This study analyses the frequency and content of news about genome, genetics and biotechnology mainly on agricultural and medicine/human health domains in the Portuguese press. Results are discussed considering studies about genetics and biotechnology in International, Brazilian and Portuguese press (Gutteling et al., 2002; Tognolli, 2003; Garcia, 2004) and issues of public opinion and social amplification of risk (Frewer et al. 2002). This allows to reach conclusions about challenges with interest to the present evolution on society of new technologies such as nanotechnology.
biotechnology; controversy; journalism; uncertainty; risky communication
