How can scientists make their expertise heard over the din of misinformation? It’s a good question—and our science communication experts have answers.
September 15, 2020 3:40 PM EDT
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration just appointed a climate denier to an agency leadership position. I went on CNN’s Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer yesterday to explain why the appointment of Dr. David Legates is dangerous for NOAA, for the future of federal climate change leadership, and for the public. Here’s why this appointment is a reckless move. Read more >
September 14, 2020 5:26 PM EDT
In a perfect world, a newly-approved COVID-19 vaccine would be immediately available to everyone, everywhere—a tantalizing vision, but constraints in manufacturing and public health infrastructure make this vision nearly impossible to achieve. The US expects to have enough doses to cover 10-15 million people soon after a vaccine is approved. This sounds like a hefty number, but it’s only 4-6 percent of the US population. So, who should get the first vaccines? Read more >
August 7, 2020 3:15 PM EDT
Last week, I biked from my family’s rural house to nearby Sister Bay, a picturesque town in eastern Wisconsin. Laughter spilled out from the windows of restaurants. Couples wandered in and out of stores. At the lake nearby, kids wrestled on the docks, and people crowded into public restrooms to change into swimsuits.
Some had masks. Most did not.
In another time, this would be an idyllic place. But today, it is an eerie reminder of the unreality in which so many people in the US exist. Read more >
July 6, 2020 3:05 PM EDT
The vilification of public health officials in the COVID-19 crisis reminds us of their vital role as the crossing guards of science. When their vigilance gives us the green light to eat, drink, and recreate, we hardly notice them waving us onto normal activities, barely knowing their names.
June 3, 2020 9:40 PM EDT
Acknowledge the history. Revise your work. Refuse to be complicit. Read more >
