Next Week in Science, August 15, 2025
Some of our blog recently have been on fire. Here’s something on what happens when research stalls out. As someone who has literally let FIVE publication die in revise and resubmit, I can relate
And some of the major news themes this week.
A systematic review: unveiling the complexity of definitions in extremism and religious extremism
A systematic literature review highlights the ongoing challenges in defining extremism and religious extremism, emphasizing the absence of universally accepted definitions, which hampers effective policy-making and scholarly discourse. The review, analyzing 11 articles, identifies themes of belief, behavior, and the lack of a universal definition, underscoring the complex interplay of ideological rigidity and intolerance that fuels extremist behaviors. This study underscores the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration to develop nuanced, context-sensitive definitions that can guide more effective interventions and promote inclusive societies.
How To Try A ‘Secretome’ Skincare Serum Made From Your Own Stem Cells
The article explores the burgeoning field of regenerative aesthetics, specifically focusing on Acorn Biolabs’ development of personalized “secretome” serums derived from a patient’s own stem cells. This approach promises enhanced bioavailability and reduced risks of complications compared to donor-derived biologics. As the beauty industry increasingly taps into regenerative medicine, the potential applications of stem cell technology suggest a vast future, albeit one that requires careful scrutiny given its nascent state and the lingering uncertainties about efficacy and cost.
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RFK Jr.’s cancellation of mRNA vaccine research is even worse than it first seemed
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has canceled $500 million in federal grants for mRNA vaccine research, citing risks he claims outweigh the benefits; however, the decision is criticized for being based on flawed data, as most cited studies concern COVID-19 infections rather than vaccines themselves. Experts argue the decision reflects “textbook confirmation bias” and overlooks extensive research demonstrating mRNA vaccines’ safety and efficacy, including estimates that vaccines have saved millions of lives. Critics warn this move undermines scientific progress and public health, emphasizing the need for more research, not less, into mRNA technology’s potential.
Moonshot AI’s Kimi K2: The Rise of Trillion-Parameter Open-Source Models
Moonshot AI’s Kimi K2, an open-source language model with over a trillion parameters, represents a major development in AI by matching the scale of proprietary models like GPT-4. Its open-source nature democratizes access to advanced AI, allowing researchers, developers, and businesses to innovate and customize solutions without the constraints of closed systems. Kimi K2’s flexibility and range, particularly in multilingual environments, make it a versatile tool for diverse applications, supporting transparency and collaboration in the global AI community.
Japanese Rebellion: 7 Years in Prison for Smoking Weed… and They Do It Anyway
In a first for us…an article from High Times! Despite Japan’s historically significant hemp industry, the country today imposes some of the world’s strictest penalties on cannabis use, including up to seven years in prison for consumption. Research led by Dr. Yuji Masataka highlights that despite legal risks and social stigma, many Japanese citizens use cannabis for stress relief, mental health support, and as an alternative to more dangerous substances, suggesting that the plant offers potential benefits that current drug policies fail to acknowledge. This study, aiming to bridge the gap between prohibitionist rhetoric and user experiences, advocates for informed, evidence-based approaches to cannabis regulation that emphasize harm reduction and public education.
