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Public opinion can affect science in many ways. Lack of interest in a subject can lead to lack of funding, which can lead to lack of progress. The opposite is also true, where a subject that is more popular receives more funding, leading to increased progress. For example, experiments with controversial sciences such as genetic engineering and embryonic stem cells are often subject to the court of public opinion in regards to their progress and use.

Public opinion can also affect acceptance of the results of scientific progress. For example, vaccines are most effective when everyone who is able to receive them receives them. This is called herd immunity. However, if rumors spread that the vaccines are unsafe, despite the scientific evidence, people can decide not to be vaccinated, which can lead to outbreaks of disease.

In democratic governments, public opinion can affect the regulation of science and science education. Public opinion can lead to legal restrictions on controversial sciences. Public opinion can also lead to the teaching of creationism alongside evolution.

Public opinion has a wide array of effects on the progress of science. Sometimes this can be a good thing, and sometimes this can be a bad thing. The role of science in this matter needs to be an educating role. The public needs to be more educated in what science is and how it works, otherwise fear, doubt, and uncertainty can fester.

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Q: How public opinion can affect science?
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