Coming up in 11 days Crash Courses
Science essentials for local reporters
This Crash Course covers science essentials for local reporters.
Coming up in 11 days 
Coming up in 5 days Experts on Camera
Dr. Rebecca Barthelmie: Offshore wind energy
Request an interview with an expert who can discuss offshore wind energy.
Words of Advice
Five tips for scientists speaking to reporters
SciLine is an editorially independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit service for journalists and scientists. Our goal is to help get more science into news stories. We connect reporters quickly to scientific experts and validated evidence. And we work with scientists to amplify their expertise and help them give voice to the facts. Our work is fully funded by philanthropies, and everything we do is free.
I need help on a story right now
How we help journalists
Rapid connections to articulate scientist-sources for your day-to-day reporting – on demand and on deadline.
Broadcast-quality interview opportunities with a diverse array of articulate scientists to expand the reach of your reporting.
Media briefings with experts to get you up to speed on science topics in the news, with video and transcripts free for use in your stories.
Expert-vetted science explainers and rapid-response quotes providing trustworthy facts and context for your stories.
Services for Journalists
Rapid connections to articulate scientist-sources for your day-to-day reporting – on demand and on deadline.
Broadcast-quality interview opportunities with a diverse array of articulate scientists to expand the reach of your reporting.
Media briefings with experts to get you up to speed on science topics in the news, with video and transcripts free for use in your stories.
Expert-vetted science explainers and rapid-response quotes providing trustworthy facts and context for your stories.
I want to get involved
How we work with scientists
We connect you to journalists who are reporting on your field of study – helping you broaden the impact of your expertise.
We collect story ideas you think are deserving of coverage in the news and share them with journalists.
We offer advice and training on ways to communicate effectively with reporters to make the most of your interviews.
We provide opportunities to participate in press briefings and to review science resources designed for reporters.
Ways to Get Involved
We connect you to journalists who are reporting on your field of study – helping you broaden the impact of your expertise.
We collect story ideas you think are deserving of coverage in the news and share them with journalists.
We offer advice and training on ways to communicate effectively with reporters to make the most of your interviews.
We provide opportunities to participate in press briefings and to review science resources designed for reporters.
Heavy sleeper
Some pharmacology researchers study whether weighted blankets are useful sleep aids, as widely advertised. One recent study found that heavy blankets (about 12% of body weight) do increase the body’s production of melatonin—a hormone that plays a role in the timing of sleep—but that users did not report higher levels of sleepiness and did not sleep longer than those who used light blankets.
In our work at SciLine, we run into an amazing diversity of scientists driven by curiosity to understand the fascinating world in which we live. We regularly highlight a topic you might be surprised or delighted to know is the subject of scientific scrutiny.
What people are saying
"My feedback is all positive. I strongly support this initiative … and think it is much-needed and has been for some time. … It's been fun, and I hope to continue to connect with more reporters."
Marine biologist, after being quoted in National Geographic
"Thanks as always for all your help! As a local public health reporter I never expected to write about clinical research trials, so having SciLine as a resource to turn to continues to be such a relief throughout this pandemic."
Reporter, Victoria (Texas) Advocate
“I thought that my comments were correctly included in the story and added perspective to it — a positive experience for me as well as the journalist (I assume).”
Bioengineer, after being quoted on WVUE Fox 8 New Orleans
"I don’t think I would have EVER found [this expert] if not for SciLine! I was asking for such a specific expert and I’m so shocked — and grateful — SciLine could help me out on such a tight deadline. Thank you!"
Reporter, Honolulu Civil Beat