About three-quarters of Americans say they have heard a lot or a little about Ozempic, Wegovy and other similar drugs that are being used for weight loss. Among those familiar with these drugs, 53% think they are good options to lose weight for people with obesity or a weight-related health condition.
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More than half of U.S. adults (56%) say they talk about science news with others at least a few times a month.
Large majorities value government investments in science and consider it important for the United States to be a world leader in scientific achievement, but few think the country is gaining ground globally.
While residential solar power generates just a fraction of the country’s overall electricity, it has continued to grow rapidly.
Overall, 46% of Americans say the statement “public health officials were unprepared for the outbreak” describes their views extremely or very well, including similar shares of Republicans and Democrats.
Online dating users who are Democrats are far more likely their Republican counterparts to say someone’s vaccination status is important for them to see.
Men who describe themselves as gay or bisexual are more likely to say they have received or intend to get a monkeypox vaccine.
Here’s what Americans said they learned about the development of vaccines and medical treatments and their advice for handling a future outbreak.
Despite the many depressing stories dominating the international news cycle, there is also a note of positivity among survey respondents in views of the UN, the benefits of international cooperation for solving problems and the importance of common values for bringing nations together.
We asked respondents to describe in their own words what rose and fell in importance to them during the pandemic. Here are some of the key themes that emerged.
Overall, around four-in-ten Americans say their local community has experienced severe weather in the past year, a May survey found.
Public views are tied to how these technologies would be used and what constraints would be in place.
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.
Majorities of Americans say the United States should prioritize the development of renewable energy sources and take steps toward the country becoming carbon neutral by the year 2050. But just 31% want to phase out fossil fuels completely, and many foresee unexpected problems in a major transition to renewable energy.
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.
Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center
