Tag Archives: mistake

Why Rushing to Ban Social Media for Under-16s Is a Mistake

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Discover the latest in science and technology with New Scientist—a trusted source for in-depth articles and expert journalism on health, environmental issues, and much more.

In the corridors of power in the UK, a vital adage states that scientific advisers need to be grounded rather than elevated. This principle, often credited to Winston Churchill, asserts that in a democracy, it is essential for science to inform policymaking, rather than dictate it.

This idea became particularly relevant during the Covid-19 pandemic, when British leaders claimed to be “following the science.” However, many critical decisions—like paying individuals to self-isolate or shutting down schools—couldn’t rely solely on scientific guidance. Numerous questions remained unanswered, placing policymakers in a challenging position.

In stark contrast, the Trump administration has been working to dismantle established guidelines from health agencies regarding various issues, from vaccination to cell phone radiation, in pursuit of the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, all while curtailing scientific research.

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By mid-2027, we should have stronger evidence on the harms of social media.
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But what should policymakers do when scientific understanding is still developing and no immediate global crisis is present? The pressing question is how long they should wait for scientific clarity.

Currently, a significant debate is brewing in various nations regarding the potential ban on social media use for those under 16, as Australia implemented late last year. While public support for such a ban is high, the prevailing scientific evidence indicates that social media’s impact on teens’ mental health is minimal at a population level. Should political leaders disregard this evidence to cater to public opinion?

To do so would align with Churchill’s maxim. Yet, as we explore further, by mid-2027, more reliable evidence regarding social media’s negative influences should emerge from both a randomized trial in the UK and data stemming from Australia’s ban. Thus, the most prudent course of action is to allow scientists the time to gather concrete evidence before implementing significant policy changes. Progress in policy must stem from proactive science—not from its supremacy—and this requires adequate time.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Here’s Why Using Your Phone on the Toilet Is a Mistake

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Using your phone while sitting on the toilet can pose serious health risks. According to recent research.

The findings indicate that this bathroom behavior is not only unhygienic but can also significantly elevate the risk of developing bleeding, commonly referred to as hemorrhoids.

In a study conducted by US scientists involving 125 adults undergoing colonoscopy (a procedure in which a doctor examines the intestine with a camera), participants were surveyed about their lifestyle and bathroom habits.

Subjects provided answers regarding their habits, and the doctors performing the colonoscopy assessed any bleeding present.

Remarkably, 66% of participants reported using their smartphones while having a bowel movement, primarily to scroll through social media and check the news. Toilet users were more likely to engage in this scrolling behavior than those who did not.

Researchers performed statistical analyses to account for additional factors that could influence bleeding risk, such as physical activity, age, and diet.

Eventually, it was revealed that those who brought their phones into the restroom faced a 46% greater risk compared to those who left their devices behind.

So, why is scrolling such a concern? It essentially boils down to the amount of time spent sitting in the bathroom, which can increase due to distractions from your phone.

In fact, 37% of those who scrolled in the toilet admitted to spending over five minutes per visit, in contrast to just 7.1% of non-scrollers.

Researchers suggested that this extended duration could put additional pressure on the anal region, increasing the likelihood of tissue swelling.

Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a Harvard Medical Instructor, stated in BBC Science Focus: “Avoid bringing your smartphone to the toilet! It diverts your attention from the task at hand.”

As a minimum precaution, she recommended setting a five-minute timer or opting for traditional reading material like magazines.

Hemorrhoids, also known as piles, are swollen tissue masses around the anal area that can lead to itching, pain, and bleeding – Credit: Sexan Monkon Kamusao

Bleeding results in nearly 4 million doctor visits or emergency room trips annually in the United States. In the UK, it is estimated that hemorrhoids affect 10% of the population.

Anecdotally, a correlation between phone use in the bathroom and bleeding has been noted, though few studies provide compelling evidence.

“I believe there’s still much to explore regarding the health impacts of constant phone scrolling,” Pasricha remarked. “In our study, we first identified a link between smartphone use in the bathroom and bleeding, but this is just the beginning of what promises to be more research in this area.”

Read more:

About our experts

Dr. Trisha Pasricha is a gastroenterologist and director of the Gut-Brain Research Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She is also a medical instructor at Harvard Medical School and has received the American Gastrointestinal Association’s Research Scholars Award. Pasricha is a recognized medical journalist and author of the forthcoming book You’ve All Pooped Wrong (Avery, £22).

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Big mistake found in large-scale insect research

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French scientist Lawrence Gorm and Marion Deskill bet initially expressed concerns about the new international insect decline database. The database indicated an increase in some insect species, contrary to previous research findings that showed a decrease in insect biodiversity.

Upon further investigation, they discovered errors in the database that highlighted the challenges in measuring biodiversity accurately. This led to discussions on the validity of scientific discoveries and the importance of ongoing debate in the scientific community.

Over 1 million insects discovered by scientists – Photo credit: Getty

The database, called Insects, merged various datasets and was analyzed by scientists from Germany, Russia, and America. The analysis revealed that while land insects were declining, freshwater insects were thriving, indicating a more nuanced understanding of insect population trends compared to prior research.

However, some scholars raised concerns about the accuracy of the database, with more than 60 scientists publishing a letter expressing their reservations about the findings.

The team behind the database acknowledged the issues and began working on corrections to improve the accuracy of the data. Although Gaume and Desquilbet were invited to collaborate on the project, they declined, emphasizing the importance of addressing methodological and statistical errors in scientific research.

Hopping to conclusions

One of the main concerns raised by Gaume and Desquilbet was the inclusion of different types of data units and the manipulation of natural habitats in the dataset. These factors contributed to inaccuracies in measuring insect population trends.

The Insectchange team, led by Roel Van Klink, recognized the need for improvements and committed to releasing an updated version of the database with the necessary corrections.

While controversies around the database continue, scientists like Manu Sanders emphasize the importance of ongoing debate and scrutiny in scientific research. Science is a process of continuous refinement and correction, where discussion and collaboration are essential for producing reliable results.

About our experts

Lawrence Gorm: Insect ecologist at the University of Montpellier, focusing on insect-plant interactions and biodiversity conservation.

Marion Deskill bet: Environmental economist at the Toulouse School of Economics, specializing in ecological economics and biodiversity policies.

Roel Van Klink: Ecologist at the German Center for Integrated Biodiversity Research, with expertise in insect population trends and biodiversity datasets.

Manu Sanders: Ecologist at the University of New England in Australia, researching insect conservation, ecosystem services, and scientific communication.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com