Pings
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6 Answers 2 Votes
When the policy exists to share postprints freely on personal sites, why do researchers often refrain from doing so, and what incentives or constraints drive that hesitation?
There has been extensive discussion about the funding model for research publications. Large publishing houses do not fund research themselves; instead, they charge substantial subscription fees or open-access publishing fees. Keeping articles behind paywalls can impede open science and broad access to knowledge. Nevertheless, many publishers grant authors the right to share postprints of their papers immediately on their non-commercial personal blogs or websites. Despite this permission,...
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3 Answers 0 Votes
After a successful 50 year academic career in physics, electrical engineering, and atmospheric science, and service at the NSF, why should I bother with or care about AI?
If one can be successful in obtaining grant funding, research, teaching, being a department chair and serving for 6 years at the National Science Foundation without AI, why bother with it? I am not being atavistic. I genuinely do not see what the advantages are. I am skeptical but willing to listen to answers from AI enthusiasts.
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7 Answers 0 Votes
How do microplastic particle sizes influence bioaccumulation and toxicity in freshwater ecosystems?
Microplasticsand plastic particles smaller than 5 mm are increasingly found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs worldwide. Their small size allows them to be ingested by a wide range of aquatic organisms, potentially moving up the food chain. Research suggests that particle size may influence how these plastics are taken up, accumulate in tissues, and cause physiological effects, but the mechanisms are still not well understood. Understanding these size-dependent effects is essential for...
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Answer Accepted 2 Answers 0 Votes
Artificial intelligence has brought great hope to advancing our understanding of severe inflammation by simulating complex signal networks and molecular mechanisms that determine disease trajectories.
Artificial intelligence has brought great hope to advancing our understanding of severe inflammation by simulating complex signal networks and molecular mechanisms that determine disease trajectories. The core of this work is pathways such as NF - κ B, MAPK, and JAK-STAT, which regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. These pathways are regulated by post-translational modifications, transcription factor dynamics, and crosstalk with damage associated molecular...
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5 Answers 0 Votes
What threshold of urinary cadmium (Cd-U) is currently considered indicative of early renal tubular dysfunction in exposed adult populations?
I am conducting a study on chronic environmental cadmium exposure and its nephrotoxic effects, particularly focusing on early biomarkers of renal tubular damage. Several sources suggest 2 µg/g creatinine as a reference point, but variability exists depending on population, sex, and co-exposure. Could experts clarify which threshold (e.g. 1 µg/g, 2 µg/g, or 5 µg/g creatinine) is most reliable or currently used in risk assessments and clinical practice?
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10 Answers 1 Vote
Can we consider that epidrugs can constitute a good therapeutic strategy against cancer diseases?
Recently, it has been demonstrated that epigenetic perturbations are mainly involved in cancer development. Can we consider that epidrugs can constitute a good therapeutic strategy against cancer diseases ?
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9 Answers 0 Votes
What is the most important part of a scientific article? Let's approach this seriously!
I read a question asking what is the most important part of a scientific article. As far as I can see, we have all gone crazy. The most significant part of a scientific article is… simply ALL OF IT. By the way, nobody has commented on the REFERENCES. Or is a copy-paste enough?
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Answer Accepted 2 Answers 0 Votes
What can be expected from the development of preventive vaccines for non virally-induced cancers?
The introduction of prophylactic vaccines for virally-induced cancers (primarily HBV and HPV) has achieved a tremendous impact on disease related deaths. This has, in time, raised interest in developing vaccines to intercept pre-cancerous cells based on their expression of aberrant self-antigens (e.g. hypoglycosilated MUC1 in colon, lung and breast carcinomas). As of 2024, a number of phase I clinical studies have been ongoing in the USA, for both primary prevention and early cancer...
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Answer Accepted 1 Answer 1 Vote
What are the current hot topics in oncology, and where is the future of cell, immune, and small molecule therapies headed?
Beyond established CAR-T and checkpoint inhibitors, what emerging trends (e.g., protein degraders, AI-driven drug discovery, off-the-shelf cell therapies) are shaping the next decade of cancer treatment? Which modalities show the most promise for solid tumors?
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Answer Accepted 2 Answers 2 Votes
What constitutes evidence when the links between exposure and outcome are indirect, delayed, or influenced by multiple interacting factors? And how can we strengthen our ability to interpret patterns
In modern research and public health, phenomena occur in complex systems where biological, environmental, and social factors interact over time. Causality is rarely linear or clear. Understanding these requires evaluating study design, uncertainty, and context, and critically analyzing how evidence is generated, interpreted, and used in decision-making.
Pings FAQ
What is a Ping?
A Ping is a single science-based question. The question comes from a fellow SciPinion Expert who is seeking input from the expert community. All participation in this service (i.e. asking or answering questions) is voluntary and anonymous if you prefer.
Can I post a Ping?
Yes, all SciPinion Experts are able to ask questions for the expert community to answer, provided you have Ping Credits. All Experts start with 3 Ping Credits (i.e., can ask 3 questions), and have the opportunity to earn more (e.g., by answering Pings from other experts, applying to panel opportunities).
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Yes, please contact SciPinion if you would like to sponsor a Paid Ping.
What do I get for answering a Ping?
By answering a question from a fellow SciPinion Expert you earn 1 Ping Credit, which allows you to sponsor your own Ping (e.g., for every question you answer, you can ask your own question)
You also receive the satisfaction of helping your fellow experts and supporting the scientific community.