TWITTER TO X RISE IN EXTREMISM AND TOXICITY

Following Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022, concerns arose about the platform’s shift in tone and functionality. Initially, the writer considered leaving but stayed due to engaging conversations and community. However, Twitter’s verification system changes, which monetized identity verification, eroded trust. Attempts to switch to Mastodon and Threads proved unsatisfactory due to lower engagement and less diverse interaction. By 2023, Twitter (now X) began sharing ad revenues with users, but the platform’s focus on controversial content for higher engagement led to increased toxicity. The rise of extremist figures and misinformation on X has had real-world consequences, such as inciting racial unrest. Critics argue that X’s moderation failures and Musk’s inconsistent policies on free speech contribute to a troubling environment. Alternatives like Bluesky, designed with open-source principles and user control, offer hope for a healthier social media experience, potentially replacing X if users migrate in large numbers. (The Guardian)

MAYO CLINIC STUDY QUESTIONS COVID-19 VACCINES’ LONG COVID IMPACT

A Mayo Clinic study published in *Open Forum Infectious Diseases* challenges the belief that COVID-19 vaccines significantly reduce the risk of long COVID. Lead author Dr. Melanie Swift’s research, involving 41,652 individuals with documented COVID-19 infections between February 2021 and December 2022, found no substantial difference in long COVID rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. The study, based on electronic health records and long-COVID diagnoses from physicians, revealed that 6.9% of patients developed long COVID, with no notable impact from vaccination status. Dr. Swift emphasized that while vaccines are crucial in preventing initial COVID-19 infections and severe cases, they may not directly lower the risk of long COVID. Critics, like Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, argue that the study’s homogeneous sample and confounding factors might skew results, suggesting that vaccines do reduce long COVID risk, particularly for certain symptoms. Further research is needed. (CIDRAP)

If you’re enjoying the Daily Dose, sign up for the Daily Dose Newsletter and get the morning’s best science news from around the web delivered straight to your inbox? It’s easy like Sunday morning.

BRIGHAM YOUNG RESEARCHER UNCOVERS PLAGIARISM IN MANUSCRIPT

Bioinformatician Sam Payne of Brigham Young University discovered that a manuscript he was asked to review contained plagiarized images and text from his own published work. Initially submitted to the journal BioSystems in March, the manuscript was rejected after Payne’s identification of identical plots. However, it was later published by Proteomics in July. Following Payne’s alert, Proteomics retracted the paper on August 15, citing “major unattributed overlap between the figures.” The retraction statement revealed that four authors did not consent to the paper’s submission, and the fifth author did not respond. Investigation linked several authors to a known paper mill, International Publisher, which sells authorship and articles. The use of AI to paraphrase the text, combined with the direct copying of figures, raised concerns about systemic vulnerabilities in the research community. While efforts to combat plagiarism and paper mills have been made, such as the STM Integrity Hub, the case highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining research integrity. (Nature)

SOUP KITCHEN PROVIDES HOPE AMID SUDAN CONFLICT

Before dawn in Omdurman, Ayman al-Amin Taha starts preparing food at his soup kitchen, which provides meals to hundreds of needy individuals. The area, ravaged by conflict between Sudan’s regular military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), suffers from severe shortages and violence. Taha, with the help of volunteers, cooks rice soup daily amidst the devastation. The conflict, sparked by disagreements over integrating the RSF into the Sudanese Armed Forces, has led to widespread destruction and a massive humanitarian crisis. The RSF, known for its brutal past in Darfur, continues to control large parts of Sudan, with ongoing battles and severe food shortages. The war has caused a major refugee crisis, with millions displaced and facing hunger. Despite the dangers, Taha’s soup kitchen remains a vital source of sustenance and hope for many, offering crucial support in a time of dire need. (Der Spiegel)

DUKE UNIVERSITY PROJECT REVEALS INSIGHTS INTO CANINE COGNITION

At Duke University’s Biological Sciences Building, students typically focus on cellular biology, genetics, or evolution. However, a unique research project, Duke Puppy Kindergarten, offers lessons in canine development. Each semester, puppies from Canine Companions, a nonprofit that trains service dogs, participate in a 12-week program designed to assess their temperaments and cognitive abilities. Led by evolutionary anthropologist Brian Hare and research scientist Vanessa Woods, the project aims to identify which dogs can perform tasks like assisting individuals with disabilities. Puppies are divided into two groups: one raised normally and another under “supersocialization” conditions. Surprisingly, both methods showed similar cognitive results, indicating that beyond a threshold of responsible socialization, additional efforts may not yield significant benefits. The project not only advances understanding of canine development but also fosters campus community spirit, with students volunteering and engaging with the puppies. The study highlights the varied cognitive abilities of dogs and the importance of appreciating each dog’s unique traits. (New York Times)

Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.

WORDS: The Biology Guy.

IMAGE CREDIT: Maksim Goncharenok.