Question

Examine the example of the media explosion surrounding the extinction of redheads. What problems does this exemplify in the relationship between science and the media? What are some suggestions you have to mitigate these simplifications and exaggerations of science so that the general public has a better understanding and awareness of scientific reality instead of misinformation?

Answer 1

There is battle of perception created by the media houses and the actual facts of science.

Redheads are encoded by mutation in MCR 1 gene and it is a recessive trait. The story that broke out was based on the report of oxford hair foundation which stated " there will be reduction in the redheads by 2060". But without understanding the science behind it media houses published it as extinction stories, which by the scientific fact will not be true.

There are few basic problems:

1. Lack of research.

2. Lack of science graduates taking up the scientific journalism.

3. Competition between media houses to create sensation with such type of stories without checking the facts.

There are few suggestions for that:

1. Giving opportunities to science graduates in the scientific journalism. Introduction of some subject of that sort in the curriculum will help students taking up the journalism

2. The research organization should promote the better connection with media persons and give them the true factual stories.

3. Public outreach should be incorporated in the scientific institution for spreading what they have done with the scientific interpretations.