When science and fiction collide

Oprah Winfrey. ©Sam Aronov 123rf.com

Discussing the ethical obligations of the media to report science accurately, he says celebrities - whether they are actors, TV presenters, sports stars or rock icons - are increasingly becoming favourite sources of news in the media. Their name and role model status offer a platform from which strange and dangerous ideas can be launched, he says.

They not only sell products, but also give medical advice, without a full understanding of the science. There are instances where they wage campaigns against vaccinations and other life-saving scientific discoveries. Here he cites the case where the queen of chat, Oprah Winfrey, referred to Jenny McCarthy as a "Mother Warrior" for her anti-vaxxer stance.