Science & Science Journalism: a feedback loop

The science communication infrastructure has been constantly growing
in the last few decades: today, it is so influential that it is able
to partially reshape science itself. In this talk, some case studies
drawn from recent scientific literature and media coverage are
explored: these show the existence of a feedback loop between science
and its communication. Some of the critical mechanisms of contemporary
science communication are reviewed, toghether with statistical data on
the relation between researchers and journalists. Although science
communication displays some critical bottlenecks, this analysis shows
that avoiding communication is not an option for contemporary
scientists. On the contrary, controlling its mechanisms can provide to
researchers the instruments to take advantage of the opportunities it
offers.