Public discussion is sometimes dominated by debates about the implications of scientific research: what causes Sudden Infant Death? Will genetically modified crops create ‘superweeds’? Is the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine linked to autism? Will transgenic pigs help to solve a shortage of organs for transplants? Do mobile phones damage children’s brains? What is an optimal dose of fluoride?
Sense about Science has put out a new leaflet explaining how science answers questions like these.
"I don't know what to believe..." is a short public guide to peer review, published by Sense About Science on 2 November 2005, 8pp.
"Is it peer reviewed?" is what Sense About Science is encouraging everyone to ask about science stories. Our new leaflet, written with input from patients, pharmacists and medical practitioners, among others, lets the public in on the arbiter of scientific quality: the peer review process.
A later post on epidemics triggered by scaremongering shows why Peer review is important.
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