Healthcare is a prevalent issue, with nearly half of respondents saying they want science to solve problems related to cost and disease prevention and treatment. Just under 40 percent think scientists can find a solution to climate change. Some results show a divide in the perception of science and scientists, with 80 percent of people saying they are more likely to believe information that comes from a scientist than be skeptical of it, but more than half (58 percent) feel that scientists are elitists. Remarkably, some 45 percent say they only believe the science that aligns with their personal beliefs. It’s clear that science is an intimidating and confusing subject for many, in part due to conflicting opinions by scientists, as reported by 38 percent of science skeptics. Similarly, science is hard to relate to if your biggest concern is paying the bills and putting food on the table. Making science more relatable to non-scientists is crucial. Cancer is a disease that affects nearly everyone around the world. While cancer treatments have come a long way, early diagnosis is also key. In a federally funded study in the U.S., a simple blood test called CancerSEEK was able to detect eight common types of cancer. Having a universal blood test for cancer would be a game changer, and most people would know someone who benefited from such a test.
