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‘The business of health care’: Students engage with industry leaders on the future of medicine
The three panelists spoke with nearly 200 students, faculty and community members in Horrmann Library for “The Business of Health Care.”
Rostrum Pacific’s FatBeats acquires physical distro company Traffic Entertainment, plus D2C store and label
The deal brings together three companies with a combined 50 years of experience in vinyl distribution, physical distribution, and premium catalog re-issues.
Trump talked with Bondi about the possibility she’d be replaced as attorney general, sources say
President Donald Trump talked to Attorney General Pam Bondi Wednesday about the possibility she would be replaced, three sources familiar with the matter told CNN. But as of Thursday, she remained in her job and had not been fired, one of the officials said.
SRU hosting three cybersecurity events with expert presenters
A series of collaborative events on the topic of cybersecurity, featuring top forward-thinking industry experts, is happening at Slippery Rock University in April. SRU’s Center…
Wiz Khalifa, Kane Brown & Bret Michaels to Headline 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series in Pittsburgh: ‘The Energy Here Is Different’
The free, three-day event will go down April 23-25 alongside the NFL Draft.
Politics Should Not Determine Who Gets Admitted To Medical School
The Trump administration is investigating admission policies at three medical schools to pressure them to stop building a more diverse healthcare workforce for the U.S.
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.
Meet the new directors of GLAM, PULSE, and the Ginzton Lab
Three interdisciplinary research labs anchored in the physical sciences have new faculty directors – each a longtime member of the community they’ll now lead.
iPhone 18 Pro Reportedly Won't Come in Black
Apple offers the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max in just three colors – Silver, Cosmic Orange, and Deep Blue – but notably there's no black option. Last year was the first time Apple's high-end iPhones have not been available with a black or dark gray color option in any way, but those hoping for the return of black this year for the iPhone 18 Pro should look away now.
Alperen Sengun Provides Positive Health Update After Rockets Victory Over Bucks
Houston Rockets star center Alperen Sengun delivered good news for the fan base Wednesday night. Sengun logged 29 minutes against the Milwaukee Bucks, finishing with 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three. What makes those numbers more impressive is that Sengun has battled multiple injuries throughout the year.
Guardians share extreme, vulgar threats from bettors. 'It's a cesspool'
The legalization of sports betting has led to a flood of angry, sometimes threatening and violent messages from angry sports bettors to players.
How did Wisconsin politics shape the nation? Here's what I learned
Ahead of America's 250th birthday, reporter Hope Karnopp explored three political movements in Wisconsin that shaped history. They carry lessons for today.
3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following important win over Wizards
Here are the three biggest takeaways for the Philadelphia 76ers following their important win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
Three Mizzou researchers named AAAS Fellows for science impact
The American Association for the Advancement of Science honors three MU faculty for breakthroughs in genomics, microbiology and disease research.
Three Mizzou researchers named AAAS Fellows for science impact
The American Association for the Advancement of Science honors three MU faculty for breakthroughs in genomics, microbiology and disease research.
Newcastle agree training ground, kit sponsor: Why £18m KNOX deal is significant
The deal with KNOX, a South African sports drinks company, is set to last three years starting from July.
India in Zimbabwe 2026
Fixtures for India's brief tour of Zimbabwe, featuring three Twenty20 internationals.
Trump tells US that Iran war victory near, but vows big strikes
In a speech from the White House, the US president vowed two to three weeks of "extremely hard" strikes against Iran
5 Takeaways From Trump’s Address on Iran
President Trump did not define a clear path out of the conflict, which he estimated would end within three weeks.
Trump says Iran ‘no longer a threat’ after 32 days — outlines next phase of US war
Trump declares Iran "no longer a threat" after a 32-day military campaign, claiming nuclear sites were destroyed by B-2 bombers and warning of more strikes.
Pat McAfee faces a Masters problem three years running
The ESPN won't be in Augusta this year.
Republicans in Congress say they have a deal to end the record-long shutdown at DHS
The plan would fund DHS, except for immigration enforcement, through September. Republicans would then try to fund the whole agency for three years using a tactic that would not need Democratic votes.
‘Open for Business’: Portland leaders back small business tax relief plan
Portland leaders are considering a proposal to reduce taxes for small businesses by raising the income threshold for the city’s Business License Tax.
Super Meat Boy 3D Review
Super Meat Boy 3D proves that Meat Boy can work in three dimensions, even if some perspective-related issues keep it from reaching the heights of the 2010 classic.
AI maps science papers to predict research trends two to three years ahead
The number of scientific papers is growing so rapidly that scientists are no longer able to keep track of all of them, even in their own research area. Researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology ...
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull Appoints Clifford Miller as Chief Operating Officer - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull is proud to announce the appointment of Clifford Miller as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). With nearly three
All that magician chitchat? It’s not fooling your brain.
Researchers found patter doesn’t do much to misdirect viewers in a classic card trick.
LMPD forms task force to police Bardstown Road, entertainment areas
As the weather warms, Louisville officials are vowing that they will not tolerate behavior that they say threatens public safety.
Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies Game Thread
Follow along as the Nats and Phillies square off in an afternoon rubber match
First Alert Forward: Canadian entrepreneurs bet on St. Louis region for business growth
Three Canadian entrepreneurs have relocated to the St. Louis region, building multimillion-dollar businesses and urging others to consider the area as immigration policy tightens and other cities compete for talent.
The Band Perry Inks With Borchetta Entertainment Group
The Band Perry has signed to the new Borchetta Entertainment Group management division [...]
Sports Daily: What’s the latest on Bill Self’s future?
What’s the latest on Bill Self’s future? KU Insider Shreyas Laddha joins the show.
Exclusive: Worries over science, new addicts stymie US nicotine pouch fast-track scheme
Popular nicotine pouch products have yet to be cleared for sale in the United States despite a fast-track Food and Drug Administration scheme, as agency scientists hesitate to authorise them due to potential risks to new users, including children, three sources told Reuters.
Iran war fallout threatens ‘end of NATO’
'I was never swayed by Nato. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too, by the way,' said Trump
After 'unprecedented' health threat, Mammoth Lakes is still cautious
The Mono County public information officer called 2025 "an unprecedented year."
Can regional sports networks survive, or even thrive? Depends on who you ask
Charlie Jacobs, the CEO of hockey’s Boston Bruins, is convinced that his three children, all in their twenties, will likely never sign up for a traditional cable package to watch television. But his kids will certainly have WiFi in their homes, and through the internet, the ability to watch sports teams all the same. For years, a central question in sports and media has been whether streaming subscribers, as Jacobs’ children would be, could ever drive enough revenue to fill sports stations’ tills. Now, some regional sports networks such as New England Sports Network, or NESN, are...
A slowdown in US visa processing is wreaking havoc on foreign doctors’ lives
Physicians from countries Trump deemed national security threats are reaching the end of their visas without responses to their renewal applications.
India begins world’s largest population census
More than three million Indian officials have begun the yearlong task of counting the country’s population.
Trump’s threats of targeting water plants in Iran, a potential war crime, alarm Gulf allies
After President Donald Trump floated on Monday the possibility of expanding the Iran war by potentially striking water treatment plants in Iran, some Gulf countries reiterated grave concerns to the Trump administration about any strikes on civilian infrastructure and the risk of an intensifying tit-for-tat escalation, according to four regional sources.
Iran threatens US-owned companies, including Meta and JP Morgan
Iran's Revolutionary Guard on Tuesday threatened US-owned companies with a presence in the Middle East.
Wisconsin judicial panel dismisses Democratic attempt to redraw congressional maps
MADISON, Wis. — A three-judge panel in Wisconsin on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit brought by Democratic voters that sought to redraw the battleground state’s Republican-friendly congressional boundary lines ahead of
Iraq defeat Bolivia 2-1 to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026
Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein send Iraq to their first FIFA World Cup since 1986.
Car slams into Redlands business, one injured
The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Bruce Springsteen brings 'Streets of Minneapolis' home as he launches US tour with 'War'
a e p n democracy politics iran-war immigration u-s-news general-news entertainment | KMBZ
Lizzo confesses she lost her virginity after her 2020 Grammys win: ‘I lied about it for a long time’
Lizzo made a promise to herself when she was younger that she wouldn't lose her virginity after she won her first Grammy. In 2020, she won three and made good on her promise.
Cavs at Lakers open gamethread
The Cavaliers will take on LeBron James for the final time this season.
Sentiment improves among Japan's big firms, but Iran war clouds outlook
Business sentiment among large Japanese manufacturers improved in the three months to March, according to a closely watched survey released on Wednesday, a sign that increasing economic uncertainty from the Middle East conflict has yet to hit morale.
Lamar Odom's kids detail decision to skip his wedding to Khloé Kardashian: 'I never even met her'
Lamar Odom's kids LJ and Destiny detail their decision to skip their father's wedding to Khloé Kardashian in the Netflix documentary 'Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom.'
Trio of soccer hat tricks leads Week 6 girls spring sports top performers
Three different girls soccer players scored hat tricks to lead the list of Week 6 WNC high school spring sports girls top performers.
Back to Business Program helps Quynh’s Pharmacy continue serving Little Saigon community
Quynh’s Pharmacy is a fixture in Little Saigon. The owner, Mary Bui, is also a fixture within the pharmacy, having worked there for three decades. When vandals broke the glass entry door and both security gates, Bui faced a steep bill to repair the damages. “They charged over $6,000,” she explained. “We had to do […]
Verona police asking for help identifying man accused of threatening business
The Verona Police Department is asking for assistance in identifying a person accused of threatening a business.
ThredUp, Genesco, VF Corp, Caesars Entertainment, and Sonos Shares Are Soaring, What You Need To Know
What Happened? A number of stocks jumped in the morning session as investors priced in a potential de-escalation of the conflict in Iran alongside reassuring...
UC Davis Engineers Help Advance Collaboration, Innovation with New AI and Health Award
The AI and Health Seed Funding Program is a new initiative focused on strengthening interdisciplinary connections between schools and colleges across UC Davis and UC Davis Health. Engineers are members of three out of six teams to receive the program’s inaugural awards.
Iran still firing missiles, U.S. ground operations remain an option, Hegseth says
Despite weeks of intensive U.S. operations targeting Iran's missile infrastructure, the threat has not been fully eliminated and continues to be a factor in the military operation.
Wisconsin football misses out on three-star offensive lineman
Despite rescheduling his visit to come to Madison sooner, the Wisconsin Badgers have officially lost the battle for a three-star offensive lineman.
Political notes: Pelosi honored, Women's Hall grows, but it's still tough for women
Three women speakers share the limelight in the House, three women legislators are recognized with the First Citizen Award, more women are inducted into the Maryland Women's Hall of Fame -- but it's still tough to be a woman legislator, in political notes.
Medicaid cuts threaten hundreds of hospitals, new report finds
Together, the hospitals provide care for nearly 7 million patients across the U.S., according to the analysis.
Texas saw a $50B future in clean energy. Then the political winds shifted.
Clean energy brought income to ranchers and to counties buffeted by boom-and-bust oil cycles. Federal policy changes threaten that momentum.
BMA dismisses Starmer’s 48-hour warning over resident doctors’ strike plan
Prime minister threatens to withdraw NHS training posts for residents doctors if they don’t call off strike
How May Türkiye Respond to Israel If Provoked?
it is plausible to argue that Türkiye may eventually be subjected to direct Israeli targeting which increasingly perceives it as a threat.
3-2: Chart
Mariners 2, Yankees 1 Cold baseball because it’s March: Julio Rodríguez, -.18 WPACold baseball because it’s October: Luis Castillo, +.35 WPA Game Thread Comment of the Day
Michael Soroka throws immaculate 5th inning in Arizona Diamondbacks debut
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Michael Soroka threw an immaculate fifth inning on Monday night against the Detroit Tigers, becoming the fourth pitcher in franchise history to strike out three straight batters on nine pitches. The 28-year-old Soroka made quick work of Javier Baez, Kerry Carpenter and Gleyber Torres, blowing a 95 mph fastball past Torres for his 10th strikeout of the game, which tied a career high.
20 teens arrested after 'TikTok takeovers' at Brandon businesses: 'They come to fight'
Twenty teens have been arrested following three separate "TikTok takeover" incidents in Brandon, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
New political era looms in Wisconsin as top leaders retire
Wisconsin politics will have a major shakeup next year as the top three politicians in the state Capitol have all announced they are not running for re-election.
Three-star IOL Jackson Cook commits to Texas
Texas landed its first offensive linemen of the 2027 recruiting cycle and they stayed local to do so. In recent cycles, Texas has landed several players from local Austin powerhouse program Austin Westlake. Guys like Michael Taaffe, Ethan Burke, Conner Robertson, and Colton Vasek all decided to stay home play for the Longhorns and now […]
Flashpoint - Patch Notes 1.22.0
ARC Raiders is a multiplayer extraction adventure, set in a lethal future earth, ravaged by a mysterious mechanized threat known as ARC.
Apple Leans Into Little Finder Guy With New TikTok Videos
When promoting the MacBook Neo, Apple found a surprise hit with a tiny anthropomorphized version of the Mac Finder icon, which people have taken to calling Little Finder Guy. Little Finder Guy starred in some of Apple's early March TikTok videos, and Apple is now targeting Finder fans with a trio of new videos. Three tutorials on Apple's TikTok account star Little Finder Guy. Videos feature Stacks on the Mac desktop, ring light for video apps, and dictation.
Two teams, three games, six days
BBC Sport NI looks at how Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers manager Michael O'Neill will navigate a unique six-day stretch that will include games against Wales, Birmingham City and a relegation six-pointer against West Brom.
MICC Fort Belvoir employees recognized for support to the Army Warfighter Brain Health Task Force
FORT BELVOIR, VA- Three employees from the Mission and Installation Contracting Command, Fort Belvoir office were recently recognized by the Office of t...
Exclusive: Unilever imposes global hiring freeze, citing Middle East war effects, memo says
Dove soap maker Unilever has implemented a global hiring freeze "at all levels" that will last at least three months, citing the effects of the widening conflict in the Middle East, according to a memo seen by Reuters.
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.
Bulls make shocking Jaden Ivey decision after rant, blockbuster trade
Jaden Ivey played four games for the Chicago Bulls after he was acquired in a blockbuster three-team trade involving the Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks. MORE: Warriors’ Moses Moody suffers serious knee injury on dunk attempt Then he went off…
Coatue Projected $1.995 Trillion Valuation for Anthropic in 2030
In a presentation to prospective investors in January, Coatue offered a rare look at how it justifies Anthropic’s heady valuations. An anonymous source sent me the slides, which give a unique look at how a top investment firm values Anthropic’s business. This is a moment in time when some of America’s most valuable, growing technology companies remain private. In the January presentation, Coatue estimated that Anthropic would lose $14 billion in EBITDA on $18 billion in revenue in 2026, ending the year with $30 billion in annualized run-rate revenue. Most recently, it’s been reported that Anthropic is at $19 billion in ARR, which could suggest Anthropic is already running ahead of Coatue’s expectations. By 2031, Coatue projected that Anthropic would be generating $48 billion in EBITDA profits on $200 billion in revenue, with $224 billion of ARR. That would give Anthropic a 41x forward EBITDA multiple at a projected $1.995 trillion valuation in 2030. Coatue told the investors it was pitching that Anthropic could be worth $2.413 trillion in 2031. In February, Coatue co-led a $30 billion Series G investment in Anthropic that valued it at $380 billion. Coatue declined to comment on this story. I first shared this slide and talked about the presentation on my new podcast, the Cerebral Valley Show, which I host with my CVAI co-hosts Max Child and James Wilsterman. I’ve got a few other slides from the Coatue presentation for Newcomer subscribers.
Some are celebrating, but World of Warcraft's move away from the "Horde" and "Alliance" faction split will be seen as a historic mistake
Not only does it undermine decades of lore and world building, but player identity is how you reach your audience when they're *not* gaming. WoW's iconic faction split is under threat, and that's a bad thing actually.
Columbia University protester says year in ICE custody ‘destroyed’ her physical health
A 33-year-old Palestinian woman said she was “chained” to a hospital bed for three days after suffering from a seizure in ICE custody.
‘Old’
As humans live longer and healthier, the word “old” takes on new meaning as three scholars will attest.
NI Health Service: Budget uncertainty threatens major cuts
Permanent Secretary Mike Farrar claims that another one-year budget would make it almost impossible to deliver savings.
Trump administration sues Minnesota over transgender athletes in girls sports
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Trump administration sued Minnesota and its school athletics governing body on Monday, carrying out a threat to punish the state for allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls sports.
NFL authorized to hire replacement referees as threat of NFLRA lockout intensifies, per report
Replacement referees are on the way for the first time since 2012
A Democratic Electrician Nabs a State Senate Seat in Republican Florida
With Brian Nathan’s victory certified, Democrats won two of three state legislative races in this month’s special elections, all in Republican-leaning districts.
A Democratic Electrician Nabs a State Senate Seat in Republican Florida
With Brian Nathan’s victory certified, Democrats won two of three state legislative races in this month’s special elections, all in Republican-leaning districts.
Announcing Riftbound's First Bans
Effective March 31, 2026, four cards and three battlefields will be banned in constructed.
2026 NFL three-round mock draft: Steelers target high-upside WR, then trade back into Round 1 for QB
Team needs have become much clearer after pro days.
Bill Bliss: Edmonds School District science teacher, researcher
William (Bill) Henry Bliss III 1935-2026 Bill Bliss passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 9, 2026. Family ancestry records reflect three brothers and one sister arriving in Philadelphia […]
Can the CDC respond to public health threats without a director?
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with former CDC official Demetre Daskalakis about the absence of a CDC director and the government's ability to respond to public health threats.Support NPR and hear every episode of Trump's Terms sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.
Science, Music, and Stream Bugs: Sierra Streams Celebrates 30 Years at Pioneer Park on May 16
NEVADA CITY, CA — Sierra Streams Institute will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a free community event on Saturday, May 16 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at Pioneer Park in Nevada City, bringing together art, music, and hands-on science to highlight three decades of watershed research, restoration, and education across the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra […]
Lawsuit Accuses Americans of Political Killings for Hire Overseas
Three men working for an American security contractor say the United Arab Emirates paid them to carry out targeted killings in Yemen. One of their targets is suing them in U.S. federal court.
CPAC activists embrace Paxton as MAGA's choice for Senate over Cornyn
Paxton was the overwhelming favorite in CPAC's straw poll, beating Cornyn by more than three to one, and he won the organization's endorsement.
Schreyer Scholar explores entrepreneurship through computer science
Schreyer Scholar Aryan Sabnekar first learned coding from an online course during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, he has continued to explore all of his interests in coding and entrepreneurship both inside and outside the classroom at Penn State, most recently placing at HackPSU.
Too much sitting is taking a toll on heart and brain health
DALLAS, March 30, 2026 — Too much sitting has quietly become one of the most common threats to heart health in the United States. Research shows that prolonged sedentary time is linked to higher risks of heart disease, stroke and poorer mental health,...
Columbus Blue Jackets playoff tracker: Toss a coin now
Projections models, sports books drop Columbus Blue Jackets to even odds of making or missing playoffs following three-game losing streak.
After rough opening series, Athletics take aim at host Braves
The Athletics will be seeking their first win of the season on Monday when they visit the Atlanta Braves to open a three-game interleague series.
The real threat to trust in science isn’t outright fraud, but the pervasive tweaking of research designs and models
Thomas Plümper and Eric Neumayer argue that science's credibility issues stem from the deliberate manipulation of research designs and model specifications.
What to know about the 2026 World Cup playoffs
The final six World Cup places will be decided this week with the conclusion of two playoff tournaments that will complete the 48-team lineup. Eight teams from Europe will compete for four spots, while the new intercontinental tournament that is being staged in Mexico will determine the other two places. The biggest ever World Cup — up from 32 teams in Qatar in 2022 — is being co-hosted by three nations for the first time: The United States, Canada and Mexico.
AI regulation clashing with business lobby in Louisiana
Louisiana lawmakers have filed over 20 AI bills, but broader regulatory efforts face resistance from business groups and federal warnings.
Serbia local elections marred by claims of violence
The student movement said some of their observers were threatened and in one incident sprayed with pepper spray
Multiple Chinese vessels retreat at Strait of Hormuz after Iran warnings in rare ally move
At least three Chinese-linked vessels reportedly turned back at the Strait of Hormuz after IRGC warnings, signaling an unusual development in China-Iran relations.
Joseph Baena, son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, wins first bodybuilding competition
Joseph Baena, the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, made his dad proud over the weekend, placing first in three contests at the NPC Natural Colorado State Championships bodybuilding competition.
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.