Scientific Media Research Articles

About the cover artist

Nienke Bruijning is a research assistant and illustrator with an academic background in science and technology studies (STS) and media science, through which she developed an interest in studying the intricate relationships that form between humans and the technologies we surround ourselves with on a daily basis.

The Role of Stewards of Trust in Facilitating Trust in Science: A Multistakeholder View

AbstractTrust in science post-Covid appears to be a complex matter. On the one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic added value to the epistemic trustworthiness of scientific opinion and its potential to drive evidence-based policies, while it also spurred scientific distrust and societal polarization (e.g., vaccines), especially on social media. In this work we sought to understand the ways in which trust in science might be bolstered by adopting a multistakeholder perspective. This objective was achieved by considering stakeholders’ views on (a) how perceived key actors affect trust in science, and (b) what proposed actions can be taken by each actor identified. Data were collected using 16 focus groups and 10 individual interviews across different European contexts with general public (n = 66), journalists (n = 23) and scientists (n = 35), and were analysed using thematic analysis. Regarding how perceived key actors affect trust in science, participants viewed policymakers, media, scientific and social media actors as occupying a dual function (facilitators and hinderers of trust in science), and pointed to the value of multi-actor collaboration. Regarding what actions should be taken for enhancing trust in science, participants indicated the value of enhancing understanding of scientific integrity and practices, through science literacy and science communication, and also pointed to social media platform regulation. Implications stemming from the data are discussed, considering how multiple identified stewards of trust can contribute to an ecosystem of trust.

Situating data stories in space to entice new audiences to engage with science

ABSTRACT Science communication predominantly engages individuals who already possess a pre-existing interest in science, thereby limiting its reach to a broader and more diverse audience. Situated approaches that intertwine content with spatial design may overcome interest barriers as it allows for spontaneous encounters with science. This paper describes the design of a multi-modal physicalisation coined Star Listener as the result of a collaboration between scientific experts (in astrophysics), design researchers and media professionals. Star Listener consists of different sensory engagement modalities, including textual information panels, speakers that distribute sonified data of stars, two public video displays with an animated explainer and interactive touchscreens with a mini-game. Star Listener was placed in an entryway of a public library for a period of 2 months. We evaluated this set-up by observing and interviewing passersby, both in an in-the-wild study and as a controlled in-the-wild study. We present design recommendations for the design of situated data representations and narrative physicalisations to support engagement of varied audiences with science.

Development of Augmented Reality Learning Media on IPAS Subject Matter of the Respiratory System

The lack of use of learning tools in science and science lesson content regarding the respiratory system in class V elementary school makes students quickly feel bored. This results in students not understanding what has been conveyed by the teacher. This investigation aims to develop augmented reality learning media for science and science lesson content on the respiratory system for class V elementary schools. This type of research is Research and Development (R&D) which refers to the Borg and Gall theory with ten stages. The data collection techniques used in this research were observation, question and answer, and questionnaires. Based on the data analysis carried out, the following results were obtained. The results of the material expert validation test were 81.60% which was included in the very feasible group; The results of the media expert validation test were 96.60% which was included in the very feasible group. Apart from that, scores were obtained before and after the use of the learning media developed. As seen from the results of these values, the media developed is declared effective if used as a learning tool in the science and science learning content regarding the respiratory system. So, it can be concluded that the tools developed are suitable and effective for use in the learning process.

The public use of early-stage scientific advances in carbon dioxide removal: a science-technology-policy-media perspective

Abstract While Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) solutions are considered essential to meet Paris Agreement objectives and curb climate change, their maturity and current ability to operate at scale are highly debated. The rapid development, deployment, and diffusion of such methods will likely require the coordination of science, technology, policy, and societal support. This article proposes a bibliometric approach to quantify the public use of early-stage research in CDR. Specifically, we employ generalized linear models to estimate the likelihood that scientific advances in eight different carbon removal solutions may induce (i) further production of scientific knowledge, (ii) technological innovation, and (iii) policy and media discussion. Our main result is that research in CDR is of significant social value. CDR research generates significant, positive, yet heterogeneous spillovers within science and from science to technology, policy, and media. In particular, advances in Direct Air Capture spur further research and tend to result in patentable technologies, while Blue Carbon and Bio-energy with Carbon Capture and Storage appear to gain relative momentum in the policy and public debate. Moreover, scientific production and collaborations cluster geographically by type of CDR, potentially affecting long-term carbon removal strategies. Overall, our results suggest the existence of coordination gaps between science, technology, policy, and public support.

Measuring the Effectiveness of Internship Programs in Aligning Education with Industry during Covid-19: A Case Study

This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of internship programs in aligning education with industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research focuses on the internship outcomes of College of Communication and Media Sciences (CCMS) students in various UAE organizations. This study employs Kirkpatrick's framework and analyzes 64 student reports over ten weeks to understand the strengths and areas of improvement in aligning academic instruction with real-world applications. The research focuses on the "reaction" and "learning" constructs in the alignment of theoretical teachings with practical experiences based on Kirkpatrick’s framework. The study revealed that internships offer students a chance to gain practical experience in their field of study, and the CCMS internship program helps students gain professional skills that are difficult to teach in a classroom context. The findings of this study could help academic policymakers understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of different learning areas and refine and enhance internship offerings. The study underscores the significance of assessing the practical application of university education in the workplace and the benefits of internship experiences as a mandatory component of CCMS specialization academic programmes. The research demonstrates that the internship program provides students with hands-on experience in the media and communication sectors, enabling them to interact directly with industry professionals. Additionally, this study highlights the common challenges faced by internship students, including communication with supervisors, workload management, handling tasks beyond their current skill set, navigating limited workplace resources, adjusting to unfamiliar work environments, and refining time management skills.

Science, Fiction, and Contemporary Media: Blurred Borders in Knowledge Dissemination in Michael Crichton’s The Andromeda Strain

This study examines the technical methods used by Michael Crichton to blur the lines between factual information and fictional elements in his novel The Andromeda Strain. The creative use of scientific terminology and artistic documentation that supports a sense of reality plays a role in creating a certain blurring that works to enhance the blurring of the boundaries between reality and imagination. The study aims to explore the novel within the framework of postmodern literary theory, questioning the concept of absolute truth, and emphasizing the role of language and literary discourse in constructing reality. Through a critical analysis of the novel, this study seeks to clarify the methods followed by Crichton to employ language and discourse to create an atmosphere of authenticity that contributes greatly to blurring the line between reality and imagination. In addition, the study comprehensively analyses modern media platform technologies that are used to erode the boundaries between objective reality and fictional narratives, and their consequent effects on the dissemination of information. The study concluded that Crichton's novel The Andromeda Strain embodies the successful integration of scientific concepts with fantasy elements, which resulted in a captivating and intellectually stimulating narrative.

Managing Misinformation

This paper catalogs previous articles in American Biology Teacher on various aspects of teaching about science misinformation and identifies which of the core concepts are addressed in each. A concise overview of relevant themes is provided, along with how the concepts align with the Next Generation Science Standards. This may serve as a practical guide for organizing and planning science media literacy education, to help students negotiate the growing flood of misinformation.

Юрий Жданов – гений места (genius loci): Ростова, Дона и Северного Кавказа

The article highlights the main events of the Rostov period of the life and work of the outstanding organizer of science, socio-political figure and scientist I.A. Zhdanov in the context of the concept of the “genius of the place”. The analysis made it possible to identify, using the example of his biography, common objective and subjective factors, the combination of which makes it possible to transform the individual activity of the genius of the place into positive effects of the city of Rostov-on-Don, the Rostov region, and the North Caucasus region. The key positions of understanding Zhdanov's personality as the genius of the place are considered: regional ideological identification, contribution to the development of the territory, socio-cultural identity, historical reconstruction of the main events. It is shown how the scientific and social activities of Yu.A. Zhdanov contributed to the process of changes in the local Don and North Caucasian communities. An attempt was made to correlate the substantive aspects of the works of the genius of the place and his biography with the basic, fundamental elements of the history and culture of the Don and the North Caucasus. Data collection was carried out through the analysis of scientific periodicals, media materials and publications on social networks, memories of residents and representatives of regional authorities, as well as personal observations of the author.

The Communication Style of Habib Jafar's Da'wah on TikTok Social Media

This research aims to explore in depth the communication style of Habib Ja'far's preaching on the social media TikTok. Husein Hadar Jafar or more commonly known as Habib Jafar, who is a young preacher, uses the TikTok platform as a means of preaching which is attractive to many young millennials and Gen Z. This researcher used a descriptive qualitative approach, with an audio-visual method of analyzing the content of R. Hosetly's TikTok account @husein jafar. Other sources were obtained using various references in the form of scientific journals, books, and media coverage. The conclusion obtained from this research is that the preaching communication style on TikTok social media uses inductive qualitative. Habib Jafar preaching through the TikTok platform invites the younger generation to re-acquaint themselves with Islam with an assertive communication style.

Перспективы развития водородной энергетики на региональном примере

In connection with ongoing climate change, an important factor in the development of the global energy is reducing its carbon footprint. Hydrogen energy may be the answer to the transition to environmentally friendly and resource-saving energy. The article presents an analytical review of promising methods of hydrogen production on the example of the Saratov region, as well as its potential consumers in the real and long term. The review content was selected by analyzing scientific articles published in various databases, electronic scientific libraries and media articles published on the internet. It was concluded that hydrogen produced in the Saratov region will be consumed to a greater extent in the same territory. The production of phosphate fertilizers and the utilization of hydrogen-containing gases in the oil reforming process will be the drivers of hydrogen energy development in the region. In the long term, the use of hydrogen as fuel will be developed. A high-tech autonomous hydrogen energy complex implemented at the Balakovo NPP will be capable of producing and supplying electricity to the electric power system during in the peak hours. It is noted that the Saratov region has the potential to produce biohydrogen obtained by processing agricultural waste. State measures to stimulate hydrogen producers and consumers in the region will play a decisive role in increasing the efficiency of hydrogen energy development in the Saratov region.

Media promotion of scientific knowledge among a mass audience

INTRODUCTION. Popularization of science plays a significant role in modern society, contributing to the development of domestic science and technology, the formation of an educated and critically thinking society. The purpose of the study is to consider materials on popular science topics as agents of popularization of scientific knowledge for a wide audience.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The following media were analyzed: “Izvestiya Mordovii”, “Stolitsa S”, “Zdunov zdes’”, “Igor’ Gubaidulin i GR”, “Minpromnauki Mordovii”, “MGU im. N.P. Ogareva”, “Startapstudiya “Ogarev”, “Glushko”. In total, more than 1000 media texts were analyzed; the sample for qualitative analysis consisted of 200 publications for the period from January 1, 2022 to May 31, 2024.RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. The process of promoting scientific knowledge in the media space of the Republic of Mordovia is revealed, the subject matter, genre and functional classification of popular science materials, and the university’s cooperation with the media in the process of popularizing science are considered.CONCLUSION. The classification of popular science materials in the media of the Republic of Mordovia was identified (by territorial affiliation of the study, by genre specificity, by volume of information, by visualization methods), the primary source of scientific information was identified – university media platforms and its dissemination through other communication channels in the time period. The process of formation of the term “Mordovian scientists” in media materials was traced, recommendations for covering science, both for regional and federal media, were compiled.

Copyright as an Access Right: Concretizing Positive Obligations for Rightholders to Ensure the Exercise of User Rights

Abstract The legal frameworks that govern access to information are essential for safeguarding a sustainable, creative ecosystem. Institutions, such as libraries, research organizations, educational and other cultural heritage institutions, are gateways to diverse collections of scientific production, media and other cultural artefacts. Enabling access to creative works requires careful balancing of the interest of creators, producers of information, publishers and users of that information. While copyright law has traditionally recognized that rightholders enjoy exclusive rights, courts have only recently emphasized that users of works must also enjoy rights, which better reflects that copyright is based on a social contract with reciprocal obligations. This study explores what positive obligations must be imposed on rightholders as a consequence of the rights users enjoy under copyright law. Although specific access-enabling mechanisms already exist in EU copyright law, they are often not properly implemented or lack efficient enforcement tools. For that purpose, certain exceptions and limitations must be made mandatory, prohibitions on contractual override must apply horizontally, privileged institutions should enjoy enforceable rights to obtain copies on reasonable terms, and the existing ‘lending’ right must become a ‘right to lend’. Supporting these substantive changes is the proposal for a new governance structure for the EU copyright framework through the establishment of an independent EU regulatory body. It is only through a blend of changes that copyright can serve society and that a sound ecosystem for creators and creativity is set up making the EU fit for the knowledge economy.

Preterm birth as a determinant of neurodevelopment and cognition in children (PRENCOG): protocol for an exposure-based cohort study in the UK

IntroductionPreterm birth (PTB) is strongly associated with encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP) and neurocognitive impairment. The biological axes linking PTB with atypical brain development are uncertain. We aim to elucidate the...

EFFECTIVENESS OF USING EDUCATIONAL GAME-BASED SCIENCE MEDIA PRODUCTS IN IMPROVING SCIENCE LITERACY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

This study examines the effect of using educational game-based science media products on improving science literacy , especially in terms of critical thinking or problem-solving skills in elementary school students. Through an experimental research design, the results showed a significant increase in the aspects of science literacy studied in the group of students who used educational game media compared to the control group. The results showed a significant increase in the aspects of science literacy studied in the experimental group. These findings indicate that the use of educational games can be an effective method for improving high-level thinking skills in students, such as critical thinking and problem solving. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating educational games into the elementary education curriculum to support the development of science literacy in more depth. In addition, these results also open up further opportunities for research related to the effectiveness of educational games in various other aspects of education.

Discourse Analysis of Forest and Land Fire Management in Indonesia

The agriculture, forestry, and land use (AFOLU) sector is Indonesia's largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Within this sector, forest and peatland fires has a major emissions impact. Optimizing fire management requires collaboration among various parties and should address the underlying causes of burning. Scientific media provides insights into important actors, potential causes, and implementation of forest fire control at national and local levels. This research uses discourse analysis to analyze the role of scientific media in providing information regarding forest fires and fire management activities. It finds an inconsistency between scientific articles and observational data. Furthermore, there is a bias in addressing the causes and efforts to control forest fires. National journals indicate that forest and land fire management in Indonesia focus primarily on ecological aspects and do not take into economic factors, despite economic reasons being the most common cause of fires. Keywords: discourse, forest fire, management, scientific media

Analysis of the Use of Learning Media on the Learning Interest of Learning Science Students and Environmental Themes

Learning media is an important element in the educational process that affects the effectiveness of information delivery and student understanding. This study aims to analyze the use of science and technology learning media; analyze students' interest in learning about the use of science and technology learning media; and analyze the role of the use of learning media needed in science and science learning grade IV at Reban Elementary School, Reban District, Batang Regency. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method. The subjects of the study were 25 grade IV students at SD Negeri Reban. Data collection uses observation, interview, questionnaire and documentation techniques. This study uses a data validity technique in the form of a credibility test with technical triangulation. Through the analysis process of the Miles and Huberman Model, it was shown that the use of learning media applied in grade IV at SDN Reban included PPT, YouTube videos, Quizizz, concrete objects and media made using objects around it. The correct selection and use of media will affect students' interest in learning. Various kinds of learning media that have been applied in grade IV at SDN Reban have increased students' interest in learning. Behaviors that show student interest are feeling happy, feeling comfortable, paying attention to the teacher, being more active in learning, enthusiastic, taking notes on important things related to the material, and following lessons well and in an orderly manner. Learning media has succeeded in playing an important role in the learning process. The presence of learning media has a significant impact on learning, including making students enthusiastic; arousing students' interest; fostering motivation to learn; students become more active in learning; making it easier for students to understand the concept of the material; receive information more effectively and efficiently, overcome space and time limitations, and apply technology to students.

The Development of Raya-In: Learning Media Based on Smart Apps Creator to Improve Primary School Social Science Learning

Technology-based learning media in social science are not readily available in primary schools. Meanwhile, learning media, especially technology-based, supports social science competencies for primary school students. This study aimed to develop learning media, named Raya-In (Ragam Budaya Indonesia), based on Smart Apps Creator to improve the social science learning of fourth-grade students in SDN Kangkung 01 within the Indonesian cultural diversity theme. This study used the Borg and Gall model design, which consisted of 8 stages: potential and problem analysis, data collection, product design, product validation, revision, small-scale trial, large-scale trial, and final product. The study involved media experts and content experts to validate the media. The subjects were fourth-grade students of SDN Kangkung 1 (n=39). Data was collected by observation, interview, pretest, questionnaire, documentation, and posttest. The final result showed that Raya-In passed the media and content experts' evaluation and revision processes. The media and content experts gave high scores in the qualified category. The Pretest, posttest, T-test, and N-gain tests showed that Raya-In supported social science learning. The study aligned with learning in the current era, using technology-based media. Raya-In development based on Smart Apps Creator was validated to support social science learning in primary school.

Mpox 1b: Upstanders for Science in Western and Chinese Social Media

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific literature published research about the presence of hoaxes and evidence in diverse social media, with a huge scientific and social impact. The main results showed that while in Western social media like X there was more false information and less scientific evidence than in the Chinese platform Weibo, but scientific evidence was more retweeted than hoaxes. This research allowed the identification of social activists for science in the social media, who multiplied their impact when scientists provided them with evidence. Third, thanks to the very intense and dialogic work of a diversity of researchers. Mpox clade 1b outbreak, which has now been declared a global public health emergency by WHO, requires a fast reaction from science, already taking place. This article analyzes information disseminated in X and Weibo about mpox. 3089 messages published between 12 and 16 of August 2024 have been analyzed. The results show that while hoaxes around mpox are prevalent in social media, posts containing scientific evidence do receive more interaction. Such findings contribute to the understanding of the health crisis and underscore the need for health authorities to join efforts with citizens to co-create evidence-based communication strategies.

(Con)spirituality as a curriculum of immortality

If we are listening to marketing hype, it seems that—with enough money—we can live longer, healthier lives. These products, however, are often no more than consumerist swindling steeped in pseudo-science and pseudo-spirituality. When viewed through the lens of terror management theory (TMT), mitigating the harms of (con)spiritual grifts is more than a problem of a lack of scientific literacy, anti-consumer education, and media literacy. Those who are marketing items that claim to improve health and extend life are tapping into death anxiety. On their own, a lack of consistency, logic, evidence, or other criteria are not enough to halt (con)spirituality. Emotionality impacts consumerism, including conscious and unconscious desires linked to our existential situation. Considering (con)spirituality as a curriculum of immortality helps us to further understand the ways in which materialities of certain types of consumerism impact our deep anxieties about death (and vice versa), and thus moves beyond (con)spirituality as an informational problem.