Question

Scientists are increasingly embracing the importance of telling the story of science to the public, not just to the trained scientific community.

For example, in her recent (9/29/17) letter to Science, Sarah Mojarad noted the following: "Social media need more practicing scientists to learn how to properly engage online and to then spread accurate, informative, scientific messages…. it is time for us to acknowledge that the job of a scientist in the social media age includes not only researching and teaching but championing the messages of science.”

Identify one idea or concept regarding the anatomy and physiology of the auditory system and write an accurate and informative message (in three to five sentences) – aimed at the public – about this idea. Responses will be evaluated on accuracy of the message and also making the message relevant and applicable to the target audience.

Answer 1

The idea is the complexity of the auditory system. Below is the informative message aimed at the public.

Did you know that we are able to hear through a very unique and interesting procces? Our auditory system is a marvel where many different organs work in tandem to make us hear. These include the outer ear, inner ear, corti, hair cells and the brain. The ear attenuates the sound for better understanding of the brain, corti and hair cells convert the sound to electrical signals and the brain reads those signal and makes us hear. Isnt it amazing that our brain works quite like a reverse music player- converting sound to electric signals!