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Windows Zero-Days Expose BitLocker Bypasses And CTFMON Privilege Escalation
YellowKey bypasses BitLocker via WinRE USB FsTx files, exposing Windows 11 and Server 2022/2025 systems.
5th Californian possibly exposed to hantavirus identified, health officials say no confirmed cases
Three Kansans possibly exposed to hantavirus under observation at KU Hospital
The Andes hantavirus continues to be tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kansas, and other states. Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services said it currently has no cases and is not monitoring any exposures.
‘High-risk exposure’: Kansas health leaders confirm 3 people exposed to hantavirus
Health officials in Kansas say they are monitoring several people who had contact with a person who tested positive for hantavirus.
French hantavirus patient is critically ill and on an artificial lung as outbreak grows to 11
Three people on the cruise died, including a Dutch couple that health officials believe were the first exposed to the virus while visiting South America.
SME cyber gaps expose underinsurance opportunity for carriers: KYND
Latest data highlight a growing claims risk – and a chance for insurers to pair cyber cover with practical, data‑led risk improvement.
Minnesota health department monitoring 1 who may have been exposed to hantavirus overseas
Kansas health officials monitoring 3 people with 'high-risk exposure' to hantavirus
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is monitoring three people who were exposed to a person who later tested positive for hantavirus.
Former Astros reveal why players avoided talking about mental health
A tragic death exposed a hidden MLB culture where players feared talking about health and personal struggles.
3 people in Maryland and Virginia are being monitored for hantavirus
Two people in Maryland may have been exposed to hantavirus on a flight, health officials said. One person in Virginia was on a cruise with a deadly outbreak.
Flutter Entertainment Reshapes FanDuel Leadership As Shares Trade Below Targets
Flutter Entertainment (NYSE:FLUT) has reshaped its U.S. leadership, with Amy Howe departing as CEO of FanDuel. Christian Genetski has been appointed CEO of FanDuel, taking charge of the U.S. betting and iGaming business. Daniel Taylor has been promoted to President of Flutter Entertainment, retaining responsibility for international operations. These leadership changes arrive at a time when Flutter Entertainment is heavily exposed to the U.S. market through FanDuel, a leading brand in...
Jalen Duren’s playoff struggles becoming major concern for Pistons
The Detroit Pistons entered the postseason expecting young center Jalen Duren to play a major role in their playoff push. After an impressive regular season that showcased his growth as one of the league’s rising big men, Duren appeared poised for a breakout postseason. Instead, the playoffs have exposed some of the challenges young players often face under postseason pressure.
‘Fake, Fake, Fake’: Regulators sue company behind fake home repair businesses exposed by KARE 11 investigation
Sacramento County resident may have been exposed to hantavirus on a plane, health official says
A resident from Sacramento County is being monitored at home after being briefly exposed to a person on a plane in South Africa who later died of Andes hantavirus, California’s top public health official said on Monday.
CA health officials monitoring 4 residents exposed to hantavirus amid outbreak
California health officials on Monday released new information about four residents who were exposed to the hantavirus and are now being monitored, all of whom are currently healthy and not showing symptoms.
CA health officials monitoring 4 residents exposed to hantavirus amid outbreak
California health officials on Monday released new information about four residents who were exposed to the hantavirus and are now being monitored, all of whom are currently healthy and not showing symptoms.
CA health officials monitoring 4 residents exposed to hantavirus amid outbreak
California health officials on Monday released new information about four residents who were exposed to the hantavirus and are now being monitored, all of whom are currently healthy and not showing symptoms.
Health Officials Say "Country is Prepared" to Deal with Hantavirus
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Oz tells reporters in the Oval Office that the country is prepared to deal with the Hantavirus outbreak and treat the disease, despite cuts to federal agencies. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy also says the CDC has been on it from day one and has been in contact with officials in Nebraska dealing with people exposed to the virus. "We have this under control, and we're not worried about it," Kennedy says. The secretary also disputes that it took four days after the World Health Organization issued an alert for the U.S. to follow suit. "It's just not true," he says.
Hantavirus outbreak: 2 Georgia residents exposed arrive at Emory University Hospital for evaluation
Two Georgia residents believed to have been exposed to hantavirus arrived in Atlanta on Monday and were taken to Emory University Hospital after being transported through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, federal health officials confirmed.
Victorian politics still exposed to ‘dark money’ and foreign donations as MPs struggle to agree on urgent reforms
Exclusive: state is now without caps on political donations or disclosure requirements, months out from November election
Bay Area health officials confirm resident exposed to hantavirus on MV Hondius cruise ship
Business Lookahead: Trump on Tour
STORY: From Trump's trip to China, to a slew of new U.S. data releases, these are the stories to watch in business and finance in the coming week. :: Trump goes to Beijing U.S. President Donald Trump visits Beijing on Thursday and Friday.It will be his first visit to China in eight years.He'll try to lock in the trade truce agreed to in October in South Korea, and avoid a rerun of the tit-for-tat tariff battle that he set off a year ago.Fresh trade data should offer a reality check on whether a protectionist White House has managed to dent Americans' appetite for Chinese-made goods.:: Saudi Aramco posts resultsThe world's biggest exporter of crude oil, Saudi Aramco, reports first-quarter results on Sunday.The numbers are expected to show the pain from the more than two-month-old Iran war.This comes as efforts to end the conflict appeared to stall after the U.S. and Iran traded fire in recent days, with some of the biggest flare-ups in fighting in and around the Strait of Hormuz since a ceasefire began a month ago.:: U.S. economic dataA bunch of new data should give a clearer view of inflation in the U.S.Tuesday's April consumer price index is expected to rise 0.6% according to a Reuters poll.Prices at the pump are likely to loom large in the numbers.Producer price data for April on Wednesday is another inflation checkpoint after the Fed’s last meeting exposed a more hawkish tilt among some policymakers who are increasingly uneasy about price pressures.And retail sales figures on Thursday should show whether higher gas prices and other costs are starting to bite into household spending.
Op/Ed: Small Businesses Deserve Better Health Coverage Choices in N.C.
For years, one of the most consistent concerns heard from North Carolina small businesses is the rising cost of health coverage. Small businesses want to do right by their employees and offer competitive benefits. But unlike large employers, they often lack the size and purchasing power needed to negotiate better rates and manage risk, leaving them more exposed to premium increases.
Health officials warn of potential measles exposure at Roslyn Heights restaurant
A laboratory verified a measles case in a New York City resident, who potentially exposed the highly contagious disease to patrons who visited the 388 Italian Restaurant in Roslyn Heights on May 3.
Linux Kernel Dirty Frag LPE Exploit Enables Root Access Across Major Distributions
Dirty Frag exposes Linux systems to root escalation through chained kernel flaws, impacting Ubuntu, RHEL, Fedora, and others.
A Deadly Cruise Ship Outbreak Exposes Travel’s Blind Spot
A hantavirus cluster on a remote South Atlantic voyage shows how infections can spread across borders before they’re even detected.
Alito and Jackson’s fiery debate over the Voting Rights Act exposes Supreme Court tensions
The November election is still a long way off, but patience is already running thin at the Supreme Court.
‘Starmer’s referendum’: How local elections could expose a fractured UK
Thursday’s polls could deliver a sharp setback for Labour, with Reform UK and the Greens expected to gain, analysts say.
German firms abroad grow more pessimistic as Iran war disrupts supply chains
German firms operating abroad have become more pessimistic about their prospects, with nearly one in three expecting economic conditions to worsen as the Iran war exposes vulnerabilities in global supply chains, a survey showed on Tuesday.
The Court Ruling That Just Exposed a Hidden Risk in Modern Business Strategy
A single court decision just broke a core business assumption. Here’s why every leader should be paying attention.
Chris Mason: Elections this week a smorgasbord of competitiveness
The scale of these elections looks set to vividly expose the breadth of Labour's vulnerabilities, Chris Mason writes.
Medicare directory exposed Social Security numbers of health providers, reports show
Medicare directory exposed Social Security numbers of health providers, reports show
The creepy feeling in old buildings might have a surprising cause
A hidden force may be quietly shaping how you feel—and you’d never even know it. Infrasound, an ultra-low-frequency vibration below the range of human hearing, is everywhere from traffic to old buildings. In a small experiment, people exposed to it became more irritable, less engaged, and even showed higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol—despite having no idea it was present. The findings suggest our bodies can “sense” these vibrations without conscious awareness, potentially explaining eerie sensations in places like basements or supposedly haunted buildings.
Staged? Why Conspiracy Theories Are Stupid, but Also Bad Politics
The attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner exposes America’s deepening polarization,
Nick Robinson: Labour's London squeeze exposes a fragmented British politics
London offers an insight into the dilemma Labour faces about which direction to take.
Medicare portal database exposed health providers’ Social Security numbers
It is the latest technical problem related to the Trump administration’s push to create a national directory of health providers.
FISA: What to know about the government’s key spy powers on the verge of expiration
The deadline to renew a powerful surveillance law has exposed deep divisions in the Republican Party and left US national security officials scrambling as the potential for blind spots in intelligence collection becomes an ever increasing possibility.
Owner of autism center raided by feds tied to another business billing Minnesota Medicaid
Federal raids at autism centers in Minnesota reveal multiple Medicaid-billing businesses under shared ownership, a pattern first exposed by 5 INVESTIGATES.
Watchdog report exposes teachers' union 'political machine' funneling more than $1 billion to liberal causes
New reports reveal teachers unions poured over $1 billion into left-wing political causes in the past decade, according to Defending Education.
What NASA-Linked Circadian Science Can Teach Travelers About Beating Jet Lag
The standard advice to help jet lag is often to expose yourself to daylight but it only works when timed correctly.
Inside the business most exposed to Trump’s tariff war
German nut and bolt maker reports stable demand despite facing one of the largest US levy rises in 2025
MSI PinSafe motherboards promise smoother PCB backs and fewer cut fingers
MSI says its patented PinSafe design flattens rear solder points and reduces exposed metal on high-end motherboards. MSI has detailed PinSafe, a patented
From syringes to stents: Iran war exposes NHS dependency on petrochemicals
NHS chiefs fear rising costs and healthcare shortages due to the shipping standstill in the Gulf
Bats Test Positive for Rabies Across the U.S.—Health Officials Issue Warning
Find out what to do if you're exposed.
Bat found in Haddonfield attic tests positive for rabies, 3 cats exposed, Camden County health officials say
New York City is at major risk of flooding that could leave 4.4 million people exposed to extreme damage, study finds
The new flood risk index identified eight cities along the U.S. East Coast that are at high or very high risk of floods causing extreme damage.
Secret contract for Trump’s White House ballroom revealed
The secret contract for Trump’s $400 million White House ballroom has just been revealed. The agreement was disclosed only after a lawsuit and a judge’s order, according to records obtained by The Washington Post. CNN’s Erin Burnett talks to the attorney who exposed the contract.
‘FBoy Island’ star’s bet on his own Senate bid exposes perils of Kalshi
A former reality TV contestant turned candidate in Virginia and two U.S. House hopefuls in Texas and Minnesota have been banned from the prediction market for five years.
Measles exposure reported at Boston Logan Airport
BOSTON — A person with measles traveled through Boston Logan Airport on April 13, the Boston Public Health Commission reported, warning exposed unvaccinated individuals to isolate and contact healthcare providers
Malicious KICS Docker Images and VS Code Extensions Hit Checkmarx Supply Chain
Malicious KICS Docker tags and VS Code versions 1.17.0, 1.19.0 enabled data exfiltration, risking exposed infrastructure secrets.
Logan Airport travelers might have been exposed to measles, health officials warn
Travelers at Boston Logan International Airport earlier this month might have been exposed to measles, health officials warned Wednesday. The Boston Public Health Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said that a person with measles visited Terminal C at Logan Airport shortly after midnight on Tuesday, April 14. The person traveled to Boston on JetBlue Airways flight 470,…
They retired early to travel the world — then came decision fatigue
Retirement travel exposed Kelly Benthall and her husband to decision fatigue. Structured trips now bring them more satisfaction and less stress.
Black Gunk Found in Man's Lungs Exposes an Even Darker Side of Wildfire Smoke
The strange injury was caused by hours of inhaling thick smoke, his doctors say.
These Salmon Got High on Cocaine. That Wasn’t the Craziest Part.
Scientists in Sweden made an unexpected discovery when they exposed the fish to the illegal drug as well as another substance.
Column: Swalwell scandal exposed flaws in top-two primary
California Democrats caught a huge break with Eric Swalwell’s sexual assault scandal.
What we learned as Phillies drop fifth straight, swept by rival Braves
The Phillies lost their fifth straight and finished a 2-7 homestand as the Braves exposed more familiar problems on Sunday night.
S.F. measles case highlights risk for babies too young for vaccine
Even parents following standard measles vaccination guidance, which recommends the first shot at 12 to 15 months, may find their infants exposed to the disease as it resurges globally, experts say.
‘They will be exposed’: Delaware must surrender wage records for 15 businesses targeted by ICE investigation, federal judge rules
Feds say they are conducting a criminal probe after receiving tips that the companies are illegally employing undocumented immigrants.
Lead contamination crisis exposed in public parks across major southern city
An investigation found lead contamination at 50% of New Orleans playgrounds tested, sparking outrage and a push for $5 million in federal cleanup funds.
Influencer who helped expose Swalwell scandal reacts to new investigations
These 108 Malicious Chrome Extensions Are Stealing Google and Telegram Data
Researches have identified 108 Chrome extensions that stole Telegram messages and exposed Google account information.
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.
War Exposes Gaps in India’s Clean Energy Push
The country’s creaking electricity grid is lagging behind its push for renewable sources — just as its growing economy hungers for oil stranded by war.
Doctors expose ‘buffalo hump’ as potential sign of hidden health conditions
European chemical firms, hit hard by Iran war, to report falling Q1 earnings
European chemical companies are expected to report weaker first-quarter results, shedding light on how deep the impact from the war in the Middle East has been on an industry largely seen as one of the most exposed to it.
Doctors expose ‘buffalo hump’ as potential sign of hidden health conditions
A "buffalo hump" — a fatty bulge at the base of the neck — can sometimes signal underlying medical conditions, experts say. Causes range from poor posture to hormonal disorders.
iPhone Fold’s Crease-Less Display Longevity Claims Will Be Scrutinized As OPPO Find N6’s Real-World Use Exposes Its Exaggerated Marketing
An OPPO Find N6 owner exposes the device’s false crease-less claims after a month of use, bringing pressure on Apple and its iPhone Fold
A New Case Exposed the Clever Workaround the FBI Uses to Read 'Secure' Messages on iPhones
Law enforcement used Apple's push notifications database to gather messages sent through Signal, and convict defendants for terrorism activities.
URI’s Biomechanics Day event exposes younger students to high-tech science, promotes STEM fields
KINGSTON, R.I. — April 10, 2026 — High school and middle school students from around the state got a hands-on experience with the high-tech equipment used by the University of Rhode Island College of Health Sciences during URI’s annual celebration of National Biomechanics Day in Mackal Field House on April 8. More than 500 students […]
Trump’s tenuous Iran exit plan isn't healing Republican rifts exposed by the war
President Donald Trump's efforts to exit the war in Iran are causing tension within the Republican Party | 830 WCCO
Trump’s tenuous Iran exit plan isn't healing Republican rifts exposed by the war
President Donald Trump's efforts to exit the war in Iran are causing tension within the Republican Party | KMBZ
Supreme Court blocks candidate after alleged GOP infiltration scheme exposed
The Supreme Court rejected a progressive candidate's bid to enter Ohio's Republican primary after he allegedly misrepresented party affiliation.
US software stocks fall as Anthropic's new AI model revives disruption fears
U.S. software shares tumbled on Thursday after Anthropic held back the wide release of a powerful AI model over concerns it could expose hidden cybersecurity vulnerabilities, deepening investor fears about the threat to traditional software firms.
RFK Jr. says he's launching a podcast to expose 'lies' that have made Americans sick
The show will launch next week and feature Kennedy, a longtime anti-vaccine crusader who has reshaped the country’s health policy, in conversation with doctors, scientists and agency staff.
RFK Jr. is launching a podcast to expose ‘lies’ that have made Americans sick
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is launching a new podcast that he says will begin “a new era of radical transparency in government,” according to a teaser video first obtained by The Associated Press.
Craig Reedie, Who Fought Doping in Global Sport, Dies at 84
He led the World Anti-Doping Agency when Russia’s state-sponsored doping system was exposed a decade ago. He received blowback for the agency’s response.
What A Florida Birth Case Reveals About Post-Dobbs Maternal Healthcare
Should a judge decide a mother's birth plan? The case of a Florida woman in active labor exposes how post-Dobbs healthcare is eroding patient autonomy.
Howard Stern's ex-assistant exposes 'immense pressure' and 'questionable business operations' in lawsuit
The world’s “oldest octopus” was never an octopus
A famous “oldest octopus” fossil has been exposed as a case of mistaken identity. Advanced imaging revealed hidden teeth showing it was actually related to a nautilus, not an octopus. The confusion came from decay that altered its shape before fossilization. This discovery rewrites part of evolutionary history, pushing the true origin of octopuses much later in time.
AI Sentience: How Michael Pollan Exposed Corruption in Consciousness Science
By David Stephen
Elementary Science Olympiad exposes Alabama students to high-level science competition
Nearly 250 elementary students gathered at Auburn University for the Elementary Science Olympiad, a day of hands-on competition and discovery. Through fast-paced challenges and collaborative problem-solving, students experienced what it means to think and work like scientists.
Vanderbilt Medical Center's financial malpractice
While shaving staff to save money, Vanderbilt exposes its hypocrisy through multi-year, multimillion-dollar-deals with local pro sports teams.
'We couldn't adjust to it': How Michigan exposed Arizona's biggest weakness in Final Four blowout
When it was time to mount a comeback, Arizona didn't have the shooting firepower to make it happen.
France to Offer Loans to Small Businesses Hit by Fuel Costs
The French government will offer loans of as much as €50,000 ($57,600) to small businesses that are the most exposed to rising fuel costs in transportation, fishing and agriculture.
Never had the flu? Scientists may know why
Scientists estimate somewhere between 5%-35% of people do not get sick from the flu despite being exposed to the virus that causes it. Now, researchers may have figured out why. The team looked at mouthwash samples from 19 healthcare workers who, despite frequent contact with infected patients, report never getting flu symptoms. Today on Short Wave, we talk about how what they found could help scientists develop treatments and strategies to protect people who do get the flu. If you liked this episode, check out our show on an effort to map the entire immune system.Interested in more health science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Measles confirmed at Safeway in Portland, health officials say
People who visited the Safeway at 2800 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd. within the last week may have been exposed to the measles, the Oregon Health Authority said.
Astronauts can face 'nearly lethal doses' of solar radiation — so why launch Artemis II during the sun's peak of activity? Space scientist Patricia Reiff explains.
NASA's Artemis II flight around the moon will expose astronauts to space weather. Space scientist Patricia Reiff tells Live Science how solar flares and radiation will impact the lunar mission.
Cook County health officials warn of measles exposure at O'Hare Airport
You could have been exposed to a measles patient if you were at O'Hare last week.
Vertex AI Vulnerability Exposes Google Cloud Data and Private Artifacts
Unit 42 found excessive P4SA permissions in Vertex AI, enabling credential theft and cloud data exposure, increasing breach risk.
How Trump’s SBA Quietly Pulled The Rug On Small Business Investors
The SBA may be quietly changing who is at risk when a 7(a) loan goes bad, leaving passive investors exposed in ways they never expected.
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.
A newly-discovered molecular process explains how our bodies perceive the cold
Research by Nobel laureate David Julius has captured how the TRPM8 protein changes when exposed to low temperatures, opening a new avenue for treating cold-induced pain
Young voters shake Italy’s political calm as referendum exposes tensions for Giorgia Meloni
Prime minister is scrambling to clean up her government after youth vote powered a damaging referendum defeat
Scientists discover why cancer drugs don’t work for everyone
Scientists have uncovered a hidden reason why cancer treatments don’t work equally well for everyone. Certain drugs can become trapped inside lysosomes within tumor cells, forming slow-release reservoirs that create uneven drug distribution. This means some cancer cells are heavily exposed while others are barely affected. Understanding this process could help doctors better tailor treatments and improve outcomes.
Sensitive patient health information leaked in Texas third-party software breach
Multiple Texas home health care providers are notifying patients of a data breach at Doctor Alliance, a third-party software platform, that exposed sensitive medical and personal information.
Apple made strides with iOS 26 security, but leaked hacking tools still leave millions exposed to spyware attacks
Leaked hacking tools threaten the security of millions of older iPhones. Cybersecurity experts weigh in.
Private Equity firm says
Thoma Bravo's Holden Spaht said the popular narrative around AI and software is incorrect, and not all software makers are equally exposed to disruption.