Where science is concerned, the media is often guilty of presenting only one side of a story. On the Climate Feedback blog, Nature Reports Climate Change editor Olive Heffernan addresses complaints that only 'doom and gloom' stories were reported from the recent International Scientific Congress on Climate Change in Copenhagen (http://tinyurl.com/r5c9bo). She gives readers a glimpse of how difficult it is for a reporter to glean the most newsworthy information from a large scientific conference.

Many news stories that emerged from the congress focused on estimates of sea-level rise — the only topic presented in a press conference. Some might argue that “reporters were simply picking the low-hanging fruit rather than seeking out diverse news stories amid the numerous (57) sessions,” writes Heffernan. “But if you have to file on deadline, then getting a heads-up on new exciting research with sources in attendance isn't a bad strategy.” She adds that the social-science presentations on avoiding climate catastrophes are more subtle stories that require long-term research and reporting beyond breaking news.