Scientists starting to use social media to spread news of research

Internet-savvy scientists are using social media to increase the impact of their published research, a University of Miami study found. Incorporating Twitter into the different stages of a scientific publication allows scientists to connect more quickly, facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and makes it possible to communicate results to a large and diverse audience, a study by doctoral student David Shiffman at the university's Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy found. "Social media, which allows information to be shared instantly around the world, gives Internet-savvy scientists the ability to drastically accelerate the pace of scientific communication and collaboration," Shiffman said. It's only a matter of time before the wider scientific community embraces social media, study co-author Emily Darling of the University of North Carolina said. "Many scientists may think they don't have time for Twitter," she said. "But a little effort can provide enormous value for communication and outreach. The solution is to just give it a try."