When Americans think about science, what do they have in mind?
65% of U.S. adults say science has had a mostly positive effect on society; 28% say it has had an equal mix of positive and negative effects.
Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World
65% of U.S. adults say science has had a mostly positive effect on society; 28% say it has had an equal mix of positive and negative effects.
Majorities say scientific research on gene editing is a misuse – rather than an appropriate use – of technology. But public acceptance of gene editing for babies depends on how it will be used, and views often differ by age and religion.
Majorities across 20 publics say government investments in scientific research are worthwhile and express a lot or some confidence in scientists to do what is right for the public.
Concern about genetically modified foods is widespread, with about half of people in 20 publics saying these foods are unsafe to eat.
Nearly seven-in-ten Americans think it is very important for the United States to be a world leader in scientific achievements.
Americans are more worried than excited or enthusiastic about the potential for healthy people to use synthetic blood (63% vs. 36%). And a majority of Americans – roughly six-in-ten – said they would not want synthetic blood substitutes in their own body to improve their abilities, while 35% would be open to it.
Australia, Canada, Germany and the UK are among the other countries where there are partisan clashes on climate change issues.
In wealthier nations, women are more likely than men to consider climate change a serious problem, be concerned it will harm them personally and say that major lifestyle changes are needed to solve the problem.
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