Monthly Archives: June 2025

Webb Discovers Silicon Monoxide in the Atmosphere of Ultra-Hot Jupiter WASP-121b

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Astronomers leveraging the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have identified water, carbon monoxide, and methane in the atmosphere of WASP-121B, as well as in Earth’s nightside atmosphere. This marks the first detection of silicon monoxide in any planetary atmosphere, including those within our solar system and beyond.

This artistic impression illustrates the phase during which WASP-121B collects most of its gas, inferred from recent findings. Image credit: T. Muller, MPIA & HDA.

WASP-121B is approximately 1.87 times larger and 1.18 times more massive than Jupiter.

First discovered in 2016, it completes an orbit around its host star, the F6-type WASP-121 (TYC 7630-352-1), in just 1.3 days, as observed by the WASP-SOUTH SURVEY.

The WASP-121 system is situated about 881 light years away in the constellation of Puppis.

Characterized as an Ultra Hot Jupiter, WASP-121B orbits its parent star in a mere 1.3 days, being so close that the star’s gravitational pull begins to physically disrupt it.

Estimates suggest that the temperatures on the planet’s eternal daytime side exceed 3,000 degrees Celsius, while the nightside cools down to around 1,500 degrees Celsius.

“The discovery of silicon monoxide in the atmosphere of WASP-121B is revolutionary, marking the first definitive identification of this molecule in any planetary atmosphere,” stated Dr. Anjali Piette, an astronomer at the University of Birmingham.

“The composition of the nightside atmosphere of WASP-121B indicates vertical mixing: the transport of gases from deeper atmospheric layers to the peak observed in infrared light.”

“We were surprised to find methane on the nightside given the extreme temperatures of this planet.”

Measurements of carbon-to-hydrogen, oxygen-to-hydrogen, silicon-to-hydrogen, and oxygen-to-oxygen ratios in the atmosphere suggest that during its formation, WASP-121B’s atmosphere was enriched by inner rocky materials enhanced by erosion-resistant bombardment.

“They’re outstanding,” remarked Dr. Thomas Evans Soma, an astronomer at Newcastle University.

In their research, astronomers employed a method known as phase curve observation, which entails tracking a planet’s orbit around its star and analyzing variations in its brightness.

These observations reveal details about both the daytime and nighttime hemispheres, along with their chemical makeups.

“The successful detection of these elements and characterization of WASP-121B’s atmosphere with Webb showcases the telescope’s capabilities and sets a precedent for future exploratory research,” Dr. Piette remarked.

Study published today in the journal Nature Astronomy.

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TM Evans-Soma et al. Ultra-Stellar C/O ratio in the atmosphere of SIO and giant exoplanet WASP-121. Nature Astronomy Published online on June 2, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41550-025-02513-x

Source: www.sci.news

Scientists Discover Genetic Variations Linked to Increased Cat Pairing

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Cat (Ferris Katas) has become a beloved companion to people worldwide. Despite its widespread popularity, the genetic factors influencing its behavior have been largely unexplored. A new research team from the Kyoto University Wildlife Research Center has focused on the Androgen receptor gene (ar), located on the X chromosome, and its association with feline behaviors, such as purring.

Okamoto et al. found that male cats with short alleles displayed higher directional call/voicing scores, whereas females with short alleles exhibited increased aggression towards strangers compared to their counterparts with long alleles. Image credit: Natary Anderson.

“Cats are cherished companion animals that significantly contribute to society through their interactions with humans,” said lead author Okamoto and colleagues.

“However, most negrid species, such as the African Wildcat (Ferris Livica), have solitary ancestors, while domestic cats often form groups and display social behaviors.”

“They communicate with both humans and other cats utilizing a range of behaviors and signals, including olfactory cues, touch, visual cues, and vocalizations.”

“Purring, a distinctive vocalization of cats, plays a significant role in vocal communication.”

“Initially, purring may signify a mother’s health, but it continues to facilitate communication among cats beyond the weaning phase.”

“In a social context, purring promotes security and comfort, expresses familiarity, and invites play, though its precise function remains unclear.”

For this study, researchers evaluated the behavior of 280 cats, all of whom were neutered or mixed breeds living in their owners’ homes.

DNA samples were collected and analyzed to compare the ar gene with those from other negrid species.

“Upon reaching out to participants, we quickly received responses and warm messages from 265 cat owners across Japan within just a day,” Okamoto remarked.

“This highlighted the strong public interest in feline research.”

“The findings suggest a genetic basis for both purring and vocal communication.”

“Cats with the short-type androgen receptor gene received higher ratings from their owners than those with the long-type gene.”

“Additionally, male cats with the short form displayed increased vocalizations towards humans, indicating a genetic link to vocal communication.”

“Conversely, female cats with the shorter-type gene demonstrated heightened aggression towards unfamiliar individuals.”

“These findings could indicate a decreased significance of vocal communication in cats raised by humans from kittenhood, particularly those that are typically purebred.”

“Prior studies indicated that purebred cats are more likely to carry long-form genes than their mixed-breed counterparts.”

“This study included numerous mixed-breed cats that were rescued and were previously strays.”

Through comparisons of cat genes with 11 other genes, researchers discovered that both leopard and fishing cats were genetically similar to domestic cats and possessed shorter types, while domestic cats did not exhibit longer types found in other species.

These results imply that the emergence of long types may be linked to genetic changes related to domestication and selective breeding.

“These results may help predict behavioral trends based on genetic data, enhance observation and care based on needs, and ultimately improve animal welfare,” the authors stated.

The team plans to broaden their research focus to include other negrid species.

“Through our research, we aim to enrich our understanding of cats and foster better relationships between felines and humans,” Okamoto concluded.

This study was published online on May 28th in PLOS 1.

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Y. Okamoto et al. 2025. The relationship between androgen receptor genes and cat behavioral traits (Ferris Katas). PLOS 1 20(5): E0324055; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0324055

This article is based on an original release by Kyoto University.

Source: www.sci.news

Newly Discovered Duck-Dinosaur Species: Tareta Tareta

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Paleontologists have discovered a new genus and species of the small Lamboosaurin hadrosaur dinosaur from two fossilized jaws unearthed in Morocco.

Artist Reconstruction of Tareta Tareta. Image credit: Connor Ashbridge.

Tareta Tareta thrived in what is now Morocco during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago.

“The Cretaceous era marked the later stages of the breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea and featured elevated eustatic sea levels,” stated Bass University paleontologist Nicholas Longrich, along with colleagues from Spain, France, and Morocco.

“Consequently, the continents became fragmented, resulting in a series of isolated island continents, which led to the evolution of distinct dinosaur faunas in various regions of the world.”

“Asia and North America were primarily inhabited by Ornisicchians of Hadrosaurid and Serratopsia, while Tyrannosaurus theropods were the apex predators.”

“In the Southern Hemisphere, titanosaurs were the leading herbivores, and Abelisaurus theropods were the top theropods.”

“Although geographic isolation played a significant role in shaping biogeographic patterns, recent findings emphasize that dispersal was also crucial, especially towards the end of the Cretaceous.”

The two related jaws of Tareta Tareta were found in Maastrichtian phosphate deposits at the top of Morocco.

“The phosphates in the Ouradubdoon Basin, situated in central Morocco, are composed of a mix of phosphate sand, marshes, and limestone in a shallow marine setting where the North Atlantic Ocean extended inland to cover much of Morocco,” the paleontologist explained.

“These phosphates date back to the Maastrichtian era (approximately 720,000 – 66 million years ago).”

Lambeosaurin dinosaurs were numerous in Morocco, with at least three species coexisting. Image credit: Longrich et al., doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2025.05.006.

Tareta Tareta is classified under the Lambeosaurine tribe Arensaurini, marking the total count of Arenasaurulin species identified in Moroccan phosphates at three.

“This first hadrosaurus discovery from Maastrichtian phosphate in Morocco, Ajinavia Odysseus, despite being isolated by the ocean, indicates hadrosaurus dispersion across Africa during the late Cretaceous,” noted the researchers.

“The close relationship of Ajinavia within Arenysaurini, known solely from Armorica, suggests that this clade was dispersed from southern Europe.”

“Following that, the second Arenysaurin, Mincaria Bata, was reported from the same period.”

“The jaw and tooth structure of Mincaria Bata differs significantly from that of Ajinavia, indicating a distinct niche specialization.”

“A related upper jaw of a small duck-like dinosaur was recently identified alongside phosphates.”

“Interestingly, neither of these specimens can be connected to Ajinavia or Mincaria. Instead, they signify the third distinct genus and species.”

“The notable variation observed in the jaws and teeth of arenasaurins in Africa points towards adaptive radiation driven by dispersal. Lamboosaurins seem to have rapidly diversified to exploit a new niche after migrating from Europe to North Africa,” they concluded.

“This African radiation aligns with the decline of Lamboosaurins in North America, underscoring the highly localized nature of dinosaur evolution.”

The team’s paper has been published in the journal Gondwana’s Study.

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Nicholas R. Longrich et al. A new hadrosaurus from the late Maastrichtian phosphate in Morocco provides insights into radiation in African Lambeosaurin. Gondwana’s Study, published online on May 28, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.gr.2025.05.006

Source: www.sci.news

The Warming Ocean: Uncovering Unexpected Benefits from Coral Reef Loss

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Satellite perspective of coral reefs in New Caledonia

ShutterStock/Best-Backgrounds

The decline of coral reefs might come with unexpected advantages. Research suggests that this deterioration allows the oceans to absorb up to 5% more carbon dioxide by 2100, which may decelerate the buildup of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

“If your primary concern is the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, this could be viewed as a beneficial effect,” states Lester Kwiatkowski from Sorbonne University in Paris, France. However, he cautions that the loss of coral also leads to diminished biodiversity, jeopardizes fisheries, and heightens the vulnerability of coastal regions to rising sea levels.

The extent of global warming is heavily influenced by atmospheric CO2 levels. To date, land and oceans have collectively absorbed around half of the surplus CO2 we’ve emitted. Thus, elements that affect these so-called land or marine carbon sinks can significantly influence future climate scenarios.

Corals are often believed to sequester CO2 from seawater while they develop their calcium carbonate structures. In reality, this process—known as calcification—actually releases CO2 as a net byproduct.

“Corals typically take in inorganic carbon from the ocean in forms like carbonate and bicarbonate ions, converting them into calcium carbonate, which results in CO2 being expelled back into seawater.”

This suggests that if the growth of coral reefs slows or halts, there will be a reduction in CO2 emissions from these reefs, thereby allowing the ocean to absorb more of this greenhouse gas from the atmosphere—a factor currently absent from climate models.

Current studies indicate that coral reef calcification has already declined due to rising ocean temperatures, leading to extensive coral bleaching. Additionally, increased CO2 levels have caused ocean acidification, which complicates the formation of carbonate structures and can even trigger dissolution.

Kwiatkowski and his research team have published estimates detailing how corals are susceptible to warming and ocean acidification. They utilized computer models to project how these changes could affect marine carbon sinks under various emission scenarios. Their findings indicate that by 2100, the ocean may sequester an additional 1-5% more carbon, which could escalate to up to 13% by 2300.

This prediction may be conservative, as Kwiatkowski notes it overlooks additional factors contributing to coral reef degradation, such as overfishing and the spread of coral diseases.

Conversely, the research assumes that corals lack the capacity to adapt or acclimate. Chris Ju judge from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, who was not part of this study, remarks on this perspective.

“If we encounter the worst-case or medium-case outcomes outlined in this study, it portends significant destruction of coral reefs globally,” says Ju judge. “I believe the authors could arrive at different conclusions by considering potential adaptability in corals and other reef organisms under moderate levels of climate change.”

If Kwiatkowski’s team’s projections hold true, the amount of CO2 that leads to a certain degree of warming—the so-called carbon budget—may actually be larger than current estimates.

“Even if we’re facing dire outcomes, it’s critical to refine our understanding of the carbon budget to ensure its accuracy,” asserts Kwiatkowski.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Enhancing Humanity: iPhone Designer Discusses New Collaboration with OpenAI

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The iPhone designer has pledged that his upcoming AI-infused device will be guided by the belief that “humanity is better,” acknowledging his sense of “responsibility” for certain adverse effects of contemporary technology.

Sir Jony Ive mentioned that his new collaboration with OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT, aims to refresh its technological optimism amidst growing unease regarding the repercussions of smartphones and social media.

In an interview with the Financial Times, the London-born designer refrained from disclosing specifics about the devices he is working on at OpenAI but voiced concerns over people’s interactions with certain high-tech products.

“Many people would agree that there is an uncomfortable relationship with technology today,” he stated. He further emphasized that the design of the device is motivated by the notion that “we deserve better; humanity deserves better.”

However, Ive, the former chief design officer at Apple, expressed his feelings of accountability for the adverse effects produced by modern tech products. “Some of the negative outcomes were unintended, but I still feel responsible, and that drives my determination to create something beneficial.”

He added, “Whenever you create something new or innovate, the outcomes will be unpredictable; some will be wonderful, while others may cause harm.”

Just last month, Ive finalized the sale of hardware startup IO to OpenAI in a $6.4 billion (£4.7 billion) transaction, illustrating his creative and design leadership within the merged entity.

In a video announcing the deal, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman referred to the prototype devised by Ive as “the coolest technology the world has ever seen.”

Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo mentioned that the device would be reportedly screenless, designed to be worn around the neck, and “compact and elegant like an iPod shuffle.” Mass production is projected to commence in 2027.

According to The Wall Street Journal, this device is fully attuned to the user’s environment and life, described as a third essential device for users after the MacBook Pro and iPhone.

Ive, who began his journey at Apple in 1992, expressed that the OpenAI partnership has rekindled his optimism regarding the potential of technology.

“When I first arrived here, it was a place where people genuinely aimed to serve humanity, inspire individuals, and aid creativity; that was my draw. I don’t sense that spirit here currently,” he remarked.

Ive was interviewed alongside Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

She remarked, “We observe research being conducted solely focusing on the surge of anxiety and mental health challenges among teenage girls and young people.”

Powell Jobs, who invests in Love from Business by Emerson Collective, linked to Ive’s venture, chose not to comment on whether the new OpenAI devices would rival Apple products.

“I still maintain close ties with Apple’s leadership,” she stated. “They are truly commendable individuals, and I hope for their success.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Dogs Pollute Water with Pesticides Despite Flea Treatment

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Dogs treated for fleas release chemicals into the water that kill insects when they swim

natalya_maisheva/shutter stock

Researchers advise against using spot-on flea and tick treatments if your dog has access to any water bodies.

Studies indicate that dogs submerged in water can release harmful levels of active ingredients into aquatic ecosystems, affecting wildlife and animals that consume them, including birds, for up to 28 days post-treatment.

“If your dog frequently swims, it’s best to avoid spot-on treatments,” says Rosemary Perkins from the University of Sussex, UK.

When spot-on treatments were introduced, it was mistakenly believed they posed no threat to the environment. It wasn’t until 2011 that a European Medicines Agency paper suggested protecting animals from water for 48 hours, yet Perkins notes that there was no substantial evidence backing this guideline. “It seems to be just a finger-in-the-air estimate,” she says.

Her concern grew after detecting fipronil, a pesticide used in these treatments, in a UK river. “We noted alarmingly high concentrations,” Perkins recalls.

Her team administered spot-on treatments containing either fipronil or neonicotinoids like imidacloprid to 25 and 24 dogs, respectively. After 5, 14, or 28 days, dogs were immersed up to their shoulders in a plastic tub for 5 minutes to measure pesticide levels in the water.

The findings revealed that even after 28 days, a single large dog’s chemical residue could exceed safe levels in 100 cubic meters of water—similar to the volume of a small pond. Regular swimming by treated dogs can further escalate contamination in larger bodies of water, warns Perkins.

She advocates for regulatory changes globally but fears that such adjustments may require significant time. In the meantime, dog owners should limit spot-on treatments to necessary occasions and keep their pets away from water for at least a month following treatment. “The key takeaway is that if your dog swims during this period, there are associated risks,” she emphasizes.

Currently, alternatives exist in the form of oral tablets, but Perkins remains uncertain of their environmental impact, noting that the active ingredients can persist in feces and contaminate soil. “We still lack clarity on their effects.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Meta Plans to Launch AI Ad Creation for Facebook and Instagram by Year-End Next Year

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The proprietors of Facebook and Instagram are set to assist advertisers in fully developing and targeting campaigns using artificial intelligence tools by the end of next year, potentially disrupting the traditional marketing landscape.

Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta, which also owns WhatsApp, aims to directly reach brand marketing budgets and challenge client campaigns and media organizations managing these budgets.

The AI tool currently under development, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, will enable brands utilizing Meta’s advertising platform to generate ads by leveraging product images and planned marketing expenditures.


Meta’s platform already provides various AI tools that allow advertisers to modify existing ads before they go live on Facebook or Instagram.

These new tools could bridge the gap between traditional ad creation, planning, and purchasing roles that agents perform, while also catering to smaller advertisers who cannot afford marketing service companies.

AI tools will be capable of generating complete ads, including images, videos, and text, targeting users based on the client’s budget.

For instance, targeting parameters such as geolocation can allow holiday companies to tailor advertisements that are particularly relevant to destinations appealing to users.

Following the announcement of Meta’s planned AI rollout, investors quickly divested from some of the world’s largest marketing services.

WPP shares dropped 3% during early trading, while French firms Publicis Groupe and Havas saw declines of 3.9% and 3%, respectively.

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Zuckerberg, emphasizing the shift towards AI-driven advertising, describes the evolution of these tools as a “redefinition of advertising categories.”

In April, Meta revised its financial outlook for next year, announcing plans to invest between $64 billion and $720 billion in capital expenditures, which include the costs associated with building AI infrastructure.

The company had initially projected expenses of up to $650 billion in 2025.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Global Temperatures Could Be Rising Beyond Our Expectations

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Global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires

Noah Burger/Associated Press/Alamy

Recent data indicates that global temperatures are 6% higher than earlier estimates, meaning our planet is experiencing more warming than previously thought.

This trend puts us at risk of surpassing the Paris Agreement’s temperature threshold of keeping global warming below 1.5°C by as early as 2028, rather than the anticipated timeframe of 2030-2035. This is a frequent topic among scientists.

2024 marked the first calendar year where global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C, following unprecedented warmth that caught climate experts off guard. Although this alone does not breach the Paris Agreement target, it raises concerns over a sustained temperature rise occurring faster than anticipated.

To assess our progress, Gottfried Kirchengast and Moritz Pichler from the University of Graz in Austria utilized the global temperature dataset to revise estimates of global average surface temperature (GMST) from 1850 to 2024. GMST is crucial in measuring global warming, as per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The duo also devised a new method for converting GMST, which combines sea surface temperatures and air temperatures, into a single surface air temperature (GSAT).

“Our benchmark records maximize traditional temperature datasets and yield this new enhancement,” Kirchengast notes. This refines the range of uncertainty and demonstrates that global warming is slightly accelerating compared to prior methods, indicating an approach toward the critical 1.5°C mark.

Kirchengast emphasizes that this refined GSAT record is vital for evaluating global efforts toward the Paris Agreement’s objectives. The goal was to establish “a unified reference dataset for global warming in relation to pre-industrial levels,” he elaborates.

Under the Paris Agreement of 2015, nations collectively pledged to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while striving to restrict the temperature increase to 1.5°C.

These objectives are typically assessed against 20-year average temperatures, yet researchers disagree on the optimal calculations. Rather than relying solely on historical observations, we recommend using rolling averages derived from a mix of observational data and forecasts due to the increased number of scientists valuing a 10-year delay in evaluating non-compliance with any given target.

Kirchengast and Pichler propose employing novel benchmark GSAT records along with predictive climate models to provide real-time global warming metrics in relation to progress toward Paris targets. Their findings indicate that current warming levels have surpassed 1.39°C compared to pre-industrial benchmarks.

However, Duochan from the University of Southampton in the UK argues that GSAT records are not the best metric for determining the rate of global warming. “The GSAT is not the primary metric utilized in IPCC discussions or most climate target evaluations,” he remarks.

On the other hand, GMST continues to correlate with various changes in the climate system, such as sea level rise and alterations in precipitation, he notes. “For rigorous accountability, GMST remains a highly effective metric,” he argues.

Andrew Jarvis from Lancaster University in the UK emphasizes the urgent need for the scientific community to reach a consensus on a standardized method for measuring progress toward Paris objectives. “The diverse range of estimates is actually complicating policy assessments,” he contends.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Working Groups Warning of Fever Deaths Establish Signs About Doge in National Parks

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The early season heatwaves scorched much of the West, resulting in dangerously high temperatures and prompting extreme heat warnings lasting from Friday through Saturday. Southern Nevada saw widespread triple-digit highs, with Death Valley expected to surpass 115 degrees.

Weeks ahead of the official start of summer, we intensified the union message. The organization’s signage campaign aims to address the far-reaching effects of Doge layoffs and budget cuts on the nation’s beloved national parks. In the Southwest, this translates to zero tolerance for extreme heat, according to Shaquille.

“We had to adapt our message to connect with people directly,” he stated.

Results from the National Park Service’s budget cuts are still pending, especially with the peak summer tourist season on the horizon.

Abigail Wine, deputy director of Death Valley National Park, mentioned that park staff are committed to ensuring public safety and raising awareness about the hazards of extreme heat. She urged visitors to take necessary precautions before heading to Death Valley, such as checking weather warnings, verifying closures, and packing adequate water, sunscreen, and other essentials.

“As always, the National Park Service is dedicated to providing visitors with an incredible, safe, and unforgettable experience at Death Valley National Park and throughout the country,” Wines informed NBC News in a statement.

The broader objective of achieving a more perfect union in the Billboard campaign is to spotlight Doge’s controversial actions and the significant cuts instituted by the Trump administration to federal agencies. Shaquille noted that the organization strategically leveraged the bipartisan support enjoyed by national parks to ignite discussion.

According to a 2024 Population Survey from Pew Research Center, the National Park Service ranks as the most favored federal agency, with a favorable rating of 76% among over 9,400 Americans surveyed.

“Many of the locations where we placed our signs are in areas assumed to lean Republican, where a significant number of people likely voted for Donald Trump. Even the Doge component resonates,” Shaquille explained. “But national parks serve as a perfect example of where the limits were overstepped.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Study Reveals Over Half of the Top 100 Mental Health Resources Spread Misinformation

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A study by The Guardian has revealed that over 50% of the most popular TikTok videos offering mental health advice are misleading.

As more individuals seek mental health support on social media, research has shown that numerous influencers spread misinformation, including improper treatment terminology, unrealistic “quick fix” solutions, and inaccurate claims.

Those in need of help encounter questionable advice, such as suggestions to eat oranges while showering to alleviate anxiety. Some promote untested supplements like saffron, magnesium glycinate, and sacred basil as remedies for anxiety, along with claims about healing emotional wounds in an hour. Additionally, normal emotional reactions are incorrectly framed as symptoms of borderline personality disorder or abuse.

Lawmakers and experts expressed concern about the findings, stating that social media’s harmful mental health advice is both troubling and dangerous, prompting the government to consider stricter regulations to safeguard citizens from the spread of misinformation.

The Guardian analyzed the top 100 videos associated with the #MentalHealthTips hashtag on TikTok, consulting psychologists, psychiatrists, and academic specialists.

Experts determined that 52 out of those 100 videos provided advice on trauma, neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, and severe mental illness.

David Okay, a consultant neuropsychiatrist and psychology researcher at King’s College London, examined videos related to anxiety and depression. He noted that some posts misuse treatment language, potentially creating confusion around the true nature of mental illnesses.

Many videos offered broad advice based on limited personal experiences and anecdotal evidence.

The analysis indicated that social media often oversimplifies treatment realities, reducing complex issues to catchy soundbites. Although effective treatments exist, it’s crucial to communicate that there are no quick or one-size-fits-all solutions, he emphasized.

Dan Poulter, a former health minister and NHS psychiatrist who reviewed videos on severe mental illness, stated that some content trivializes daily experiences, equating them with serious mental health diagnoses.

“This type of misinformation can mislead viewers and downplay the real challenges faced by those with serious mental illnesses,” he noted.

Amber Johnston, a psychologist recognized by the British Psychological Association who evaluated trauma-related videos, remarked that while many contain valid insights, they often overgeneralize and downplay the complexity of post-traumatic stress disorder or trauma symptoms.

“Each video misleadingly suggests a uniform experience of PTSD that can be neatly summed up in a 30-second clip. The reality is that PTSD and trauma symptoms are uniquely individual and require the attention of a trained professional,” she explained.

“TikTok disseminates misinformation by implying there are universal shortcuts and insights that might actually exacerbate viewers’ issues, rather than provide solutions,” she added.

TikTok stated that videos will be removed if they dissuade users from seeking medical help or endorse harmful treatments. In the UK, when users search for mental health terms like depression or anxiety, they are directed to NHS resources.

Labour MP Chi Onwurah mentioned that the technical committee she leads is investigating misinformation on social media. A survey highlighted serious concerns regarding the effectiveness of online safety laws in combating misleading and harmful online content.

“We know that recommendation algorithms on platforms like TikTok intensify the spread of damaging misinformation, including false mental health advice,” she noted. “Immediate action is needed to address the deficiencies of the Online Safety Act and safeguard public health and safety online.”

Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins concurred with the troubling findings and called on the government to act decisively to shield individuals from harmful misinformation.

Labour MP Paulette Hamilton, chair of the Health and Social Care Selection Committee, also raised concerns about mental health misinformation on social media. “These ‘tips’ should not replace professional, qualified support,” she insisted.

Professor Bernadka Dubicka, online safety lead at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, noted that while social media can raise awareness, it’s vital that people access health information grounded in the latest evidence from reliable sources. Mental disorders can only be diagnosed through a thorough evaluation by qualified mental health professionals.

A TikTok spokesperson commented, “TikTok is a platform for millions to share their authentic mental health experiences and seek supportive communities. However, we recognize the methodological limitations of this research.”

“We are committed to collaborating with the World Health Organization and NHS health experts to promote accurate information on our platform and to eliminate 98% of harmful misinformation prior to reporting,” they added.

A government representative stated that the minister is “taking steps to minimize the impact of harmful misleading content online” through the new online safety legislation.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Utah Lawyers Approved After Using ChatGPT in Court: An Overview

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The Utah Court of Appeals has sanctioned the attorney after it was found that he utilized ChatGPT in a filing that referenced a fictitious trial.

Earlier this week, the Utah Court of Appeals chose to take action against Richard Bednar following accusations that he submitted a brief with fabricated citations.

Based on reviewed court documents, By ABC4, Bednar along with Douglas Dalbano, another attorney from Utah who represented the petitioners, filed a “timely petition for dialogue appeal.”

Upon examining the summary prepared by the Law Clerk, it was revealed that the respondent’s counsel noted several inaccurate quotes in the case.

“It seems that parts of the petition may have been produced by AI, including citations that do not exist in the legal database (and can only be found in ChatGPT).

The report highlights that the brief cited a case named “Royer v Nelson,” which was absent from any legal database.

After discovering the false citation, Bednar expressed his “apologies” for the “errors present in the petition,” according to documents from the Utah Court of Appeals. During the April hearing, Bednar and his legal team acknowledged, “The petition contained fabricated legal authority acquired from ChatGPT and accepted responsibility for its contents.”

According to Bednar and his legal team, the “unlicensed legal assistant” drafted the outline, and Bednar did not conduct an “independent accuracy check” before filing. ABC4 further reported that Dalbano was not involved in crafting the petition, and the individual responsible for filing was a law school graduate who was subsequently let go from the firm.

The report added that Bednar had offered to cover the relevant attorneys’ fees to “rectify” the situation.

In a statement made public by ABC4, the Utah Court of Appeals commented: “I concur that employing AI for lawsuit preparation is a developing legal research tool that continues to evolve alongside technological advancements. Nonetheless, all attorneys must ensure that court submissions are accurate, emphasizing that claimants’ attorneys are liable for their filings. They included fictitious precedents produced by ChatGPT.”

As a consequence of the false citation, ABC4 reports that Bednar has been ordered to cover the respondent’s attorneys’ fees for the petition and the hearing, refund clients for time spent on preparation and attendance, and donate $1,000 to legal nonprofits and justice initiatives based in Utah.

Source: www.theguardian.com