The hottest Science communication Substack posts right now

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Wired’s Scicomm Writer Emily Mullin Attacks Independent Research, Because of Course

The DisInformation Chronicle • 565 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Criticism COVID Policy Political narratives Science communication Public Health
  1. The article critiques a piece by Emily Mullin that is critical of a new science journal, saying it contains many errors and misleading statements. It argues that journalists can sometimes promote their own biases instead of focusing on factual reporting.
  2. It highlights a term called 'dial-a-quote,' where writers seek quotes from people they know will support their narrative, instead of looking for a balanced perspective. This practice can skew the way information is presented to readers.
  3. The discussion raises concerns about the credibility of some researchers who contribute to science writing. It points out how certain quotes and opinions may align with existing narratives rather than presenting objective scientific information.

CIA Says Pandemic Likely Started From a Lab

The DisInformation Chronicle • 670 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Government Policy Science communication
  1. The CIA recently suggested that the COVID virus likely originated from a lab in Wuhan, which contradicts earlier claims that labeled this idea as a conspiracy theory. This has caused a stir among scientists and writers who previously dismissed these claims.
  2. Some scientists who once strongly rejected the lab leak theory are now reconsidering their stance, as new assessments show that the virus's origin is still unresolved. They admit there is no definitive proof for either a natural or lab-based origin.
  3. The claim that calling the lab leak theory a conspiracy was unfounded has been echoed by various commentators. Many are now acknowledging that skepticism about the virus's origin deserves more serious discussion.

The alternate reality of RFK and the antivaxers

Noahpinion • 13470 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Health Policy Social movements Science communication Public Health
  1. RFK Jr. has been a strong opponent of vaccines, which may influence U.S. vaccination policies if he takes a leadership role in the government. This could lead to less public support for vaccinations.
  2. Beliefs can be useful for creating group unity, even if those beliefs are not based on facts. Sometimes, being a part of a group means accepting ideas that might not be true in reality.
  3. The tension between what is real and what people believe can impact society. It shows how important it is to balance scientific facts with how communities view and accept those facts.

Scientific American Ignored Years of Editor Laura Helmuth’s Appalling Conduct, Then Scalped Her After I Circulated Her Own Tweets

The DisInformation Chronicle • 4920 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Journalism Media Trust Science communication Public Opinion
  1. Laura Helmuth, editor of Scientific American, faced backlash and resigned after her own controversial tweets were shared online. Many said her comments showed a clear bias against certain political groups.
  2. The incident sparked a debate about the standards in science journalism, highlighting how some writers may prioritize political agendas over objective reporting.
  3. Despite the controversy, some members of the science writing community continued to support Helmuth, raising questions about accountability and the direction of science communication.

Poetic Justice for Jay Bhattacharya

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3389 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Policy Debate Science communication Medical Ethics
  1. Jay Bhattacharya was a respected Stanford professor until the pandemic changed everything. He proposed focusing on protecting vulnerable people instead of broad lockdowns.
  2. With support from other scientists, he created the Great Barrington Declaration, advocating for 'focused protection' during Covid-19. This approach aimed to keep society more open while safeguarding those at risk.
  3. Despite facing harsh criticism and attacks on his character for his views, Bhattacharya's ideas are gaining more attention, especially as he may soon lead the NIH.
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Body as a shell

Your Local Epidemiologist • 4557 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Epidemiology Health Education Policy Issues Science communication
  1. RFK Jr. has been picked to lead the Health and Human Services, which worries many public health professionals. They feel this could undermine efforts to improve public health.
  2. There is a strong concern that misinformation will spread, leading people to make poor health decisions. The fear is that lies can spread faster than the truth.
  3. Despite feelings of exhaustion and frustration, public health workers remain committed to fighting misinformation. They believe it's important to keep providing accurate information to help people make informed choices.

The COVID Digest, 18Feb2023

The COVID Digest • 1100 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Public Health COVID-19 Vaccination Immunity Science communication
  1. The author is taking a break from writing about COVID-19 after three years of pandemic updates.
  2. There has been a significant decrease in hospitalizations and ICU admissions in Georgia as waves of the pandemic progressed.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of public health in addressing disparities and ensuring access to healthcare for all.

Cyan's Cart Path

Critical Mass • 6 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Storytelling Interviews Philosophy Science communication Personal narratives
  1. Cyan shares a unique journey showing how unexpected events and encounters can lead to meaningful connections. She reveals how a simple meeting turned into powerful collaborations.
  2. She emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and not getting caught up in public perception. Drowning in self-scrutiny can hinder personal growth and authenticity.
  3. The power of storytelling is highlighted as Cyan describes her experience on a podcast with Lawrence. It’s about how a shared narrative can deepen friendships and inspire others.

UK COVID data, week starting 30th January

Logging the World • 338 implied HN points • 02 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Covid data Science communication Long Covid Infections Vaccination
  1. The XBB.1.5 COVID variant is around 10-12%, growing but not as dominant as other variants like BA.5 or BA.1
  2. ZOE data shows a rise in COVID cases and hospital admissions are increasing again, with a 4-week doubling rate
  3. The latest Long COVID data from ONS indicates a modest drop in severe symptoms, despite high infection numbers

Interview with Tony Fauci

Science Forever • 139 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Government Science communication Science Policy Vaccine Hesitancy
  1. Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are exacerbated by the huge impact of social media, making it challenging to counter with correct information.
  2. Challenges exist in countering misinformation when highly credentialed individuals spread inaccurate information, creating difficulty in preserving the integrity of scientific communication.
  3. Communicating the evolving nature of science and the iterative self-correcting process can aid in improving science literacy and public understanding.

Market fundamentalism drives science denial

Science Forever • 99 implied HN points • 04 Feb 23
🔬 Science Science communication
  1. Market fundamentalism is a driving force behind science denial, as explored in 'The Big Myth' by Oreskes and Conway.
  2. The book 'Merchants of Doubt' reveals how highly credentialed scientists used their expertise to cast doubt on science requiring government regulation.
  3. The Big Myth delves into the why of science denial, exploring how corporations and conservative operatives have promoted market fundamentalism over the past century.

On the arrogance (and stupidity) of Pfizer's Super Bowl ad

Unreported Truths • 67 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Pharmaceuticals Medical Ethics Marketing Science communication
  1. Pfizer's history shows a mix of successful marketing strategies and problematic scientific practices.
  2. The Super Bowl ad by Pfizer focused on science and notable scientists, with minimal mention of specific products.
  3. Despite the high cost of the ad, there was no clear return on investment, leading to questions about Pfizer's motives.

Who wants to be a millionaire?

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Public Health Science communication Debate Controversies
  1. The author believes that vaccines can cause autism and is willing to bet $1 million on it. They think if the science is clear, people should take the bet.
  2. They argue that nobody is accepting the bet because they secretly believe vaccines do cause autism, despite the scientific consensus that they don't.
  3. The author views putting money on the line as a way to see who truly believes in their claims. They are eager for a debate and willing to offer a reward for finding a counterparty.

Fauci's Deceit

Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter • 27 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Pandemic response Science communication
  1. The post discusses Dr. Fauci's deceptions and obfuscations related to high-risk virology research and the potential lab leak in Wuhan.
  2. It highlights how Fauci's language choices, like referring to a paper as a 'study' instead of 'correspondence,' can impact the perceived weight of evidence.
  3. The article aims to surprise and alarm readers who may not have closely followed the story.

Do masks work?

News from Those Nerdy Girls • 0 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness COVID-19 Masks Transmission Science communication
  1. Despite recent reviews, high quality masks are effective in reducing transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.
  2. Different types of masks, usage, and settings affect their effectiveness in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
  3. There is strong evidence that masks are able to block aerosol transmission and reduce the risk of transmission and infection of COVID-19.