"Knight in shining armour" or "Frankenstein's creation"? The coverage of synthetic biology in German-language media

Public Understanding of Science
Brigitte Gschmeidler, Alexandra Seiringer

Abstract

Although still a side issue in the German-language media, attention towards synthetic biology has risen clearly during the last years, in line with the first applications being presented. This paper presents findings from a content analysis of synthetic biology coverage in German-language media over the years 2004-2009. In the media, synthetic biology is not clearly separated from gene technology. News value is attributed to established categories such as persons and events. Many metaphors and analogies used in describing gene technology can also be found in the coverage of synthetic biology; however, engineering metaphors are more prominent. In addition, playfulness constitutes an aspect rarely found in genetic engineering coverage. Overall, the picture emerging is ambivalent, which leaves prospects for the further development of public debate ambiguous.

References

Sep 6, 2000·Nature Biotechnology·G GaskellW Wagner
Apr 3, 2001·Social Science & Medicine·A Petersen
Apr 14, 2006·New Genetics and Society·Alan PetersenStuart Allan
Apr 9, 2008·Nature Biotechnology·Joachim Boldt, Oliver Müller
Nov 13, 2008·Systems and Synthetic Biology·Markus SchmidtNikola Biller-Andorno
Nov 13, 2008·Systems and Synthetic Biology·Markus Schmidt
Jul 28, 2009·Journal of Biological Engineering·Jordan BaumgardnerTodd T Eckdahl
Oct 10, 2009·Systems and Synthetic Biology·Markus SchmidtNikola Biller-Andorno
Oct 10, 2009·Systems and Synthetic Biology·Helge Torgersen
Oct 10, 2009·Systems and Synthetic Biology·Nicole KronbergerWolfgang Wagner
Oct 10, 2009·Systems and Synthetic Biology·Peter Dabrock

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Software Mentioned

APAdefacto
Google Alerts

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Biomaterial Engineering

Advances in biomaterial engineering have permitted the development of sophisticated drug-releasing materials with a biomimetic 3D support that allow a better control of the microenvironment of transplanted cells. Here is the latest research.

Related Papers

The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease : the Official Journal of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
H S WangJ K Jiang
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved