Academic Solidarity e.V.

On July 15, 2016, a coup attempt in Turkey was followed by a series of controversial practices adopted by the government to consolidate its authority. During this period, 2,217,572 unlawful terror investigations were launched, and legal actions were taken against 705,172 individuals. While investigations are still ongoing for 61,796 people, 23,052 continue to struggle with trials. As a result of these processes, 125,456 people were convicted, and different decisions were made regarding 32,462 individuals.

The government implemented extensive judicial and security measures, including decrees that extended detention periods to 30 days. The number of those detained exceeded 600,000, while those arrested surpassed 500,000, including 3,000 children and 864 babies. Moreover, over 300,000 public employees were dismissed, including 50,000 teachers, 7,000 health workers, and 6,000 academics.

The harsh policies implemented following the coup attempt affected not only the public sector but also the media and educational institutions. Many organizations, including 1,598 associations, 568 foundations, and 15 universities, were shut down or seized by the state.

Throughout this period, a total of 952 people lost their lives due to human rights violations and maltreatment. Under the harsh conditions of prison, 138 people struggled to survive, while 93 committed suicide due to the hardships they faced. Additionally, 36 individuals who could not live in their country and attempted to cross the Meriç River died during this process. (Report summarized from KHKTV https://youtu.be/57fHV2cM6_c?si=IRJNI_HWoQ0Dc8p1)

As the public turns increasingly to dietary supplements, with as many as 86% of adults in the U.S. using them, skepticism about their long-term benefits remains high. A staggering $30 billion is spent annually in the U.S. alone on vitamins, yet recent studies, including clinical trials, have largely failed to show that supplements can effectively prevent non-communicable diseases like Type 2 diabetes. This lack of convincing evidence suggests that while certain nutrients, like folic acid, are essential for specific health conditions, overall, supplements may not provide the expected health benefits (https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/08/should-you-take-dietary-supplements).

On the other hand, the line between conventional medicine and dietary supplements is increasingly blurring as new research supports the efficacy of certain supplements in preventive healthcare and treatment. Historically, the medical community has been skeptical about integrating supplements extensively into treatment protocols due to varying regulatory standards and inconsistent clinical evidence. However, recent studies suggest a shift towards a more integrative approach.

A 2021 meta-analysis published in The Lancet (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34505026/) indicates that omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil supplements (e.g., www.zinzino.com), can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Experts like Rajiv Chowdhury, cardiovascular epidemiologist at Cambridge, argue that while supplements should not replace prescribed medications, they can complement them. In their meta-analysis dated 2014 they quote “Supplementation with vitamin D3 significantly reduces overall mortality among older adults” (https://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g1903).

The growing body of research advocating for the responsible use of supplements alongside medications highlights the potential for a more holistic approach to healthcare. As scientific evidence mounts, the integration of dietary supplements into standard medical practice is becoming more plausible, promising a comprehensive strategy for enhancing patient care.

This development calls for continued rigorous research and tighter regulatory oversight to ensure that the merging paths of supplements and traditional medicine lead to optimal health outcomes.

This development calls for continued rigorous research and tighter regulatory oversight to ensure that the merging paths of supplements and traditional medicine lead to optimal health outcomes.

The growing body of research advocating for the responsible use of supplements alongside medications highlights the potential for a more holistic approach to healthcare. As scientific evidence mounts, the integration of dietary supplements into standard medical practice is becoming more plausible, promising a comprehensive strategy for enhancing patient care. This development calls for continued rigorous research and tighter regulatory oversight to ensure that the merging paths of supplements and traditional medicine lead to optimal health outcomes.

Intensive animal farming poses significant health risks to humans. Virologists warn that the close living conditions between humans and animals create ideal conditions for the spread of viruses. Once animals and humans interact in densely populated areas, viruses can easily mutate and jump from animals to humans. A prominent example is avian influenza, which is currently causing concern worldwide.

In China, there is the world’s largest pig farm, which accommodates 1.2 million pigs. Virologists view such mega farms with suspicion, as they present a high risk for the emergence and spread of new virus variants. The close confinement and genetic homogeneity of the animals facilitate the rapid spread of diseases. This was already evident in previous pandemics. The deadly influenza pandemics of 1918, 1957, and 1968 were all transmitted from pigs to humans. These examples highlight the particular risk posed by pigs.

Another problem is the global meat production, which is constantly increasing. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (https://www.fao.org), production of 370.7 million tons is expected in 2024. With this mass of animals, the risk of zoonoses, diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, also grows. A recent case is the H5N1 virus, which infected humans in Hong Kong and led to mass culling of poultry.

Epidemiologists therefore call for stricter controls and hygiene regulations. The World Health Organization has already taken steps to promote immediate reporting of outbreaks and to improve the exchange of scientific data. However, to sustainably reduce the pandemic risk, intensive animal farming must also be reconsidered. Smaller, more resilient stocks that are not bred for maximum production performance could help limit the spread of diseases and protect the health of both humans and animals. For more: https://www.zeit.de/2024/30/vogelgrippe-usa-massentierhaltung-virus-pandemie

Epidemiologists therefore call for stricter controls and hygiene regulations. The World Health Organization has already taken steps to promote immediate reporting of outbreaks and to improve the exchange of scientific data. However, to sustainably reduce the pandemic risk, intensive animal farming must also be reconsidered. Smaller, more resilient stocks that are not bred for maximum production performance could help limit the spread of diseases and protect the health of both humans and animals. For more: https://www.zeit.de/2024/30/vogelgrippe-usa-massentierhaltung-virus-pandemie

The pressing issue of academic freedom in the United States, especially among researchers studying online misinformation, is currently under discussion. A recent article in Science (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adr3820) highlights how these academics are increasingly targeted by political forces—including members of Congress—who accuse them of attempting to silence conservative perspectives. Contrary to these claims, the authors argue that the research aims to illuminate truths rather than suppress viewpoints.

The article recounts the historical evolution of academic freedom in America, noting that it was not a widely recognized principle until the 20^th century. The dismissal of a Stanford University professor over his political beliefs led to the formation of the American Association of University Professors and the establishment of formal protections for academic freedom by 1940. However, this freedom faced challenges during the McCarthy era, leading to significant legal battles that ultimately strengthened its standing.

Today, authors Ryan Calo and Kate Starbird warn that academic freedom is under renewed attack. States like Florida are attempting to restrict academic discussions on topics such as structural racism, and there is a broader political movement to undermine scientific consensus on issues such as climate change and public health. The study of misinformation itself has become a focal point of political controversy, drawing attacks aimed at discrediting the field. These attacks include online harassment, legal threats, and public vilification of researchers, endangering individual scholars and threatening the integrity of academic inquiry.

The consequences of these pressures are severe, with some academics hesitant to enter fields related to misinformation research due to fears of political retribution. The authors emphasize the need for society to uphold the principles of academic freedom to protect the pursuit of knowledge and maintain the integrity of democratic discourse.

The prestigious 2023 Prof. Dr. Haluk Savaş Awards, organized by Academics At Risk (AAR), are set to be presented during the annual retreat on June 29 and 30, 2024. The awards, named in honor of the late Prof. Dr. Haluk Savaş, recognize exceptional contributions to research and academic freedom.

This year’s retreat, which gathers academics from various disciplines, aims to highlight the resilience and innovation within the academic community, especially those who face threats in their respective fields. The event will also serve as a platform for scholars to network, share their experiences, and collaborate on future projects.

The award ceremony is a central part of the retreat, celebrating those who have shown outstanding dedication to preserving and advancing academic integrity and freedom. AAR continues to support academics under risk, providing them with the recognition and encouragement needed to pursue their scholarly activities despite challenges.

For more details on the retreat and the award ceremony, please visit https://www.academicsatrisk.org/

For more details on the retreat and the award ceremony, please visit https://www.academicsatrisk.org/

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence model that utilizes x-ray images to detect early warning signs of diabetes. This innovative approach, detailed in a study published on August 2, 2023, reveals that routine medical x-rays can serve as a significant indicator of diabetes risk, even in individuals not traditionally identified by existing medical guidelines as being at elevated risk.

This artificial intelligence model was trained using thousands of anonymized x-ray photographs taken from patients undergoing routine medical examinations, the researchers reported. The AI ​​model can detect subtle changes in the body associated with the early stages of diabetes by analyzing patterns invisible to the human eye.

This discovery could open new avenues for preventive health care, allowing doctors to diagnose and manage diabetes at a much earlier stage than current practice. The use of this type of technology can make a significant contribution, especially in people where typical symptoms and diabetes risk factors have not yet appeared.

For more details, visit https://news.emory.edu/stories/2023/08/hs_xray_diabetes_AI_02-08-2023/story.html

According to the World Health Organization, 3-5% of the health expenses are due to insufficient health literacy (https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/128703/e96854.pdf), meaning 9-15 billion Euros for Germany. 54% of the Germans have limited health literacy (https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/ministerium/meldungen/20181/februar/nationaler-aktionsplans-gesundheitskompetenz). Health literacy and planetary health are increasingly recognized as interdependent, emphasizing the importance of educating individuals on both their personal health and the health of the planet. The concept of planetary health literacy combines various literacy types—such as health, environmental, and sustainability literacy—into a comprehensive approach that encourages informed decisions that benefit both human and ecological well-being. The Planetary Health Alliance (https://www.planetaryhealthalliance.org/) highlights the direct link between anthropogenic environmental changes and significant health challenges, such as air and water quality, food security, and disease emergence, which ultimately affect global public health.

Current initiatives like the Planetary Health Report Card (https://phreportcard.org/), developed by medical students, evaluate and inspire the integration of planetary health into medical education globally. This initiative assesses medical schools on their planetary health curricula and sustainability practices, aiming to raise awareness and foster a commitment to health that encompasses our entire planet.

These two concepts must be integrated into educational and professional practices. Projects must be implemented to foster interdisciplinary collaborations that address global environmental changes and their impact on human health. Considering the deteriorating status of planetary health, it is imperative to consider health literacy when thinking of the health of our planet.

In 2023, 79% of world’s youth between the age of 15-24 were using the internet. The role of education, especially through global and digital citizenship, has become increasingly vital. It has the power to equip all learners, especially the youngest ones, with the skills and competencies to effectively access, critically engage with, create, use and share information and knowledge on and through diverse digital technologies, in particular social media platforms. Tools like UNESCO’s new guidelines for teachers are essential to provide a comprehensive framework for fostering global citizenship through digital literacy. This ensures learners can thrive in this interconnected digital environment.

Global Citizenship Education (GCED) is a strategic component of UNESCO’s work in education that builds upon the groundwork laid by peace and human rights education, with the aim of nurturing in learners the skills, competencies, values, mindsets and attitudes necessary for responsible global citizenship, including the fostering of criticality, creativity, innovation, common humanity and an unwavering dedication to peace, human rights and sustainable development.

Digital citizenship education, a central element of GCED, emphasizes the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to responsibly navigate the digital sphere. By integrating digital citizenship, media and information literacy, and ethics, this publication seeks to prepare learners to contribute constructively to digital communities globally.

Female students in Iran face increased fear and potential violence with the regime’s reinforced hijab enforcement at universities.

Security agencies, numbering over 32, have intensified measures, including physical assaults on non-compliant women. This strict adherence to the hijab law is part of a broader crackdown that could trigger further civil unrest, reminiscent of the deadly 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death under morality police custody.

The current atmosphere, manifest by severe punitive measures and surveillance, sets the stage for possible violent clashes. The persistent government push on these policies, ignoring public dissent, especially from the youth, may lead to more tragic conflicts if the growing grievances remain unaddressed. https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2024043011402234

New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice suggests that the type of sugar children consume is more crucial than the quantity for obesity risk.

The study, led by Junyang Zou from the University of Groningen, found no link between total sugar intake at a young age and weight at ages 10 or 11. However, sugars from fruit and unsweetened liquid dairy products like milk and buttermilk were associated with lower weight gain and reduced obesity risk. In contrast, sugars from sweet snacks and sweetened drinks correlated with higher weights.

This study underscores the importance of choosing naturally occurring sugars in fruits and unsweetened dairy over sugars in processed snacks and beverages to mitigate obesity risk in children. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1044184