It’s CRISPR time,” and “My CRISPR’d babies were actually Chad and Stacy this whole time.” Not to mention the thread of replies that includes everything from “Hey Dr. He! Can you help me CRISPR my cat?” to “You’re a disgrace to science.”
It’s unclear what He’s endgame is here, but if it’s to make a splash, he’s certainly succeeding. Check out the tweets for yourself.
Lights, camera, action
If you’re a cancer patient, chances are you’ve seen posters or social media ads promoting clinical trials. But how much do these campaigns actually help recruit participants for these trials? A new study in JAMA Network Open found that digital advertising efforts targeted at specific populations can help drive enrollment.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed data from a digital advertising campaign for a cancer clinical trial that targeted specific populations in the U.S. and Canada. They found that the campaign led to a 30% increase in the number of people who registered for the trial compared to standard recruitment methods. The findings suggest that targeted digital advertising could be a cost-effective way to recruit participants for clinical trials, especially those that struggle with diversity and inclusion. — Oliver Reynolds
Tweet of the day
“I’ve been thinking lately about what the world might look like if we could all have a little more empathy for each other. I think it would be pretty cool, don’t you?” — @DrKaplanMD
What to read around the web today
- Could a common blood test detect Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms appear? (via Science News)
- How a group of scientists unearthed the secret behind a mysterious outbreak of a deadly childhood illness. (via The New York Times)
- How the pandemic is fueling a crisis in eating disorders. (via NPR)
Jiankui He, the controversial scientist who claimed to have created the world’s first gene-edited babies, has been causing quite a stir on social media with his cryptic and eccentric posts. From asking how many embryos he has gene edited in a day to dismissing requests for cat girls while focusing on curing diseases, He’s online presence has left many scratching their heads.
The most intriguing aspect of He’s social media activity is the speculation surrounding whether he is still the one running his verified account. Journalist Antonio Regalado decided to investigate this matter by reaching out to He via email for confirmation. In response, the account posted a screenshot of the email with a caption poking fun at the journalist’s request for “proof of life.” Despite this attempt to quell doubts, Regalado remains unconvinced and continues to question the authenticity of He’s online persona.
The enigmatic nature of He’s posts is further highlighted by the accompanying images of him in a sterile, empty lab or office setting, resembling stock photos. This only adds to the mystery surrounding the scientist and raises more questions about his motives and intentions.
In the midst of this online chaos, various news outlets are focusing on critical issues such as healthcare, FDA regulations, and the impact of policy changes on vulnerable populations. From concerns about potential deaths due to a blunder by the Trump administration to the push for delaying changes to healthcare policies that could leave millions without insurance, the news cycle is buzzing with important developments that demand attention.
As we continue to navigate through the complexities of science, technology, and healthcare, it is essential to stay informed and engaged with the latest updates and discussions. Whether it’s decoding the cryptic tweets of a controversial scientist or advocating for policy changes that prioritize public health, there is no shortage of topics to explore and understand in today’s rapidly evolving world.
