Science Issues

Search is central to health information gathering. Now search sites are guiding consumers to safe, trusted health websites. Is that such a bad thing?

Susannah Fox will provide data on the current internet population, with a particular focus on health communication, wireless adoption, social media, and implications for public health planning.

Social media is simply the current expression of patient activation and engagement. But this time e-patients are part of a larger cultural change that assumes access to information, enables communication among disparate groups, and expects progress.

Susannah Fox discusses Pew Internet's health research, including a special survey of people living with cancer.

Publics around the world see climate change as a major problem, and many are willing to make sacrifices to address global warming and the environment. But nations are split on which country should lead on this issue.

As leaders convene in Copenhagen to discuss climate change, they will address a concern shared around the globe. Publics are willing to sacrifice economic growth for the environment, but nations are split on which country should lead on global warming.

Quick answers to frequently-asked questions: Is a cultural shift affecting health care? How do people judge the quality of health information online? Are patients ready for this?

NPR’s Morning Edition story, "Patients Turn to Online Buddies for Help Healing," combined research and real-life examples, participatory medicine and health data rights.

Susannah Fox will discuss how adults living with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease are - or are not - using the internet.

The FDA should hear about the reality of the information marketplace, which is increasingly mobile and social, not about the past failings of consumers to check the source and date of health information online.