The American public believes in science

The American public believes in science — just not its findings

What's behind the "debate" over issues like climate change and vaccination? Can evidence change people's minds? A Pew Research Center poll suggests the American public and U.S. scientists are light-years apart on science issues — and 98% of surveyed scientists say it's a problem that we don't know what they're talking about. Some examples: + Genetically modified foods: Eighty-eight percent of scientists say they’re "generally safe" to eat; 37% of the public agrees. + Vaccines: Eighty-six percent of scientists believe they should be required in childhood, compared to 68% of the public. + Climate change: Ninety-four percent of scientists say it’s a “very serious" or "somewhat serious" problem; 6% of the public agrees. While 87% of scientists blame humans, only 50% of the public does too. + Evolution: Ninety-eight percent of scientists say they believe humans evolved over time, compared to 65% of the public. + Ninety-seven percent of the scientists criticized the educational system and see major problems if communities don't invest in science literacy. + "It's not about being smart or dumb," American Association for the Advancement of Science CEO Alan Leshner told the AP. "It's about whether, in fact, you understand the source of the fact and what the facts are."