> Should we blame the media? Many scientists believe that the press and
> broadcast media is responsible for the turmoil in public understanding and
> confidence in science. I don't take this view but the treatment of today's
> "cloned cows are younger" story provides food for thought.
>
Thanks for the summaries, Andy. I have seen the Telegraph and Guardian
articles and did catch sight of the headlines about reversing ageing on one
of the tabloids as someone read it in the staffroom. There were also
some chortling comments on TV this morning about scientists meddling
again and not really understanding what they're doing (this scientist was
concentrating on her breakfast).
> So, post-Jenkin, which approach is better? The Daily Telegraph/Guardian or
> the Daily Mail?
>
I don't think there's a straightforward answer to this; different people want
different approaches. This means that many high circulation papers will
continue to present a light-hearted or flippant view of scientifically and
ethically serious issues.
This reminds me of 20 years ago when I had just given birth. I was totally
fed up with doctors speaking to me as if I had about 3 brain cells, so was
delighted when the neonatal paediatrician doing his ward round gave me
straight, intelligent answers to my questions, and I wondered why they
couldn't all be like that - until the woman in the next bed complained "I can't
stand it when they use all those long words, I've no idea what he was on
about".
Since then, I've had more patience with patronising doctors, who clearly
can't please everyone, but also more respect for the general difficulties of
communicating.
Many people don't want a reasoned, objective presentation - they want a
bit of "attitude", as you suggest. The HIV/AIDS controversy (Duesberg et
al) discussed here last week is an example. Did the Sunday Times
champion the Duesberg line at the time because of its interest in a balance
scientific examination of the evidence? I suspect that it was more to do
with stirring up an interesting contoversy when every paper was full of
reports on AIDS.
As for PUS or whatever terminology is used, I don't claim to be part of that
professional world, or to know much about it - my communication with the
public is a spare-time activity like others on this list - but I did rather agree
with Wolpert's views (thanks to those who posted this and other
summaries!).
Dr MJ Pearson
Department of Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology
Old Medical School
Leeds General Infirmary (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
LEEDS LS1 3EX
Tel 0113 392 3945
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