in in-person and remote informal STEM programs.
The Global Climate Science-Media Action Pledge aims to ensure scientifically accurate, accessible, and actionable climate change communications. Nearly 30 leading professional societies and media organizations from around the world have committed to this pledge.
Experts call for a coordinated national effort to improve health communication and build vaccine literacy, citing low trust in public health and disinformation as major concerns.
A new commentary in JAMA Pediatrics recommends improving adolescents' media information literacy skills and promoting inclusive content to combat health misinformation spread on social media. This approach aims to harness the potential of social media as a tool for positive connections and mental well-being.
A new study found that frequency and content of clinician-patient breast density discussions varied by women's race, ethnicity, and literacy levels. Women from different racial and ethnic groups reported varying experiences in discussing their breast density with clinicians.
Researchers from Kyoto University found that two species of land snails exhibit opposite behaviors in response to predator-like stimuli. The species K gainesi accelerates its forward movement to escape predators, while its nocturnal relative K editha retreats into its shell.
Researchers found that online educational materials about breast surgery have a negative tone, exceed recommended reading levels, and are of poor quality. Studies assessed readability, bias, quality, and tone using validated tools, highlighting the need for accessible materials.
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.
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body Bureau emphasizes the importance of social media regulation and digital health literacy in managing infodemics, which can spread false information on public health matters. Effective infodemic management is seen as a critical component of the Pandemic Accord to safeguard lives worldwide.
A recent study has found that high school science courses in Australia fail to mention the contributions of women in STEM, instead focusing on a male-centric narrative. This omission has significant implications for inspiring future generations of female scientists and engineers.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that secondary school students have limited knowledge of biosphere reserves, marshes, and bird migration. However, students from rural areas and those who participated in primary school bird-related projects showed better understanding of local biodiversity.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that poverty, low health literacy, cultural beliefs, lack of infrastructure, and political issues hinder diabetes self-management for Haitian migrants. The researchers suggest targeted interventions, such as community gardens and healthcare education through local priests.
Research reveals non-native English speakers need up to twice as much time to read and write papers, with 2.5 times higher rejection rates for papers written in English. This disproportionately affects early career stage researchers from lower income countries.
A nine-year study led by Kyoto University found that critical thinking and logical decision-making promoted intelligent attitudes and risk literacy, reducing anxiety and food avoidance among citizens in Tokyo and Kansai regions.
Researchers found that conveying simple, scientific facts about THC's harm to a fetus reduced intentions to use cannabis while pregnant. Short and simple communications designed to increase media literacy also had an effect.
Researchers at the University of Kansas propose a data project life cycle to equip students with essential data skills, including spreadsheet wherewithal. The approach emphasizes planning, acquiring, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting data in simple spreadsheets.
Tactile Engineering's Cadence tablet allows users to access technical diagrams and read equations using a refreshable display of electronic cells. The investment will enable the company to manufacture Cadence in larger quantities, supporting its mission to strengthen Braille literacy and equal-opportunity STEM education.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that individuals with strong attitudes towards science tend to be overconfident about their level of understanding. This suggests that addressing the discrepancy between what people know and believe they know may be a more effective strategy for improving scientific literacy.
A Swansea University-led study found that parents with higher health literacy were more likely to get their children tested for COVID-19. The research also identified factors associated with increased likelihood of positive test results, including deprived areas and physical activity levels.
The Stevens ACES program has been awarded a $750,000 grant to expand its STEM education initiatives in underserved communities. The program provides full-tuition scholarships and academic support to high school students from these communities, with a remarkable success record for inspiring students to pursue STEM careers.
The UT Institute of Agriculture has received a grant to implement the 4-H Tech Changemakers program, which aims to increase digital literacy and bridge STEM gaps among Tennesseans. The program will provide students with enhanced opportunities for STEM education through non-traditional methods, dismantling system barriers.
Researchers identify four bases of anti-science beliefs: distrust in scientific sources, group identity, conflicting messages, and cognitive style. Politicization and social media amplify these factors, making it harder for people to accept scientific evidence. Strategies like acknowledging valid concerns and finding common ground can ...
A study found that citizen science volunteers are predominantly white and educated, with a high percentage of STEM professionals, highlighting the need for more diverse recruitment strategies. Many volunteers join multiple projects, indicating a willingness to participate in scientific research.
A new $1.25 million NIH grant provides teaching resources and professional development for middle school teachers to boost disciplinary literacy skills and interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The program aims to help traditionally underrepresented groups feel confident about potential careers in STEM.
A survey of incarcerated individuals and scientists participating in the INSPIRE program found significant benefits for scientists, including increased interest in taking action on social justice. The experience also produced counterstereotypical effects, shifting negative preconceived notions into empathy.
University of Missouri researchers are using a video game to teach middle schoolers about science and improving literacy outcomes for second graders through speech recognition software. The programs aim to increase student engagement and prepare them for future careers in various fields.
A new grant will help libraries increase information literacy around scientific information by analyzing knowledge brokers' assessment of technical and scientific info. The project aims to develop services that enable consumers to discern reliable sources and process information effectively.
A recent study highlights the negative effects of misinformation on stem cell therapies for COVID-19, including exaggerated claims and unregulated sales. The researchers advocate for increased enforcement of laws and regulations to protect patients and promote responsible science communication.
GlycoNet will deliver reliable vaccine information to Canadians through interactive digital campaigns and K-12 classroom tools, supporting science literacy skills. The grant aims to promote evidence-based decision-making on vaccines across the country.
A new LifeLab programme, led by the University of Southampton, has been shown to significantly increase young people's understanding of healthy lifestyles. Participants judged their own lifestyles more critically after the programme, suggesting a lasting impact on health literacy.
The Gibson D. Lewis Health Sciences Library at UNT Health Science Center is leading health literacy outreach in seven states through a $6.4 million grant from the National Library of Medicine. The library aims to promote health and health literacy among diverse communities, tackling severe health disparities and low health literacy rates.
Nadkarni's Ambassador Model training program empowers scientists to engage the public through meaningful connections, promoting shared values and community involvement. The program's effectiveness is demonstrated through high ambassador participation rates and increased interest in science among participants.
Dr. Michael Mann receives AGU Climate Communication Prize for his efforts in promoting scientific literacy and fostering understanding of climate change through various media outlets and public engagement initiatives.
A three-year study introduced interactive online science units to 13 middle schools in two US states, resulting in significant gains for underachieving students. Students with learning disabilities improved 18 percentage points on assessments, while English language learners increased 15 percentage points.
A Michigan State University study found that preschool teachers lack knowledge and confidence in teaching science, contributing to the US poor global performance in this subject. Only high-skilled teachers created quality scientific opportunities for students.