Myths, false claims and reports of bad science can spread like wildfire on social media and by word of mouth, but scientists affiliated with AAAS programs are working strategically to combat science misinformation. In the video series “AAAS Voices: Countering Science Misinformation,” experts explain the challenges of misinformation on addressing timely topics such as climate change, technology and health, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists share how they combat misinformation and offer strategies for how their fellow scientists can productively address and correct the inaccuracies they encounter.
Maria Elena Bottazzi is our first voice in the series. As a microbiologist who develops and tests vaccine prototypes for use against tropical and emerging diseases, Bottazzi understands the challenges of cutting through the noise to share accurate, easy-to-understand information about vaccine safety. Bottazzi, the associate dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, noted that to reach people who might be concerned about vaccine safety, a helpful tactic is demystifying the vaccine development process. Sharing evidence about the rigor of that process can help boost confidence in vaccine safety, Bottazzi said. - https://www.aaas.org/news/hispanic-scientists-engage-public-science
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio is set to return to Earth this fall after setting the record for the longest single spaceflight by a U.S. astronaut. He arrived at the International Space Station on Sept. 21, 2022, and will return home after 371 days in space. While on the orbiting lab, Rubio and his fellow crew members conducted dozens of scientific investigations and technology demonstrations. Learn more about Frank Rubio’s year-long scientific journey aboard the space station: https://go.nasa.gov/3LrwS29