HelixGene Foundation to Ensure Responsible Reporting of Genomic Medicine

Traditional media (i.e. television, print) are the principal sources of science information for the public. This is changing however; adult home broadband users under the age of 30 report that the internet is the most popular source for science news and information [1]. Unfortunately, while the public is consuming science reporting today more than ever before, the media is doing a poorer job covering the field. This is particularly troublesome for genomic medicine and personal genetics, since many physicians who lack training in genomics and genetics frequently get their information from the same mainstream media sources as the public.

Genomic medicine is the use of information from the genome to guide the development of new therapeutics and directly influence patient care.
Personal genetics is the use of a person’s genetic makeup to predict health risks and provide ancestry information.

Bloggers for Peer-Reviewed Research Reporting Launches Official Icons

Bloggers for Peer-Reviewed Research Reporting (BPR3) announced today the launch of its’ official icons. BPR3 was created because several academic bloggers in different fields recognized the need to distinguish serious writing on peer-reviewed research from blog posts discussing more informal topics. According the the BRP3 website:

Bloggers for Peer-Reviewed Research Reporting strives to identify serious academic blog posts about peer-reviewed research by developing an icon and an aggregation site where others can look to find the best academic blogging on the Net.