Have a Point!!!
And a Few Other Suggestions
for Successfully Talking
Science With Non-scientists
Bob Murray, Ph.D., FACSM
Sports Science Insights, LLC
Career Symposium
EB 2013
YOU ARE AN
IDIOT!
7 billion people
14 million scientists & engineers
7 billion people
99.8% non-scientists
14 million scientists & engineers
99.8% non-scientists
Non-scientists' attention to science
CIA
CIA
HIS
SOS
SOS
HIS
This graph is based upon pure conjecture and is quite possibly wrong.
This graph is based upon pure conjecture and is quite possibly wrong
CIA, curious, informed, analytical; HIS, harried information snackers; SOS, stuck on stupid.
CSI:
Crime Scene
Investigation
80% of American adults surveyed are "very" or
"moderately" interested in Science & Technology.
80% of American adults surveyed are
“very” or “moderately” interested in
Science & Technology.
Bridging the Sciences Survey, 2006; Charlton Research Company for Research! America
We don't seem to be getting dumber.
The center of the Earth is very hot.
All radioactivity is man-made.
It is the father’s gene that decides whether the
baby is a boy or a girl.
Lasers work by focusing sound waves.
Electrons are smaller than atoms.
Antibiotics kill viruses as well as bacteria.
The continents on which we live have been
moving their locations for millions of years and will
continue to move in the future.
Does the Earth go around the Sun, or does the
Sun go around the Earth?
How long does it take for the Earth to go around
the Sun?
National Science Foundation, Science and Engineering Indicators, 2012.
The State of Science in America
realclearscience.com
January 16, 2012
By Alex B. Berezow & Ross Pomeroy
"Science literacy is much more than simply knowing
trivial tidbits of information.
It means being able to ask the right questions to find the
best answers for the everyday problems and curiosities of life.
It means being able to understand and scrutinize significant
scientific studies. Most importantly, scientific literacy means
being able to comprehend and make educated decisions
about important science issues."
GOOGLE
What goes into conducting a research project?
Why do scientific conclusions conflict?
What is replication and why is it important?
Why is blinding important?
Why are some studies better than others?
Effective communication
with non-scientists
Explain the scientific process
Influence public policy
Influence science policy
Protect public interests
Create effective outreach
Have a Point!!!
… and a few other suggestions for successfully talking
science with non-scientists.
Bob Murray, PhD, FACSM
Sports Science Insights, LLC
Crystal Lake, IL
Define your audience.
Choose the right words.
Develop a 3-point message.
Choose supporting information carefully.
Illustrate your points.
Master non-verbal communication..
Communicating
with
non-scientists
is
important.
How do we benefit?
Better writer
Better speaker
Secure funding - Promote research - Collaboration
3 Suggestions
for Talking Science with Non-Scientists
(It ain’t rocket science, although most rocket scientists can’t do it.)
Learn how
to arouse
and fulfill
3
suggestions
Learn how
to tell
a story
Learn how
to repeat
yourself
suggestion
#1
Learn how
to arouse
and fulfill
Facts don't arouse or fulfill.
Over 2300 different types of
bacteria live behind our ears.
An example
"Should I Drink My Orange Juice
Before or After I Work Out?"
ACSM Sports Medicine Bulletin
Should I Drink My Orange Juice Before or After I Work Out?
ACSM Sports Medicine Bulletin
Although a somewhat tongue-in-cheek title, these real-world questions are often raised following presentations of our group’s
recent studies examining the interaction between exercise, oxidative stress and vascular function. Such a seemingly simple
question is not so easily answered, especially for someone immersed in this particular area. This brief article should reveal that
such a question cannot be answered without further questions. As the old saying goes, “the more you know, the more complicated
things become.”
This story begins with atoms, molecules or ions that have unpaired electrons, called free radicals. Generally short-lived due to high
reactivity, free radicals are physiologically both important and dangerous, resulting in oxidative stress. Examples of such extremes
are nitric oxide (NO), recognized as an essential component of vascular function, and superoxide (O2-), which is biologically toxic.
These two compounds react with each other at a rate that is thought to surpass the speed of all other reactions in the body. This
may seem like a zero net gain, but it is probably actually a net loss, as NO is deemed an anti-atherogenic and limiting NO
bioavailability likely leads to cardiovascular disease. A reduction in NO bioavailability, perhaps secondary to free radical generation,
has been implicated in the predominantly endothelium-mediated attenuation in vasodilatory capacity with age.
Both regular physical activity and antioxidant (AO) supplementation have been identified as non-invasive means of controlling
oxidative stress with advancing age. However, evidence for the efficacy of these interventions for disease prevention remains
equivocal, being highly dependent on intensity and dose. The impact of exercise on oxidative stress is additionally complicated by
the fact that a single bout of exercise yields a systemic increase in free radicals, which ultimately becomes the stimulus to augment
endogenous AO defenses. However, acute exercise may initially be harmful in this respect.
Although currently limited to acute effects, the original question of when to drink the orange juice was also acute – at least the first
time. Our group’s research has scratched the surface of the complicated and paradoxical interactions between exercise, oxidative
stress and vascular function with a particular interest in aging (see ESSR). Specifically, we have revealed an age-related
oxidant/antioxidant imbalance which appears to negatively impact vascular function and which exercise training is capable of
restoring. Indeed, exercise training in older adults improves vascular function, so that the AO-mediated reduction in free radicals
negatively impacts exercise-induced brachial artery vasodilation, as previously seen in young untrained subjects. In the elderly,
acute antioxidant administration after exercise training negates exercise-induced improvements in blood pressure and vascular
function, returning older subjects to a hypertensive state and blunting vascular function. Thus, though “should I drink my orange
juice before or after I work out” seems a simple question, there are many qualifiers required to formulate an appropriate answer –
i.e. is the person asking the question young or old, sedentary or active? Each of these factors, and likely many more, play a role in
determining the answer.
Should I Drink My Orange Juice Before or After I Work Out?
ACSM Sports Medicine Bulletin
Although a somewhat tongue-in-cheek title, these real-world questions are often raised following presentations of our group’s
recent studies examining the interaction between exercise, oxidative stress and vascular function. Such a seemingly simple
question is not so easily answered, especially for someone immersed in this particular area. This brief article should reveal that
such a question cannot be answered without further questions. As the old saying goes, “the more you know, the more complicated
things become.”
This story begins with atoms, molecules or ions that have unpaired electrons, called free radicals. Generally short-lived due to
high reactivity, free radicals are physiologically both important and dangerous, resulting in oxidative stress. Examples of such
extremes are nitric oxide (NO), recognized as an essential component of vascular function, and superoxide (O2-), which is
biologically toxic. These two compounds react with each other at a rate that is thought to surpass the speed of all other reactions in
the body. This may seem like a zero net gain, but it is probably actually a net loss, as NO is deemed an anti-atherogenic and
limiting NO bioavailability likely leads to cardiovascular disease. A reduction in NO bioavailability, perhaps secondary to free
radical generation, has been implicated in the predominantly endothelium-mediated attenuation in vasodilatory capacity with
age.
Both regular physical activity and antioxidant (AO) supplementation have been identified as non-invasive means of controlling
oxidative stress with advancing age. However, evidence for the efficacy of these interventions for disease prevention remains
equivocal, being highly dependent on intensity and dose. The impact of exercise on oxidative stress is additionally complicated by
the fact that a single bout of exercise yields a systemic increase in free radicals, which ultimately becomes the stimulus to
augment endogenous AO defenses. However, acute exercise may initially be harmful in this respect.
Although currently limited to acute effects, the original question of when to drink the orange juice was also acute – at least the first
time. Our group’s research has scratched the surface of the complicated and paradoxical interactions between exercise,
oxidative stress and vascular function with a particular interest in aging (see ESSR). Specifically, we have revealed an age-related
oxidant/antioxidant imbalance which appears to negatively impact vascular function and which exercise training is capable of
restoring. Indeed, exercise training in older adults improves vascular function, so that the AO-mediated reduction in free radicals
negatively impacts exercise-induced brachial artery vasodilation, as previously seen in young untrained subjects. In the elderly,
acute antioxidant administration after exercise training negates exercise-induced improvements in blood pressure and vascular
function, returning older subjects to a hypertensive state and blunting vascular function. Thus, though “should I drink my orange
juice before or after I work out” seems a simple question, there are many qualifiers required to formulate an appropriate answer –
i.e. is the person asking the question young or old, sedentary or active? Each of these factors, and likely many more, play a role in
determining the answer.
Should I Drink My Orange Juice Before or After I Work Out?
ACSM Sports Medicine Bulletin
Although a somewhat tongue-in-cheek title, these real-world questions are often raised following presentations of our group’s
recent studies examining the interaction between exercise, oxidative stress and vascular function. Such a seemingly simple
question is not so easily answered, especially for someone immersed in this particular area. This brief article should reveal that
such a question cannot be answered without further questions. As the old saying goes, “the more you know, the more complicated
things become.”
This story begins with atoms, molecules or ions that have unpaired electrons, called free radicals. Generally short-lived due to high
reactivity, free radicals are physiologically both important and dangerous, resulting in oxidative stress. Examples of such extremes
are nitric oxide (NO), recognized as an essential component of vascular function, and superoxide (O2-), which is biologically toxic.
These two compounds react with each other at a rate that is thought to surpass the speed of all other reactions in the body. This
may seem like a zero net gain, but it is probably actually a net loss, as NO is deemed an anti-atherogenic and limiting NO
bioavailability likely leads to cardiovascular disease. A reduction in NO bioavailability, perhaps secondary to free radical generation,
has been implicated in the predominantly endothelium-mediated attenuation in vasodilatory capacity with age.
Both regular physical activity and antioxidant (AO) supplementation have been identified as non-invasive means of controlling
oxidative stress with advancing age. However, evidence for the efficacy of these interventions for disease prevention remains
equivocal, being highly dependent on intensity and dose. The impact of exercise on oxidative stress is additionally complicated by
the fact that a single bout of exercise yields a systemic increase in free radicals, which ultimately becomes the stimulus to augment
endogenous AO defenses. However, acute exercise may initially be harmful in this respect.
Although currently limited to acute effects, the original question of when to drink the orange juice was also acute – at least the first
time. Our group’s research has scratched the surface of the complicated and paradoxical interactions between exercise, oxidative
stress and vascular function with a particular interest in aging (see ESSR). Specifically, we have revealed an age-related
oxidant/antioxidant imbalance which appears to negatively impact vascular function and which exercise training is capable of
restoring. Indeed, exercise training in older adults improves vascular function, so that the AO-mediated reduction in free radicals
negatively impacts exercise-induced brachial artery vasodilation, as previously seen in young untrained subjects. In the elderly,
acute antioxidant administration after exercise training negates exercise-induced improvements in blood pressure and vascular
function, returning older subjects to a hypertensive state and blunting vascular function. Thus, though “should I drink my orange
juice before or after I work out” seems a simple question, there are many qualifiers required to formulate an appropriate
answer – i.e. is the person asking the question young or old, sedentary or active? Each of these factors, and likely many
more, play a role in determining the answer.
VIDEO
What we got here
is failure to
communicate
Our job is to arouse and fulfill.
Tom Hollihan, PhD
Professor,
USC Annenberg School for Communication
VIDEO
If you're going to arouse,
you'd better fulfill.
suggestion
#2
Learn how
to tell
a story.
IMRaD
IMRaD, Introduction, Methods, Results [and] Discussion
Stories, not facts.
simple
Tell a story that aims for more than the head.
^
BOOK
MOVIE
TV
SHOW
Basic Elements of Storytelling
Set-up
Conflict
Resolution
How the Brain Senses Nutrient Balance
ScienceDaily.com January 17, 2012
"We found that activity in the orexin/hypocretin system is regulated by
macronutrient balance rather than simply by the caloric content of the
diet, suggesting that the brain contains not only energy-sensing cells,
but also cells that can measure dietary balance. Our data support the
idea that the orexin/hypocretin neurons are under a 'push-pull' control
by sugars and proteins. Interestingly, although behavioral effects are
beyond the scope of our study, this cellular model is consistent with
reports that when compared with sugar-rich meals, protein-rich meals
are more effective at promoting wakefulness and arousal."
Learn How to Tell a Story in 3 Sentences
Everyone needs the occasional wake-me-up food or beverage. (Set-up)
But what's best to consume, especially if you don't want caffeine? (Conflict)
Our research supports the notion that protein-rich meals might be best to promote
wakefulness and arousal. (Resolution)
Learn How to Tell Your Science Story
in 3 Sentences
PRACTICE
simple
Tell a story that aims for more than the head.
^
Randy Olson, PhD
Aim for More Than the Head
Four Organs of Mass Communication
Head
Facts; Analysis; Intellect
Heart
Feelings; Passion; Emotion
Guts
Instinct; Humor
Gonads
Sex appeal
Adapted from: Olson, R. Don't Be Such a Scientist. Washington, DC: Ireland Press, 2009.
Four Organs of Mass Communication
People
Magazine
Prof. Peter Doherty
1996 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
"... for discoveries concerning the specificity
of cell mediated immune defense."
Head, Heart, Guts, Gonads
Peter C. Doherty, Ph.D.
1996 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine
VIDEO
suggestion
#3
Learn how
to repeat
yourself.
Tell 'em what you're going to tell 'em.
Tell 'em.
Tell 'em what you told 'em.
Repeat yourself.
Gettysburg Address
Thursday, November 19, 1863
2 minutes
10 sentences
268 words
Learn how to repeat yourself.
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation,
conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now
we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived
and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have
come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their
lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But,
in a larger sense, we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this
ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above
our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say
here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated
here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It
is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these
honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full
measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in
vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government
of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
35 seconds
8 mentions of red foods
VIDEO
Learn how
to arouse
and fulfill
3
suggestions
Learn how
to tell
a story
Learn how
to repeat
yourself
"And by the way, when you're telling these little stories,
here's a good idea: Have a POINT!!! It makes it SO much
more interesting for the listener."
- Steve Martin to John Candy in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles