Publicação em inglês: um novo marco editorial dos Cadernos Ibero-Americanos de Direito Sanitário / Publication in English: a new editorial milestone for Cadernos Ibero-Americanos de Direito Sanitário / Publicación en Inglés: un nuevo hito editorial de los Cadernos Ibero-Americanos de Direito Sanitário

Os avanços tecnológicos impactaram diretamente a forma como a ciência é comunicada, reduzindo fronteiras e conectando indivíduos, mas a barreira linguística ainda persiste como um obstáculo significativo para a colaboração entre pesquisadores e a disseminação do conhecimento. Publicações em inglês têm alcance ampliado, viabilizando a difusão dos resultados dos estudos e pesquisas dos periódicos nacionais. Os Cadernos Ibero-Americanos de Direito Sanitário (CIADS), na esteira dessa vanguarda, passam a publicar seus artigos originais, resenhas e comunicações breves em inglês, sem custo para o autor, além da manutenção do idioma original. Este importante passo marca uma inovadora trajetória editorial do periódico, rumo à sua internacionalização.

Los avances tecnológicos han impactado directamente la forma en que se comunica la ciencia, reduciendo fronteras y conectando individuos, pero la barrera lingüística aún persiste como un obstáculo significativo para la colaboración entre investigadores y la difusión del conocimiento. Las publicaciones en inglés han ampliado su alcance, facilitando la difusión de los resultados de estudios e investigaciones en revistas nacionales. Siguiendo esta vanguardia, los Cadernos Ibero-Americanos de Direito Sanitário (CIADS) ahora publicarán sus artículos originales, reseñas y comunicaciones breves en inglés, sin costo para el autor, además de mantener el idioma original. Este importante paso marca una trayectoria editorial innovadora del periódico hacia su internacionalización.

Technological advances have directly impacted the way science is communicated, reducing borders and connecting individuals, but the language barrier still persists as a significant obstacle to collaboration between researchers and the dissemination of knowledge. Publications in English have a wider reach, making it possible to disseminate the results of studies and research in national journals. Cadernos Ibero-Americanos de Direito Sanitário (CIADS), in the wake of this vanguard, is now publishing its original articles, reviews and short communications in English, at no cost to the author, in addition to maintaining the original language. This important step marks the journal's innovative editorial path towards internationalization.

Rebuttal of the arguments put forward in the Letter to the Editor by Nizzetto et al.

In their Letter to the Editor, Nizzetto et al. challange a recent article in which I show that there has been unwarranted alarmism about biodegradable mulch films due to the publication of numerous articles based on preliminary data that are irrelevant for drawing conclusions on environmental risk. The tendency to over-emphasise results in order to attract attention is a growing problem in the scientific world and has been studied by many scholars. Nizzetto et al. accuse me of not using scientific methodology and of not disclosing that I am a scientist working for a company that produces biodegradable plastics. In this rebuttal I show that Nizzetto et al.'s accusations suffer from a number of logical fallacies, in particular the "straw man" fallacy and the "ad hominem" fallacy.

La gestión editorial de las revistas científicas como componente de la actividad de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación

Introducción: La actividad de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación constituye en la actualidad un pilar básico en el desarrollo de un país. Las revistas científicas son parte esencial de la investigación científica por ser el principal vehículo para la divulgación de los resultados. Objetivo: Realizar una valoración teórica sobre la concepción de la gestión editorial como una actividad científica. Método: Se utilizaron métodos de análisis documental mediante la selección de información obtenida de bases de datos científicas como SciELO, Scopus y Google Académico, con la utilización de criterios: gestión editorial; revistas científicas y actividad de ciencia y tecnología. Resultados: Se abordaron aspectos relacionados con la evolución de la comunicación científica a través de las revistas, sus enfoques tradicionalista, tecnológico y social; así como su papel en la comunicación científica de los resultados de la investigación científica y la gestión editorial para la publicación de las revistas científicas. Conclusiones: Los autores conciben la gestión editorial de las revistas científicas como un proceso científico-técnico con marcado carácter pedagógico que, a través de la evaluación rigurosa del resultado de investigación, depura y socializa el producto de la creación científica.

Introduction: Science, Technology and Innovation activity currently constitutes a basic pillar in the development of a country. Scientific journals are an essential part of scientific research as they are the main vehicle for the dissemination of results. Objective: To carry out a theoretical assessment of the conception of editorial management as a scientific activity. Method: Documentary analysis methods were used by selecting information obtained from scientific databases such as SciELO, Scopus and Google Scholar, using criteria: editorial management; scientific journals and science and technology activity. Results: Aspects related to the evolution of scientific communication through magazines, their traditionalist, technological and social approaches were addressed; as well as its role in the scientific communication of the results of scientific research and the editorial management for the publication of scientific journals. Conclusions: The authors conceive the editorial management of scientific journals as a scientific-technical process with a marked pedagogical character that, through the rigorous evaluation of the research result, purifies and socializes the product of scientific creation.

Introdução: A atividade de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação constitui atualmente um pilar básico no desenvolvimento de um país. As revistas científicas são uma parte essencial da investigação científica, pois são o principal veículo de divulgação dos resultados. Objetivo: Realizar uma avaliação teórica da concepção de gestão editorial como atividade científica. Método: Foram utilizados métodos de análise documental selecionando informações obtidas em bases de dados científicos como SciELO, Scopus e Google Acadêmico, utilizando critérios: gestão editorial; revistas científicas e atividades de ciência e tecnologia. Resultados: Foram abordados aspectos relacionados à evolução da comunicação científica por meio de revistas, suas abordagens tradicionalistas, tecnológicas e sociais; bem como o seu papel na comunicação científica dos resultados da investigação científica e na gestão editorial da publicação de revistas científicas. Conclusões: Os autores concebem a gestão editorial das revistas científicas como um processo técnico-científico de marcado caráter pedagógico que, por meio da avaliação rigorosa do resultado da pesquisa, purifica e socializa o produto da criação científica.

The pathology of hype, hyperbole and publication bias is creating an unwarranted concern towards biodegradable mulch films.

The idea that it is a risk to promote biodegradable mulch films on a large scale is becoming established at academic level based on a series of articles similar in approach and conclusions. However, a critical analysis shows that the results do not justify the alarmist tones. The negative effects of hand-cut pieces of virgin material added in pots at concentrations up to 714 times the application doses are ascribed to the "accumulation" and "contamination" of "residues" and "debris" of biodegradable plastics. Yet, no accumulation and no contamination of biodegradable microplastics has actually been shown. No Predicted Environmental Concentration was established, thus the use of the term risk is inappropriate. The hypothesis of transient phytotoxicity of organic matter under decomposition i.e., an artificial outcome of the experimental scheme used, was not considered. A scrupulous approach to terminology is very important for the quality of communication and for the development of innovations. Scientific communication is a delicate process in which and to avoid hyperbole, there must be strict logical and lexical consistency between results and conclusions. Guidelines on the communication of the results of studies on biodegradable mulch must be developed to avoid the spread of unjustified concerns.

Challenges and Controversies in Peer Review: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

The process of peer review has been the gold standard for evaluating medical science, but significant pressures from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, new methods of communication, larger amounts of research, and an evolving publication landscape have placed significant pressures on this system. A task force convened by the American College of Cardiology identified the 5 most significant controversies associated with the current peer-review process: the effect of preprints, reviewer blinding, reviewer selection, reviewer incentivization, and publication of peer reviewer comments. Although specific solutions to these issues will vary, regardless of how scientific communication evolves, peer review must remain an essential process for ensuring scientific integrity, timely dissemination of information, and better patient care. In medicine, the peer-review process is crucial because harm can occur if poor-quality data or incorrect conclusions are published. With the dramatic increase in scientific publications and new methods of communication, high-quality peer review is more important now than ever.

Regaining Trust in Public Health and Biomedical Science following Covid: The Role of Scientists.

Biomedical science suffered a loss of trust during the Covid-19 pandemic. Why? One reason is a crisis fueled by confusion over the epistemology of science. Attacks on biomedical expertise rest on a mistaken view of what the justification is for crediting scientific information. The ideas that science is characterized by universal agreement and that any evolution or change of beliefs about facts and theories undermines trustworthiness in science are simply false. Biomedical science is trustworthy precisely because it is fallible, admits error, adjusts to new information, and, most importantly, is practical. Successful diagnosis and cure demarcate the boundaries of warranted knowledge. The other reason is sociological. As the pandemic made all too clear, the loss of faith in scientific experts was due to the failure of most of them to engage in regular public dialogue, reflecting a failure to recognize the obligation that science has to bolster trust in its work and findings by concerted public engagement.

[Revista Médica del IMSS: Institutional heritage and Important reference]. / Revista Médica del IMSS: patrimonio institucional e importante referente formativo.

In a context that has tended towards globalization, in which obtaining economic resources is usually the driving force of societies, information resources have frequently been treated as private goods for which one must pay. A strategy for the above has been open and free access to information, a factor of great importance for the construction of more open media.

En un contexto que ha tendido a lo globalizado, en el que la obtención de recursos económicos suele ser el motor de las sociedades, los recursos de información han sido tratados con frecuencia como bienes privados por los que hay que pagar. Una estrategia a lo anterior ha sido el acceso abierto y gratuito a la información, un factor de gran importancia para la construcción de medios más abiertos.

[The track of the clinical researcher]. / El camino del investigador clínico.

In this issue, the students of the Maestría en Ciencias de la Salud Program, who are generally doctors, publish their work in the format of architectural design. The architectural design, allows to demonstrate in a schematic way, the objective, basal state, maneuver and outcome of their investigations. In this issue of the Revista Médica del IMSS, architectural design is used explicitly for the first time in a scientific publication. This innovation was achieved thanks to the collaboration of the editors and students of the Maestría en Ciencias de la Salud Program.

En este número los estudiantes de la Maestría en Ciencias de la Salud, los cuales, en general, son médicos y publican sus trabajos con el formato del diseño arquitectónico. El diseño arquitectónico permite mostrar de forma esquemática, el objetivo, estado basal, maniobra y desenlace de sus investigaciones. En este número de la Revista Médica del IMSS se usa por primera vez de forma explícita el diseño arquitectónico en una publicación científica. Esta innovación se logró gracias a la colaboración de los editores y estudiantes de la Maestría de Ciencias de la Salud.

Missão na Terra das Árvores Tortas: An RPG on the Brazilian Savanna / Missão na Terra das Árvores Tortas: Um jogo de RPG sobre o Cerrado

We created a role-playing game (RPG) about Cerrado, the Brazilian savanna, in order to translate scientific knowledge to the general public and to contribute to environmental education in schools. With this game, we aimed to disseminate knowledge about Cerrado native plant and animal species and the biome phytophysiognomies. The RPG quest involves seed dispersal by animals, thus showing the interdependence between flora and fauna. Moreover, by presenting as fictional characters the big mammals of Cerrado, we expect that the participants experience the threats faced by these animals due to anthropogenic actions. The use of the RPG is an active methodology that mobilizes competences and skills from National Common Curricular Basis (BNCC). In a case study, we report the use of the game in high school classes at a Full-Time State School (CEPI) in the state of Goiás, Brazil, which is a public school in the Cerrado region. The students actively participated in the game, including students with special needs and students that usually do not participate in classes that use traditional teaching methods. Students made positive comments about the game, and were interested in learning more about Cerrado species. We conclude that the Cerrado RPG can be used as an efficient teaching tool.

Diante do desafio de traduzir o conhecimento científico para uma linguagem acessível ao público leigo e de contribuir para a educação ambiental nas escolas, elaboramos um jogo de tabuleiro no formato role-playing game (RPG) sobre o bioma Cerrado. Com esse jogo, objetivamos difundir o conhecimento sobre espécies nativas de plantas e animais do Cerrado e as fitofisionomias do bioma. A missão do jogo envolve a dispersão de sementes por animais e mostra a interdependência entre flora e fauna. Além disso, ao apresentar como personagens fictícios os grandes mamíferos do Cerrado, visamos que os participantes vivenciem as ameaças enfrentadas pela fauna devido a ações antrópicas. O jogo consiste em uma metodologia ativa que mobiliza competências e habilidades da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) e está disponibilizado em um formato pronto para ser jogado. Apresentamos um relato de experiência, no qual descrevemos a utilização do jogo em turmas de Ensino Médio em um Centro de Ensino em Período Integral (CEPI) em Goiás, uma escola pública na região do Cerrado. As turmas participaram ativamente do jogo, incluindo estudantes com necessidades especiais e estudantes que não costumam participar de aulas que utilizam métodos tradicionais de ensino. Os estudantes afirmaram terem gostado de jogar e fizeram comentários positivos sobre o jogo, além de demonstrarem interesse em aprender mais sobre plantas e animais do Cerrado. Concluímos que o jogo de RPG do Cerrado pode ser utilizado como uma eficiente ferramenta de ensino.

[Who reads the Revista Médica del IMSS? Altmetrics answer it]. / ¿Quién lee la Revista Médica del IMSS? Las métricas alternativas responden.

The Revisa Médica del IMSS is considered a track of national and international scientific dissemination that presents the results of clinical research carried out within the Institute. Altmetrics, or alternative metrics, emerged as an alternative to citation-based metrics and allow authors to visualize the impact of their works that have not received citations to identify the characteristics of the readers who consult their published article. It is important that scientific journals have accurate information from their readers, as it will provide them with an overview of the use of the information produced in their area of expertise or in their institution. This editorial explores the characteristics of the readers of the Revista Médica del IMSS through the analysis of alternative metrics available in the Dimensions database.

La Revista Médica del IMSS es considerada como un medio de divulgación científica nacional e internacional que presenta los resultados de la investigación clínica realizada dentro del Instituto. Las Altmetrics, o métricas alternativas, surgieron como una alternativa a las métricas basadas en citación y permiten a los autores visibilizar el impacto de sus trabajos que no han recibido citas para identificar las características de los lectores que consultan su artículo publicado. Es importante que las revistas científicas cuenten con información precisa de sus lectores, pues les brindará un panorama sobre el uso de la información que se produce en su área de especialidad o en su institución. En este editorial se exploran las características de los lectores de la Revista Médica del IMSS a través del análisis de las métricas alternativas disponibles en la base de datos Dimensions.

Neurofeedback on twitter: Evaluation of the scientific credibility and communication about the technique.

Neurofeedback is a popular technique to induce neuroplasticity with a controversial reputation. The public discourse on neurofeedback, as a therapeutic and neuroenhancement technique, encompasses scientific communication, therapeutic expectations and outcomes, as well as complementary and alternative practices. We investigated twitter publications from 2010 to 2022 on the keyword "neurofeedback". A total of over 138 k tweets were obtained, which originated from over 42 k different users. The communication flow in the neurofeedback community is mainly unidirectional and non-interactive. Analysis of hashtags revealed application fields, therapy provider and neuroenhancement to be the most popular contents in neurofeedback communication. A group of 1221 productive users was identified, in which clinicians, entrepreneurs, broadcasters, and scientists contribute. We identified reactions to critical publications in the twitter traffic and an increase in the number of tweets by academic users which suggest an increase in the interest on the scientific credibility of neurofeedback. More intense scientific communication on neurofeedback in twitter may contribute to promote a more realistic view on challenges and advances regarding good scientific practice of neurofeedback.

Developing Scientific Communication Skills Using Primary Literature in an Undergraduate Cell Biology Course.

Being able to communicate scientifically is an important skill for students graduating with a science degree. Skills used in future graduate school and careers for science majors include oral and written communication, as well as science literacy and being able to create figures to display information. There is a consensus that these skills should be taught throughout an undergraduate science curriculum; however, many instructors have cited insufficient time to cover skills and develop materials to effectively incorporate these skills, especially into lower-level content-focused courses. Here, we present an active curriculum that can easily be incorporated into any content-focused undergraduate Cell Biology course. The curriculum is designed around scientific literature that engages students in a multitude of active learning activities to develop different types of scientific communication skills. This curriculum not only develops student skills and self-efficacy in scientific communication, it also engages them in course content and stimulates their interest in research. While making changes to a course to include scientific communication can be difficult, making small changes, such as addition of this curriculum to an already-existing content-focused course, could make a big difference in the skills and attitudes of early undergraduate science students.

Strategies for communicating scientific evidence on healthcare to managers and the population: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Health evidence needs to be communicated and disseminated in a manner that is clearly understood by decision-makers. As an inherent component of health knowledge translation, communicating results of scientific studies, effects of interventions and health risk estimates, in addition to understanding key concepts of clinical epidemiology and interpreting evidence, represent a set of essential instruments to reduce the gap between science and practice. The advancement of digital and social media has reshaped the concept of health communication, introducing new, direct and powerful communication platforms and gateways between researchers and the public. The objective of this scoping review was to identify strategies for communicating scientific evidence in healthcare to managers and/or population. METHODS: We searched Cochrane Library, Embase®, MEDLINE® and other six electronic databases, in addition to grey literature, relevant websites from related organizations for studies, documents or reports published from 2000, addressing any strategy for communicating scientific evidence on healthcare to managers and/or population. RESULTS: Our search identified 24 598 unique records, of which 80 met the inclusion criteria and addressed 78 strategies. Most strategies focused on risk and benefit communication in health, were presented by textual format and had been implemented and somehow evaluated. Among the strategies evaluated and appearing to yield some benefit are (i) risk/benefit communication: natural frequencies instead of percentages, absolute risk instead relative risk and number needed to treat, numerical instead nominal communication, mortality instead survival; negative or loss content appear to be more effective than positive or gain content; (ii) evidence synthesis: plain languages summaries to communicate the results of Cochrane reviews to the community were perceived as more reliable, easier to find and understand, and better to support decisions than the original summaries; (iii) teaching/learning: the Informed Health Choices resources seem to be effective for improving critical thinking skills. CONCLUSION: Our findings contribute to both the knowledge translation process by identifying communication strategies with potential for immediate implementation and to future research by recognizing the need to evaluate the clinical and social impact of other strategies to support evidence-informed policies. Trial registration protocol is prospectively available in MedArxiv (doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.04.21265922).

Advice as a Form of Structural Coupling: Intersystem Organizations and Scientific Communication in the Japanese Response to COVID-19.

A critical issue in the study of scientific communication from a systems theoretical perspective is its role in multiple intersystem relationships. During COVID-19, politics has adopted scientific findings to inform political decisions. However, science has in response actively coordinated its operations for providing desired stimuli to politics. Luhmann identified advice as a form of structural coupling that links political and scientific systems. Advice is not a monolithic intervention by which one side acts on the other but is rather an interface that enables the two systems to relate through distancing. In this article, I empirically illustrate how the structural coupling of the political system and scientific system through advice manifests itself in an examination of the roles that various organizations (expert meeting and cluster task forces) have played in Japan's response to COVID-19. Through this analysis, I provide a theoretical insight regarding these organizations and a more detailed case analysis of the transformation of certain organizations to re-describe the system theoretical insights of advice in the form of scientific communication between politics and science.

Embedding Scientific Communication and Digital Capabilities in the Undergraduate Biomedical Science Curriculum.

Introduction: Scientific communication, particularly the dissemination of research findings to both the scientific community and the general public, are skills required of graduates embarking on post-graduate studies and employment within the biomedical sciences sector. The aims of this action research project were to i) co-design an online scientific communication and digital capabilities resource, constructively aligned to the learning objectives of a final year undergraduate investigative research project; ii) ensure resource flexibility for future adaptation by others iii) embed authentic scientific communication learning assessments, namely, the preparation of a lay summary and visual abstract and iv) promote students' awareness of developed digital capabilities and transferable skills through written reflection. Materials and Methods: Student engagement, self-efficacy, experiences and performance and staff perceptions (n = 15) were evaluated by a mixed methods approach. Qualitative data was gathered from focus sessions, free text responses within questionnaires and content analysis of students' written reflections (n = 104). Quantitative data from 5-point Likert responses within student questionnaires (n = 31) and analysis of student scientific and lay writing (n = 146) using the readability parameters Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Flesch Reading Ease were analysed using non-parametric statistical methods. Results: A learning resource was co-designed with students, staff, local, national and international contributors and valued by both students and staff, enabling students to prepare scientific communication outputs of a professional standard by application of digital, analytical and scientific communication skills. Students prepared lay summaries which were statistically (p < 0.0001) more readable than their paired scientific abstracts. Significant correlations between easier readability of lay summaries and awarded marks for the written elements of the module were noted. Students reported their digital and communication capabilities increased significantly (p < 0.0001) throughout, from limited to good/excellent and reflected on the numerous transferable skills developed during preparation of assessments, with 75% reflecting on their digital capabilities. Discussion: Undergraduate students developed, appreciated and used varied scientific communication and digital skills to articulate research findings. The embedding of such activities throughout all levels of higher education will enable students to develop their digital and scientific skills and reflect on the development of such transferable skills for application in their future careers.

O emprego da rede social Instagram com foco na apresentação de Trabalhos de Conclusão de Curso / El uso de la red social Instagram con foco en la presentación de Trabajos de Fin de Curso / Use of the social network Instagram focused on the presentation of Course Completion Monographs

Relata-se a experiência de utilização da plataforma Instagramna criação e disseminação de conhecimento com foco na apresentação de Trabalhos de Conclusão de Curso (TCC) por acadêmicos de graduação em Odontologia. Foi realizado um relato descritivo da veiculação de conteúdo na rede social Instagram, por meio do perfil @powerpoint.tcc. O conteúdo foi produzido por uma acadêmica de graduação em Odontologia, com o apoio de discentes e docentes envolvidos em apresentações científicas e acadêmicas. Foram realizadas postagens frequentes abordando diversas temáticas relacionadas ao tema apresentação de TCC. Foram elaborados materiais variados em formato de posts, destacando-se o uso do softwarePowerPoint para a criação de apresentações; oratória, postura e linguagem; além de informações sobre apresentação de dados de forma atrativa e interessante. Os formatos das postagens realizadas foram aqueles disponíveis na plataforma Instagram: postsno feed, reels, story, vídeos no IGTV, além de livesda própria conta ou em contas parceiras. A periodicidade das postagens temáticas foide pelo menos uma a cada dois dias. A avaliação de alcance e entrega do conteúdo foi obtida por meio das métricas disponibilizadas no próprio aplicativo da rede social. Observou-se grande interesse sobre a temática abordada, uma vez que as apresentações científicas e acadêmicas são habituais para os acadêmicos de graduação. Conclui-se que a experiência prática de utilização da plataforma Instagrampara criação e transmissão de conhecimentos com foco nos TCCs mostrou-se extremamente promissora e propositiva (AU).

Se relata la experiencia del uso de la plataforma Instagram en la creación y difusión de conocimiento, con foco en la presentación de Trabajos de Fin de Curso (TFC) por parte de estudiantes de pregrado en Odontología. Se realizó un relato descriptivo de la colocación de contenidos en la red social Instagram, a través del perfil @powerpoint.tcc. El contenido fue producido por un estudiante de pregrado en Odontología, con el apoyo de estudiantes y profesores involucrados en presentaciones científicas y académicas. Se realizaron publicaciones frecuentes abordando diversos temas relacionados con el tema presentación de TFC. Se prepararon diversos materiales en forma de post, destacándose el uso del software PowerPoint para la creación de presentaciones; oratoria, postura y lenguaje; así como información sobre cómo presentar los datos de forma atractiva e interesante. Los formatos de las publicaciones realizadas fueron los disponibles en la plataforma de Instagram: publicaciones en el feed, reels, story, videos en IGTV, además de live en la propia cuenta o en cuentas de compañeros. La frecuencia de publicaciones temáticas fue de al menos una cada dos días. La evaluación del alcance y entrega del contenido se obtuvo a través de las métricas disponibles en la propia aplicación de la red social. Hubo gran interés en el tema abordado, ya que las presentaciones científicas y académicas son comunes para los estudiantes de pregrado. Se concluye que la experiencia práctica del uso de la plataforma Instagram para la creación y transmisión de conocimiento con enfoque en el TFC demostró ser sumamente promisoria y propositiva (AU).

The experience of using the Instagram platform for creation and dissemination of knowledge is reported, focusing on the presentation of Course Completion Monographs (TCC) by undergraduate dental students. A descriptive report of the diffusion of content on the social network Instagram was performed, on the profile @powerpoint.tcc. The content was produced by an undergraduate dental student, with the support of students and professors involved in scientific and academic presentations. Frequent posts were made addressing several topics related to the presentation of TCC. Several materials were prepared in the form of posts, highlighting the use of PowerPoint software to create presentations; speech, posture and language; as well as information on presenting data in an attractive and interesting manner. The formats of posts were those available on the Instagram platform: feed posts, reels, story, videos on IGTV, besides lives on the account or partner accounts. The frequency of thematic posts was at least one at every two days. The evaluation of content reach and delivery was achieved by the metrics available in the social network application. There was great interest in the topic addressed, since scientific and academic presentations are common for undergraduate students. It was concluded that the practical experience of using the Instagram platform for creating and transmitting knowledge focused on TCCs proved to be extremely promising and purposeful (AU).

Using Normative Language When Describing Scientific Findings: Randomized Controlled Trial of Effects on Trust and Credibility.

BACKGROUND: Scientists often make cognitive claims (eg, the results of their work) and normative claims (eg, what should be done based on those results). Yet, these types of statements contain very different information and implications. This randomized controlled trial sought to characterize the granular effects of using normative language in science communication. OBJECTIVE: Our study examined whether viewing a social media post containing scientific claims about face masks for COVID-19 using both normative and cognitive language (intervention arm) would reduce perceptions of trust and credibility in science and scientists compared with an identical post using only cognitive language (control arm). We also examined whether effects were mediated by political orientation. METHODS: This was a 2-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled trial. We aimed to recruit 1500 US adults (age 18+) from the Prolific platform who were representative of the US population census by cross sections of age, race/ethnicity, and gender. Participants were randomly assigned to view 1 of 2 images of a social media post about face masks to prevent COVID-19. The control image described the results of a real study (cognitive language), and the intervention image was identical, but also included recommendations from the same study about what people should do based on the results (normative language). Primary outcomes were trust in science and scientists (21-item scale) and 4 individual items related to trust and credibility; 9 additional covariates (eg, sociodemographics, political orientation) were measured and included in analyses. RESULTS: From September 4, 2022, to September 6, 2022, 1526 individuals completed the study. For the sample as a whole (eg, without interaction terms), there was no evidence that a single exposure to normative language affected perceptions of trust or credibility in science or scientists. When including the interaction term (study arm × political orientation), there was some evidence of differential effects, such that individuals with liberal political orientation were more likely to trust scientific information from the social media post's author if the post included normative language, and political conservatives were more likely to trust scientific information from the post's author if the post included only cognitive language (ß=0.05, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.10; P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study does not support the authors' original hypotheses that single exposures to normative language can reduce perceptions of trust or credibility in science or scientists for all people. However, the secondary preregistered analyses indicate the possibility that political orientation may differentially mediate the effect of normative and cognitive language from scientists on people's perceptions. We do not submit this paper as definitive evidence thereof but do believe that there is sufficient evidence to support additional research into this topic, which may have implications for effective scientific communication. TRIAL REGISTRATION: OSF Registries osf.io/kb3yh; https://osf.io/kb3yh. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/41747.