Who is using social media

The social network’s vast global scale, its intricate mapping of social relationships, its algorithmically triggered “safety check” product and its suite of tools enabling the rapid dissemination of information and live video were at the time viewed as a potential boon to global disaster response. Survivors could use Facebook to mark themselves safe; governments could use Facebook to broadcast live updates; and NGOs and locals could use Facebook to coordinate relief efforts. … [Read more...] about Sri Lanka’s social media blackout reflects sense that online dangers outweigh benefits

Footage has also emerged of a suspected suicide bomber entering St Sebastian’s church in Negombo moments before the attack there. The subsequent explosion, not shown in the video, was the deadliest of the series of coordinated bombings in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, with at least 110 people thought to have been killed. The footage was broadcast widely on Sri Lankan news channels. … [Read more...] about Pressure builds on Sri Lankan officials as Isis claims Easter attacks

'I know how we're planning the weddings going forward. With an unrealistic budget, and an optimism that God wants us to throw a tacky wedding,' said one bride-to-be.  … [Read more...] about Thrifty bride who wants to spend $100 on her big day infuriates Facebook users by asking a local swapping group to donate everything from cake toppers to decor to a champagne fountain

Researchers and their self-experiments Nobel Prize winner — posthumously The Canadian physician Ralph Steinman fell ill with pancreatic cancer and underwent an immunotherapy he developed himself. According to his physician, this therapy was unable to prevent Steinman's death, but — contrary to the prognosis — could possibly have prolonged his life by over four years. Steinman died in 2011, a few days before the Nobel Prize was awarded, which he received posthumously. … [Read more...] about Coronavirus research: Is preprint publication cutting corners?

“We think it is clear that Gilead has not established a reasonable price, nor has it met the health and safety needs of the public given the COVID-19 pandemic,” reads the letter, spearheaded by Landry, a Republican, and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, a Democrat. “Gilead should not profit from the pandemic and it should be pushed to do more to help more people.” … [Read more...] about AG Jeff Landry pushes for more remdesivir as hospitals lean on drug to treat coronavirus