Much of science now is highly politicized. We have seen what happens to professors or research scientists who try to take a position that countered popular opinion on a sensitive topic – they have protests against them, they are spat upon and assaulted, and they lose their jobs.
All of the other scientists and researchers see this and adjust their own behavior and areas of study to avoid being mobbed.
I have had to become increasingly cautious and wary of trusting all published science, especially that in social areas now.