Scientific Misinformation Threatens Public Health, National Academies Report Finds

Misinformation about science and health is leading individuals to make potentially harmful decisions and eroding public trust in scientific institutions, according to a comprehensive new report released yesterday by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

The two-year study, led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute health communication expert Dr. Vish Viswanath, provides an in-depth analysis of how scientific misinformation spreads and recommends strategies to combat its harmful effects.

“The evidence is clear that exposure to misinformation about science may lead to misbeliefs which, in turn, have the potential for causing harm at the individual and collective levels,” said Viswanath, a professor of population sciences in Dana-Farber’s McGraw/Patterson Center for Population Sciences.

The panel of scientific investigators defined misinformation about science as information asserting claims inconsistent with current accepted scientific evidence. This can be deliberate, such as when someone seeks attention or profit, or unintentional, stemming from misunderstandings or outdated information.

Scientific consensus itself evolves, complicating the landscape. “What is factually correct today may evolve in the coming months or years,” Viswanath noted, citing breast cancer screening guidelines that have changed multiple times in recent years as an example of how scientific understanding naturally progresses.

The report highlights how misinformation disproportionately affects historically marginalized communities, which often face limited access to accurate, culturally relevant scientific information. These information voids create opportunities for misinformation to take root and spread rapidly.

Social media platforms have accelerated this problem, creating environments where misinformation can spread faster than factual corrections. The study identified four critical intervention points: the supply, demand, distribution, and uptake of information.

Currently, the burden of combating misinformation falls heavily on individuals, who must identify false claims and actively choose not to spread them. Viswanath criticized this approach, stating, “That’s not a solution. Solutions at the institutional level are more critical.”

The report calls for technology companies to increase “friction” against misinformation by downranking misleading content and promoting accurate scientific information. Social media platforms have begun implementing some measures, though critics argue these efforts remain insufficient given the scale of the problem.

For those seeking reliable information about science or health conditions like cancer, Viswanath recommends turning to established sources such as the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or respected medical institutions like Dana-Farber.

“It’s a good idea to double check information you see in an unreliable place, such as on social media or by word of mouth, and see if a few reliable sources back it up,” he advised.

Scientific organizations themselves bear responsibility for preventing misinformation at the source. Researchers should avoid sensational headlines and provide proper context for discoveries to reduce misinterpretation risks. Healthcare providers can guide patients toward accurate information while gently correcting misconceptions.

The report outlines several recommendations for future research and interventions. One promising approach focuses on community partnerships to deliver cancer prevention information to marginalized communities. Viswanath has initiated such efforts in Boston, working with trusted community-based organizations.

“Trust is a key component, and we want to do what we can to maintain and increase it,” he emphasized.

As scientific misinformation continues to challenge public health efforts across multiple fronts—from vaccine hesitancy to climate change denial—this report provides a roadmap for addressing a problem that threatens both individual health outcomes and broader societal resilience to emerging health challenges.

The full report is now available through the National Academies website and includes detailed recommendations for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and media organizations seeking to combat the spread of scientific misinformation.