Science Friction (book)

Science Friction is a non-fiction book by science writer and journalist, Dr. Mark Henderson, published in 2011. The book explores the relationship between science and the media, arguing that sensationalism, exaggeration, and political agendas often distort scientific findings, leading to public misunderstandings and flawed policy decisions. Henderson examines various case studies, including controversies surrounding climate change, genetically modified crops, and vaccine safety, to illustrate how the pursuit of sensational headlines and the pressures of the news cycle can compromise scientific integrity. The book advocates for greater scientific literacy amongst journalists and the public, and calls for a more nuanced and responsible approach to reporting on scientific issues. It emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the need to distinguish between credible scientific evidence and biased or misleading information.