The strange TikTok cooking oil trend demonstrates the pitfalls of misinformation spread through social media

On TikTok, people claim that pouring castor oil on their belly buttons can cure endometriosis, aid in weight loss, improve complexion, and promote healthy hair. However, it’s important to question the scientific basis behind this viral trend. Castor oil is known for its stimulant and laxative effects, which can be beneficial for treating constipation and inducing labor, although there are more commonly used medications for these purposes.

In addition to its medicinal uses, castor oil is also utilized in cosmetics like lip balms and moisturizers due to its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research supporting or refuting the health benefits of applying castor oil to the belly button.

This practice may not make sense from a physiological standpoint, as the belly button served as a connection to the placenta during fetal development, providing oxygen and removing waste products. However, this connection is severed at birth, and oil does not enter the body through the belly button.

While massaging castor oil into the skin may offer temporary relief for certain conditions, such as menstrual cramps, it is not proven to be effective for weight loss or pain relief when taken orally or applied topically. Essential oils have shown to be more effective for aromatherapy purposes compared to unscented oils like castor oil.

Overall, while abdominal massage with castor oil may provide some relief for symptoms like constipation, it is not a substitute for proper medical treatment. It’s important to approach health trends with caution and rely on scientifically proven methods for healthcare.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Exploring the Prospects and Pitfalls of AI Technology: Scientists Discuss the Inevitability of Fukushima

Hosting a conference on artificial intelligence and its impact on science before the field’s first Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm seems quite fitting. This week, Google DeepMind and the Royal Society organized the AI for Science Forum in London just after AI received the Physics Prize and Google DeepMind won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.


During the conference, Google DeepMind CEO, Demis Hassabis, highlighted the potential of AI to lead to a new era of discoveries and scientific advancements. However, he cautioned that AI is not a quick fix and requires precise problem identification, data collection, algorithm development, and responsible use.

Despite the optimism surrounding AI, there are concerns about its potential negative impacts, including exacerbating inequality, triggering financial crises, and posing risks like data breaches and the misuse of AI for harmful purposes.

AI has already begun revolutionizing various industries, from healthcare to materials science. The AI program AlphaFold, developed by Hassabis and John Jumper, has been instrumental in predicting protein structures for drug design, while AI-powered technologies are accelerating drug development and streamlining clinical trials.

Fiona Marshall from Novartis emphasized the role of AI in expediting drug development and gaining regulatory approval. Meanwhile, Jennifer Doudna discussed AI’s potential in making treatments more affordable and even editing microbes to reduce methane emissions from cattle.

One major challenge facing AI researchers is the lack of transparency in decision-making processes, known as the black box problem. Yet, advancements in AI technology are expected to address this issue in the near future.

Energy consumption by large AI models is a growing concern, but Hassabis believes that the benefits of AI will outweigh the energy costs. He envisions AI driving innovations in renewable energy and contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

As the AI industry strives towards sustainability, there is a call for transformative actions to ensure AI’s development aligns with environmental and social goals.

Source: www.theguardian.com