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Psychological ‘vaccine’ could protect against ‘fake news’
Fake news
“The idea is to provide a cognitive repertoire that helps build up resistance to misinformation.”
Researchers test the ‘inoculation theory’ 

‘Vaccinating’ the public against misinformation with legitimate facts could help to protect against ‘fake news’, according to new research.

The study, published in Global Challenges, is the first to test the ‘inoculation theory’ on a real world scenario.

In the study, researchers compared reactions to a well-known fact on climate change to a popular misinformation campaign.

They found that false material completely cancelled out the accurate statement in people’s minds, and opinions ended up back where they started.

Next, the team added a small dose of misinformation to the delivery of the fact, by briefly introducing people to distortion tactics.

The researchers found that this ‘inoculation’ helped to shift and hold opinions closer to the truth - despite follow-up exposure to ‘fake news’.

“Misinformation can be sticky, spreading and replicating like a virus,” says lead author Dr Sander van der Linden, a social psychologist from the University of Cambridge.

“We wanted to see if we could find a ‘vaccine’ by pre-emptively exposing people to a small amount of the type of misinformation they might experience. A warning that helps preserve the facts.

“The idea is to provide a cognitive repertoire that helps build up resistance to misinformation, so the next time people come across it they are less susceptible.”

Fossil fuel and tobacco companies have used the ‘inoculation’ method to sow seeds of doubt and to undermine scientific consensus in the public consciousness.

But the researchers say their research shows that such techniques can be partially “reversed” to promote scientific consensus and work in favour of the public good.

“What’s striking is that, on average, we found no backfire effect to inoculation messages among groups predisposed to reject climate science, they didn’t seem to retreat into conspiracy theories,” said van der Linden.

“There will always be people completely resistant to change, but we tend to find there is room for most people to change their minds, even just a little.”   

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
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Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com