Because of the sensationalism committed by science reporters, American's mistrust of science has been amplified. Without bothering to explain the process of science, and the need for replications of studies, and without stressing all the follow-up work required to verify a scientific position or statement, science reporters and the news outlets that run them, have screaming headlines that inform American's of the latest danger or shocking story, only to have a story run counter to it shortly thereafter. A prime example has been reporting on caffine. Headlines blared the news about the danger of caffine causing cancer, then other ailiments, some touted beneficence, and then it was benign. The American public watches these headlines, and their confidence in science is eroded. They blame the scientists, and believe that theories are nothing more than guesses.

Of course, the majority of blame for the lack of knowledge about science rests with the disinterested American education system. But, science reporting has contributed to this lack of trust in the scientific process. A case in point is the belief that creationism is just as valid a "theory" as evolution. And look at how conservatives are able to use this doubt in science to devalue the work done on climate change and global warming.

As the mother of a child with autism, I can attest to the erratic nature of science reporting, and to the confusion and distrust that it causes. Each week I learn of a new "cause" of autism by another reporter angling to be the writer with the "hot" story. The reporting is usually nothing more than a glorified press release, and usually does little to explain the true nature of the scientific investigations and revelations that are produced in the field.

Science reporters need to start taking responsibility for their role in this process by working to undo some of their damage by educating the American public about the behind the scenes processes of science - and make it just as sexy, so people will read it!

You have it backwards.

The reason for the distrust of the scientific community is much more focused than this article pretends. Most of us accept the wonders of science when medical breakthroughs happen. Vaccines and medical procedures are incredible and the doctors and scientists involved deserve our thanks.

But when it comes to the psychological, most "breakthroughs" are little more than educated guesses. Psychologically accepted diagnosis are routinely presented as fact in court cases, for instance. But the evidence is often little more than a psychologists belief in a very thin slice of his field of "expertise."

Some areas of science are actually measurable and provable. Some are not. Common sense still has a role in our thinking. But I realize that scientists who are confronted with common sense arguments usually revert to their typical role. Common sense comes from common (unintelligent) folk. The joke's actually on the scientists because they are a small portion of our population...

Looking in from Australia, I see an approach to science in the USA that is very much captured by the social and economic realities of the nation. USA capitalism demands a constant battle for the biggest bang arguement and the most popular idea to be the winner , and scientific validity isn't the measure of truth. Rationalised emotion has given "creationism" a place as some kind of science, when it's basis is a selective self referal system placing human beings at the centre of some kind of "plan" for the universe.

Yes, it's natural for us to be anthropocentric, it's a neccessary survival mechanism, but the emotional level and selfishness of three year olds should not be the cornerstone of a theory about the way the universe works. Yet, creationism is given room in high schools and universities in the USA. How embarressing!

This isn't to say people who hold these beliefs are less worthy than scientists. Everyone is influenced by the culture they are brought up in. India has scientific facilities that are world class and also a temple that is devoted to the worship of rats.

My concern in all this is that the mega-buck of the religious institutions in the USA tend to bring their propaganda and power to our shores and sway the emotionally vulnerable with their weird faith and cult like paranoia. Yes, even the gun loving crazies have their eyes on Australia becuase it's not considered to be sensible for people to own guns here. Unless you're a loony. Then it's okay, because nobody will argue with a loony with a stock room full of weapons....