
Nodes of Science Newsletter: Introduction to our Fact in the Head Community
Fact in the Head is a community for evidence-based exploration into the facts in our heads. We cover a wide range of topics, but emphasise discussion of scientific issues as well as those subjects surrounded by confusion, misinformation, and misconception. The purpose of our group is to promote the habit of backing up claims of fact on social networks. We also encourage discussions on how to decide what makes for quality evidence and how to distinguish it from the less credible. We seek to make commonly accepted claims seem strange and counter-intuitive truths seem normal. Too often we accept claims as a fact, but we don’t analyse those claims thoroughly and critically. Not only that, but we frequently don’t even remember where we learned information, yet we trick ourselves into false confidence of our knowledge. For these reasons, discussion here should focus on high-quality facts, credible sources, and scientific literature. We should challenge other people’s claims, but also have the courage to challenge what we ourselves think we believe.

Nodes of Science SkePic Digest May 1 2016
Our Nodes of Science SkePic community communicates science and scientific skepticism through the visual medium. SkePic members share a great assortment of infographics, memes, counter-memes, and other art. The community encourages everyone to discuss effective communication strategies of visual media. Since there have been so many great contributions, we would like to share a sample to our wider audience.

Nodes of Science Communication Digest April 29 2016
Science communication is one topic deeply embedded in each of our Nodes of Science. Speaking on any public science issue means considering how to engage an audience and questioning various approaches to communication. Although we have lifetimes of experience in communication, we still have much to learn from evidence-based communication strategies and the science of science communication. For these reasons, Nodes of Science would like to share literature and discussions from around our groups as well as communities with similar missions. If you find the shared information worthwhile, feel free to jump into the linked discussion thread to share your thoughts.

Stand with Science Communication
The Skepti-Forum Project endorses science communication and values science communicators. As such the former Skepti-Forum Board of Directors drafted a letter in support of Dr. Kevin Folta on November 5. The letter was posted for our members to add their…

On E-mails, Ethics, and FOIA
Controversy surrounding e-mails from scientists are sweeping across the Facebook pages of those following the GMO debate. One of our regular contributors, Richard Green, adds his perspective to the issue. Are you interested in writing about a science related topic? Then…

Myth: UN calls for small-scale organic farming
Iida Ruishalme holds a M.Sc. in Biology from Sweden, has work experience from environmental chemistry, diabetes research, and pharmaceutical bio-bank labs. She lives in Switzerland where she writes both fiction and science. You can follow her at the blog Thoughtscapism….

Smallpox, Vaccination, and the Founding Fathers
Please welcome Dr. Leni Sorensen as our latest guest writer. She is a food historian and has also been the African American Research Historian at the International Center for Jefferson Studies (ICJS) at Monticello. In this article Leni explores the…

Quantum Woo Theory: How Photons AND Coins Gain Consciousness
Quantum, Please welcome our new guest writer Sadri Hassani. He is a professor emeritus of the Illinois State University’s Physics Department. Professor Hassani is especially focused on how some people use the weirdness of Quantum Theory to promote pseudoscience. Follow…

Scientific Research on Science Communication
Science communication is more than relying on hunches and intuitions. To be an effective science communicator, one needs to base their understanding on scientific evidence. Here you will find a small sample of scientific research exploring science communication and social media.

Monsters versus Mobs: A Call to Unleash the Scientist/Narrator Hybrids
The scientific community and its genetic engineers need to incubate more scientist/narrator hybrids. Scientists need public support, and before the public will support various science projects, the scientific community has to embrace story-telling and creative communication based on enthusiasm, understanding, and compassion. If the scientific community wants public support, scientists need to take sides on public science issues while employing charismatic communicators able to connect with people’s values. Scientists cannot remain isolated while expecting the public to embrace new research. Doing good work is not enough.
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