Media accounts of reality have the potential to influence public opinion and decision making processes. Therefore who has and who does not have access to the media and can make their voice heard is a crucial question with serious political consequences. In this article it is investigated whether the specialty of journalists influences their source…

The nature of nanoscience and nanotechnology (collectively, nano) are discussed as important examples of the modern sciences and technologies that are having an increasing impact on all aspects of life. In this Position paper, general proposals are made for the levels of understanding of nano that might be attained by whole populations. The ideas…

A study of news refraction was conducted to determine how well the press has functioned in popularizing scientific views and findings on a subject with direct implications for a controversial social issue. In reporting the marijuana question, the press produced a certain amount of refraction or news-slanting. For example, science articles…

Reports the degree of public confidence in several American institutions (medicine, science, religion, education, military, major U.S. companies, press, television, and labor), including science, as measured in 10 national opinion surveys taken in 1966, 1971 to 1978, and in 1980. Discusses trends and explores implications for science. (CS)

Discusses concerns about public understanding of science in the United Kingdom in relation to structure and content of newspapers, particularly the inadequacy of the press to be a vehicle for promoting scientific literacy within the citizenry. Argues that changes in science coverage by the media must originate from the scientific community with…