When the consequences for being critical were less severe they were doing the exact same stuff

Not OP, so can’t be certain, but I think what they were saying was a lot simpler. I don’t think their mother would even attempt to understand stellar geology or pharmaceuticals, and instead has a blanket distrust of science except when it suits herself.

Geologic activity on the moon doesn’t seem like a particularly objectionable issue (most people would probably regard it with apathy), but then again there are people who think the Earth is flat and vehemently oppose the science which very clearly shows the opposite. I do understand your confusion as the comment likely isn’t relevant to this paper. OP would probably have made this comment or similar on any number of posts about science news and their comment is probably not influenced by the details of the discovery, simply that a discovery was made.

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Polypeptide) is a relatively new type drug which promotes insulin release (prompting its use for treating diabetics) and suppresses appetite (prompting use as a weight loss drug). It’s received a lot of attention recently as a result. I believe the purpose of the comment was to highlight that their mother would distrust science unless it actively helps them.

I believe they’re saying that they have paid time off, but it’s paid at the rate for day shift workers. Since they always work night shift (which has a pay bump) that means the paid time off pays less than they normally get.

In my experience, this is unfortunately quite common at universities.