Science still “sells” well on the internet. Influencers regularly hold scientific studies up to the camera, especially on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. But if you take a closer look, in many cases these studies do not prove what is being said at all, according to science journalists Maximilian Doeckel and Jonathan Focke in the latest episode of the BfR science podcast “Risiko” (‘Risk’). As the “Quarks Science Cops” in the WDR podcast of the same name, the two regularly expose scientific nonsense. This often involves supposedly hazardous substances in food and cosmetics – or even food supplements. The German-language “Risiko” podcast is part of the BfR’s public relations work and, in line with its legal mandate, aims to educate the public about health risks, looking beyond the scope of its own research. In the new episode, the “Science Cops” explain how they personally use humour and their scientific training to track down “charlatans” and expose their dubious methods.

Apriori Bio, a Flagship Pioneering portfolio company, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR IDL) have announced a research collaboration to co-develop self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccine candidates targeting H5 influenza. The partnership combines Apriori’s Octavia™ AI-guided antigen-design platform with A*STAR IDL’s saRNA delivery technology and infectious-disease expertise, advancing breakthrough solutions for the advancement of human health, supporting the development of next-generation vaccines and contributing to Singapore’s growth as a global hub for biomedical innovation.