Editing Science Journalism (section)

== <span style="color: #FFFFFF;">Understanding</span> ==
Science journalism is understood through '''Narrative''' and '''Selection'''.

'''1. The "Hook" (Narrative)''':
Science is a "Process," but News is an "Event."
* A "Scientist" works for **10 Years**.
* A "Journalist" has **10 Seconds** to "Capture the Reader."
* They look for the **"Breakthrough"** or the **"Miracle."**
* They "Humanize" the science by "Telling the Story" of the "Individual Scientist" and their "Struggle."
* "Stories" are how the "Public" "Digests" the "Data."

'''2. The "Filter" (Selection)''':
There are **1 Million** science papers published every year.
* A "Newsroom" only has space for **3**.
* Journalists "Select" based on **"Newsworthiness"**:
** Is it "Relevant" to my health?
** Is it "Surprising"?
** Is it "Controversial"?
* This means "Boring but Important" science (like 'Improving Soil Quality') is "Ignored," while "Flashy but Small" science (like 'Searching for Aliens') is "Everywhere."

'''3. The "Translation" (Accuracy)''':
The "Language of Lab" is "Probability." The "Language of News" is "Certainty."
* Scientist: "There is a 1% chance this drug might reduce symptoms in 5 years."
* Headline: **"CURE FOR DISEASE FOUND!"**
* This "Oversimplification" creates a "Boom-and-Bust" cycle of "Hope and Disappointment" in the public.

'''The 'Andrew Wakefield' Scandal (1998)'''': A journalist "Reported" on a "Small, Bad Paper" that suggested "Vaccines cause Autism." The media "Sensationalized" the story and gave "False Balance" to the claims for years. It led to a "Collapse in Trust" and "Measles Outbreaks," proving that "Bad Science Journalism" can be **Deadly**.
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