Communicating science: epigenetics in the spotlight

Abstract

Given the public interest in epigenetic science, this study aimed to better understand media representations of epigenetics in national newspaper coverage in various regions in North America, Europe, and Asia. Content analysis was used to study media messages about epigenetics, their policy focus, and the balance of the reporting. We identified several recurring themes in the news reports, including policy messages relating to individual and societal responsibilities. We also found shortcomings in the media’s portrayal of epigenetic science, and sought to identify potential causes by considering the underlying scientific evidence that the media reported on. A case study analysis showed that the results of epigenetic studies were often overstated in academic research publications due to common experimental limitations. We suggest that defining standardized criteria with which to evaluate epigenetic studies could help to overcome some of the challenges inherent in translating complex epigenetic research findings for non-technical audiences, and present a Press Kit template that researchers can adapt and use to aid in the development of accurate and balanced press releases.

Public knowledge and opinion of epigenetics and epigenetic concepts

“…With the rapid evolution of epigenetics research in recent years has come a growing public interest in the field and its impact on human health. 3,4 However, as is the case with much basic research, media portrayal of epigenetics and epigenetic concepts is often widely inaccurate. 3,4 This study provides evidence to demonstrate the impact of this portrayal on the public's understanding and opinion of epigenetics and epigenetic concepts, facilitating guidance for future public health messaging and intervention.…”

“…The field of epigenetics is currently one of the most rapidly expanding fields of biology, 1,2 resulting in increasing public interest. 3,4 However, research today is only beginning to delve into the potential links between epigenetics and disease risk, with findings still too preliminary to provide recommendations for daily living. 5 While the field of epigenetics may be finally "coming of age" (p. 796), 2 there is still much to be learnt about epigenetics and the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) theory, and their respective effects on human health.…”

“…10 With the acceleration of epigenetic research in recent years has come increasing public interest and media coverage. 3,4 However, evidence to date suggests that mass media portrayal of the complex research surrounding epigenetics is poor and littered with misconceptions and overestimation of potential implications for human health. 3,4 Despite this, no studies have examined the public's perception of epigenetics directly.…”

Conducting epigenetics research with refugees and asylum seekers: attending to the ethical challenges

“…This concern is particularly salient when conducting epigenetic research, given the novel nature of much of the technology. Indeed, in some instances, epigenetic research results or their policy implications have been overstated [ 46 ]. Translating multi-faceted societal and environmental adversities to molecular epigenetic codes can be more difficult than sometimes researchers acknowledge [ 43 ].…”

Researcher perspectives on ethics considerations in epigenetics: an international survey

“…ELSI may arise in the conduct of epigenetic research, where researchers may wonder which research results or incidental findings should be considered medically relevant and disclosed to study participants [17]. ELSI may also arise in the knowledge translation processes, for example, concerns have been reported about the often premature, incomplete or misleading communication of scientific findings in epigenetics by the media [18,19].…”