Nicola Davis
Nicola Davis is a science journalist who has a background in genetics. She has a BSc (Hons) degree in Genetics from the University of Birmingham and an MSc degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of Nottingham. Her work focuses on reporting on scientific discoveries and breakthroughs, with a particular interest in biology, genetics, and space. Nicola has written for various publications including The Guardian, where she currently contributes articles on a wide range of scientific topics. In addition to her journalism career, Nicola is also involved in public engagement and outreach activities aimed at promoting science education and increasing public understanding of science.
67%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
85%
Examples:
- Nicola Davis consistently presents factual information in her articles without any apparent bias.
- There is a focus on providing accurate information and details in the articles.
Conflicts of Interest
50%
Examples:
- Nicola Davis maintains a neutral and objective perspective in her reporting.
- There is no significant evidence of conflicts of interest in the articles.
Contradictions
80%
Examples:
- Contradictions are addressed in some of the articles, but they are usually minor and do not significantly impact the overall understanding of the topic.
- There may be some inconsistencies or conflicting information within certain articles, but they are typically resolved or clarified.
Deceptions
60%
Examples:
- Nicola Davis generally presents accurate and truthful information in her reporting.
- Some articles may contain minor deceptions or misleading statements, but they are usually not the focus of the article.
Recent Articles
Psilocybin's Lasting Impact on Brain Activity: A Week-Long Disruption of the Default Mode Network
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 July 2024In a groundbreaking study, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that psilocybin, a psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, disrupted brain activity in the default mode network for weeks after consumption. This loss of synchrony may explain altered perceptions and potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like depression and PTSD. 
ESA's Ramses Mission to Study Asteroid Apophis: Unraveling the Mysteries of a Potentially Hazardous Space Rock
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 July 2024In April 2029, the asteroid Apophis, measuring 1,230 feet across and classified as an S-type asteroid, will make a close approach to Earth. The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch the Rapid Apophis Mission for Security and Safety (Ramses) in April 2028 to study this asteroid before its encounter. Ramses aims to gather data on Apophis' size, shape, mass, and orbit, which will help scientists determine how best to deflect potential threats from similar asteroids in the future. 
Florida Carpenter Ants: Performing Life-Saving Amputations to Save Injured Nestmates
Broke On: Tuesday, 02 July 2024Florida carpenter ants, specifically Camponotus floridanus, exhibit a unique behavior: they amputate injured nestmates' upper legs to save their lives. This behavior prevents infection and improves survival rates by damaging blood-pumping muscles in the upper legs that halt the spread of pathogens. 
Six Planets Align in the Sky: A Guide to Viewing Mars, Saturn, and More
Broke On: Saturday, 01 June 2024From June 1-7, Mars and Saturn will be visible in the eastern sky as part of an alignment of six planets. Contrary to misinformation, this event won't result in a 'parade of planets' visible to the naked eye. Only Mars and Saturn can be easily seen with the naked eye during dawn, while Jupiter and Mercury are lost in the sun's glare. Uranus and Neptune require telescopes for observation due to their great distances from Earth. 
Identification of APOE4 as a Cause of Distinct Genetic Form of Alzheimer's Disease
Broke On: Monday, 06 May 2024Researchers identified that having two copies of the gene variant APOE4 reliably causes Alzheimer's disease, confirming it as a cause rather than just an increased risk factor. Nearly all individuals with this genetic makeup develop the condition by age 65, exhibiting earlier symptom onset and significantly higher levels of Alzheimer's biomarkers compared to those without the variant. 
Discovering the Giant: Family Unearths Fragments of Largest Known Marine Reptile's Jawbone
Broke On: Wednesday, 17 April 2024In May 2020, an 11-year-old girl and her father discovered fragments of a massive jawbone on a beach in England, which experts identified as belonging to Ichthyotitan severnensis - the largest known marine reptile from the Triassic period. Estimated to be up to 82 feet long and twice the size of a blue whale, this prehistoric creature is believed to be the last surviving member of its family. The Reynolds' discovery, published in PLOS One in 2024, provides valuable insights into Ichthyotitan severnensis' role in evolutionary history. 
Lixisenatide Promising in Slowing Parkinson's Disease Progression, Study Finds
Broke On: Friday, 05 April 2024A diabetes drug has shown promise in slowing the progression of symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, according to a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Lixisenatide, which is similar to drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, slowed the progression of motor disability in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease after 12 months. 
Dark Energy: A Mystery Solved? New Data Suggests It May Not Be a Substance After All
Broke On: Friday, 05 April 2024New data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) suggests that dark energy, which makes up 70% of the universe's contents and is thought to maintain a constant density over time, may not even be a substance but could instead be an intrinsic property of space itself or even a force. The DESI has produced the largest 3D map of the universe to date and confirmed that it is expanding faster than previously thought, with hints suggesting that dark energy's strength may change over time. 
Killer Whale Hunts Great White Shark Alone, Challenging Cooperative Hunting Behaviors in South Africa
Broke On: Sunday, 03 March 2024A killer whale was observed hunting and eating the liver of a great white shark alone, challenging conventional cooperative hunting behaviors known in the region. This sighting revealed evidence of solitary hunting by at least one killer whale. 
Revolutionizing Prosthetics: MiniTouch Device Senses Temperature for Amputees
Broke On: Saturday, 10 February 2024Researchers have developed the MiniTouch device, a functional artificial limb that senses temperature and provides a realistic sense of hot and cold to amputees. The device integrates off-the-shelf electronics without surgery and enhances existing prosthetic limbs by delivering thermal information into nerve areas on the residual limb. The MiniTouch increases the ability to distinguish between real and prosthetic arms, improving both usefulness and acceptance of artificial limbs.