Abstracts » Education

Serial killer halted by headlines and hype

Article Abstract:

A vaccine for the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) virus may still be a long way from being developed, but, it is argued, the rate at which the virus has spread has been slowed by press coverage. Jonathan Stoye, director of virology at the Medical Research Council's National Institute of Medical Research, states that the press has, for once, been more of an help and less of an hindrance, with the intensity of press coverage focusing the minds of travellers to and from East Asia on any possible symptoms, making them more likely to contact officials and seek treatment if they have any concerns.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome

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Scare tactics silence science

Article Abstract:

A new generation of young researchers are being encouraged to speak out about animal research in order to combat animal-rights extremists who have scared a whole generation of researchers into silence about their work. Mark Matfield, executive director of the Research Defence Society, argues that it is important that young researchers speak out as that will go some way towards reducing the stereotyped image of researchers as grey old men and because today's young researchers will be the world leaders of tomorrow.

Demonstrations and protests, Animal experimentation

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When fear becomes another epidemic

Article Abstract:

An analysis of why, despite revolutionising public health, vaccination is now being looked on with suspicion. It is argued that the impact of the suggestion by a small group of scientists in the early-1990s that there may be a link between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and the onset of autism has done real, lasting damage to public trust in vaccines. This is despite the fact that the research, which has never been successfully repeated, has been widely criticised by the majority of scientists.

HEALTH SERVICES, All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services, Vaccination & Immunization, Health aspects, Vaccination, Public opinion

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