Hydroxychloroquine, double-blind studies, convalescent plasma, herd immunity — the coronavirus pandemic has thrust the language of science into public view as never before.
Those of us blessed with an understanding of research must embrace our responsibility to explain the publication process, peer review, questionable publishers, junk science and the clinical trial process to family, friends and neighbours. Observing social distancing of course.
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But familiarity with the terminology does not necessarily lead to a better understanding, especially when there is an avalanche of new findings, experts caution.
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When researchers disagree or change their mind on the efficacy of a treatment or policy, the normal back-and-forth of the scientific process can breed confusion, they say.
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This is only amplified by a 24-hour news cycle and social networks, they add.
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