Undark Magazine

🤖Can AI help combat misinformation?🤖 A recent study by MIT, Cornell, and American University researchers reveals that "DebunkBot," an AI chatbot designed to counter conspiracy beliefs, reduced participants' confidence in conspiracies by 20%, suggesting a new approach to addressing misinformation. The bot achieved a more significant effect by offering tailored, evidence-based responses than many previous interventions. This development highlights AI's potential for addressing some of today’s critical issues in disinformation and social media. However, experts remind us that AI tools require oversight to prevent misuse and ensure responsible application in the real world. #AI #research

🌀New research highlights that climate disasters like Hurricanes Milton and Helene don’t significantly shift U.S. public opinion or voting behavior, even as climate extremes become more frequent. Experts note that while awareness has grown cumulatively due to media coverage, isolated events alone have limited impact. Disinformation campaigns surrounding these disasters add another layer of complexity, often strengthening denialist sentiments and further polarizing political attitudes. However, some studies show that disaster response efforts can foster bipartisan support, suggesting a potential pathway to collective action despite the slow-moving, incremental changes in broader climate attitudes.

Public perception and crime statistics don’t always align.  Although recent reports show declines in violent crime across the U.S., many Americans believe crime is on the rise, a disconnect possibly driven by political and media narratives. Reporting gaps and differences in data interpretation also contribute to this complex issue. Experts note that assessing multiple data sources is essential to gain an actual perspective on crime trends.

🦁Ever wondered if animals really talk? 🐬 In his latest book, "Why Animals Talk," zoologist Arik Kershenbaum offers a fresh perspective on animal communication.  Instead of attempting to translate animal sounds into human language, Kershenbaum explores why animals communicate and how these behaviors are rooted in evolutionary survival strategies. By examining the communication patterns of wolves, dolphins, gibbons, and more, he provides a deeper understanding of how species interact with their environment and each other. Read Erica Goode's full review here.

👂Radical listening and it's key to public health🫀 "Radical listening" can help bridge the gap between health institutions and those they serve. In Borneo, local communities designed a solution that improved healthcare and dramatically reduced illegal logging.

Our evolutionary past shapes how we think today, often in ways that create barriers to addressing global crises.  The cognitive skills humans developed as hunter-gatherers helped them survive in the past, but now they make it harder to take meaningful action to solve crises like climate change.  But understanding these instances offers a path forward.  #Opinion Read more here:

A new paper published in "Nature" is shifting the conversation about misinformation online. Research led by David Rothschild suggests that common narratives about the average person's exposure to harmful content may be exaggerated. The study shows that algorithms often steer users toward more neutral content, and social media is not as responsible for broader societal issues as some might think. This calls for a shift in how we allocate resources and address the actual impacts of misinformation.

🥼 A growing number of healthcare professionals are adopting the Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) approach to treat opioid-affected newborns. 🍼 By prioritizing non-medical interventions, such as keeping babies with their mothers and focusing on behaviors like eating, sleeping, and consoling, ESC significantly reduces the need for NICU stays and medications. Research shows this method shortens hospital stays and improves outcomes while fostering a more family-centered and compassionate care model. As the opioid crisis continues, approaches like ESC are helping reduce stigma and empower families.

Can flooding help these birds? California migratory birds are losing critical stopover points along the Pacific Flyway. Birds, like the western sandpiper, use California wetlands to rest and feed along their journey up and down the Western coast of the Americas. In response, BirdReturns, a conservation program, pays rice farmers to create temporary wetlands by flooding their fields earlier and keeping them flooded longer. This market-based approach has created 120,000 acres of habitat since 2014, significantly increasing shorebird density. However, sustaining this effort becomes more challenging as climate change intensifies droughts.

The future of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” hangs in the balance as the 2024 presidential election nears. PFAS are linked to a range of severe health conditions, and recent regulations have sought to control their use and clean up contaminated sites. However, former EPA officials warn that a second Trump administration may reverse progress. At the same time, advocates hope Harris will push for more robust policies to hold polluters accountable and protect public health. #PFAS #ForeverChemicals #2024Election