"The trouble with scientific subjects is that a vast majority of the public haven't had the advanced education or scientific background which would enable them to understand the issues"

This is a key point, and one that scientists need to engage with. One thing I would say is I don;t think the public is as thick as people think, and are more than capable of understanding complex concepts if they are presented in an understandable way; the appetite for science documentaries such as those presented by Brian Cox show folk can cope with complexity and nuance.

But... the information must be communicated clearly and structured in such a way it's digestible.