Woolston C. Scientists are cautious about public outreach. Nature Febr. 2015
Scientists think that they should actively participate in public debates about science and technology - but many have misgivings about doing so, according to a survey of nearly 4,000 US researchers. Of the respondents, 87% said that scientists should “take an active role in public policy debates about science and technology”, and just over half said that they had talked about their research with reporters. However, 52% said that oversimplification of science in news reports was a major problem, They have also showed mixed feelings about news and social media.
http://www.nature.com/news/scientists-are-cautious-about-public-outreach-1.16965
Showing posts with label SCIENCE COMMUNICATION. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SCIENCE COMMUNICATION. Show all posts
Friday, June 24, 2016
Friday, June 17, 2016
B - Sharing clinical trial data
Taichman DB, Backus J, Baethge C, et al. Sharing clinical trial data. A proposal from the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. JAMA February 2, 2016;315(5):467-468
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) believes that there is an ethical obligation to responsibly share data generated by interventional clinical trials because participants have put themselves at risk. As a condition of consideration for publication of a clinical trial report in our member journals, the ICMJE proposes to require authors to share with others the deidentified individual-patient data (IPD) underlying the results presented in the article (including tables, figures, and appendices or supplementary material) no later than 6 months after publication. The ICMJE also proposes to require that authors include a plan for data sharing as a component of clinical trial registration.
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2483008
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) believes that there is an ethical obligation to responsibly share data generated by interventional clinical trials because participants have put themselves at risk. As a condition of consideration for publication of a clinical trial report in our member journals, the ICMJE proposes to require authors to share with others the deidentified individual-patient data (IPD) underlying the results presented in the article (including tables, figures, and appendices or supplementary material) no later than 6 months after publication. The ICMJE also proposes to require that authors include a plan for data sharing as a component of clinical trial registration.
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2483008
Thursday, June 16, 2016
B - The Flesch Reading Ease measure
Hartley J. Is time up for the Flesch measure of reading ease? Scientometrics 2016;107(3):1523-26
(doi: 10.1007/s11192-016-1920-7)
The Flesch Reading Ease measure is widely used to measure the difficulty of text in various disciplines, including Scientometrics. This paper argues that the measure is now outdated, used inappropriately, and unreliable. According to the author, it is now time to abandon the notion of one measure and one computer programme being suitable for all purposes. Different computer-based programmes would have greater validity than the Flesch but probably they would still fail to take into account the effects of other variables that affect readability.
http://rd.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11192-016-1920-7
(doi: 10.1007/s11192-016-1920-7)
The Flesch Reading Ease measure is widely used to measure the difficulty of text in various disciplines, including Scientometrics. This paper argues that the measure is now outdated, used inappropriately, and unreliable. According to the author, it is now time to abandon the notion of one measure and one computer programme being suitable for all purposes. Different computer-based programmes would have greater validity than the Flesch but probably they would still fail to take into account the effects of other variables that affect readability.
http://rd.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11192-016-1920-7
Friday, April 1, 2016
B - Overpowering images
Redberg RF. Overpowering images. JAMA Internal Medicine 2016;176(1):17
(doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.6933)
While there has been an exponential increase in medical imaging, there are few data demonstrating improvements in outcome, and imaging that requires ionizing radiation is known to be harmful. The “slippery slope” story of Dr Michael Barry et al illustrates one of the unintended harms of graphic imaging: dramatic pictures make clinicians (and patients) more likely to want to “do something” instead of considering a more conservative therapy. This story underlines the importance of treating the patient and not the laboratory test or the image.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26618668
(doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.6933)
While there has been an exponential increase in medical imaging, there are few data demonstrating improvements in outcome, and imaging that requires ionizing radiation is known to be harmful. The “slippery slope” story of Dr Michael Barry et al illustrates one of the unintended harms of graphic imaging: dramatic pictures make clinicians (and patients) more likely to want to “do something” instead of considering a more conservative therapy. This story underlines the importance of treating the patient and not the laboratory test or the image.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26618668
Monday, March 21, 2016
B - Science and sexism
Morello L. Science and sexism: in the eye of the Twitterstorm. Nature 11 November 2015
Social media has enabled an increasingly public discussion about the persistent problem of sexism in science. Although it is not yet clear whether the social-media conversation about sexism in science will help to create lasting change, some scientists think that it may provide a sense of solidarity for women across disciplines. Twitter is an important outlet for younger scientists, who often don’t know how to respond to instances of sexism or sexual harassment, and it can also help to build a sense of community among scientists in different disciplines.
http://www.nature.com/news/science-and-sexism-in-the-eye-of-the-twitterstorm-1.18767
Social media has enabled an increasingly public discussion about the persistent problem of sexism in science. Although it is not yet clear whether the social-media conversation about sexism in science will help to create lasting change, some scientists think that it may provide a sense of solidarity for women across disciplines. Twitter is an important outlet for younger scientists, who often don’t know how to respond to instances of sexism or sexual harassment, and it can also help to build a sense of community among scientists in different disciplines.
http://www.nature.com/news/science-and-sexism-in-the-eye-of-the-twitterstorm-1.18767
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
B - Medical journalism
Whelan J. Medical journalism: another way to write about science. Medical Writing 2015; 24(4):219-21 (doi: 10.1179/2047480615Z.000000000327) |
Monday, January 4, 2016
B - Build digital democracy
Helbing D, Pournaras E. Society: build digital democracy. Nature 2015 Nov 5;527(7576):33-4.
(doi: 10.1038/527033a)
Open sharing of data that are collected with smart devices would empower citizens and create jobs, say the authors of this article. A research team has started to create a distributed, privacy-preserving 'digital nervous system' called Nervousnet. It uses the sensor networks that make up the Internet of Things, including those in smartphones, to measure the world around us and to build a collective 'data commons'.
http://www.nature.com/news/society-build-digital-democracy-1.18690
(doi: 10.1038/527033a)
Open sharing of data that are collected with smart devices would empower citizens and create jobs, say the authors of this article. A research team has started to create a distributed, privacy-preserving 'digital nervous system' called Nervousnet. It uses the sensor networks that make up the Internet of Things, including those in smartphones, to measure the world around us and to build a collective 'data commons'.
http://www.nature.com/news/society-build-digital-democracy-1.18690
Monday, September 14, 2015
B - A modern scientific infrastructure
Brembs B. What should a modern scientific structure look like? The Winnower 2015; 2:e143497.72726
(doi: 10.15200/winn.143497.72726)
A fully functional infrastructure could collect data from each scientist with regard to their productivity (data, code, publications, reviews), popularity (downloads, media presence, citations, recommendations), teaching (hours, topics, teaching material) or service (committees, administration, development). What is required is an integrated, federated and centralized backbone infrastructure, into which such functionalities can be incorporated as plug-ins (or ‘apps’).
(doi: 10.15200/winn.143497.72726)
A fully functional infrastructure could collect data from each scientist with regard to their productivity (data, code, publications, reviews), popularity (downloads, media presence, citations, recommendations), teaching (hours, topics, teaching material) or service (committees, administration, development). What is required is an integrated, federated and centralized backbone infrastructure, into which such functionalities can be incorporated as plug-ins (or ‘apps’).
B - Access and discovery
Powell A. Availability does not equal access. The Scholarly Kitchen May 21, 2015
The link between access and discovery of information is crucial. Discovery is a complex concept, a web made of tools, technologies, infrastructure and perhaps most importantly, relationships built on an understanding of the needs of users. INASP (an international development charity working with a global network of partners to improve access, production and use of research information and knowledge) is working on each of these aspects with an ultimate goal of bringing them together on a global level.
The link between access and discovery of information is crucial. Discovery is a complex concept, a web made of tools, technologies, infrastructure and perhaps most importantly, relationships built on an understanding of the needs of users. INASP (an international development charity working with a global network of partners to improve access, production and use of research information and knowledge) is working on each of these aspects with an ultimate goal of bringing them together on a global level.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
B - What motivates researchers to write journal articles
Jubb M. Communication or competition: what motivates researchers to write articles for journals?Learned Publishing 2014;27(4): 251-252
(doi: 10.1087/20140403)
The author presents insights on whether competition or communication motivates researchers to write and publish articles in scholarly journals. He discusses the challenges being experienced by these researchers, the importance of informal communication, the use of social media by researchers and the interest of research institutes and other organizations to promote their works.
http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/98560908/communication-competition-what-motivates-researchers-write-articles-journals
(doi: 10.1087/20140403)
The author presents insights on whether competition or communication motivates researchers to write and publish articles in scholarly journals. He discusses the challenges being experienced by these researchers, the importance of informal communication, the use of social media by researchers and the interest of research institutes and other organizations to promote their works.
http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/98560908/communication-competition-what-motivates-researchers-write-articles-journals
Monday, March 30, 2015
B - Tweeting at scientific conferences
Ekins S, Perlstein EO. Ten simple rules of live tweeting at scientific conferences. PLoS Computational Biology 2014;10(8):e1003789
(doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003789)
Increasingly, some scientists are using Twitter as a vehicle to summarize presentations and posters at conferences in real time, which is defined as “live tweeting.” The advantage is that the information tweeted is open and free to anyone around the globe. From the authors' experiences, the success of live tweeting appears dependent on the engagement of conference organizers with Twitter and its active encouragement before, during, and after the meeting. The authors propose ten simple rules to encourage live tweeting.
http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003789
(doi: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003789)
Increasingly, some scientists are using Twitter as a vehicle to summarize presentations and posters at conferences in real time, which is defined as “live tweeting.” The advantage is that the information tweeted is open and free to anyone around the globe. From the authors' experiences, the success of live tweeting appears dependent on the engagement of conference organizers with Twitter and its active encouragement before, during, and after the meeting. The authors propose ten simple rules to encourage live tweeting.
http://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003789
Thursday, March 26, 2015
B - Data sharing
Yozwiak NL, Schaffner SF, Sabeti PC. Data sharing: make outbreak research open access. Nature 2015;518:477-479
(doi: 10.1038/518477a)
In an increasingly connected world, rapid sequencing, combined with new ways to collect clinical and epidemiological data, could transform our response to outbreaks. But the power of these potentially massive data sets to combat epidemics will be realized only if the data are shared as widely and as quickly as possible. Sharing data is especially important and especially difficult during an outbreak. Currently, no good guidelines exist to ensure that this happens.
http://www.nature.com/news/data-sharing-make-outbreak-research-open-access-1.16966
(doi: 10.1038/518477a)
In an increasingly connected world, rapid sequencing, combined with new ways to collect clinical and epidemiological data, could transform our response to outbreaks. But the power of these potentially massive data sets to combat epidemics will be realized only if the data are shared as widely and as quickly as possible. Sharing data is especially important and especially difficult during an outbreak. Currently, no good guidelines exist to ensure that this happens.
http://www.nature.com/news/data-sharing-make-outbreak-research-open-access-1.16966
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
B - Gender differences in conference presentations
Jones TM, Fanson KV, Lanfear R, et al. Gender differences in conference presentations: a consequence of selof-selection? PeerJ 2:e627
(doi: 10.7717/peerj.627)
Women continue to be under-represented in the sciences, with their representation declining at each progressive academic level. The authors compared gender differences in exposure and visibility at an evolutionary biology conference for attendees at two different academic levels: student and post-PhD academic. Women presenters spent on average ∼20% less time presenting their research than men of an equivalent academic level. This highlights important gender differences in conference strategy. Potential underlying reasons for this gender bias are discussed, with recommendations to avoid similar gender biases at future conferences.
https://peerj.com/articles/627/
(doi: 10.7717/peerj.627)
Women continue to be under-represented in the sciences, with their representation declining at each progressive academic level. The authors compared gender differences in exposure and visibility at an evolutionary biology conference for attendees at two different academic levels: student and post-PhD academic. Women presenters spent on average ∼20% less time presenting their research than men of an equivalent academic level. This highlights important gender differences in conference strategy. Potential underlying reasons for this gender bias are discussed, with recommendations to avoid similar gender biases at future conferences.
https://peerj.com/articles/627/
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
B - Big data and public health
Khoury MJ, Ioannidis JPA. Big data meets public health. Science 346(6213):1054
(doi: 10.1126/science.aaa2709)
The term “Big Data” refers to volumes of large, complex, linkable information. Beyond genomics and other “omic” fields, Big Data includes medical, environmental, financial, geographic, and social media information. This swell of data will continue to grow. Big Data can improve health by providing insights into the causes and outcomes of disease, better drug targets for precision medicine, and enhanced disease prediction and prevention. But "Big Error" can plague Big Data. The combination of a strong epidemiologic foundation, robust knowledge integration, principles of evidence-based medicine, and an expanded translation research agenda can put Big Data on the right course.
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/346/6213/1054.full
(doi: 10.1126/science.aaa2709)
The term “Big Data” refers to volumes of large, complex, linkable information. Beyond genomics and other “omic” fields, Big Data includes medical, environmental, financial, geographic, and social media information. This swell of data will continue to grow. Big Data can improve health by providing insights into the causes and outcomes of disease, better drug targets for precision medicine, and enhanced disease prediction and prevention. But "Big Error" can plague Big Data. The combination of a strong epidemiologic foundation, robust knowledge integration, principles of evidence-based medicine, and an expanded translation research agenda can put Big Data on the right course.
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/346/6213/1054.full
B - A social media trial
Fox CS, Bonaca MA, Ryan JJ, et al. A randomized trial of social media from Circulation. Circulation e-pub November 18, 2014
(doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.013509/-/DC1)
In order to determine whether social media exposure to original articles improves article impact metrics, the authors conducted a randomized trial of social media with a focus on short-term impact. Articles from Circulation were randomly assigned to be promoted through the official journal's social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter feeds). The results showed that this social media strategy did not increase the number of times an article was viewed.
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2014/11/17/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.013509.abstract
(doi: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.013509/-/DC1)
In order to determine whether social media exposure to original articles improves article impact metrics, the authors conducted a randomized trial of social media with a focus on short-term impact. Articles from Circulation were randomly assigned to be promoted through the official journal's social media accounts (Facebook and Twitter feeds). The results showed that this social media strategy did not increase the number of times an article was viewed.
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/early/2014/11/17/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.013509.abstract
Monday, December 22, 2014
B - Public access to clinical study results
Kaiser J. U.S. to expand public access to clinical study results. Science 2014;346(6213):1043
Two U.S. government proposals could expand the amount of data from clinical trials. A draft regulation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would require companies sponsoring clinical trials to report summary results for drugs and devices that are never approved, not just for those that reach the market. And a proposed policy from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would expand the requirement—which now applies only to trials regulated by the Food and Drug Administration—to all trials funded by the health agency.
http://news.sciencemag.org/health/2014/11/proposed-rules-will-vastly-expand-trove-clinical-trial-data-reported-u-s-database
Two U.S. government proposals could expand the amount of data from clinical trials. A draft regulation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services would require companies sponsoring clinical trials to report summary results for drugs and devices that are never approved, not just for those that reach the market. And a proposed policy from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would expand the requirement—which now applies only to trials regulated by the Food and Drug Administration—to all trials funded by the health agency.
http://news.sciencemag.org/health/2014/11/proposed-rules-will-vastly-expand-trove-clinical-trial-data-reported-u-s-database
B - What researchers perceive as unpublishable research
Tsou A, Schickore J, Sugimoto CR. Unpublishable research: examining and organizing the "file drawer". Learned Publishing 2014;27(4):253
(doi: 10.1087/20140404)
This articles aimed to explore through a survey what researchers perceive to be 'unpublishable' research. The results suggested that there is a perceived gap in scholarly communication. In particular, there are several types of research besides negative results that are perceived to be unpublishable yet worthy of publication, and a great diversity within and across disciplines as to what constitutes 'unpublishable' research.
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/alpsp/lp/2014/00000027/00000004/art00004?crawler=true
(doi: 10.1087/20140404)
This articles aimed to explore through a survey what researchers perceive to be 'unpublishable' research. The results suggested that there is a perceived gap in scholarly communication. In particular, there are several types of research besides negative results that are perceived to be unpublishable yet worthy of publication, and a great diversity within and across disciplines as to what constitutes 'unpublishable' research.
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/alpsp/lp/2014/00000027/00000004/art00004?crawler=true
Friday, December 19, 2014
B - Academia gets social
Owens B. Academia gets social. The Lancet 2014;384:1834-1835
The author examines the rise of academic social networking websites, such as Academia.edu and ResearchGate, and asks researchers how these sites are shaping their careers. These academic-focused social networks operate much like Facebook or LinkedIn. Researchers upload their latest research publications, and discuss the technical aspects of their work. The number of papers and datasets uploaded is mounting at an exponential rate. The rapid feedback metrics on the number of views and downloads of the papers can help researchers decide where to focus their efforts.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62230-3/fulltext
The author examines the rise of academic social networking websites, such as Academia.edu and ResearchGate, and asks researchers how these sites are shaping their careers. These academic-focused social networks operate much like Facebook or LinkedIn. Researchers upload their latest research publications, and discuss the technical aspects of their work. The number of papers and datasets uploaded is mounting at an exponential rate. The rapid feedback metrics on the number of views and downloads of the papers can help researchers decide where to focus their efforts.
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(14)62230-3/fulltext
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
B - Health news and academic press releases
Sumner P, Vivian-Griffiths S, Boivin J, et al. The association between exaggeration in health related science news and academic press releases: retrospective observational study. BMJ 2014;349:g7015
(doi: 10.1136/bmj.g7015)
This article aims to identify the source (press releases or news) of distortions, exaggerations, or changes to the main conclusions drawn from research that could potentially influence a reader’s health related behaviour. Findings show that exaggeration in news is strongly associated with exaggeration in press releases. Improving the accuracy of academic press releases could represent a key opportunity for reducing misleading health related news.
http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g7015
(doi: 10.1136/bmj.g7015)
This article aims to identify the source (press releases or news) of distortions, exaggerations, or changes to the main conclusions drawn from research that could potentially influence a reader’s health related behaviour. Findings show that exaggeration in news is strongly associated with exaggeration in press releases. Improving the accuracy of academic press releases could represent a key opportunity for reducing misleading health related news.
http://www.bmj.com/content/349/bmj.g7015
Monday, September 22, 2014
B - Wikipedia citations in journal articles
Tohidinasab F, Jamali HR. Why and where Wikipedia is cited in journal articles? Journal of Scientometric Research 2013;2(3):231-238
(doi: 10.4103/2320-0057.135415)
This research aimed to identify the motivations for citation to Wikipedia in scientific papers. Also, the number of citation to Wikipedia, location of citation, type of citing papers, subject of citing and cited articles were determined and compared in different subject fields. Results showed that there are 20 motivations for citing Wikipedia and the most frequent of them are providing general information and definition, facts and figures. Citations to Wikipedia often appear in the introduction or introductory sections of papers. Computer sciences, internet and chemistry are the most cited subjects. The use of Wikipedia in articles is increasing both in terms of quantity and diversity
http://www.jscires.org/article.asp?issn=2320-0057;year=2013;volume=2;issue=3;spage=231;epage=238;aulast=Tohidinasab
(doi: 10.4103/2320-0057.135415)
This research aimed to identify the motivations for citation to Wikipedia in scientific papers. Also, the number of citation to Wikipedia, location of citation, type of citing papers, subject of citing and cited articles were determined and compared in different subject fields. Results showed that there are 20 motivations for citing Wikipedia and the most frequent of them are providing general information and definition, facts and figures. Citations to Wikipedia often appear in the introduction or introductory sections of papers. Computer sciences, internet and chemistry are the most cited subjects. The use of Wikipedia in articles is increasing both in terms of quantity and diversity
http://www.jscires.org/article.asp?issn=2320-0057;year=2013;volume=2;issue=3;spage=231;epage=238;aulast=Tohidinasab
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)