Check out the update details below and the official twitter feed for more details.
Niantic has made a series of changes that allow Trainers to complete the Special Research tasks on their own, which include:
– Catch Pokémon of various types
– Play with your Buddy
– Power up Pokémon
– Battle another Trainer (this includes GO Battle Leauge)
– Hatch Eggs
The latest update can be found here: https://twitter.com/PokemonGoApp/status/1240008551315144711