The value of science is being challenged. Budgets for scientific research are being slashed and a lot of research has been deemed wasteful. Meanwhile, recent surveys show public trust in scientists has dropped sharply, particularly among conservative voters, compared to pre-pandemic levels. Unfortunately, the scientific community shoulders some of this blame, and one of their greatest contributing missteps was the very phrase meant to help: “Follow the science.” This episode of Healthcare Triage has been adapted from an editorial Aaron wrote for the Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/08/05/science-health-communication-trust-covid/ Related HCT episodes: 1. No Safe Level of Alcohol Consumption? https://youtu.be/iMyXO2Lb568 Be sure to check out our podcast! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkfBg8ML-gInFaYyYhKLBp2u7h5IojTw4 Other Healthcare Triage Links: 1. Support the channel on Patreon: http://vid.io/xqXr 2. Check out our Facebook page: http://goo.gl/LnOq5z 3. We still have merchandise available at http://www.hctmerch.com 4. Aaron's book "The Bad Food Bible: How and Why to Eat Sinfully" is available wherever books are sold, such as Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hGvhKw Credits: Aaron Carroll -- Writer Tiffany Doherty -- Writer and Script Editor John Green -- Executive Producer Stan Muller -- Director, Producer Mark Olsen – Art Director, Producer