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Three UT Southwestern faculty members elected to National Academy of Sciences
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) today elected three UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists into its membership. Election to the NAS is one of the highest honors in the United States for American scientists.
UAE Employment and Social Reforms 2026: Modernization or Business as Usual?
A flurry of employment law reforms in the United Arab Emirates—a business-friendly area that remains firmly rooted in traditional values and national identity—in recent years has caught the attention of multinational employers and expatriates alike, but do these changes represent a genuine shift toward Western-style liberalization, or are they pragmatic adjustments designed to maintain competitiveness while preserving the status quo? Below are some of the key developments and what they mean for employers operating in the region.
Informal educators get a powerful new way to speak their mind and boost their skills
Few elements of our culture are as firmly established in the 21st century western zeitgeist as the fact that teachers are underappreciated and poorly paid. That goes double for informal educators — those who work outside the confines of diploma or degree-granting institutions. In the realm of scienc
WNY Invention Convention at Buffalo Science Museum
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Students had the chance to showcase their creativity at the Buffalo Museum of Science on Sunday at the Western New York Invention Convention. Around 350 students showed…
Food vendors at Point State Park take on large crowds at the NFL Draft
Long lines formed inside the NFL Draft Experience at Point State Park for food and drinks that were cooked, baked, and brewed by local food vendors from around western Pennsylvania.
‘How Black Music Took Over the World’ Review: Science and Rhythm
Many of the world’s most popular music genres have their origins in black traditions. Western notation can’t always capture African musical innovations.
Five flaws Warriors must address to upgrade their roster this NBA offseason
Monte Poole lists five factors the Golden State Warriors must address to have any chance of rejoining the contenders in the Western Conference.
Bipartisan-cited science is powerful but rare
New analysis explores how policymakers engage with science
An Agricultural Mosaic in Taiwan
Diversity reigns across the farmland of Yunlin County in southwestern Taiwan—a region that produces an array of crops on small farms.
Stunning 132 million-year-old dinosaur tracks are rewriting history
A long-standing mystery in southern Africa’s fossil record is beginning to unravel. After massive lava flows 182 million years ago seemed to erase evidence of dinosaurs in the region, scientists have now uncovered surprising new clues along the Western Cape coast. Dozens of dinosaur tracks, about 132 million years old, have been discovered in a tiny stretch of rock near Knysna—making them the youngest ever found in southern Africa.
Scene One Entertainment opens Market Arcade 8
Scene One Entertainment, alongside Benchmark Management Group, opened the Market Arcade 8 on Wednesday in downtown Buffalo - the latest for the Schenectady-based entertainment company, and its first foray in Western New York.
KOCO 5 Sports breaks down Thunder’s chances against Suns in Game 2
After a dominant performance against the Phoenix Suns during Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, the Oklahoma City Thunder are looking to bring their offensive and defensive energy back to the Paycom Center for Game 2.
Gamers sue Nintendo over tariff refunds, saying consumers should get the money back
Two gamers have filed a class action lawsuit against Nintendo, alleging that the company will be unjustly enriching itself with any refund it secures from the U.S. government over widespread tariffs last year that, among other things, hiked the prices of Nintendo hardware and accessories. “Unless restrained by this Court, Nintendo stands to recover the same tariff payments twice—once from consumers through higher prices and again from the federal government through tariff refunds, including interest paid by the government on those funds,” the suit states. Nintendo sued the U.S. government to secure a tariff refund in March, after the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs a month prior, saying they were illegally implemented by President Donald Trump.. The gamers who have sued, California-based Gregory Hoffert and Washington-based Prashant Sharan, both say they purchased Nintendo goods that had increased in price due to tariffs, according to the complaint. They filed their suit in the Western District court of Nintendo of America’s home state of Washington and are seeking class action status to represent all people in the U.S. who purchased price-hiked Nintendo goods between February 1, 2025 and February 24, 2026. They allege that Nintendo’s recovery of any tariff refunds would constitute unjust enrichment and violate Washington state consumer protection law. Similar class action lawsuits pressing companies to pass on tariff refunds have been previously filed against FedEx, UPS and eyeglass importer EssilorLuxottica. The tariffs were announced in early April, and by mid-month, Nintendo had announced $5 price increases for controllers for the then-forthcoming Switch 2. In August, it raised the price of the original Switch. In their suit, the gamers cite comments from Nintendo executives connecting the tariffs to price increases. In May 2025, a month after the tariffs were imposed, Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa told investors “Our basic policy is that for any country or region, if tariffs are imposed, we recognize them as a part of the cost and incorporate them into the price.” Nintendo’s March lawsuit, along with tariff-recovery suits from hundreds of other companies was immediately put on hold pending the implementation of a refund system. The U.S. government announced the beginning of the refund process earlier this week. Companies could receive as much as $160 billion, per CNBC. In March 2026, after Nintendo filed its lawsuit to recover the cost of the tariffs, I asked the company if they planned to pass their refund on to customers who’d paid increased prices. The company’s response acknowledged the existence of the lawsuit but avoided answering that question: “We can confirm that we filed a request. We have nothing else to share on this topic.” Even a promise to consumers may not have spared Nintendo this week’s lawsuit. FedEx previously promised to pass its tariff refunds on to consumers. They’ve been sued over them anyway.
Western Athletic Conference to enter league-rebranding partnership in July
The WAC’s merge into the United Athletic Conference is expected to reduce costs.
Peter Voorhees Looks Back on Career at Northwestern Engineering
Voorhees, who became a professor emeritus in September, prizes interdisciplinary research and is optimistic about the future of materials science research.
Dietrich’s Morgan Denning signs to play three sports at Colorado Northwestern
A Dietrich High School senior signed his letter of intent this afternoon to continue his academic and athletic career, taking on the challenge of three sports.
NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Texas A&M's KC Concepcion
Concepcion has roots in Western New York, spending his first five years of life in Rochester.
Nebraska Sandhill ranching wrecked by Morrill Fire
The Nebraska Sandhills are made for cattle grazing, and that is, in large part, what keeps the area thriving and supports the small communities throughout western Nebraska. In Arthur County, most operations are cow-calf producers with a few operators who run yearlings on grass during the summer. On a good year, the grass is dense […]
‘For the next girl’: Students carve out new era for women’s club sports
Pritzker first-year Marisol Nugent competed at the Division I level as the first female recruit on the UNC men’s wrestling team. When Nugent came to Northwestern, she started a women’s wrestling team with the encouragement of USA Wrestling but faced delays with club approval. Team members had to compete as individuals rather than represent the school....
Magic rout Hornets as final NBA playoff spots decided
The Orlando Magic thrashed the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 to keep their season alive as the NBA playoffs' final teams were determined Friday.The Golden State Warriors take on the Phoenix Suns later Friday for the Western Conference's No. 8 seed, after which the full NBA playoff schedule will be finalized.
How Pittsburgh's North Side business district plans to cash in on NFL draft
Businesses on East Ohio Street and Western Avenue anticipate massive traffic for the NFL draft. They're ready with special menu items and attractions.
Amendment 53: New Opportunity: Early Career Investigator Program in Earth Science
ROSES-2025 Amendment 53 releases A.11 ECIP as a new opportunity in ROSES-25. Mandatory Notices of Intent are due by May 18, 2026, and proposals are due June 17, 2026.
Texas Western's historic 1966 NCAA champions to join Hall of Fame
The 1966 Texas Western men's basketball team, which made history with an all-Black starting lineup, will join the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
University of Idaho Dedicates New Meat Science Laboratory
April 16, 2026 - More than 300 supporters gathered April 10 to help dedicate a new University of Idaho meat science laboratory with ample space and modern technology to better serve the state’s rapidly growing beef industry. The 12,750-square-foot Meat Science and Innovation Center Honoring Ron Richard includes a Vandal Brand Meats storefront, a fabrication room, a further-processing room and more.
Helene exposed cracks in western NC’s health care safety net
Analyses of emergency room use and a doctor’s scramble to reopen his clinic raise questions ahead of the next big storm.
Schmaltz scores 2 goals as Mammoth defeat Jets 5-3
Nick Schmaltz scored twice as the Utah Mammoth beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-3 on Tuesday night and secured the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. Schmaltz scored his first goal for the Mammoth 4:54 into the second period on the power-play, assisted by Mikhail Sergachev and Dylan Guenther. He added a power-play goal 7:16 into the third, assisted by Logan Cooley and Clayton Keller.
Dr. Baker Presents Midwestern University's Vision for the Future of Healthcare Education
Executive profile in The CEO Magazine focuses on Midwestern's commitment to One Health and cutting edge education
Bethel conference highlights how ‘better science occurs’ with local knowledge at the table
Researchers and local experts gathered in Bethel in early April to share and compare environmental knowledge at the Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference, particularly across issues facing the Yukon-Kuwkoksim Delta.
Arctic marine science exhibition opens in Anchorage on May 15
The exhibition will include how communities and western scientists are working together, how all life in the water impacts the health of ecosystems, the importance of science communications, and intricacies of the research vessel itself.
LeBron James Named Western Conference Player of the Week
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James added yet another accolade to his stocked trophy cabinet with his 70th Player of the Week award.
Northwestern Medicine provides guidance for improving Black maternal health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 80% of deaths related to pregnancy are preventable, and Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
PBR | 2026 PBR World Finals: Unleash the Beast to bring nearly two weeks of Western-themed entertainment to Fort Worth from May 7–17
Celebration features live music, fan experiences, cultural events and the richest purse in bull riding.
Jokic stars as Nuggets secure third seed in final game
Nikola Jokic scores 23 points in the first half as the Denver Nuggets beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-118 to claim third seed in the Western Conference.
Predators, Sharks look for late push into West playoff picture
Two teams still on the outskirts of the Western Conference playoff picture will collide when the Nashville Predators host the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.
PhD Alumni Jessie Croteau Wins WPSA’s Environmental Political Theory Paper Award
Dr. Jessie Croteau, who received her PhD in 2025, was awarded the 2026 Environmental Political Theory Best Paper Award at the Western Political Science Association (WPSA) for her paper “In Praise of Decay, Toward a Politics of Compost”. This award is given to the author of the best paper in environmental political theory presented at...
Unusual airborne toxin detected in the U.S. for the first time
Scientists searching for air pollution clues stumbled onto something unexpected: toxic MCCPs drifting through the air for the first time in the Western Hemisphere. The likely source—fertilizer made from sewage sludge—points to a hidden route for contamination.
WesternU College of Pharmacy’s Ray Symposium examines keys to regain trust in science
Dr. Aaron E. Carroll, President & CEO of AcademyHealth, presented “Science You Can Trust: Leading with Evidence in a Distrustful Time” at the 20th annual Ray Symposium at WesternU.
Weekend Pulse 4/10-4/12
Live music, circus performances, film screenings and fundraisers highlight a busy April weekend across southwestern New Hampshire and southern Vermont.
Legislators, behavioral health professionals discuss Westmoreland County mental health goals, challenges
Legislators and behavioral health professionals will discuss the mental health challenges and priorities among Westmoreland County residents Friday. The fourth annual mental health legislative breakfast, held at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, is a partnership between Westmoreland County Commissioner Doug Chew, Mental Health America of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Adelphoi. This year’s
Clippers, Trail Blazers duke it out for No. 8 seed
Jockeying for positioning in the Western Conference play-in round hits the home stretch on Friday when the Portland Trail Blazers welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for a crucial showdown.
When and why political leaders polarise rhetoric: Evidence from Twitter/X
Standard theories of electoral competition predict that politicians should converge toward the centre as elections approach. This column challenges this prediction, using 3.4 million tweets from 367 political leaders across 21 Western democracies. Rhetorical polarisation between populist and non-populist leaders rises sharply in the two quarters before an election and reverts to average levels once it is over. Both groups adopt a more emotionally direct communication style as elections near, but they increasingly talk about different topics. The findings suggest that social media turns electoral campaigns into an engine of political polarisation.
ULM Political Science faculty and students participate in state meeting
Political Science faculty and graduate students from the University of Louisiana Monroe recently participated in the Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Political Science Association (LPSA), held Friday, February 27, at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
ULM Political Science faculty and students participate in state meeting
Political Science faculty and graduate students from the University of Louisiana Monroe recently participated in the Annual Meeting of the Louisiana Political Science Association (LPSA), held Friday, February 27, at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.
Texas A&M has been in contact with Northwestern transfer guard
Texas A&M has reportedly been in contact with Northwestern transfer guard Jayden Reid.
NBA champion Thunder clinch Western Conference top seed
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured the Western Conference top seed and best record in the NBA with a 128-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday.Oklahoma City snagged the West's top seed for the third year running, and with the best overall record they'll have home court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Science without a script | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University
In a handful of biology labs at Case Western Reserve University, undergraduate students move between benches, comparing results, adjusting experiments...
Pat Fitzgerald was vilified, then vindicated. His truth comes out at last
Pat Fitzgerald opens up to USA TODAY Sports about his firing at Northwestern, hazing allegations and building a future with Michigan State football.
Political newcomer from western Mass. ‘would love to be governor ... in 20 years’
In part one of NEPM's series on local candidates giving politics a try, Yakov Kronrod leans on his family's refugee history and his own past activism.
Kevin Durant scores 24 in his return to Phoenix, leads the Rockets past the Suns 119-105
Kevin Durant scored 24 points in his return to Phoenix and the Houston Rockets rallied from an early 21-point deficit and pulled away late to beat the Phoenix Suns 119-105 on Tuesday night. The Rockets are on a seven-game winning streak and moved into a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 4 spot in the Western Conference playoff race. Durant made 5 of 9 3-pointers.
Nuggets eye 10th straight win as depleted Grizzlies visit
The surging Denver Nuggets are fighting for the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference -- and fighting their porous 3-point defense.
Western Michigan's business college gets largest gift in its history
The $17 million from the Stan Lucas Trust will fund innovative ways for students to receive hands-on experience in the business world.
Western NC communities now eligible for business district rebuilding grants
Local governments and nonprofits in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin counties can now apply for a share of $40 million to help rebuild business districts damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Western NC communities now eligible for business district rebuilding grants
Local governments and nonprofits in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes and Yadkin counties can now apply for a share of $40 million to help rebuild business districts damaged by Hurricane Helene.
Science conference focused on Western Alaska comes to Bethel
The Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference, also called WAISC will run April 7-9 at Bethel’s cultural center.
ODOD invests several thousand into business expansion
The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) is funding a southwestern business through the 166 Direct Loan Program.
Allegacy expands into Hickory
Allegacy Federal Credit Union recently broke ground for a new office in Hickory, expanding its reach into western North Carolina. The site on U.S. Highway 321 is expected to open in July.
Pacific Office Automation Acquires Western Business Products
Acquisiion of Ricoh dealer expands Pacific Office Automation's coverage across Northern California and Southern Oregon along the I-5 corridor.
Single-session therapy can help address gaps in mental health care
Can a single therapy session make a difference? Experts say yes, but only with the right mindset. Jessica Schleider is a Northwestern University psychology professor and founding director of the Lab for Scalable Mental Health.
Sabres, Bills make Buffalo sports history not done in 26 years
What a time to be alive in Western New York.
Fossil site in China reveals bevy of complex creatures lived prior to the Cambrian explosion, including a 'Dune'-like sandworm
A site in southwestern China holds a wide array of strange life-forms that emerged prior to the Cambrian explosion, and it pushes back the origin of complex life by millions of years.
Braiding knowledge: how Indigenous expertise and western science are converging
Researchers are weaving Native practices with western methods to revive ecosystems and reclaim food sovereignty
A look inside the digital backbone of business
AI and data systems are transforming the modern Midwestern workplace
Illinois Agronomist Drew Beckman Talks Science, Service, and Supporting Growers
Drew Beckman stays busy as an agronomist in the Corn Belt, but that’s only one piece of the picture. When he’s not working with growers in northwestern Illinois, he’s supporting his family and community in other ways — all with a good sense of humor.
State approves 95 new beds for Mission Hospital, denies requests from competitors
A planned expansion at Mission Hospital is raising new questions about competition and healthcare costs in western North Carolina after state health leaders app
76ers' Edgecombe, Kings' Raynaud named March Rookies of the Month
76ers guard VJ Edgecombe and Kings center Maxime Raynaud have been named the NBA Eastern and Western Conference Rookies of the Month for March.
Learn about the Master of Science in Data Science for fall 2026 | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University
Case School of Engineering’s new Master of Science in Data Science program will equip students with advanced skills in data science, artificial inte...
State audit critical of financial operations, oversight at Western Regional OTB
The audit reveals that "board members have allowed a system with a lack of transparency, documentation or oversight," Tom DiNapoli stated.
Business Briefs: April 3, 2026
Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley installs 2026 leadership SPRINGFIELD — Judy Nevarez has been officially installed as the 2026 president of the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley (RAPV), a nonprofit trade association representing more than 1,800 real estate professionals throughout western Massachusetts. The installation took place during RAPV’s annual holiday celebration, which featured the Association’s 110th Installation […]
Families reeling from Baystate Health decision to end gender care for youth
Baystate Health, the largest health center in western Massachusetts, announced in February it would stop gender-affirming treatment for children, offering only counseling. This came after the Trump administration threatened to strip Medicaid and Medicare funding from any hospital providing the care to kids.
UT Southwestern, Children's Health received $100M gift for new pediatric campus
The Authoritarian Playbook: The sexual politics of meat under Trump
Feminist scholar Carol Adams argues that the oppression of women and animals is inextricably linked. She asks: What can meat eating tell us about Western authoritarians?
Grand Junction Girls Soccer scoring spree highlights busy day of spring sports
High School Spring Sports have sprung, as teams on the Western Slope get into the thick of their schedules.
March of the Harmattan
Strong winds in March 2026 carried Saharan dust across northwestern Africa and toward the Canary Islands, reducing visibility and prompting alerts.
The Science Museum: Creating a catapult out of household objects
The Science Museum of Western Virginia helps 7@four construct an at-home activity you can do with your kids
Business to receive $1 million in Federal funding to strengthen cross-border supply chains through program at University at Buffalo
Western New York businesses are set to receive a major boost thanks to $1 million in new federal funding aimed at improving cross-border supply chain operations and economic growth in the region. Acc...
Young researchers showcase projects at North Platte science competition
Students from across Greater Nebraska presented research projects Monday during the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences Western Regional Science Competition at Mid-Plains Community College.
Young researchers showcase projects at North Platte science competition
Students from across Greater Nebraska presented research projects Monday during the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences Western Regional Science Competition at Mid-Plains Community College.
Helen H. Hobbs, M.D., honored for innovation in cardiovascular science
Helen H. Hobbs, M.D., Professor in the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development and of Internal Medicine and Molecular Genetics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Valentin Fuster Award for Innovation in Science by the American College of Cardiology (ACC).
Gov. Stein announces $8.5 million for WNC small business recovery after Helene
Governor Josh Stein announced nearly $8.5 million in new infrastructure grants to support small business recovery in western North Carolina on Friday.
Library hosting Writers Roadshow
The Northwestern Regional Library is pleased to announce our upcoming Writers Road show April 21-25 at our libraries and in our communities. These events are free and open to the
‘It's okay to go ask for help’: Nebraska’s DHHS highlights mental health resources as wildfires continue
As wildfires spread across western Nebraska, burning over 800,000 acres of land, Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services and local partners are reminding Nebraskans of mental health resources available.
Sports driving tourism along Western Slope
The Grand Junction tourism industry had a booming year in 2025, according to data released by the city of Grand Junction.
Rockets Fall To Sixth In Crowded Western Conference
Houston has gone just 5-5 in its last ten games.
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.
Suns chasing top-six playoff berth as they visit Grizzlies
The Phoenix Suns remain in the hunt for one of the six guaranteed NBA Western Conference playoff spots as they embark on a grueling end-of-regular-season schedule.
Bucks get second chance against Clippers in same week
The Milwaukee Bucks will take on a familiar Western Conference opponent as they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon.
Lebanon faces moment of truth as decision to expel Iranian envoy looms
Western countries watching closely for proof that Beirut can escape Tehran's orbit
Oregon softball beats Northwestern via Big Ten travel schedule
Northwestern had the tying run at the plate. Then someone looked at the clock.
The geography of science
Scientific activity has historically been concentrated in a small number of advanced economies, but the global landscape of research is undergoing rapid transformation. Using data on 44 million publications from 1980 to 2022, this column examines how the geography of science has evolved along three dimensions: where research is produced, what topics it studies, and where it is consumed through citations. It documents a substantial shift in scientific production from traditional Western leaders s emerging economies. Yet scientific attention and knowledge diffusion remain uneven, revealing a tension between the global expansion of scientific capacity and the continued fragmentation of the knowledge system.
As Western heat wave ends, scientists try to make sense of its length and intensity
The spring heat wave that baked the West for over a week has finally moved along, after setting more than 1,500 temperature records across 11 states.
Orbán accuses crowd of ‘pushing Ukraine’s cart’ after being booed at campaign rally
The incident took place in Győr, an opposition stronghold in northwestern Hungary.
Late surge lifts Thunder, Celtics rally to down Hawks
The Oklahoma City Thunder got back in the win column on Friday, beating the Chicago Bulls 131-113 to maintain their grip on first place in the NBA Western Conference.It was a key win for the Thunder, who came into the contest with a two-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs for top spot and home court advantage in the Western Conference playoffs.
Midwestern State University Texas hosts STEM conference to inspire young scientists
The event took place at Bolin Science Hall and McCoy Engineering Hall, where students gained hands-on exposure to a variety of fields, including medicine, engineering, environmental science and data s...
Studying human-robot interaction, CWRU researcher explores tech-enabled mental health support | CWRU Newsroom | Case Western Reserve University
Editor’s note: Jasmine Vo, the author of this story, is a student employee in the University Marketing and Communications department. She is a fourt...
Russia's oil is beating global prices, padding the Kremlin's war chest
The shift marks a turnaround for Russia, which had been forced to sell oil at steep discounts following Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.
Local youth sports programming finds new home at AIC
American International College is now the official home for all Western Mass Youth Sports programming.