What is the role of a conference abstract? Why is it irresponsible for science communicators to publicise a conference abstract? Are there circumstances where a science communicator can responsibly publicise a conference abstract?

A recently published conference abstract of a retrospective observational study (Efimenko et al) has been distorted by Ivermectin advocates into false claims that it provides evidence for efficacy of Ivermectin in Covid-19. The misleading claims have included posts on Twitter by Pierre Kory and Jordan Peterson, and videos, from Dr. John Campbell. and Dr. Mobeen Syed.

Ivermectin has NOT been shown to be beneficial for treatment or prevention of Covid-19

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▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 Introduction and background
04:14 Corrections from Drs John Campbell and Mobeen Syed
08:14 Dr. Mobeen's basic misunderstanding
08:55 My thanks to Dr. Campbell
09:20 Dr. Mobeen's ugly and reprehensible blame-shifting
10:14 Science communication is a vocation
11:10 Prof Andrew Gelman and I discuss the same conference abstract
14:16 (Ir)Responsible Science Communication
16:56 A handy flow chart for science communicators
21:16 Closing remarks

▬ Disclaimers ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

This video is for educational purposes only.

I have no conflicts of interest. I do not receive any compensation or support from any company making or developing Covid-19 vaccines or novel therapies. I made this video on my own time and with my own money and equipment, with no incentives or sponsorship (though you can buy me a coffee).

▬ About this channel ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

I'm Greg Tucker-Kellogg, PhD, a biology professor in Singapore with a career spanning both biotechnology and academia. Videos on this educational channel cover some of my scientific and teaching interests in genomics, bioinformatics, and biochemistry, as well as topics in current scientific issues of public interest. Links to my professional profile are available in the "about" section of the channel.

▬ References ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

- Original poster abstract https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal...

- Dr. Mobeen's fauxpology and blame-shifting    • Miami Ivermectin Study Was Flawed and...  
- Dr. Campbell's apology (it's not perfect, but it's something, and it's at the beginning of this video)    • Long list of side effects to look out...  

- Senior author responds to misrepresentation from Pierre Kory   / s.  .
- Lead author responds to misrepresentations from Pierre Kory   / 15.  .
- Lead author reponding to misinformation based on John Campbell's video   / 15.  .
- Lead author reponding to misinformation based on John Campbell's video
  / 15.  .
- Lead author reaching out to John Campbell to correct his misrepresentation   / 15.  .
- Lead author responding to misrepresentation from Jordan Peterson   / 15.  .
- AP Fact check article https://apnews.com/article/fact-check...

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ WARNING ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
THE FOLLOWING LINKS ARE MISREPRESENTATIONS
AND/OR SCIENTIFIC MISINFORMATION

- Dr. John Campbell's video    • Video  
- An apparently new grifter, Dr. Mitch Rice    • Video  
- Dr. Mobeen's entirely predictable misinformation, which he apparently liked so much he shared it twice    • Video      • Video  
- FLCCC inclusion of this meeting abstract in their terrible, biased "meta-analysis" of Ivermectin for Covid-19 https://c19ivermectin.com/efimenko.html