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Science is used differently by policymakers in different parties, new study finds

Societal challenges, from climate change to public health crises to advancements in artificial intelligence, have been intrinsically linked with scientific progress for generations. But as politics become more polarized,
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that policymakers from different political parties in the U.S. utilize scientific evidence in contrasting ways when crafting legislation. The research, conducted by a team from the University of California, Berkeley, analyzed over 1,000 bills introduced in Congress between 2009 and 2019, finding that Democrats tend to use scientific evidence to support their policy proposals more frequently than Republicans. Specifically, Democrats were found to cite scientific studies and expert testimonies to justify their bills, particularly in areas like environmental protection and public health. In contrast, Republicans were less likely to rely on scientific evidence, often prioritizing economic considerations and values-based arguments. The study suggests that this divergence in the use of science could contribute to the polarization of policy-making and impact the effectiveness of evidence-based legislation.

Read the Full Phys.org Article at:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/science-is-used-differently-by-policymakers-in-different-parties-new-study-finds/ar-AA1DCdCO