by Federico Neresini A large majority of Italians – 73% – are in favour of the so-called ‘biological will’. This finding is all the more interesting if one considers that there are no marked differences between catholics (71%) and non-believers (83%). It is likely that perception of the matter has been influenced by debate on…
On 12th and 13th January, 2007 some of the leading science communication experts from five continents will be in Venice to discuss trends and changes in the relationship between scientists and citizens: which theoretical models and which practical tools are useful to understand a field that rapidly changes and has an increasing strategical importance? One…
One Italian in every three makes at least occasional use of homeopathic products to treat their health problems, and just under one in every ten does so with a certain frequency. In the majority of cases (75%) Italians are attracted to these products because they believe them to have fewer side-effects than conventional medicines. One…
The Turin “Salone del Gusto” (Salon of Taste), a yearly fair devoted to food and its responsible consumption seeks to promote a new relationship between producers and consumers, where the latter play a more active role in the purchase of food products. The 2006 edition of the fair has seen a substantial increase in the…
Are Italians and Europeans really sceptical towards Biotechnology? How have the media contributed to configure a distinction between red and green biotech? How can scientific expertise and public participation be integrated with regard to issues like biotechnologies? Biotech is an emblematic case of the recent – and not rarely overwhelming – transformations investing scientific research…
Almost 80% of Italian citizens are favourable to the use of DNA tests use in the fight to crime, particularly with regard to terrorism and other violent crimes. One Italian out of two considers Dna tests as the most relevant contribution that science can give to crime fighting. An International conference organized by Basel University…
Nova, the financial newspaper Il Sole24ore’s supplement on research and innovation discussed some results of a recent survey realized by Observa Science in Society Monitor, about the attitude of the Italian youth towards studying science. According to such survey, Italian youth attitudes towards studying science appears to be characterised by a nearly schizophrenic ambivalence: they…
The Piergiorgio Welby case has sparked intense debate on euthanasia in Italy again. Numerous moral, ethical and legal issues have been raised. If a person is in the vegetative state, and has no hope of improvement, should he or she be kept alive? Who should decide whether the treatment necessary for his or her survival…
A recent decision (already contested, however) to downgrade Pluto to ‘dwarf planet’ status has once again raised an issue almost as old as the classification system in which the former planet was comprised. The decision was taken by majority vote at the most recent assembly of the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a manner of proceeding…
Is it more risky chicken or beef meat? Where can I buy safer products? It would be better to eat homegrown products or vegetables bought at the supermarket? How much are antibiotics residues dangerous? Which public bodies do you think are in charge of cheking the safety about what we eat? And how much are…