The article discusses the discovery of a new coronavirus, BRZ batCoV, in Brazilian bats, clarifying that it is distinct from SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. The finding reinforces the understanding that the Furin cleavage site ...
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Philipp Markolin, PhD, is the author of Protagonist Science, a Substack publication focused on science journalism, science communication (scicomm), and science fiction prototyping. The aim is to bring science and society closer together, and the publication has hundreds of subscribers.
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The text discusses the political and social dynamics surrounding the lab leak theory of COVID-19's origins, focusing on Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, who has faced intense scrutiny and accusations from both Republ...
The text explores the complex relationship between bats, their unique physiology, and the potential origins of SARS-CoV-2. It discusses the extraordinary adaptations of bats, their social structures, and their role as hosts for va...
The text recounts the experiences of Alice Hughes, a professor and bat researcher, who faced significant challenges while conducting her work in China, particularly in Yunnan Province. It details her adventurous career, her contri...
Colette Delawalla argues that scientists must actively resist political attacks on science, as silence equates to complicity in the erosion of scientific integrity.
The article discusses the current AI boom and its potential risks, likening it to historical economic bubbles. It highlights the concentration of power in AI infrastructure, warning that this could lead to a new form of feudalism ...
The text discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the origins of COVID-19, particularly focusing on the lab leak theory versus zoonotic spillover. It highlights the work of Dr. Florence Débarre and her colleagues who analyzed meta...
This chapter discusses the complexities surrounding the origins of SARS-CoV-2, particularly focusing on the controversial furin cleavage site (FCS) and the narratives that have emerged regarding the virus's potential lab origins. ...
The text explores the cultural phenomenon surrounding the lab leak theory of COVID-19, focusing on the experiences of Peter Daszak, a zoologist embroiled in controversy due to his research on coronaviruses. It discusses the dehuma...
This chapter discusses the investigation into the origins of COVID-19, focusing on the work of evolutionary virologist Michael Worobey and his colleagues. It details their efforts to analyze early cases in Wuhan, the significance ...
This chapter discusses the WHO mission to Wuhan in January 2021, focusing on the experiences of scientists Peter Daszak and Marion Koopmans as they investigated the origins of COVID-19. It details their quarantine experience, the ...
The text explores the rise of influencers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the case of virologist Angela Rasmussen and the misinformation surrounding the lab leak theory. It discusses the dynamics of social med...
The text explores the origins of the COVID-19 virus, focusing on the scientific investigation into its potential lab origins versus natural emergence. It discusses the experiences of researchers like Shi Zhengli, known as the 'Bat...
The text discusses the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, focusing on the political and social context in Hong Kong, the role of various scientists, and the spread of misinformation. It highlights the experiences of Jas...
The text narrates the story of the Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia in 1999, focusing on the experiences of Mr. Yap, a pig farmer who succumbed to the virus, and his daughter, Wee Chee, who is now a virology researcher. It details...
Dave Farina addresses the rise of misinformation in science and the need for a robust response from scientists and communicators to combat pseudoscience effectively.
The review discusses Michael E. Mann and Peter J. Hotez's book 'Science Under Siege,' which addresses the threats posed by misinformation and anti-science movements to public health and climate science. Mann, a climate scientist, ...
Cognitive psychologist Stephan Lewandowsky explores the psychology of misinformation and its implications for democracy in the latest episode of Science Counterpunch.
Dr. Hotez and Dr. Mann explore the shared challenges faced by vaccine science and climate science in combating disinformation and political manipulation.
The article critiques an opinion piece by Michaela Kerrissey and Richard J. Tofel regarding the origins of COVID-19, arguing that it misrepresents the scientific consensus on zoonotic spillover and perpetuates a manufactured contr...
The post examines the rise of pseudo-archaeology and the need to combat misinformation in an age dominated by social media and conspiracy theories.
The blog post discusses the release of 'Lab Leak Fever,' an investigative book by Philipp Markolin, PhD, which explores the controversies surrounding the origin of COVID-19 and the impact of misinformation on public perception. It...
Scientists are urged to unite and fight back against anti-science movements, drawing on shared experiences and strategies to protect science and democracy.
The Anti-Autocracy Handbook is a guide for scholars to navigate democratic backsliding and autocratization, providing strategies for scholars to respond during democratic backsliding and encouraging reflection on personal values a...