science communication

The name of the magazine is research*eu and as the name implies it is the official research magazine of the European Union. However, unlike what you may think the magazine is far from a boring technocratic description of European research projects. It is true that it focuses on large research projects funded by the European Commission, but the magazine is independent and has a dedicated staff of professional journalists. Besides covering European research projects, it also covers events and small research notices through the European Union. It, furthermore, sometimes covers special topics from a global perspective. The latest issue, for instance, has an in depth coverage of climate change, but also covers topics such as the 2007 Polar Year, nanotechnology and a scientist portrait.

1. Make sure results and conclusions presented to you have already been published in serious scientific peer reviewed journals.

Beware. In recent years it has become popular for public relations departments to send out press releases before publication has taken place in the journals.

2. Remember correlation does not necessarily imply causation.

This one is obvious, but there are still plenty of examples in science journalism showing that even some professional writers are not keenly enough aware of this.

3. Be aware of evaluative and normative language where such cannot be defended.

Science, on definition, cannot talk about how things ought to be. When you see expressions like 'too much' or 'too little' and so on, your are basically just looking at the prejudices of the author.

4. Sensational results or provocative angling?

Check sources and sponsors. There is a lot of sponsored research of high quality, but it never hurts to know who is behind.

Sky news has an article about the future of Humankind. It is really a rather silly article, but pretty entertaining.

It seems to me that Evolutionary Psychologists are pretty desperate for attention. Here are some predictions:

:: Men will exhibit symmetrical facial features, look athletic, and have squarer jaws, deeper voices and bigger penises.

:: Women will develop lighter skin, large clear eyes, pert breasts, glossy hair, even features and smooth hairless skin.