Science message lost

Intense media coverage often does little to increase public understanding of contemporary science issues, according to a report published by the Economic and Social Research Council. The report examines the relationship between science, the media and the public, and looks at the representation of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, climate change, cloning and genetic medical research. It says there is little evidence to support the idea that the presence of more science and scientists in the media will boost public comprehension.