New Book Explores Why We Struggle to Trust Science—Even When We Need It Most
A growing disconnect between scientific rationality and human emotion is fueling skepticism and misinformation, and a new book aims to bridge that gap. “Vertigo. Stories of those who rely on science and those who learn to do so,” by biotechnologist and scientific communicator Beatrice Mautino, set for release in July 2025, delves into the cognitive biases and psychological factors that shape how we perceive evidence.
The temptation to seek control is particularly strong when facing uncertainty, especially in health crises. As Mautino writes, the instinct to find a solution is powerful when “the beaten paths do not seem sufficient or simply do not exist.” This fear, she argues, can erode rationality and even undermine trust in science, even among those who dedicate their lives to it.
We live in an age of unprecedented access to scientific information, yet our ability to critically evaluate it lags behind. This disparity is compounded by our inherent human vulnerabilities—anxiety, uncertainty, fear, and even hope—which can lead us down paths of misinformation. The author cautions against the dangerous allure of “yes, it’s worth trying, what harm do you want it to do,” a sentiment that often overrides careful consideration of evidence.
Mautino’s work isn’t a traditional academic treatise. Instead, it’s a deeply personal exploration sparked by a family experience, offering a relatable lens through which to examine the complexities of trusting—or learning to trust—science. She challenges the notion of “common sense” as a reliable guide, demonstrating through examples in risk perception and biotechnology how our brains often prioritize simplicity and emotional reassurance over rigorous data.
“Stories are more convincing than numbers, even when the numbers tell a more solid truth,” Mautino observes. Rather than dismissing this tendency, she contextualizes it, recognizing our shared fragility in the face of overwhelming information. The book features accounts from patients, researchers, and doctors, illustrating the human side of scientific inquiry.
At the heart of “Vertigo” lies the scientific method—not as a flawless system, but as a robust antidote to our natural inclination to oversimplify. Mautino emphasizes that science doesn’t deliver immediate certainties, but rather progressively reduces uncertainty, a nuance often lost in public discourse. She draws parallels between historical cases—from the Di Bella method to osteopathy, and from self-testing of anti-tumor vaccines to gene therapy—to illustrate this ongoing process of refinement.
The book also addresses the critical importance of source accountability. Mautino explains how information is often distorted as it travels, simplified, and sometimes exploited. She urges readers to consider not only what a study says, but also how it was conducted, who is communicating the findings, and within what context. This call for deliberate engagement stands in stark contrast to the rapid-fire pace of the digital ecosystem, where instant opinions often overshadow careful analysis.
Through a blend of anecdotes, case studies, historical reconstructions, and self-irony, Mautino guides readers through these complex issues with clarity and grace. While the book doesn’t offer easy answers, it equips us with the tools to ask better questions and understand the mechanisms that often remain hidden. Ultimately, “Vertigo” is a compelling argument for embracing doubt and uncertainty as inherent parts of the human experience. As Mautino concludes, “We may not like the ruthless methods of science, but we don’t have many alternatives if we want to get results.”
