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Texas hardliners dig in as House, Senate clash over Homeland Security funding
The House rejected a Senate deal that approved legislation to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security except for immigration enforcement.
Blakeman accuses Hochul of planning to raise taxes
Although he’s running for governor, Blakeman made his pitch to New Yorkers outside the mayor’s office Monday.
Pittsburgh black-owned businesses express frustration over NFL draft selection process
B. Marshall, Juneteenth promoter, said, "They are contracting businesses to work for the NFL to do certain functions."
Music therapy brightens chemo visits for 3-year-old at Corewell Health in Royal Oak
Three-year-old Carson Jamo, diagnosed with leukemia in June 2025, regularly visits Corewell Health in Royal Oak for chemotherapy, where music therapist Brandon Banas helps transform challenging appointments into positive experiences.
Charlie Kirk highway got vetoed in Arizona. Elected officials are citing politics
There will be no Charlie Kirk highway in his home state of Arizona
Something really big is going to happen': NASA's historic Artemis II mission approved for April 1 launch
NASA has given the 10-day Artemis II mission the green light after its flight readiness review, and the weather outlook remains favorable.
WATCH: Leavitt says U.S. troops appreciate prayers after Pope Leo speaks out against waging war
Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft Preview
The Dallas Cowboys in 2025 turned out to be quite a talented team, but only on one side of the field. The offense ranked among the best in the NFL. However, the team scored as many points as it gave up. Pick any defensive stat, and the Cowboys likely ranked in the bottom five in […] The post Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Draft Preview appeared first on The Lead.
New York looking to impose new gambling safeguards
Gov. Kathy Hochul has previewed sweeping new measures that would block minors from accessing betting apps and limit how companies target users.
You're Running Out Of Time For Laptop and Desktop Deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale
Amazon's massive sale ends at midnight tomorrow, so if you're on the market for a laptop or desktop, grab one from Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, and other top brands before they're gone.
iOS 26.5 adds Live Activities support for third-party accessories
Apple is working on support for Live Activities in third-party accessories with iOS 26.5 in Europe, according to new code seen by 9to5Mac.
Apple iPhone 18 Pro: Latest Leak Signals Major Design Update
When Apple releases the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max this fall, it looks like there will be an eye-catching change coming.
A science council without scientists: Trump's PCAST
President Donald Trump appointed the first members to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) last week.
New ‘Android Developer Verifier’ app coming to phones as Google shares verification timeline
After detailing the “advanced flow” for side loading earlier this month, Google today is opening Android developer verification to developers...
iOS 26.5 beta arrives with no Gemini-powered AI features as focus shifts to iOS 27
It’s safe to say that the Gemini-powered Siri and Apple Intelligence features won’t arrive in beta this month. iOS 26.5...
Apple Intelligence Accidentally Goes Live in China Before Regulatory Approval
Apple accidentally started rolling out Apple Intelligence features in China before receiving regulatory approval, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Some Chinese users began seeing Apple Intelligence features listed as available and active in the Settings app on their iPhones, but Apple made no formal announcement. Gurman says that Apple is not planning to launch the feature imminently, and that its availability was a mistake. Apple has since removed the Apple Intelligence features.
AMC Entertainment (AMC) Stock Trades Up, Here Is Why
What Happened? Shares of theater company AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) jumped 4.7% in the afternoon session after strong box office trends boosted investor co...
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.
Emigholz: FY27 Budget Needs Less Spending, Fewer Business Taxes
NJBIA Chief Government Affairs Officer Christopher Emigholz told the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today that New Jersey is at “an inflection
Lucy Martin Named President of Bechtel’s Mining & Metals Business
Bechtel today announced the appointment of Lucy Martin as president of its Mining & Metals (M&M) business, effective April 6, 2026. She succeeds Ailie MacAdam, who will retire in May after an exceptional 41-year career with the company.
Deus Ex Studio Eidos Montreal Is In Trouble After Fresh Layoffs
David Anfossi has departed Eidos Montreal amid the massive cuts
iOS 26.5 adds new Apple Maps feature for trending places
iOS 26.5 beta 1 arrived today, and with it a new Apple Maps feature for discovering where to go next—dubbed simply ‘Suggested Places.’
Hasbro Entertainment Hires Animation Veteran Rob Doherty as New VP of Production
Hasbro Entertainment has announced the appointment of Rob Doherty as Vice President, Production. He will oversee production across Hasbro’s expanding animation and digital content slate, supporting the company’s continued growth in the space. Doherty brings over 30 years of experience in the kids’ television industry, with deep expertise in development and international co-productions. He has […]
Top takeaways from CPAC, the influential conservative convention that just wrapped in Texas
The annual Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, has wrapped in Grapevine, Texas. The event included speeches from Texas officials — including Gov. Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Sen. Mayes Middleton — all current candidates for statewide office.
HPD searching for suspect who stole from local business
On March 21 at approximately 2:45 a.m., HPD says a person broke into Mr. Smoke Shop in the 800 block of 10th Street in Huntington.
Apple Intelligence rolling out now in China, per user reports
Apple Intelligence launched in 2024, but now after a nearly 18-month wait, Apple’s first AI features appear to be rolling out in China too.
Mark Sanford makes a last-minute bid to return to Congress in South Carolina
Sanford once built his career in the district, then won the governor’s office. His time as governor was defined by his disappearance and trip to Argentina to see his lover.
The small town politics of big-tech development
This is an op-ed from Ken Wolkin, a Lansing resident and president of FLX Strong, which is involved in litigation against Town of Lansing Zoning Board of Appeals. To submit […]
Pentagon seeks $200 billion in additional funds for the Iran war, AP source says
The requested amount would be a hefty boost to the Pentagon’s annual budget, which Congress approved at more than $800 billion for the current fiscal year.
Apple releases first iOS 26.5 beta
Apple has released the first iOS 26.5 beta for developers. iOS 26.5 beta 1 arrives after the official release of...
Scientists Discover Hidden Behavior in Water That Helps Explain Why Ice Floats
Water exists in two different liquid forms, which might be why it behaves differently than other substances.
50 years of Apple pushing tech forward, for better or worse
Sometimes you have to kill your darlings.
April’s Trading Post Positively Sprouts with Garden Delights
April’s Trading post arrives in full bloom, heralding in the rejuvenation of sun-dappled days and tending the garden. Take part in a variety of activities to earn this month’s reward— get the Ensemble: Forest Dweller's Butterfly Attire transmog set.
LMPD releases names of 2 officers who shot woman during mental health crisis call
Louisville Metro Police Department released the names of two officers who, while responding to a mental health crisis, fired shots, and a woman died.
UAE Authorizes Billion-Dirham Business Stimulus Package
The United Arab Emirates approved a massive stimulus package for Dubai’s business sector, according to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the crown prince of Dubai and the U.A.E.’s defense minister. The Executive Council authorized the 1 billion dirham, or about $272.2 million, package to roll
Cadets focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics • United States Air Force Academy
Cadets focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the U.S. Air Force Academy to produce tomorrow’s problem solvers.
iOS 27 could add one of Apple’s most popular iPhone apps yet
iOS 27 will reportedly add a brand new Siri app that I think could quickly become one of Apple’s most popular iPhone apps.
Samsung built a motion sickness app for Galaxy Buds, but you can try it on any earbuds
Samsung just released a new app called “Hearapy” to reduce motion sickness. It works by playing specific audio frequencies, quelling...
Leaked GTA IV Dev Kit Reveals Unfinished Zombies Mode And More
Fans have already found loads of beta content via this newly leaked dev kit, including cut weapons and early cutscenes
iPhone 18 Pro's Smaller Dynamic Island Revealed
New images of an alleged iPhone 18 Pro prototype and screen protectors have emerged from multiple sources, adding weight to earlier reports that Apple plans to significantly shrink the Dynamic Island later this year. An X user called @earlyappleleaks recently shared an image purportedly showing a prototype iPhone 18 Pro with a noticeably smaller Dynamic Island.
Immigration advocates appeal to a higher power to sway the high court on birthright citizenship
As the Supreme Court considers the future of birthright citizenship, some advocates fighting President Donald Trump are speaking directly to conservative justices on how fundamental one’s faith can be to identity and citizenship.
Turns out Crimson Desert's lead voice actor was as confused by the game's disjointed story as some players
Crimson Desert voice actor Alec Newman has explained what happened behind the scenes when voicing lead protagonist Kliff.
Apple will hide your email address from apps and websites, but not cops
Demands for Apple customer records by federal agents in recent months underscore the privacy limitations of email.
Whole Hog Politics: A top-down crisis in democratic legitimacy
If you’d like to understand the special kind of political dysfunction that paralyzes American politics, just consider two numbers: 16 and 97. You live in a country where Congress has a 16 percent job approval rating and...
Revitalize Your Health This Spring
Key takeaways:Some people put off health screenings and appointments in the winter. Spring is the perfect time to do a reset and see what you need.Everyone should get a yearly physical. Talk to your primary care provider about what other screenings and vaccines you need.Spring can also be a time to recommit to health habits at home, like diet, e...
Google Pixel 11 looks like another minor evolution in leak, slightly thinner [Gallery]
If you were expecting a big redesign for Google's Pixel anniversary this year, these Pixel 11 leaks might disappoint.
Bluesky Users Respond With Overwhelming Disgust to Platform’s New AI
Bluesky's latest foray into AI isn't exactly sitting well with what appears to be the vast majority of the platform's user base.
Air Force and UCF partner to strengthen nuclear science research
Air Force Technical Applications Center collaborates with University of Central Florida to enhance research and workforce development in nuclear science.
Tapping, twirling and "T" signs: Sports replays have a language all their own
Every moment of pretty much any major sporting event can be dissected in high-definition these days, and officials and umpires are spending more and more time staring at a TV screen to review close calls.
Tapping, twirling and “T” signs: Sports replays have a language all their own
Every moment of pretty much any major sporting event can be dissected in high-definition these days, and officials and umpires are spending more and more time staring at a TV screen to review close…
Tapping, twirling and "T" signs: Sports replays have a language all their own
Every moment of pretty much any major sporting event can be dissected in high-definition these days, and officials and umpires are spending more and more time staring at a TV screen to review close calls. It's also led to a type of sign language unique to the sports world. There's the twirling motion with a finger that's ubiquitous during NBA games when anyone believes their team has been wronged.
‘Tap to Share’ gesture for Quick Share leaks in Samsung’s Android 17 update
Google appears to be working on a new tap-based gesture for Quick Share that utilizes NFC to trigger file sharing,...
watchOS 27 to reportedly offer two main Apple Watch upgrades
watchOS 27 is the next major Apple Watch software update, and ahead of its unveiling at WWDC, Mark Gurman reveals what to expect.
Crimson Desert Voice Actor Had To Fight For His Character’s Story
‘It’s very, very hard to play 150 hours with somebody who doesn’t give anything away ever,’ said actor Alec Newman
Scientists Just Upended a 300-Year-Old Law of Physics
When load increases steadily, so does friction, but in the realm of magnetization dynamics, things aren’t so simple.
Novant Health to build new hospital in Leland
Novant Health earns approval to build a new hospital and emergency department in Brunswick County.
For $200 more, you can get a MacBook Air
Joanna Stern talks Apple’s most imitated product
Microsoft plans 100% native Windows 11 apps in major shift away from web wrappers
Rudy Huyn, a Partner Architect at Microsoft working on the Store and File Explorer, said in a post on X that he is building a new team...
Green Horizons: plant science careers for a food-secure future
The Delivering Sustainable Wheat virtual training course recently returned with renewed energy, under its new name Green Horizons, offering more than 100 students from 19 UK universities a rare opportunity to engage directly with modern plant science.
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Arkansas' primary runoff elections
Two Arkansas Republicans with competing visions on how best to implement President Donald Trump’s agenda to overhaul elections and voting will vie for their party’s nomination for the state’s top elections job on Tuesday
Scientists Just Found a Massive Freshwater Reservoir Hidden Beneath the Great Salt Lake
The drying out of the Great Salt Lake has been a growing problem, but the surprising arrival of reed-filled mounds inspired scientists to investigate what lies beneath.
Trump shows off new ballroom designs as he defends $400 million project
The planned White House addition, a top priority of the president, is facing a key vote this week. A federal judge may also rule to halt the project.
Monster black holes are silencing star formation across the universe
A blazing supermassive black hole can influence far more than its own galaxy. Scientists found that quasars emit radiation strong enough to shut down star formation in nearby galaxies millions of light-years away. This could explain why some galaxies near early quasars appear faint or missing. The finding suggests galaxies grow and evolve together, not in isolation.
Axcelis Announces SBTi Approval of Science-Based Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets
Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACLS), a leading supplier of enabling ion implantation solutions for the semiconductor industry, is pleased to announce the approval of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The SBTi is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis.
Scientists stretched a liquid and it snapped like a solid
Scientists have discovered something that seems almost impossible: under the right conditions, ordinary liquids can snap apart like solid objects. In experiments, researchers found that when certain liquids are stretched with enough force, they don’t just thin and flow—they suddenly fracture with a sharp break, much like metal under stress. This surprising behavior appears to be tied to viscosity, not elasticity, challenging long-held assumptions about how liquids behave.
Apple Reportedly Planning to Launch iMac With OLED Display
Apple is preparing to launch an iMac featuring an OLED panel with higher brightness, according to ZDNet Korea. Apple has apparently requested that Samsung Display, LG Display, and other suppliers produce 24-inch OLED panel samples suitable for a future iMac model using their mass-production facilities. This would be the biggest ever OLED display offered on an Apple device.
The Hallmark Channel is Shutting Down Its TV App Tomorrow on Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, & More
Hallmark Media will shut down its dedicated TV Everywhere app across major streaming platforms, including Roku, Google TV, Fire TV, and compatible smart televisions, on March 31, 2026. The move ends a long-standing option that let cable and satellite subscribers authenticate with their provider credentials to access live channels and on-demand programming directly through the […]
‘Blue Bloods’ Actor & Comedian Alex Duong Dies at 42
He also appeared in 'Everybody Hates Chris,' 'The Young and the Restless,' and more.
Vext Science Announces Strategic Optimization of Arizona Operations and Plans for Ohio Cultivation Expansion
Strategic closure and planned sale of Eloy cultivation facility expected to improve Arizona profitability and enhance free cash flow.Proceeds from the sale to facilitate debt reduction, with key equipment redeployed to the Ohio market, saving approximately $2 million in capital expenditures to support Vext's build-out in the State. Plans to seek approval to expand Jackson cultivation to support a growing retail footprint as Ohio adult-use sales surpass $1 billion in the first full year1.Vext to.
Workers approve a contract deal with Bath Iron Works, ending weeklong strike
Hundreds of employees at one of the U.S. Navy's biggest shipbuilding contractors have voted to approve a deal with Bath Iron Works, ending a weeklong strike.
Steve Jobs and the greatest run of products in tech history
iMacs. iBooks. iPods. For 10 years after Steve Jobs came back, Apple couldn’t miss.
One UI 9 may bring a tap to share feature like Apple’s NameDrop
Samsung is building a new Tap to share feature that's similar in form and function to Apple's NameDrop feature.
Meet the 16 new C&I coaches for the 2026 spring high school season
From baseball to lacrosse and more, here is a short introduction to new spring sports coaches for high school teams on the Cape and Islands
No More Cheese Grater: The Mac Pro Is Discontinued
It looked like that for a reason, but now it's gone.
She owed her insurer a nickel, so it canceled her coverage
When medical bills started rolling in, a teacher’s aide wondered why her insurance suddenly wasn’t covering them.
Hospitals preach health. What happens when a Louisiana hospital practiced it in the cafeteria?
What if the healthiest option was also the cheapest? At one Louisiana hospital system, meals cost as little as $2.25. Early data shows it may be changing eating habits.
Trump officials cite white supremacists in bid to end birthright citizenship
The administration builds its arguments on an 1800s campaign, led in part by a Confederate officer, that scholars say was steeped in anti-Black and anti-Chinese racism.
'Foden needed a big performance... it did not happen'
Phil Foden's World Cup audition ended painfully with the consoling arm of England head coach Thomas Tuchel around his shoulder. The 25-year-old's face was a picture of hurt, primarily from a dreadful challenge by Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo that left him clutching his ankle, but also after a display that left his chances of making the cut for this summer's showpiece in the balance. The Manchester City forward was given the opportunity to strike first in the fight for a fiercely competitive number 10 position as he started ahead of Chelsea's Cole Palmer.
What events are happening in South Bend area from March 30 to April 5?
Discover a variety of fun events in South Bend and surrounding cities from March 30 to April 5, including movies, music, art and family activities.
“I feel sad about what happened to Kasper,” Viljami Sinisalo
Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo has voiced his backing for club teammate Kasper Schmeichel while away on international duty with Finland…The Finnish shot-stopper has stepped up in recent months, ...
US: Rights-Respecting Approaches to Mental Health Crisis
Communities throughout the country are developing alternative models of mental health crisis response.
“Self-Determination is the Pathway to Liberation”
The 66-page report, “‘Self-Determination is the Pathway to Liberation’: Alternative Mental Health Crisis Response in the United States,” identifies key elements of rights-respecting responses to mental health crises and explores how alternative mental health crisis response programs have carried out these approaches in practice. Many of these models share core elements, including promoting individual autonomy, providing voluntary support rather than mandating compliance, and avoiding unnecessary law enforcement involvement.
Killing off the Regional Transportation District
This column is appearing the same day state Sen. Matt Ball (D) of Denver and his legislative co-sponsors unveil legislation implementing many of the recommendations advanced by last summer’s RTD Accountability Committee. Although it isn’t readily apparent, they have allowed themselves to be enlisted in a plot that will likely lead to the bankruptcy and […]
Light Science wins £300,000 university glasshouse contract
Light Science Technologies Holdings PLC (AIM:LST, FRA:9FD), the AIM-listed agricultural and fire safety technology group, has won a contract worth approximately £300,000 to refurbish a glasshouse at a university in Wales, with an additional annual maintenance package of £19,000 also...
Older Galaxy phones are now getting AirDrop support, but don't celebrate yet
Owners of older Galaxy phones are starting to see AirDrop support, but there's a deal-breaking downside at the moment.
Kylie Minogue Locked In To Headline 2026 AFL Grand Final Entertainment
“As a Melburnian, I’m so excited to be coming home for the biggest day in the Aussie sporting calendar." The post Kylie Minogue Locked In To Headline 2026 AFL Grand Final Entertainment appeared first ...
German firms trapped between U.S. and China, study finds
German companies are so deeply tied to both the United States and China that they cannot decouple from either without severe economic costs, according to a study by the University of Sussex and King's College London seen by Reuters on Monday.
Rahm Emanuel participates in Stand Up New Hampshire town hall at NH Institute of Politics
In a one-on-one interview with News 9, Emanuel said he wants to hear from as many Americans as possible before deciding whether to launch a campaign.
JD Vance warns that extraterrestrials are demons: 'I'm going to get to the bottom of this'
JD Vance does not believe that 'celestial beings' who 'fly around and do things to people' are aliens. 'I think they're demons,' the vice president said on a recent podcast appearance, vowing to 'get to the bottom of this.'
'Running of the Elk' race rallies support for Elk Grove youth sports
The 15th annual Running of the Elk in Elk Grove raises funds for youth sports scholarships, supporting local families amid rising costs.
How the 5Cs of credit help Nevada small businesses access capital
Looking for capital for your Nevada small business? You’re not alone.
Local teacher business boot camp returning
Here's how to apply for 2026 session
Trump news at a glance: Generational divide over Iran war emerges at key conservative conference
Younger conservatives say they are disappointed by Donald Trump’s decision to launch war against Iran. Key US politics stories from 29 March
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.
Just a few minutes of effort could lower your risk of 8 major diseases
Just a few minutes of getting out of breath each day could dramatically cut your risk of major diseases—including heart disease, dementia, and diabetes. A large study of nearly 100,000 people found that it’s not just how much you move, but how intensely you move that matters. Short bursts of vigorous activity—like rushing for a bus or climbing stairs quickly—were linked to striking reductions in disease risk, especially for inflammatory conditions and brain health.
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.
Mid-Ohio Valley Spring Sports: Ripley baseball goes from hunter to hunted
RIPLEY — Ripley has gone from the hunter to the hunted. That’s what happens when you win a state championship return and eight starters. The Vikings finished 27-5 last season, blanking Frankfort 5-0 in the Class AAA state final. “It’s a completely different mindset this year,” said Ripley head coach Shane Casto. “We’ve got the […]
Londonderry planning officials ponder an orchard eatery plan
There are still questions needing answers as Londonderry Planning Board members continue to ponder a proposed farm to table restaurant plan that could operate at Mack’s Apples on Mammoth Road.