A recent snapshot

Science in the media : A snapshot of science coverage

Since its inception, the AusSMC has been tracking science topics covered in the Australian mainstream media (broadcast and press) based on a search of 12 key-words.

The results for the three months ending 31 October 2005 and for the corresponding period in 2006 show how coverage of certain topics in the media change over time...

10,300 stories containing a key-word were identified in August to October 2006 compared to just 3,800 for the same period in 2005
The biggest jump by topic was 'water resources' which saw more than 2000 stories in 2006 (Aug-Oct) compared to just 125 for the same period in 2005
Stem cell research also received much more coverage in Aug-Oct 2006 with 2253 stories compared to just 235 for the corresponding period in 2005.
Coverage of nuclear stories was also up from 395 in 2005 to 1157 in 2006 (193% increase)
Climate stories jumped from 561 in 2005 to 1939 in 2006 (246% increase)
The biggest drop in coverage in 2006 compared to the previous year was bird flu which received just 230 mentions in 2006 (Aug-Oct) compared to 1534 stories for the same period in 2005.

See the two pie-graphs below for a more detailed breakdown.

Reports prepared by Media Monitors – a foundation supporter of the AusSMC

Figure 1: Share of volume by key scientific topic for 1 August to 31 October, 2006 in the Australian mainstream media (press and broadcast). Only items that referred to scientific research or policy were included in the search.

Figure 2: Share of volume by key scientific topic for 1 August to 31 October, 2005 in the Australian mainstream media (press and broadcast). Only items that referred to scientific research or policy were included in the search.

	Latest releases \| Archive

	WOOLLY MAMMOTH DNA DECODED RAPID ROUNDUP: After thousands of years of extinction, the Woolly Mammoth has its DNA decoded this week in Nature. Experts respond. Thurs 20 Nov 08 SOIL CARBON RAPID ROUNDUP: Carbon released from Australian soils may be lower than previously predicted. Expert comments. Mon 17 Nov 08 ACID OCEANS RAPID ROUNDUP: An Australian study finds that 450ppm carbon dioxide is a tipping point for marine organisms. Experts respond. Tues 11 Nov 08 WATER ISSUES NATIONAL MEDIA BRIEFING: Experts discuss the water issues facing Australia over the coming summer months. Fri 7 Nov 08, 10am AEDT CLIMATE CHANGE AND INFRASTRUCTURE RAPID ROUNDUP: Australia’s water and energy infrastructure are most at risk from the consequences of climate change according to a new report by ATSE. Several Australian experts respond to the report. Wed 5 Nov 08 CAFFEINE AND PREGNANCY RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on news that consuming caffeine during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal growth restriction. Tues 4 Nov 08 SAFETY OF RECYCLED WATER RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the safety of recycled water in the water supply. Thur 30 Oct 08 GENETIC VARIATION LINKED TO TRANSSEXUALISM ONLINE BRIEFING: Study author discusses research indicating a genetic link to transsexualism. Mon 27 Oct 08 GENETIC VARIATION LINKED TO TRANSSEXUALISM RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to Australian study. Mon 27 Oct 08 CLIMATE: URGENT CHALLENGE SCIENCE BLOG: A group of Australian scientists urge attention to climate change despite global financial crisis. Tue 21 Oct 08 2008 PM's PRIZES FOR SCIENCE RAPID ROUNDUP: Colleagues respond as the the 2008 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science winners are announced in Canberra. Thu 16 Oct 08 NEW CONCERNS OVER STEM CELL TOURISM ONLINE BACKGROUND BRIEFING: Scientists discuss new concerns over 'stem cell tourism.' Fri 17 Oct 08 at 10.30am AEDT NEW CONCERNS OVER STEM CELL TOURISM RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian scientists express concern over the promises of some overseas stem cell doctors. Thu 16 Oct 08 AUSTRALIAN FLU EXPERT, GRAEME LAVER, DIES RAPID ROUNDUP: Professor Graeme Laver has died in London after a brief fight with cancer. Colleague Adrian Gibbs responds. Tue 7 Oct 08 IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES - EXPERTS RESPOND RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on the release of the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Tue 7 Oct 08 IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES - JANE GOODALL RESPONDS BRIEFING: Jane Goodall and Adelaide Zoo Director Chris West comment on the release of the 2008 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Tue 7 Oct 08 at 11.15am AEDT GARNAUT FINAL REPORT - EXPERTS REACT RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to the Garnaut Climate Change Review final report. Tue 30 Sept 08 CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS STILL BOOMING - NEW DATA RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts respond to new figures that reveal global CO2 emissions are continuing to increase. Thu 25 Sept 08 GOOD BACTERIA MAY PROTECT AGAINST DIABETES RAPID ROUNDUP: Australian experts comment on new research published in Nature this week that indicates ‘good’ bacteria in the intestine may lower the risk or severity of type 1 diabetes in mouse models. Mon 22 Sept 08 ECO-LABELS: A THREAT OR AN OPPORTUNITY? ONLINE BRIEFING: Will the trend of counting 'food miles' pose a threat to Australia's exports? Join us online when three experts discuss the issue. Mon 22 Sept 08 at 11am AEST GIVING CHILDREN PARACETAMOL INCREASES ASTHMA RISK - LANCET ONLINE BRIEFING: A NZ co-author of new research published in The Lancet discusses findings that paracetamol given to young children can increase their risk of developing asthma. Fri 19 Sept 08 at 12pm AEST GIVING CHILDREN PARACETAMOL INCREASES ASTHMA RISK - LANCET RAPID ROUNDUP: Experts comment on new research published in The Lancet that found paracetamol given to young children can increase their risk of developing asthma. Fri 19 Sept 08 CHEMICALS IN PLASTICS LINKED TO CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND DIABETES RAPID ROUNDUP : Experts comment on new research out of the US linking bisphenol A to heart disease and diabetes in humans Wed 17 Sept 08

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