Surprising predictions part 4

 Science Is Under Attack! Here's What Scientists Can Do to Fight Back

Science can tell us a lot about the world we live in, but that information sometimes clashes with people’s personal beliefs and opinions. So, some people have taken to ignoring scientific facts in favor of their own beliefs – and it’s starting to cause real problems for the rest of us. Luckily, there are some things that scientists can do to fight back against these attacks on science.

The Good Parts

There's no doubt about it, science is under attack. Whether it's from the government, the media, or special interest groups, it seems like everyone is out to discredit science and scientists. But why? Why are people so eager to reject a scientific consensus on anything? It comes down to trust. Many don't trust that scientists can be impartial in their research and findings because of potential conflicts of interest. One way for a scientist to combat this is by disclosing any affiliations they may have with certain companies or institutions in their published work, which should make it clear if there are any conflicts of interests present. Another way is by posting publically-available lab data online where anyone can view it for themselves without needing access credentials, so that people can draw their own conclusions about what was found without relying on one person's interpretation of the data. For example, some scientists use GitHub to post raw data from experiments in order to give other researchers an opportunity to review the process and replicate the results for themselves. Sharing data sets in this way also makes it possible for outside researchers to pick up where a scientist left off, providing potentially new perspectives on old problems. Some websites such as ResearchGate also provide forums for scientists to collaborate with each other and discuss new ideas openly. One thing is for sure: all of these ways to increase transparency go far beyond simply publishing research findings--they can help promote active discussion among experts who are willing to learn from each other, providing opportunities for better understanding that would not exist otherwise. By promoting open discussions, removing barriers to entry for younger generations, and making a concerted effort to ensure that all voices are heard equally, we can ensure that science will continue being relevant for years to come. 

As scientists, we need to be honest and transparent when doing our work. We need to share everything possible in both our published papers and online profiles so others can examine our methods for themselves. That includes sharing datasets, full citations of sources used during research, methodology descriptions (in as much detail as possible), detailed analysis code and even alternative analysis pipelines (including notes). Science thrives on criticism—it’s how we refine our practices over time—so if you see others posting things you disagree with, feel free to do your own analyses and provide alternative interpretations. Don’t get into fights with those that disagree with you though; focus instead on creating an atmosphere where everyone is welcome and respectful differences of opinion aren’t punished but challenged constructively. Finally, we must show our support for a more diverse representation of scientists in the field. Having scientists that represent a range of different backgrounds and life experiences brings diversity to the field, provides more nuanced and multifaceted opinions on pressing issues, and can improve the quality of research. In summary, while it may seem impossible to maintain faith in a science that is constantly being attacked from all sides, it's imperative that we find a way to defend it. Continued vigilance is key to ensuring that studies can be done with honesty and integrity for future generations. One way to keep science alive is by having scientists that represent a wide variety of viewpoints and backgrounds. When we allow scientists to speak freely, engage in constructive debates, and listen with an open mind, we can create an environment where new ideas can flourish.

The Bad Parts

Scientists are under attack from all sides these days. Whether it's from the government, big business, or the general public, it seems like everyone is out to get us. And it's not just scientists who are being targeted. Science itself is under attack. We've seen this with anti-vaccination campaigns that have led to outbreaks of diseases like measles and mumps. We've seen this in the growing number of people who don't believe in climate change and its human causes. The result has been an erosion of scientific consensus and a decline in trust for what we do as scientists 

We need to take action now more than ever before! We're going to need your help too if we want our voices heard: please make sure you sign this petition asking President Trump's administration not to cut funding for scientific research. Thank you so much for your support! Let's work together to fight against those who would undermine science and the progress it can bring. Join me in signing this petition today! It only takes a few minutes and could help save lives tomorrow. You'll be able to check off that you helped save science! Thanks again and I hope to see your name on the list soon. Together, we can turn back the tide against attacks on science. That starts by speaking up for science whenever we can. Signing petitions, talking about how awesome science is with friends and family, even talking about what we do at work are all ways to show support for science! Join me in fighting back against those who would undermine the power of science by signing this petition today. Ask President Trump's administration not to cut funding for scientific research. Your voice matters and makes a difference. So don't be afraid to speak up when you hear someone spouting pseudo-science. Stand up for the importance of evidence and data. Encourage them to read more studies and articles (like this one!) so they know the facts themselves. If you're feeling especially passionate, consider sharing some of your favorite social media posts (make sure they include #factsmatter) or even buying yourself a t-shirt or poster! Make some noise because silence equals defeat when it comes to defending science.

Where We Go From Here

1. We need to continue fighting for the integrity of science.

2. We need to stand up for science when it is under attack.

3. We need to be willing to engage with those who mistrust science.

4. We need to work hard to communicate our findings clearly and effectively.

5. We need to build relationships with the media and the general public.

6. We need to be open and transparent about our work. 7. We need to give people opportunities to learn more about science through participation in citizen science projects, museums, and other hands-on learning environments.

8. We need to keep training scientists so that they are able to enter careers in fields that don't require a PhD, such as teaching or journalism. 

9. And we must embrace the power of social media - we can use it not only as a tool for communicating scientific discoveries but also as a means of educating people on how scientific research works and what scientists do every day in their labs, classrooms, observatories, ships at sea, in their offices, etc., all over the world. In fact, last year I participated in an event called International Women's Day where I discussed my passion for science and space exploration with girls from countries around the world (including Afghanistan). Social media is one way that young people across different cultures can connect. If you want to know what the next generation wants you should ask them said Nadia Murad, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate & UN Goodwill Ambassador. Young people are transforming today’s digital revolution into a driver of sustainable development. The role of women in STEM will increase if there are programs encouraging girls' interests early on like Girls Who Code or Black Girls Code which have been successful in bringing women into STEM fields by teaching them coding skills before they graduate high school. Programs like these can help solve the problem of unequal opportunity among men and women in science. One final point: if you're reading this blog post now, thank you! You might not be aware that your curiosity has fueled scientific discovery. Please tell your friends and family members about this blog post too. Share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. You may never know the impact your actions might have on someone else's life -- but please never stop being curious! Thank you for reading! As many people might not be aware, the success of any field depends on curious minds. To fuel the fires of curiosity, here are some websites that could offer insights: Science Daily, NASA's Eyes On Earth Video Stream, TED Talks and Khan Academy videos. These sites have great content to pique your interest in a variety of topics including astronomy, climate change and anatomy. They have a variety of formats and it's worth browsing the selections. They even have videos on misconceptions about science! Let's encourage our children to be excited about science and continue to promote that as a career path for generations to come.