A new study shows that factual knowledge can reduce polarization on contentious topics. Participants who engaged with balanced facts about gun control shifted toward more moderate policy views—an effect that lasted even after a month. The findings suggest that, contrary to popular belief, people are open to learning facts that challenge their beliefs and that accurate information can promote a healthier discourse.

24 April 2025/Kiel. When bottom trawls are dragged across the seafloor, they stir up sediments. This not only releases previously stored organic carbon, but also intensifies the oxidation of pyrite, a mineral present in marine sediments, leading to additional emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂). These are the findings of a new study conducted by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. Based on sediment samples from Kiel Bight, the researchers investigated the geochemical consequences of sediment resuspension. Their conclusion: areas with fine-grained sediments, which play a crucial role in CO₂ storage in the Baltic Sea, should urgently be placed under protection. The study has now been published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment.

This study investigates the effectiveness of China’s Urgently Needed Overseas Drug (UNOD) policy, which aims to expedite access to innovative drugs for patients with unmet medical needs. Analyzing data from 2012 to 2019, the research reveals that the UNOD designation did not significantly reduce launch delays for new drugs compared to the United States. This finding suggests a potential overlap in benefits with other existing policies, undermining the intended prioritization of UNOD drugs.

This study highlights China's rapid development in pharmacoeconomics over two decades, driven by policy reforms, centralized drug procurement, and innovative pricing strategies. Despite progress, gaps remain in adopting global practices like real-world evidence and AI applications. China's drug price negotiations achieved a 60% average reduction, improving medication accessibility while balancing innovation and affordability.

Few tourism enterprises make net positive contributions to conservation, and “nature positive” terms are being used for “marketing greenwash, to delay and avoid environmental fees and regulations, and to lobby for land grabs in public protected areas”. 

Professor Ralf Buckley suggests Australia has adopted “nature positive” political terminology, but in practice has failed to implement past promises to establish a new independent Environment Protection Agency.