“Endemic” Explainer
Infection and Spread Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
Trust vs. Truth
Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
I’m one of Those Nerdy Girls who is *not* a scientist, clinician, or researcher. As a retired teacher, I have been honored to have a place as COO of this amazing group for the past year. I am in awe of the power and strength of our entire Nerdy Community each and every day. Nerdy Read more…
Did the World Health Organization say kids should *not* get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: No. The WHO said that where vaccine supplies are limited, vaccinating children is not a priority. Viral social media posts and some popular anti-vaccine channels did a great job this week spreading misinformation about the World Health Organization’s stance on vaccinating children with available COVID-19 vaccines. As is often the case with misinformation, it’s Read more…
How to Think Like a Scientist
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Scientists share certain habits of mind, regardless of whether we study pathogens, people, or plants. As legendary astronomer Carl Sagan wrote: “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” Today we launch an occasional series on “How to Think Like a Scientist,” starting with three key values we Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
“Prebunking” offers strong immunity to fake news.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please go check out the online game Bad News, which is not only fun to play but it will help you learn to spot misinformation. In Bad News, you play a media magnate intent on building followers and viral reach at any cost. It turns out, roleplaying in Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
“We’re moving from pandemic to endemic.” We’re hearing this phrase tossed around more and more. In certain anti-science twitter circles, the hashtag #endemic is used as shorthand for the opinion that COVID-19 is overhyped, we’ve all been duped by the media into a hysteria over the pandemic; the vaccine is unnecessary; and everything should return Read more…
Does Ivermectin help treat or prevent COVID-19?
Treatments Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Verdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
Trust vs. Truth
Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
I’m one of Those Nerdy Girls who is *not* a scientist, clinician, or researcher. As a retired teacher, I have been honored to have a place as COO of this amazing group for the past year. I am in awe of the power and strength of our entire Nerdy Community each and every day. Nerdy Read more…
Did the World Health Organization say kids should *not* get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: No. The WHO said that where vaccine supplies are limited, vaccinating children is not a priority. Viral social media posts and some popular anti-vaccine channels did a great job this week spreading misinformation about the World Health Organization’s stance on vaccinating children with available COVID-19 vaccines. As is often the case with misinformation, it’s Read more…
How to Think Like a Scientist
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Scientists share certain habits of mind, regardless of whether we study pathogens, people, or plants. As legendary astronomer Carl Sagan wrote: “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” Today we launch an occasional series on “How to Think Like a Scientist,” starting with three key values we Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
“Prebunking” offers strong immunity to fake news.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please go check out the online game Bad News, which is not only fun to play but it will help you learn to spot misinformation. In Bad News, you play a media magnate intent on building followers and viral reach at any cost. It turns out, roleplaying in Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
A: We don’t know for sure, but the best available existing data does not support its use to treat or prevent COVID-19. Lots of studies are ongoing and may give us a clearer answer over time. Ivermectin is a medicine that is used to treat infections from parasites (like worms) in people and animals. People Read more…
What can I do to stop health misinformation?
Uncertainty and MisinformationVerdena Jennings, DO
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
Trust vs. Truth
Uncertainty and Misinformation Videos
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
I’m one of Those Nerdy Girls who is *not* a scientist, clinician, or researcher. As a retired teacher, I have been honored to have a place as COO of this amazing group for the past year. I am in awe of the power and strength of our entire Nerdy Community each and every day. Nerdy Read more…
Did the World Health Organization say kids should *not* get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: No. The WHO said that where vaccine supplies are limited, vaccinating children is not a priority. Viral social media posts and some popular anti-vaccine channels did a great job this week spreading misinformation about the World Health Organization’s stance on vaccinating children with available COVID-19 vaccines. As is often the case with misinformation, it’s Read more…
How to Think Like a Scientist
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Scientists share certain habits of mind, regardless of whether we study pathogens, people, or plants. As legendary astronomer Carl Sagan wrote: “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” Today we launch an occasional series on “How to Think Like a Scientist,” starting with three key values we Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
“Prebunking” offers strong immunity to fake news.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please go check out the online game Bad News, which is not only fun to play but it will help you learn to spot misinformation. In Bad News, you play a media magnate intent on building followers and viral reach at any cost. It turns out, roleplaying in Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
A: Last week, the United States Surgeon General issued and Advisory titled “Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment”. It outlines action steps for anyone to take to stop the spread of misinformation. For example, you can: -Learn how to identify and avoid sharing health misinformation -Engage with Read more…
Trust vs. Truth
Uncertainty and Misinformation VideosGretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
I’m one of Those Nerdy Girls who is *not* a scientist, clinician, or researcher. As a retired teacher, I have been honored to have a place as COO of this amazing group for the past year. I am in awe of the power and strength of our entire Nerdy Community each and every day. Nerdy Read more…
Did the World Health Organization say kids should *not* get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Alison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: No. The WHO said that where vaccine supplies are limited, vaccinating children is not a priority. Viral social media posts and some popular anti-vaccine channels did a great job this week spreading misinformation about the World Health Organization’s stance on vaccinating children with available COVID-19 vaccines. As is often the case with misinformation, it’s Read more…
How to Think Like a Scientist
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Scientists share certain habits of mind, regardless of whether we study pathogens, people, or plants. As legendary astronomer Carl Sagan wrote: “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” Today we launch an occasional series on “How to Think Like a Scientist,” starting with three key values we Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
“Prebunking” offers strong immunity to fake news.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please go check out the online game Bad News, which is not only fun to play but it will help you learn to spot misinformation. In Bad News, you play a media magnate intent on building followers and viral reach at any cost. It turns out, roleplaying in Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
I’m one of Those Nerdy Girls who is *not* a scientist, clinician, or researcher. As a retired teacher, I have been honored to have a place as COO of this amazing group for the past year. I am in awe of the power and strength of our entire Nerdy Community each and every day. Nerdy Read more…
Did the World Health Organization say kids should *not* get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesAlison Buttenheim, PhD MBA, Co-founder & Advisor
A: No. The WHO said that where vaccine supplies are limited, vaccinating children is not a priority. Viral social media posts and some popular anti-vaccine channels did a great job this week spreading misinformation about the World Health Organization’s stance on vaccinating children with available COVID-19 vaccines. As is often the case with misinformation, it’s Read more…
How to Think Like a Scientist
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Scientists share certain habits of mind, regardless of whether we study pathogens, people, or plants. As legendary astronomer Carl Sagan wrote: “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” Today we launch an occasional series on “How to Think Like a Scientist,” starting with three key values we Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
“Prebunking” offers strong immunity to fake news.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please go check out the online game Bad News, which is not only fun to play but it will help you learn to spot misinformation. In Bad News, you play a media magnate intent on building followers and viral reach at any cost. It turns out, roleplaying in Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
A: No. The WHO said that where vaccine supplies are limited, vaccinating children is not a priority. Viral social media posts and some popular anti-vaccine channels did a great job this week spreading misinformation about the World Health Organization’s stance on vaccinating children with available COVID-19 vaccines. As is often the case with misinformation, it’s Read more…
How to Think Like a Scientist
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Scientists share certain habits of mind, regardless of whether we study pathogens, people, or plants. As legendary astronomer Carl Sagan wrote: “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” Today we launch an occasional series on “How to Think Like a Scientist,” starting with three key values we Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
“Prebunking” offers strong immunity to fake news.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please go check out the online game Bad News, which is not only fun to play but it will help you learn to spot misinformation. In Bad News, you play a media magnate intent on building followers and viral reach at any cost. It turns out, roleplaying in Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
Scientists share certain habits of mind, regardless of whether we study pathogens, people, or plants. As legendary astronomer Carl Sagan wrote: “Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” Today we launch an occasional series on “How to Think Like a Scientist,” starting with three key values we Read more…
Can the vaccines make me magnetic?
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
“Prebunking” offers strong immunity to fake news.
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please go check out the online game Bad News, which is not only fun to play but it will help you learn to spot misinformation. In Bad News, you play a media magnate intent on building followers and viral reach at any cost. It turns out, roleplaying in Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
A: No. TL;DR: You are STICKY. Not MAGNETIC. BUT GOOD NEWS: Other superpowers from vaccination are likely, including immunity to a potentially fatal disease. From microchips to 5G reception, this year has been chock full of tall vaccine tales and viral videos. In recent weeks this has taken the form of “magnet challenges” showing refrigerator Read more…
“Prebunking” offers strong immunity to fake news.
Uncertainty and MisinformationMalia Jones, PhD MPH
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please go check out the online game Bad News, which is not only fun to play but it will help you learn to spot misinformation. In Bad News, you play a media magnate intent on building followers and viral reach at any cost. It turns out, roleplaying in Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
If you haven’t had a chance yet, please go check out the online game Bad News, which is not only fun to play but it will help you learn to spot misinformation. In Bad News, you play a media magnate intent on building followers and viral reach at any cost. It turns out, roleplaying in Read more…
Vaccines do NOT Seed the Spread of New Variants
Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
FACT OVER FALSEHOOD: A new occasional series The bad news: Setting the record straight on vaccine misinformation is a daunting job. The better news: Evidence-based strategies are effective in beating back bad info, and we can all help! Today we launch a new occasional series that fights back against vaccine myths using an evidence-based “truth Read more…
If masks work, why can I still smell farts when I’m wearing one?
Masks Staying Safe Uncertainty and MisinformationLauren Hale, PhD MA
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation Vaccines
A: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
A: TL;DR. Masks work to prevent disease spread because they keep out the bigger particles and still let you breathe. Even though mask policies and behaviors are relaxing in many places right now (Summer 2021), we want to remind you of the benefits of mask wearing with this fun question from Summer 2020. If you Read more…
What is gene therapy? How is it different from vaccines?
Biology/Immunity Uncertainty and Misinformation VaccinesA: Gene therapies treat diseases using genetic tools. They usually work by making lasting changes to your DNA — the genetic “cookbook” that provides instructions to make you. Vaccines, by contrast, deliver a short-lived signal (e.g. a burst of protein), then disappear. Vaccines and gene therapies both use customized genetic tools to achieve their goals. Read more…
Nerdy Girls’ Favorite Science News Sources
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
Today we are taking #GoodNewsTues quite literally – sharing out the Nerdy Girls’ favorite science news sources! Please let us know YOUR faves in the comments! The Nerdies’ List: 🐐Gretchen: NPR’s Goats and Soda and Kaiser Health News Morning Briefing ☝️Malia: Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 Newsletter (via Poynter) 📉 Jenn: John Burn-Murdoch (@jburnmurdoch) on Twitter Read more…
