How are people reacting to the Coronavirus emergency? Why are disinformation, fear and panic spreading virally?
Virologist Ilaria Capua, who heads the One Health Center of Excellence at the University of Florida, believes that fear is related to the distrust for science. On Twitter, she has launched the "Help me to gap this empty void by link your sites to #BeautifulScience."
"Vivo per Lei," sung by Andrea Bocelli and Giorgia, has become an anthem to science in the video that launches the #BeautifulScience Digital Campaign to raise awareness on the crucial role of scientists for our future.
"We believe that music is the tool to create a meeting point during difficult times,” explains Ilaria Capua in an interview with the ANSA News Agency [see #BeautifulScience, da Bocelli e Giorgia un inno alla scienza (in Italian)].
"Science is often accused of being detached from people and scientists are perceived as working in ivory towers. Some seem strange and some sectors of society even believe they are crooks. The time has come to inform the public that sicnece is inspiration, determination and passion to build a sustainable and more beautiful future."
The message is transmitted through a video with school and university students, hospitals, space bases and research labs with test tubes and bionic prostheses. The video ends with a sweet girl carrying a sign that says: Science is important. My future depends on it."
