Public Editor Margaret Sullivan lays out the criticism of a tech columnist’s approach to linking cancer to wearable technology. A Tech Column on Wearable Gadgets Draws Fire as ‘Pseudoscience’ – NYTimes.com.
Category Archives: science
A melting Arctic and weird weather: the plot thickens
Weather Weirding
Language carries so many connotations: Climate skeptic or denier? Global warming or climate change? The recent deep freeze may make people receptive to possible explanations about weather patterns, may allow people to look under the labels for some information. In her article, “A melting Arctic and weird weather: the plot thickens,” Rutgers Professor Jennifer Francis offers a look at the jet stream — both the knowns and unknowns:
The jet stream is a dastardly complex creature, and figuring out what makes it tick has challenged atmospheric scientists since it was discovered about 75 years ago. Even more elusive is figuring out how climate change will affect it
Her article appears in The Conversation, a collaboration between journalists and academics.
Press releases linked to hyped science news
A randomized trial is planned now that these observational results are in that show press releases from universities can be the source of exaggerated claims. Yes, the journalists should check out the claims before repeating the hype. But this report says the journalists aren’t the root cause of the mistakes in interpretation.
Science and health news hype: where does it come from? | Science | The Guardian.
Scientific American wants a winter/spring intern
Scientific American, Editorial Intern (Winter/Spring)
Nature Publishing Group (NPG), the publisher of Scientific American and a family of scientific journals and reference works, is currently accepting applications for Winter/Spring editorial interns at Scientific American.
The internship includes such duties as assisting editors, reporting, proofreading, fact checking, and proposing and writing short articles for Scientific American magazine, Scientific American Mind magazine, Scientific American online and Scientific American Español online. Interns typically leave with at least a handful of clips. Please indicate in your letter which platform most interests you.
Qualifications: Must have command of basics of reporting and writing and a strong interest in science and technology topics. An undergraduate degree in a science discipline is preferred but not required. Intern for Scientific American Español must have strong writing and communication skills in Spanish and English.
To apply, use our link: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=11264221
Science Online has reached the “difficult but unavoidable decision to dissolve the organization.” | KSJ Tracker | Knight Science Journalism at MIT
The world of independent science blogging and direct communication from scientist to audience sees another turn.
We don’t have to choose between popularity and significance
Even if you just read the cartoon, you’ll find this post about science journalism worth your time. With thanks to my friend Jean, whose Google alerts never disappoint.
News or press release
The Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT started counting the press releases appearing as news in The Washington Post. They got a reaction and explain it all here.
What Is the Higgs? – Interactive Graphic – NYTimes.com
What Is the Higgs? – Interactive Graphic – NYTimes.com.
When we can’t “see” what we are describing, we try metaphor. These New York Times drawings try a field of snow as the Higgs metaphor. I post it in honor of the Nobel Prize in Physics announced this week.
I didn’t know her name
This story of a life shows the struggles of young scientists, women scientists and those who cross the line of “conventional” science. Dr. Pert also was quotable and had a sense of humor. That helps in communicating about science. Now I know her name, from her obituary in The Washington Post.
Candace B. Pert, neuroscientist who discovered opiate receptor, dies at 67 – The Washington Post.
Top USA TODAY Science Journalist Dan Vergano Joins NationalGeographic.com as Senior Science Editor and Writer, Continues Year of Major Digital Hires – National Geographic Society Press Room
National Geographic has merged print and digital operations into one and has a daily presence. This isn’t a magazine as we used to know the monthly, and I am pleased to see the connections of science and politics that Vergano brings.
jennifer follis 