Here’s what Americans know — and don’t know — about science

The Pew Research Center quizzed more than 4,400 Americans about 11 basic science concepts, and found that most people got a passing grade. Here’s a closer look at some of the questions: 

• Infectious disease: More than 75 percent of participants correctly identified the link between the overuse of antibiotics and the threat of drug resistance, and could define the term incubation period. 
• Scientific method: 60 percent of people knew the importance of a control group to test the efficacy of a drug, and half knew the meaning of a hypothesis. 
• Antacids: Americans have spent some $2 billion on antacids in recent years, yet only 39 percent of quiz takers picked the correct substance that counteracts stomach acid. 

Test your knowledge by taking the Pew’s quiz here. No pressure, but your Morning Rounds writer got a perfect score.