New article on 'gene drive'

Aleksandra Stelmach (University of Exeter), Brigitte Nerlich (University of Nottingham) and Sarah Hartley (University of Exeter) have published an article in the journal Science Communication entitled "Gene Drives in the U.K., U.S., and Australian Press (2015–2019): How a New Focus on Responsibility Is Shaping Science Communication". This work is related to a Wellcome Trust funded project on communicating gene drive. 

Abstract

Gene drive is a controversial biotechnology for pest control. Despite a commitment from gene drive researchers to responsibility and the key role of the media in debates about science and technology, little research has been conducted on media reporting of gene drive. We employ metaphor and discourse analysis to explore how responsibility is reflected in the coverage of this technology in the U.S., U.K., and Australian press. The findings reveal a rhetorical strategy of trust-building by evoking the moral attributes of gene drive researchers. We discuss the implications of these findings for the communication of new technologies.