Slebs: Stop Spouting Pseudoscientific s****

[Gilps]

Minor stars may not be experts after all

 

Stars must 'check science facts'

 

Celebrities have been asked to check their facts before lending support to scientific research and campaigns, rather than risk misleading people.

 

Some celebrity-backed campaigns have done more harm than good, such as linking the MMR jab to autism, says the charity Sense About Science.

 

The group has listed statements made by stars on topics such as organic food, pesticides and ways to avoid cancer.

 

It adds scientists' views on whether the claims are misleading.

 

The list is contained in a pamphlet which is being distributed to VIP clubs and restaurants across the UK, as well as management agencies and publishers.

 

It offers advice such as "if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is", and lists a phone number for concerned celebrities to call if they want to discuss anything with experts.

 

Sense About Science director Tracey Brown told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the claims made ranged from "the weird and the wacky" to more serious issues.

 

"There is a real problem when people present things as though they are scientifically grounded," she said.

 

"There is always going to be a fair bit of nonsense around, and particularly with the big interest in lifestyle."

 

Ms Brown added: "We are saying, 'Before you go public, check your facts'. All it takes is a phone call to us.

 

"We have over 1,400 scientists who are committed to helping improve public debate.

 

"We also have many of the medical research charities and the scientific societies who would much rather have a phone call and spend a bit of time than have to chase after trying to undo some misinformation to the public."

 

One celebrity who is backing the campaign is illusionist Derren Brown. He said: "We are more than aware that the media prefer a shocking story over delicate fact.

 

"In areas like food, environment and medicine, this can have serious results," he added.

 

"Scientists, traditionally a quiet bunch, are now trying to redress the balance and finding ways of promoting fact over misinformation."

 

In November, Lord Rees, president of the Royal Society, called on the scientific community to become more involved in public debates about their research.

 

He added that there was a tendency for minority "strident" views to get exaggerated, leading to an unbalanced debate.

[charlie clown]

This post is not viewable to guests.

You can sign in to your account at the login page here

If you do not have an account then you can register here

[cymrococh]

This post is not viewable to guests.

You can sign in to your account at the login page here

If you do not have an account then you can register here

[Bald Devil]

This post is not viewable to guests.

You can sign in to your account at the login page here

If you do not have an account then you can register here