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Trump’s Erratic Behavior and Extreme Comments Revive Mental Health Debate
As the president threatens to wipe out Iran and attacks the pope, even some former allies and advisers are questioning whether he has grown increasingly unbalanced, describing him as “lunatic” and “clearly insane.”
Men and women with obesity face very different hidden health risks
New research reveals that obesity affects men and women in surprisingly different ways. Men are more likely to develop harmful abdominal fat and signs of liver stress, while women show higher inflammation and cholesterol levels. These differences could help explain why health risks vary between sexes. Scientists say this could lead to more tailored treatments for obesity.
Cyberattacks, Tariffs, Geopolitics Loom Over Business Executives
Geopolitical uncertainty, rapid policy shifts, and mounting security risks are ratcheting up the threats facing US companies.
Trump Attacks Pope Leo as Too Liberal and ‘Weak on Crime’
President Trump’s lengthy post on social media showed there were really no boundaries when it comes to people he might target, including the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Trump attacks Pope Leo, taking credit for his election as bishop of Rome
President Trump wrote that Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, was “weak” and “terrible” on crime and foreign policy. Leo has criticized the Iran war.
Bruce Springsteen's former drummer pushes back on the Boss's political attacks on Trump: 'Gotta have respect'
Bruce Springsteen's former drummer Vini Lopez speaks out against the Boss's anti-Trump rhetoric, saying everyone should respect the president.
Suspect in Molotov attack on Sam Altman linked to AI Discord
Authorities in San Francisco booked the suspect on Friday, and is facing several charges. Including arson of an inhabited structure or property.
Samsung Confirms Upgrade Offer—Galaxy Owners Must Now Decide
Millions of Samsung phones are vulnerable to attack — you must act now.
"Sweet blood doesn't attract mosquitoes: here is what actually attracts them according to science " - Futura-Sciences
At night, you hear the constant buzzing of a mosquito. By morning, there’s a fresh bite right on your cheek. Meanwhile, your partner slept peacefully through the night. During a walk with friends, you’re the one constantly swatting at tiny attacks on your legs, arms, and back. Like tiny vampires...
Democrats see gas prices as a potent political tool. Here’s the catch.
President Donald Trump’s attack on Iran sent gas prices surging, giving Democrats’ focus on affordability more traction if they can get voters to trust them.
Tribal and Rural Healthcare at Risk in Oklahoma Gov. Stitt’s Attack on Medicaid
Guest Opinion Oklahoma leaders often visit Cherokee Nation’s Health System and celebrate our progress and tout our unmistakable impact on the health and economy of rural communities. Now, Governor Stitt is putting us on a path that will damage that very system. Recently the Oklahoma legislature passed Oklahoma HB 4440 and HJR 1067 to reverse […]
Arsenal: Open-play attack and mentality of Mikel Arteta's side warrants scrutiny after Bournemouth loss opens door for Man City
Social media erupts after Harris introduces 'mob boss' accent to attack Trump: 'Total cringe'
Kamala Harris impersonated Donald Trump as a mob boss while criticizing his foreign policy at a National Action Network event, sparking online backlash.
Samsung Confirms Upgrade Offer—Galaxy Users Must Now Decide
Millions of Samsung phones are vulnerable to attack — you must act now.
World Leaders Push to Save Iran Talks Amid Israel’s Attacks in Lebanon
President Trump’s cease-fire with Iran appears at risk as Vice President JD Vance heads to Pakistan for discussions with Iranian officials.
Healthdaq: Recruitment platform used by health trusts targeted by cyber attackers
Hackers claim to have stolen hundreds of thousands of files containing personal data from the platform.
Potential Democratic 2028 Candidates Condemn Trump’s ‘War of Choice’ in Iran
At a convention in New York, several Democrats mulling presidential bids rallied around opposition to President Trump’s decision to attack Iran.
Your Next Breach Will Look Like Business as Usual
These are the fundamental detection model shifts cybersecurity teams need to make to keep up with the rising number of credential-based attacks.
FBI: Health care was top target for ransomware, other cyberthreats in 2025
Health care and public health was the top sector targeted for cyberthreats in 2025, according to the FBI’s latest annual report on internet crimes. There were 460 ransomware attacks and 182 data breaches, totaling 642 cyber events. Financial services was the next highest sector at 447 total events.
Trump Shares Gruesome Video of Deadly Attack on Social Media
The president shared footage of a woman being bludgeoned to death at a Florida gas station to rail against Democrats’ handling of immigration.
Crimson Desert is getting boss rematches, difficulty settings, and extra skills in upcoming updates
Pearl Abyss has outlined some of the new content and features coming to Crimson Desert in future free updates.
Democrats worry Schumer’s pick in Maine could imperil hopes of Senate control
Maine’s Democratic governor, Janet Mills, has gone negative against Graham Platner. The attacks have not worked, and Minority Leader Charles Schumer so far has declined to bail her out.
303 Lebanese Killed by Israeli Airstrikes in One Day
Hezbollah rejected direct negotiations with Israel, adding, "any dialogue must follow an immediate halt to Israeli attacks."
Trump Attacks Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly Over Iran War Criticism
In a lengthy social media post, the president attacked Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly and others in starkly personal terms. He also criticized the editorial board of The Wall Street Journal.
Israel’s attacks on Lebanon should not be happening, says Keir Starmer
In article for Guardian, PM also calls for Iran conflict to become watershed moment for future UK security
Scientists create new type of encryption that protects video files against quantum computing attacks
A newly developed encryption framework aims to protect video data from future quantum attacks, all while running on today's conventional hardware.
Advantage Liverpool? Reds battle Bayern in race for £35m attacker
Liverpool are among the clubs showing strong interest in signing Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Toure during the summer transfer window.The Reds are expected to strengthen their attacking options after a...
Goldman warns of 'very painful' gas shock if disruptions persist
Qatar, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of global liquefied natural gas supply, has seen its infrastructure knocked offline following recent attacks.
Apple Warns All iPhone Users—Do Not Answer These Calls And Texts
You will probably be targeted by this new attack — here's what you need to do.
Why early menopause could increase your heart attack risk
Early menopause may increase a woman’s risk of having a heart attack later in life. Learn how to maintain heart health after early menopause.
Happy ending in Bremen? Werder star sends fresh signals
Romano Schmid appears to have a long-term future on the Weser. According to a report by kicker, the attacking player has returned to his longtime adviser Thomas Böhm. This is fueling hopes at Werder ...
EMT attacked by patient raises concerns about violence against hospital staff
DA identifies man killed by Boston Police after alleged sword attack, mental health crisis
A 29-year-old Boston man has been identified as the person shot and killed by police over the weekend after he allegedly stabbed first responders with a sword during a mental health crisis.
Envoy says Iran will take ‘proportionate’ action if Donald Trump follows through on attack threats
Tehran has rejected a 45-day ceasefire proposal, saying it wants a permanent end to the war.
City’s BLM-era mental health push puts cops in danger after sword-wielding suspect stabs officer: police
Boston's mental health-first crisis response model faces scrutiny after police say a man emerged with a sword and stabbed an officer on Saturday.
11 years later, Obsidian's Pillars of Eternity gets a turn-based combat mode to make it a little bit more like Baldur's Gate 3
Obsidian Entertainment has just updated fantasy RPG Pillars of Eternity with optional turn-based combat more than 11 years after launch.
MAGA Is Winning Its War Against U.S. Science
Source: NBER With all the other terrible news right now, you may not have noticed that Donald Trump is in the process of killing American science. OK, that’s an exaggeration — but not that much of an exaggeration. The Trump administration’s latest budget proposal calls for a gigantic increase in military spending combined with severe cuts to social programs. But as the chart above shows, it also calls for debilitating reductions in research funding. Furthermore, Trump appointees have already been strangling science by sharply reducing the rate at which research grants are approved. Here, for example, is the number of new grants approved by the National Science Foundation: Source: Nature Large numbers of existing grants have also been frozen or terminated, especially in the study of infectious diseases. Add to this a sharp drop in visas issued to foreign students, who often play a direct role in research and who help support academic departments that do research: Put all of this together, and much U.S. scientific research is set to come to a screeching halt — not a few years from now, but over the course of the next year or two. This new assault on U.S. science is taking place at a time when the role of American science in the world has already been greatly eroded. The chart below, based on research recently reported by the National Bureau of Economic Research, measures national strength in science by the share of publications in highly ranked journals. In the 1990s the United States had more such publications than the rest of the world combined. Since then we’ve dropped into third place — well behind China and slightly below the European Union. And this was before the Trump administration’s attack on science had time to take its full effect. Source Some erosion in U.S. scientific preeminence was inevitable given China’s growing sophistication and wealth. But we’ve also fallen behind Europe, even though everyone says that Europe is lagging economically and technologically. Claims about Europe’s underperformance are, in fact, dubious if one looks hard at the data. But it’s still striking to see America lagging. What’s going on? There are presumably multiple factors behind America’s scientific lag. But even before Trump II the growing hostility of the U.S. right to science surely had some negative effect. And since the rise of MAGA G.O.P. attitudes toward science in general have become overwhelmingly hostile. This is true even for the Republican rank and file: And while I haven’t been able to find good survey data, it’s obvious that the anti-science turn has been even more pronounced — and began earlier — among the Republican political elite. Chris Mooney published The Republican War on Science in 2005, and even then was describing a longstanding trend. Why have Republicans turned so anti-science? Part of the answer is that they believe that scientists don’t support them. And they’re right! A study of who scientists give money to shows that only a small percentage gave money to Republicans even 20 years ago, and that almost none of them donate to Republicans now: Social scientists have always been strongly pro-Democratic, while there used to be a significant number of physical, “hard” scientists supporting the GOP. But these days physicists are almost as uniformly Democratic, or at least non-Republican, as sociologists. Why are there almost no Republican scientists? It’s not a mystery. GOP political orthodoxy includes positions that are at odds with the scientific consensus on multiple issues, ranging from the validity of the theory of evolution, to the reality of climate change, to the efficacy and safety of vaccines. In each case the scientific consensus is solidly grounded in evidence. But even before the rise of MAGA the U.S. right was increasingly hostile to evidence-based policymaking — especially, of course, where the evidence is unfavorable to fossil fuel interests or quack medicine, both financial mainstays of right-wing politics. So scientists don’t support Republicans, and the feeling is mutual. Today’s Republican Party doesn’t like science or scientists. It doesn’t like having its preconceived views challenged by appeals to evidence. It knows that very few scientists are on its side electorally. In general, it sees scientific research as a threat to its grasp on political power. Add in MAGA’s combination of rabid anti-intellectualism and allergy to any hint of criticism, and one has the makings of a drastic anti-science turn in policy. “Ignorance is strength” might was well be an official MAGA motto. And as I said, we aren’t talking about something that will happen over the course of multiple years: The U.S. scientific enterprise is threatened with severe damage, even collapse, over just the next year. There are many reasons to find this prospect horrifying: Think of all the beneficial advances, affecting almost every part of life, that won’t happen because U.S. science — still crucial to the world — has been eviscerated. But think, also, of America’s international standing. Can a nation that has forfeited its role as a leader, or even a contender, in global science, still be a Great Power? No. MUSICAL CODA
Democrats see gas prices as potent line of attack on campaign trail
Republicans won in 2024 by promising to cut the cost of living, but now high gas prices caused by the Iran war are frustrating voters.
Lil Nas X enters a mental health program intended to lead to dropped charges of attacking police
A judge has allowed Lil Nas X to enter a mental health diversion program intended to lead to the dismissal of charges of attacking Los Angeles police officers.
Lil Nas X enters a mental health program intended to lead to dropped charges of attacking police
A judge has allowed Lil Nas X to enter a mental health diversion program that could lead to the dismissal of charges against him.
Lil Nas X enters a mental health program intended to lead to dropped charges of attacking police
a e n bipolar-disorder courts indictments hip-hop-and-rap general-news mental-health law-enforcement assault u-s-news entertainment | Talk 1370
Trump Says Iran Cease-Fire Proposal Is ‘Not Good Enough’ as Deadline Approaches
President Trump has threatened to launch a massive attack targeting bridges, power plants and other civilian facilities by Tuesday evening.
The year in review: Influential people who have died in 2026
As director of the FBI, Robert S. Mueller III transformed the agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. But Mueller, who died in March, is perhaps
Arizona cardiology practice paying $3.85M to resolve lawsuit after data breach
The 2023 incident potentially gave an attacker access to the names, addresses and Social Security numbers of thousands of heart patients.
Supreme Court Clears the Way for Dismissal of Bannon Conviction
Stephen K. Bannon, a former close aide to President Trump, was convicted for failing to comply with a congressional subpoena related to the investigation into the Jan. 6 attack.
Supreme Court clears way for Trump DOJ to wipe out Steve Bannon's conviction
Bannon, now a host of a popular MAGA podcast, was convicted in 2022 for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021 attack .
Supreme Court paves way for Steve Bannon contempt case to be dismissed
Bannon, a Trump ally and podcaster, already served a four-month prison sentence for defying congressional subpoenas to testify about the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
After Gaza devastation, Israeli attacks on Lebanon's health care system feel familiar for many
Since the war between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah reignited on March 2, Israel has pushed deeper into southern Lebanon
After Gaza devastation, Israeli attacks on Lebanon's health care system feel familiar for many
SIDON, Lebanon (AP) — Two years ago, Dr. Mohammed Ziara watched Israel ravage Gaza's health care system, shelling hospitals, striking ambulances and forcing patients to evacuate.
After Gaza devastation, Israeli attacks on Lebanon’s health care system feel familiar for many
Since the war between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah reignited on March 2, Israel has pushed deeper into southern Lebanon.
Jalen Hurts Has Reportedly Gotten The 'Message' In Philly
There was reportedly a lot of "friction" between Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles toward the end of the 2025 season. ESPN reported on the development. "Close observers point to a lack of creativity and synergy in the Eagles' attack. The pass game wasn't always properly tied to the run, and ...
If You See This Message In Google Chrome, You Are Now At Risk
Google updates Chrome with attacks underway — but millions are still at risk. Check for this message now.
Queens slashing suspects wanted for attacking man near sports bar in bloody assault
Detectives in Queens are looking for two men behind a violent, bloody slashing near a sports bar last month that left a man seriously wounded.
Israel strikes Hezbollah sites in Beirut
Lebanese state media reported multiple strikes in a Hezbollah stronghold of the capital, which killed two people. The Lebanese Health Ministry has said at least 11 others were injured in overnight air attacks in the south.
Trump Slashed Funding for Science. Now the U.S. Faces a Costly Brain Drain.
The White House’s attacks on academia and budget cuts for research have provided an opening for other countries to poach leading scientists.
Attacks against hospitals and health facilities must end
WHO, UNICEF raise alarm over escalating attacks on health care in Sudan
Cluster Munitions and the Politics of Enforcement
The Use of Cluster Munitions Doesn’t Draw the Same Scrutiny When Israel or Israeli Civilians Are the Victims of Attacks
Today’s Papers – Serie A returns after Italy’s flop
La Gazzetta dello SportThe coach leaves, Baldini as caretaker coach, then Conte or ManciniGattuso gives up, Capello reports‘In Italy we walk, the others run.’ Stadiums and bets, Gravina attacks th...
Trump's budget singles out L.A. homelessness agency as he proposes housing cuts
Trump’s proposed budget attacks L.A.'s homelessness agency in push to eliminate a federal program that funds housing and services for homeless Americans.
Company backed by Trump sons looks to sell drone interceptors to Gulf states being attacked by Iran
The sales drive by Florida-based Powerus – which announced a deal last month to bring aboard Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. – positions the company to potentially benefit from a war that their father began.
Apple issues warning to millions of iPhone users over sophisticated attack stealing data: Act NOW
Apple has issued an emergency update for millions of iPhone users, urging them to act now to prevent their data from being stolen.
More than 20 attacks on Iranian healthcare facilities since March 1: WHO
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says 'multiple attacks' on Iranian healthcare facilities have been reported.
Google Issues Zero-Day Attack Alert For 3.5 Billion Chrome Users
Google has issued an update alert for 3.5 billion Chrome browser users following confirmation of a new zero-day attack exploit.
WHO’s head of emergencies reaffirms support to Lebanon’s health system amid escalating needs
Lebanon’s health system continues to function despite the mounting pressures of conflict, displacement and repeated attacks on health care – but without urgent action and sustained international support, access to essential health services is increasingly at risk.
How Israel is destroying healthcare infrastructure in southern Lebanon
Israel's attacks on hospitals, medical centres and healthcare workers are fuelling displacement and a health crisis.
💸 Goalkeeper joins the attack! La Liga's top earners
L'Équipe recently published numerous player salaries from Europe's top leagues. Of course, La Liga was included too. Here’s how much the top 5 in Spain earn per month (gross).5. Jude Bellingham (Re...
Exclusive: US intelligence assesses Iran maintains significant missile launching capability, sources say
Roughly half of Iran’s missile launchers are still intact and thousands of one-way attack drones remain in Iran’s arsenal despite the daily pounding by US and Israeli strikes against military targets over the past five weeks, according to recent US intelligence assessments, three sources familiar with the intel told CNN.
New Rowhammer attacks give complete control of machines running Nvidia GPUs
Both GDDRHammer and GeForge hammer GPU memory in ways that compromise the CPU.
Google Issues Zero-Day Attack Alert For 3.5 Billion Chrome Users
Google has issued an update alert for 3.5 billion Chrome browser users following confirmation of a new zero-day attack exploit.
'A considerable gamble' at 'a fragile moment'
Only Tottenham would respond to the current bin fire at the club by turning to a famously incendiary manager to put out the flames. After tens of thousands of supporters lined the streets in an act of unity, the Tottenham board split the fanbase by appointing Roberto de Zerbi. The Italian, known for his high-pressing, attacking football, arrives with a reputation that has already prompted concern from supporter groups and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust.
Iran fires missiles at Israel and Gulf neighbors as Trump talks of winding down Mideast war
Iran responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s address to Americans on the war with new missile attacks targeting Israel and the Gulf Arab states
Wall St futures slide as Trump signals tougher Iran strikes, oil jumps 6%
Futures tracking Wall Street's main indexes slid on Thursday as U.S. President Donald Trump signaled more aggressive attacks on Iran, dampening expectations for an end to the month-long war and sending crude prices up 6%.
Faced with Trump's attacks on research, French scientists urge vigilance
On Thursday, March 26, the Stand Up for Science collective condemned the Trump administration's attacks on research and academic freedom. They also warned of the risks of these actions spreading to Europe and France.
Trump defends decision to attack Iran, says conflict is ‘nearing completion’
The president’s address comes as the White House tries to contain the consequences of a conflict that has sent gas prices soaring and soured Americans’ feelings about Trump.
Apple releases security fix for older iPhones and iPads to protect against DarkSword attacks
The security update protects a raft of older iPhones and iPads from attacks linked to leaked hacking tools called DarkSword.
Colorado leaders say Trump’s executive order targeting mail voting violates state election authority
Colorado leaders swiftly condemned President Donald Trump’s new executive order issued Tuesday, arguing that its creation of a national voter‑eligibility list and new limits on mail voting violate states’ constitutional authority to run their own elections. Jefferson County Clerk Amanda Gonzalez called the order another attack on Americans’ access to the ballot but was confident […]
Roseanne Barr, 73, fears she will 'die on the surgery table' after doctor told her she has a 'damaged' heart
Roseanne Barr says she isn't interested in getting surgery after a doctor told her she has a 'damaged' heart. The actress said she would prefer to 'just get a heart attack or a stroke' and be put in hospice care.
New Chrome Zero-Day CVE-2026-5281 Under Active Exploitation
Chrome patches 21 flaws including exploited CVE-2026-5281 in Dawn, marking fourth zero-day fixed in 2026, reducing active attack risk.
Google fixes fourth Chrome zero-day exploited in attacks in 2026
Google has fixed the fourth Chrome vulnerability exploited in zero-day attacks since the start of the year.
North Korean hackers bug software used by thousands of US companies in potential crypto heist attempt
Suspected North Korean hackers have bugged a software package that has been used by thousands of US companies in a major supply-chain attack that could take months to recover from, security experts said Tuesday.
California Oil and Gas Health Protection Law Survives First-Round Trump Administration Attack
Buffer zones between drilling sites, communities to remain in effect during legal battle
Urgent iPhone alert: Apple pushing new notifications to warn of attacks, what you should do
Apple is going to extra lengths to warn users in the wake of the latest attack.
One Year in, the Anti-Science Agenda of the Trump Administration Is Evident
We are now more than a year into President Trump’s second stint in the White House, establishing a grim and undeniable record of attacks on science. Every month that has passed since his inauguration day, there have been multiple actions that target science, scientists, and science-based policies. T
Political group attacks South Anchorage Assembly candidate from both left and right with contradictory mailers
Both mailers were paid for by the same political group, Friends of the Good Guys.
What do you want to know about beta-blockers?
For decades, beta-blockers have been commonly prescribed as a standard treatment for adults who have had heart attacks with no complications and many people continue the medications for life. But a growing body of research has begun to question that approach.
Violent video game spurred fatal attack on veteran at Minnesota mental health facility, lawsuit says
After a heart attack, beta-blockers are often a lifelong medicine. Maybe they shouldn’t be
For decades, surviving a heart attack has come with a lifelong prescription: Stay on medications called beta-blockers to help protect your heart. But doctors are taking a closer look at whether long-term beta-blocker use is really necessary, especially beyond the first year of recovery.
GOP weighs health care moves to pay for Iran war
New efforts to rein in health programs open the GOP up to attacks that they're cutting health care to pay for an unpopular war.
Weizmann Institute rebuilds after Iranian missile strike, but lost science may be gone for good
Most buildings damaged in the June 2025 attack have been repaired, but destroyed research and data cannot be recovered.
3 Simple Daily Changes Could Lower Your Risk of Heart Attack And Stroke
Small steps for big results.
Navigating the social media minefield
Scientists and researchers seeking to announce promising findings, exchange ideas or contribute to policy discussions outside of academic circles may find social media an expedient tool.But increasingly, scientists and other professionals are discovering that online platforms can be a double-edged sword: while sharing their work and expertise is crucial for visibility and meeting funder expectations, it also exposes them to baseless criticism and even accusations of spreading false information."It is getting harder and harder for scientists, and researchers in general, to convey their findings without facing attacks on their legitimacy and accuracy of their research," says Valère Ndior, a professor of public law at the University of Western Brittany in Brest, France, who has spent more than a decade studying misinformation on social media. Researchers attempting to challenge deceptive online information may themselves be accused of political bias or not being objective in their research, he explains, adding that some scientists disengage because they feel overwhelmed and unable to sustain meaningful dialogue. "It is quite sad to see in some instances that researchers end up leaving social media altogether because they feel like the pressure is getting too intense or feel threatened," he says.Ndior, a past president of the Francophone Network of International Law, is also involved in European efforts to make science and research findings more accessible to the public. As an ambassador for the Science Comes to Town (SCTT) project, he has participated in recent discussions on public perceptions of science and online misinformation. The European Commission-funded initiative connects Brest and two other cities — Kiel in Germany and Split in Croatia — and aims to strengthen ties between communities, universities and research institutions to promote science awareness and cooperation across Europe.Coordinated campaigns around contentious topicsNdior draws a clear distinction between critical thinking and thoughtless criticism. Yet he sees online discussions being increasingly shaped by suspicious behaviour and coordinated information campaigns — including "raids" aimed at dominating discussions and "astroturfing," where small groups act as larger movements to sway debates. Tracking these patterns has become harder because some platforms have restricted data or charge for it, despite provisions of the European Union's Digital Securities Act aimed at ensuring researchers can have access to such data. According to Ndior, "platforms became more reluctant from the moment access to data became a legal requirement rather than a voluntary initiative."Unfounded claims and scepticism about science existed long before Internet chat groups. But the noticeable rise in online hostility has intensified around contentious topics, such as the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, alongside the weakening of gatekeepers to moderate content.For Ndior, dubious claims about pandemic countermeasures and vaccine safety highlighted the struggle between "balancing freedom of expression and the protection of public health and order." Efforts to remove social media content deemed false or risky for public health triggered accusations of censorship and the silencing of legitimate discussion, and in some cases, legal challenges.Concerns about attacks on the credibility of scientists and researchers have generated a flurry of academic papers in recent years and prompted professional communities to address ways to counter online attacks. Such unease extends to the generation that has grown up with digital media. Ndior points out that his students, some of whom research artificial intelligence regulation, hate speech, online surveillance and other controversial topics, hesitate to share their work or viewpoints online. "Many of them don't want to expose themselves too much because they don't feel ready to be faced with the backlash of other people criticising their research," he explains.Safer harbours for engagementLegal challenges against false or defamatory posts are not necessarily a solution — especially given the trans-jurisdictional nature of the Internet. Lawsuits also take time and money, and if they fail, can be counterproductive. Instead, Ndior advises scientists and researchers to be selective in how and where they communicate. Professional online platforms and moderated discussion spaces offer a better environment for engagement. He also highlights the value of more traditional formats, such as radio interviews and in-person discussions at schools, libraries and science fairs, which encourage dialogue with the public. "Personal contact makes a big difference," he says, while acknowledging that these approaches lack the global reach of social media.Ndior’s interest in digital law and online misinformation stems from his time as a doctoral student in international law in the early days of social media. He began analysing posts from governments and heads of state to determine if they could be considered official and thus used as evidence in litigation. His work attracted media attention and led to conference and speaking invitations. "This was not part of my plan," he says, "but this is what happens as a researcher — your interest is sparked by a certain event or phenomenon, and it suddenly becomes your focus."Ndior believes SCTT provides "a double benefit" for researchers, enabling them to connect with peers and interact with the public. "There is a wide community of people who are not in academia who are critical thinkers looking for opportunities to ask questions, to get information and contribute their ideas,” he says. "I really value that kind of feedback."Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
Navigating the social media minefield
Scientists and researchers seeking to announce promising findings, exchange ideas or contribute to policy discussions outside of academic circles may find social media an expedient tool.But increasingly, scientists and other professionals are discovering that online platforms can be a double-edged sword: while sharing their work and expertise is crucial for visibility and meeting funder expectations, it also exposes them to baseless criticism and even accusations of spreading false information."It is getting harder and harder for scientists, and researchers in general, to convey their findings without facing attacks on their legitimacy and accuracy of their research," says Valère Ndior, a professor of public law at the University of Western Brittany in Brest, France, who has spent more than a decade studying misinformation on social media. Researchers attempting to challenge deceptive online information may themselves be accused of political bias or not being objective in their research, he explains, adding that some scientists disengage because they feel overwhelmed and unable to sustain meaningful dialogue. "It is quite sad to see in some instances that researchers end up leaving social media altogether because they feel like the pressure is getting too intense or feel threatened," he says.Ndior, a past president of the Francophone Network of International Law, is also involved in European efforts to make science and research findings more accessible to the public. As an ambassador for the Science Comes to Town (SCTT) project, he has participated in recent discussions on public perceptions of science and online misinformation. The European Commission-funded initiative connects Brest and two other cities — Kiel in Germany and Split in Croatia — and aims to strengthen ties between communities, universities and research institutions to promote science awareness and cooperation across Europe.Coordinated campaigns around contentious topicsNdior draws a clear distinction between critical thinking and thoughtless criticism. Yet he sees online discussions being increasingly shaped by suspicious behaviour and coordinated information campaigns — including "raids" aimed at dominating discussions and "astroturfing," where small groups act as larger movements to sway debates. Tracking these patterns has become harder because some platforms have restricted data or charge for it, despite provisions of the European Union's Digital Securities Act aimed at ensuring researchers can have access to such data. According to Ndior, "platforms became more reluctant from the moment access to data became a legal requirement rather than a voluntary initiative."Unfounded claims and scepticism about science existed long before Internet chat groups. But the noticeable rise in online hostility has intensified around contentious topics, such as the coronavirus pandemic and climate change, alongside the weakening of gatekeepers to moderate content.For Ndior, dubious claims about pandemic countermeasures and vaccine safety highlighted the struggle between "balancing freedom of expression and the protection of public health and order." Efforts to remove social media content deemed false or risky for public health triggered accusations of censorship and the silencing of legitimate discussion, and in some cases, legal challenges.Concerns about attacks on the credibility of scientists and researchers have generated a flurry of academic papers in recent years and prompted professional communities to address ways to counter online attacks. Such unease extends to the generation that has grown up with digital media. Ndior points out that his students, some of whom research artificial intelligence regulation, hate speech, online surveillance and other controversial topics, hesitate to share their work or viewpoints online. "Many of them don't want to expose themselves too much because they don't feel ready to be faced with the backlash of other people criticising their research," he explains.Safer harbours for engagementLegal challenges against false or defamatory posts are not necessarily a solution — especially given the trans-jurisdictional nature of the Internet. Lawsuits also take time and money, and if they fail, can be counterproductive. Instead, Ndior advises scientists and researchers to be selective in how and where they communicate. Professional online platforms and moderated discussion spaces offer a better environment for engagement. He also highlights the value of more traditional formats, such as radio interviews and in-person discussions at schools, libraries and science fairs, which encourage dialogue with the public. "Personal contact makes a big difference," he says, while acknowledging that these approaches lack the global reach of social media.Ndior’s interest in digital law and online misinformation stems from his time as a doctoral student in international law in the early days of social media. He began analysing posts from governments and heads of state to determine if they could be considered official and thus used as evidence in litigation. His work attracted media attention and led to conference and speaking invitations. "This was not part of my plan," he says, "but this is what happens as a researcher — your interest is sparked by a certain event or phenomenon, and it suddenly becomes your focus."Ndior believes SCTT provides "a double benefit" for researchers, enabling them to connect with peers and interact with the public. "There is a wide community of people who are not in academia who are critical thinkers looking for opportunities to ask questions, to get information and contribute their ideas,” he says. "I really value that kind of feedback."Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
The World's Most Unbelievable Science Fiction Novel
Honestly, I can't believe I'm in this world of ours (or do I mean His?). Yes, this very one and no other! Almost a quarter of a century after, in response to the 9/11 attacks, the
All INdiana Politics
Jamsheed Choksy discusses the risk of terror attacks and cyber threats in Indiana, while Diego Morales explains his voter registration decision.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer ready to consider Manchester United transfer
Cole Palmer has reportedly become disillusioned with life at Chelsea and is open to joining Manchester United. The 23-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world...
New cholesterol guidelines could change when you get tested
A major new U.S. cholesterol guideline is shifting the focus toward earlier, more personalized prevention of heart disease. It urges people to start screening sooner—sometimes even in childhood—and highlights the importance of tracking not just LDL (“bad”) cholesterol but also genetic risk factors like lipoprotein(a). A new, more advanced risk calculator now uses broader health data to better predict heart attack and stroke risk over decades.
Iranian attack on Saudi base injures US troops. More American forces arrive in the Middle East
w drone-surveillance-and-warfare iran-war war-and-unrest general-news military-and-defense washington-news world-news | WBEN
What do politicians gain from personal attacks?
"These findings suggest that politicians are using the attacks as a strategy to become part of the national political debate..."
Iran’s efforts to mount attacks against US extend far beyond its military. Here’s what to know
As the US sends large numbers of troops to the Middle East, preparing for a possible ground incursion, Iran’s willingness to inspire lone-wolf attacks, lead cyber hacks, and conduct assassination operations abroad is likely to increase, terrorism experts and US law enforcement officials told CNN.