Americans Know More About Science, But Will Pretty Much Believe Anything

The AP recently wrote about a new study that says Americans are more knowledgeable about science than they were 20 years ago, but more of them believe in aliens and astrology, too. The story ran in newspapers across the country, and many editors wrote their own headlines. But contradictory information can be difficult to convey in a headline. Here's how some outlets handled it:

USA Today: "U.S. has more science smarts, for the most part"

Hartford Courant (and others): U.S. has more science smarts, sort of"

Seattle Times: "Science knowledge increases, but..."

MSNBC: "Americans sending mixed signals on science"

Not bad, but here are some of my suggestions:

"U.S. is smarter about science, but still kinda dumb"

"Americans understand global warming, say E.T. is at fault"

"Americans' science smarts increases, due to dreams they had last night"