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cover of episode A new-year round-up of the science stories you may have missed

A new-year round-up of the science stories you may have missed

2025/1/8
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Benjamin
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Flora Graham
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Noah Baker
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Noah Baker: 本期节目讨论了一篇宣称羟氯喹可以治疗COVID-19的具有争议性的研究论文在发表四年半后被撤回。该论文是史上被撤回的论文中被引用次数第二高的论文。此次撤稿引发了一系列事件，包括对该期刊及主要作者其他出版物的伦理调查和审查。撤稿对科学界和公众的信任都产生了深远的影响，并可能导致其他COVID-19治疗方法的研发延误。 该论文发表后，曾被广泛报道，甚至得到了美国前总统特朗普的认可。然而，该研究存在严重的科学和伦理问题，包括方法论缺陷和数据操纵。尽管早有质疑，但论文直到最近才被撤回，这引发了人们对科学出版流程和研究诚信的担忧。 此次撤稿也凸显了在疫情期间快速发表研究成果的风险，以及在面对公众压力时维护科学严谨性的重要性。 Flora Graham: 对羟氯喹论文的撤稿，以及围绕其发表和后续调查的争议，突显了在科学研究中保持严谨性和伦理规范的重要性。这不仅关乎个别研究的有效性，也关乎公众对科学的信任。 长时间的调查和最终的撤稿，表明了在处理有争议的科学发现时，需要一个健全和透明的流程。这同时也提醒我们，在疫情等紧急情况下，快速发表研究成果的同时，更要确保其科学性和可靠性。 该事件也引发了关于科学界如何应对不端行为的讨论，以及如何改进同行评审和出版流程，以防止类似事件再次发生。 Benjamin: 羟氯喹论文的撤稿事件是一个警示，提醒我们科学研究的严谨性和伦理的重要性。该事件不仅影响了对COVID-19的治疗，也对公众对科学的信任造成了损害。 长时间的调查和最终的撤稿，凸显了在处理有争议的科学发现时，需要一个健全和透明的流程。这同时也提醒我们，在疫情等紧急情况下，快速发表研究成果的同时，更要确保其科学性和可靠性。 该事件也引发了关于科学界如何应对不端行为的讨论，以及如何改进同行评审和出版流程，以防止类似事件再次发生。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why was the hydroxychloroquine COVID-19 study retracted after four and a half years?

The study, which claimed hydroxychloroquine could treat COVID-19, was retracted due to methodological and ethical concerns. It was the second most-cited retracted paper ever, with 3,400 citations. Investigations revealed issues with participant recruitment timelines and analysis, leading to its retraction. The paper had been widely criticized and politicized, especially after former U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed it as a 'game changer.'

What new discovery about the skin's immune system could revolutionize vaccines?

Researchers found that healthy skin can produce its own antibodies, challenging the idea that it is merely a passive barrier. In experiments with mice, the skin generated immune responses even when the lymph nodes' immune response was suppressed. This discovery could lead to needle-free vaccines applied as skin creams, potentially targeting areas like mucous membranes for respiratory viruses.

Why might Europa's thicker ice crust reduce its potential for hosting extraterrestrial life?

New estimates suggest Europa's ice crust is about 35 kilometers thick, significantly thicker than previous estimates. This thickness could hinder chemical cycling between the surface and the subsurface ocean, as well as reduce heat from the moon's core, potentially limiting hydrothermal activity. These factors make it less likely for life to thrive, as hydrothermal vents are considered key to supporting life.

How did 3D modeling reveal the running capabilities of the ancient hominin Lucy?

Using 3D modeling of Lucy's skeleton and modern ape muscle data, researchers estimated her running speed. Despite being bipedal, Lucy could only reach a maximum speed of 5 meters per second, compared to modern humans' 8 meters per second. The study highlighted the importance of physical proportions and specialized muscles, like the Achilles tendon, for endurance running, which Lucy lacked.

What are the broader implications of the hydroxychloroquine study's retraction for scientific research?

The retraction underscores the importance of rigorous peer review, ethical research practices, and transparency. The study's widespread influence delayed other COVID-19 treatment trials and contributed to public distrust in science. It also highlights the need for timely retractions when concerns arise, as the four-and-a-half-year delay in this case allowed misinformation to persist and impact global health responses.

Shownotes Transcript

In this episode of the Nature Podcast, we catch up on some science stories from the holiday period by diving into the Nature Briefing.

00:53 The retraction of a controversial COVID study that promoted unproven treatment

A much-critiqued study demonstrating the now-disproven idea that hydroxychloroquine can treat COVID-19 has been retracted — more than four-and-a-half years after it was published.

Nature: Controversial COVID study that promoted unproven treatment retracted after four-year saga)

09:10 The skin’s unexpected immune system

Researchers have discovered that healthy skin — once thought to be a passive barrier — can actually produce antibodies that fight off infections. It’s hoped that the finding could one day lead to the development of needle-free vaccines that can be applied to the skin.

Nature: The skin’s ‘surprise’ power: it has its very own immune system)

13:02 Researchers fear Europa’s icy crust may be much thicker than thought

New estimates, based on data collected by NASA’s Juno spacecraft, suggest that the ice on the surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa may be significantly thicker than previously thought. If these estimates prove accurate it could reduce the chances of Europa being habitable for extraterrestrial life.

Science: Surprisingly thick ice on Jupiter’s moon Europa complicates hunt for life)

20:11 Modelling the running prowess of our ancient relatives

3D computer simulations of Australopithecus afarensis — an ancient hominin that lived more than three million years ago — reveals that while our relatives could run on two legs, they likely did so at a far slower pace than modern humans.

Nature: Humans evolved for distance running — but ancestor ‘Lucy’ didn’t go far or fast)

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