The science of addiction (with Crystal Dilworth)

1. Foster Scientific Diversity

Actively promote diversity in science, encompassing background, education, and cultural experience, to enrich collective understanding, challenge assumptions, and address research gaps across all populations.

2. Normalize Scientific Failure

Embrace being wrong or having experiments fail as a positive opportunity for discovery, rather than a sign of inadequacy, to encourage more authentic and innovative scientific progress.

3. Train Scientists as Leaders

Implement early and comprehensive training for scientists in thought leadership, mentorship, and humane management of people and resources, moving beyond traditional command-and-control models in academia.

4. Critically Evaluate Data Narratives

Understand that data interpretation involves subjective choices and human storytelling; always critically assess the presented narrative and potential biases, especially when strong incentives might influence conclusions.

5. Avoid Nicotine Initiation

Do not start using nicotine products like vapes or gum if you are not already a smoker, due to the high risk of dependence, potential for altered brain development in adolescents, and significant withdrawal challenges.

6. Vaping for Current Smokers

If you are a current smoker and unlikely to quit, consider switching to vaping as a potentially ’less bad’ alternative, but be aware it is not healthy and carries its own health risks, such as heavy metal exposure.

7. Demand Open Science & Knowledge Integration

Advocate for open access to scientific findings with significant human impact and actively integrate diverse knowledge systems, such as indigenous knowledge, into the academic scientific framework for broader societal benefit.

8. Improve Peer Review Systems

Support reforms in academic peer review, including double-blind processes, to reduce biases related to author identity and mitigate the high costs and randomness of the current system.

9. Recognize Early-Stage Contributions

Value the unique perspectives and intellectual contributions of early-stage graduate students, including their ‘innocent questions’ that can often reveal critical insights in lab meetings.

10. Engage in Citizen Science

Contribute to scientific knowledge through citizen science projects or other non-academic avenues, as valuable participation is not limited to those with formal degrees or lab experience.

11. Question AI in Hiring

Critically assess the use of AI in job screening, particularly when it relies on superficial measurements (e.g., video analysis), to ensure selection criteria are relevant to job performance and do not introduce new biases.

12. Manage Digital Privacy

Be mindful of the extensive data collection practices of social media apps (e.g., TikTok) and acknowledge the increasing social cost of opting out of pervasive digital platforms.

13. Diversify STEM Role Models

Support initiatives (like ‘I am a STEM’) that showcase diverse scientists and leaders to broaden the perception of who can do science and inspire younger generations, especially middle school girls, by demonstrating science’s collaborative and impactful nature.

14. Understand Nicotine’s Biological Impact

Recognize that nicotine exposure biologically alters brain receptors, leading to chemical dependence, and that withdrawal can cause agitation, fixation, and amplified cravings under stress due to its impact on emotional regulation centers.

15. Beware of Vape Product Risks

Exercise caution with vape products due to inconsistent nicotine concentrations, potential for acute health risks from high doses (e.g., seizures/convulsions), and harmful additives like heavy metals and flavorings that can enhance dopamine response.

16. Consider Genetic Addiction Risk

Be aware that individual genetic profiles can significantly influence your likelihood of becoming dependent on nicotine if exposed, meaning some people are more predisposed to addiction than others.