by Andrew Maynard | Aug 25, 2009 | Nanotechnology, Public Perception
Could using sunscreen lead to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other neurodegenerative diseases? The association seems far-fetched – given the amount of sunscreens, creams and lotions used every day, surely someone would noticed a link by now if it...
by Andrew Maynard | Aug 11, 2009 | Civic Science, Communication, Engagement, Public Perception
Reviewing Unscientific America: How scientific illiteracy threatens our future, by Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirshenbaum My name is Andrew, and I am scientifically illiterate. Just thought I’d get that off my chest! And before you protest too much, I do have some pretty...
by Andrew Maynard | Jul 18, 2009 | Communication, Engagement, Public Perception
Art makes a mockery of experts and empowers the marginalized. At least that’s how I feel at the moment! Having broadcast the news of Tim Jones’ fabulous Exquisite Corpse of Science project, I thought it only fitting that I do what I’ve been telling...
by Andrew Maynard | Jun 27, 2009 | Civic Science, Communication, Engagement, Public Perception
It’s been a few weeks now since the men’s style magazine GQ launched the “Rock Stars of Science” campaign. I’m a staunch advocate of raising science’s profile, but the whole campaign has had me on edge, and I haven’t quite been able to put my finger on why. Was it...
by Andrew Maynard | Jun 18, 2009 | Public Perception, Recommended, Synthetic Biology
According to a new public opinion survey from the UK Royal Academy of Engineering, the great British public is cautiously enthusiastic about the emerging field of synthetic biology. Last summer, the Washington DC-based Synthetic Biology Project published a survey of...
by Andrew Maynard | Jun 16, 2009 | Emerging Technology, Nanotechnology, Policy, Public Perception
This month’s issue of the magazine Science & Technology takes a closer look at some of the controversies, dilemmas and decisions that will impact on the future development of the science and technology of working at the nanoscale. Amongst the commentaries...