title: DNA barcoding in the media: does coverage of cool science reflect its social context?
abstract: Paul Hebert and colleagues first described DNA barcoding in 2003, which led to international efforts to promote and coordinate its use. Since its inception, DNA barcoding has generated considerable media coverage. We analysed whether this coverage reflected both the scientific and social mandates of international barcoding organizations. We searched newspaper databases to identify 900 English-language articles from 2003 to 2013. Coverage of the science of DNA barcoding was highly positive but lacked context for key topics. Coverage omissions pose challenges for public understanding of the science and applications of DNA barcoding; these included coverage of governance structures and issues related to the sharing of genetic resources across national borders. Our analysis provided insight into how barcoding communication efforts have translated into media coverage; more targeted communication efforts may focus media attention on previously omitted, but important topics. Our analysis is timely as the DNA barcoding community works to establish the International Society for the Barcode of Life.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.|School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Janis
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Geary
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.|School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Camicioli
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.|School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bubela
mesh_terms: D058893:DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic; D006801:Humans; D009524:Newspapers as Topic; D012586:Science; D061108:Social Media
keywords: CBOL; DNA barcoding; Nagoya Protocol; access and benefit sharing; accès et partage des bénéfices; codage à barres de l’ADN; communication scientifique; compréhension de la science par le public; couverture dans la presse écrite; genetic resources; iBOL; newspaper coverage; protocole de Nagoya; public understanding of science; ressources génétiques; science communication