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Social Networks and the Spread of Scientific Discovery

Article: http://www.science20.com/news_articles/social_motives_and_social_networks_close_the_science_gap-144980

I personally do not associate the United States as a leader in science and literacy but what we do excel in is social media and establishing social networks. It appears that other countries, such as India, that have reached rewarding scientific landmarks are having trouble spreading the word. I consistently see articles shared on Facebook that are telling me about a new miracle drug that is curing Diabetes or cancer. Although not all of these articles are showing legitimate research, it is representative of the availability and accessibility of scientific research in the United States.

It was described in the article that there was some research done in India that prevented neonatal mortality but there were many couples that simply did not know of these advances in medicine. We discussed the presence of a “giant component” in social networks and how there is probably not a larger component but I believe that there could be separate components when it comes to the knowledge of scientific discoveries, especially in places like India. A positive connection can imply knowledge of the science and a negative connection could imply lack of knowledge on that subject. I think we would find that there are many isolated components and this could lead to knowing which areas to target. I’m sure there is also a correlation between the people in India that need the neonatal help and the lack of knowledge of the chemical available. This is a situation in which the knowledge of networks, positive and negative components and small/large components could help spread the word of scientific discovery and may even reduce neonatal mortality in India.

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