title: Cartoons on bacterial balloons: scientists' opinion on the popularization of synthetic biology.
abstract: How do scientists perceive the media coverage of synthetic biology (SB)? In this paper, we approach this question by studying a set of cartoons devoted to SB. Based on a categorization of the cartoons into five large thematic groups an international survey was carried out to assess the opinion of SB research groups on science communication with regard to the public image of their discipline. The 101 responses obtained indicate that in general, their perception of the communication is not negative, although many respondents raised concerns on the media's inclination to sensationalism and over-simplification. However, the results also suggest that (in the light of the unfortunate experiences with GMO communication) scientists should think twice before proposing metaphorical interpretations of their research.
authors.affiliation: Language Theory and Communication Sciences Department, University of Valencia, Blasco Ibáñez 32, 46008 Valencia, Spain ; The Two Cultures Observatory, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Martí
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Domínguez
authors.affiliation: The Two Cultures Observatory, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mateu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Technology Assessment, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: Helge
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Torgersen
authors.affiliation: The Two Cultures Observatory, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain ; Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain ; Fundació General, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Porcar
keywords: Public understanding of science; Science cartoons; Science communication; Synthetic biology