A fake Instagram profile titled '@dra.tatianasampaiooficial' has been found to impersonate biologist and professor Tatiana Coelho de Sampaio from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). The profile, which falsely claims expertise and shares posts related to her research on polylaminin—a substance being studied for its potential in helping patients recover movement after spinal cord injuries—has garnered significant attention, accumulating around 29,000 followers since its creation in February 2026.

Investigations revealed that the fake account does not represent Sampaio's professional work or views, as confirmed by the media outlet G1, which reported the incident. The profile's misleading content has raised concerns among her colleagues and the academic community, prompting G1 to encourage readers to report any such fraudulent accounts they encounter. The discussion around the veracity of information shared on social media is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the fields of scientific research and public health.

The issue highlights the ongoing challenge of identifying and combating misinformation online, especially as social media platforms continue to expand. As individuals rely more on social networks for information, verifying the authenticity of such accounts becomes crucial to ensure the public does not fall victim to false narratives that could undermine important scientific advancements and trust in researchers' work.