Journalists do offer something that scientists today often want, Dr. Dunwoody said. Scientists have come to realize that publicity can help them gain support for their research. They feel this isn't good science. The reporters simplify too much and jump to conclusions when they are not warranted. This creates a tension in health and environmental science, Dr. Vanderford said.
Journalists work on deadline.
The process of science requires replication. Journalists ask for the conclusion. At least part of the solution, according to Dr. Dunwoody and Dr. Vanderford, is scientists who understand science and scientific evidence. To be able to write those stories we have to be able to evaluate evidence. Both Dr. Dunwoody and Dr. Vanderford recommended that the journalists use scientific sources outside Ukraine as well as within.