How much iron should I take?
General Health VideosDaphne Berryhill, RPh
Your iron supplement dose depends on how much iron you need and how well you tolerate iron. Taking your iron pill every other day and combining it with vitamin C may help you get the most benefit from your supplement. Watch this video by Nerdy Girl Daphne Berryhill, RPh to learn more! For additional information Read more…
January 14, 2025
What is the latest on Bird Flu?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. Scientists and authorities are monitoring this closely and more testing of animals, humans and milk is underway. This information is correct as of January 13th, 2025, 12:00PM EST Avian influenza, Read more…
January 13, 2025
How would the loss of mifepristone affect reproductive health care?
Reproductive Health Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Loss of FDA approval for mifepristone would result in decreased access to safe abortion care. It will also prevent patients with certain types of miscarriage from receiving one of the standard treatment options. TL;DR Mifepristone is one of two medications used for the most common type of early abortion. It is also standard treatment for Read more…
January 10, 2025
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
January 9, 2025
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying Safe
Those Nerdy Girls
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
January 9, 2025
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 7, 2025
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
January 6, 2025
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
January 5, 2025
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
January 4, 2025
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
January 3, 2025
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
Your iron supplement dose depends on how much iron you need and how well you tolerate iron. Taking your iron pill every other day and combining it with vitamin C may help you get the most benefit from your supplement. Watch this video by Nerdy Girl Daphne Berryhill, RPh to learn more! For additional information Read more…
What is the latest on Bird Flu?
Infectious DiseasesElisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. Scientists and authorities are monitoring this closely and more testing of animals, humans and milk is underway. This information is correct as of January 13th, 2025, 12:00PM EST Avian influenza, Read more…
January 13, 2025
How would the loss of mifepristone affect reproductive health care?
Reproductive Health Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Loss of FDA approval for mifepristone would result in decreased access to safe abortion care. It will also prevent patients with certain types of miscarriage from receiving one of the standard treatment options. TL;DR Mifepristone is one of two medications used for the most common type of early abortion. It is also standard treatment for Read more…
January 10, 2025
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
January 9, 2025
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying Safe
Those Nerdy Girls
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
January 9, 2025
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 7, 2025
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
January 6, 2025
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
January 5, 2025
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
January 4, 2025
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
January 3, 2025
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. Scientists and authorities are monitoring this closely and more testing of animals, humans and milk is underway. This information is correct as of January 13th, 2025, 12:00PM EST Avian influenza, Read more…
How would the loss of mifepristone affect reproductive health care?
Reproductive Health UncategorizedThose Nerdy Girls
Loss of FDA approval for mifepristone would result in decreased access to safe abortion care. It will also prevent patients with certain types of miscarriage from receiving one of the standard treatment options. TL;DR Mifepristone is one of two medications used for the most common type of early abortion. It is also standard treatment for Read more…
January 10, 2025
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
January 9, 2025
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying Safe
Those Nerdy Girls
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
January 9, 2025
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 7, 2025
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
January 6, 2025
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
January 5, 2025
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
January 4, 2025
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
January 3, 2025
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
Loss of FDA approval for mifepristone would result in decreased access to safe abortion care. It will also prevent patients with certain types of miscarriage from receiving one of the standard treatment options. TL;DR Mifepristone is one of two medications used for the most common type of early abortion. It is also standard treatment for Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD?
General Health Mental HealthThose Nerdy Girls
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
January 9, 2025
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying Safe
Those Nerdy Girls
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
January 9, 2025
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 7, 2025
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
January 6, 2025
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
January 5, 2025
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
January 4, 2025
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
January 3, 2025
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
HELP! I can’t focus. Do I have ADHD? Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a 🧠 neurodevelopmental disorder 🧠 that BEGINS IN CHILDHOOD. Symptoms that start in adulthood are usually not ADHD (unless they just weren’t noticed before!) and are often caused by conditions like depression, anxiety, or other medical causes. It is important to Read more…
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe?
Staying SafeThose Nerdy Girls
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
January 9, 2025
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental Health
Jamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 7, 2025
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
January 6, 2025
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
January 5, 2025
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
January 4, 2025
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
January 3, 2025
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
What is the Air Quality Index? And how can you use it to stay safe? The Index ranges between 0 and 500. 🟩 0-50 – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. 🟨 51-100 – Air quality is acceptable for most people but for some, particularly those who are unusually Read more…
Medical Report: To View or Not To View?
Mental HealthJamie Fornsaglio, PhD
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
January 7, 2025
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
January 6, 2025
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
January 5, 2025
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
January 4, 2025
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
January 3, 2025
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
Should you take a look at your medical report before meeting with your clinician? In most cases, the answer is no. When it comes to deciphering medical jargon, we all have different levels of understanding and experience. However, we tend to share the same mental and emotional response when we reach our limit of understanding. Read more…
Abortions are not just surgical procedures.
Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
January 6, 2025
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive Health
A recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
January 5, 2025
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
January 4, 2025
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
January 3, 2025
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
As a matter of fact, most abortion care in the U.S. is safely provided with the help of two medications (also called “abortion pills”): mifepristone and misoprostol. Recent court challenges and ballot measures on abortion care have put the availability of mifepristone at risk (more on that below). Mifepristone is a hormone-blocking medication used for Read more…
Should I be worried about lead in tampons?
Reproductive HealthA recent study finding lead and other metals in tampons has raised concern on social media. However, there is not yet convincing evidence showing that these metals in this context pose any real health concern. You could certainly use one of many available alternative menstrual products until more information is available if the possibility of Read more…
Should I get the flu shot if I already had the flu?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
January 4, 2025
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
January 3, 2025
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
A: Yes. The flu shot covers 3 different strains, and you would NOT want to catch it again! TL;DR: It’s hard to know which flu strain you got or which one will be dominant in the next few months. Go ahead and get that shot even if you had confirmed or suspected influenza. The current Read more…
How can I boost my child’s immunity to misinformation?
Families/Kids Uncertainty and MisinformationThose Nerdy Girls
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
January 3, 2025
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
To help your child separate fact from fiction, teach them to: be skeptical, use credible sources, think critically, and embrace learning through science. Start early, and weave these lessons into everyday life. Back when we were young, we Nerdy Girls used encyclopedias, reference books, and textbooks to learn. These days, we are surrounded by a Read more…
What is decision fatigue?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
January 2, 2025
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
Tl;dr: Decision fatigue is that worn-out, run-down feeling we get when we have too many choices to make. As we become overwhelmed with choices, our ability to make decisions gets worse. We can minimize decision fatigue by reducing the number of decisions we need to make every day, having routines, and resting. Ever found yourself Read more…
How can I prevent falls at home?
Aging General HealthThose Nerdy Girls
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
January 1, 2025
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
Keep yourself as active as you can and clear your home of fall hazards. Even if you don’t notice an injury, falls can be an early warning sign for many health issues. Don’t delay asking for help when you need it! Roughly 1 in 4 adults over age 65 fall each year. About 800,000 people Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Mental HealthThose Nerdy Girls
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
December 31, 2024
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive Health
Chana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster? A: Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, Read more…
My breast cancer screening journey has finally ended …for now.
Nerdy Notes Reproductive HealthChana Davis, PhD
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
December 28, 2024
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental Health
Those Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
This is another in our new series: Nerdy Notes: Science in Story & Verse In these posts, our Nerdy Girl scientists and clinicians will share personal stories, insights, poetry, and more. While these posts may be lighter in terms of numbers and figures, they will still be rooted in our tradition and commitment to providing Read more…
Self-care Saturday – What is self-care and why is it Important?
Mental HealthThose Nerdy Girls
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
December 27, 2024
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
TL; DR: Self-care is a set of things people do to support their overall health and wellness (mental and physical). Self-care can support emotional, physical, and/or spiritual well-being among other areas of life. It is not something that you do only if you have time. It is important for your health. We talk a lot Read more…
What are the Horn and Halo Effects?
Uncertainty and MisinformationThose Nerdy Girls
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
December 26, 2024
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Those Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
Tl;dr: The Horn and Halo Effects are cognitive biases where our first impression influences our decision making and how we feel about someone. This impression can be based on a single characteristic that is not actually relevant, such as their race, gender identity, or even how attractive we find someone. To break this cycle, we Read more…
Predatory scientific publishing is a thing!
Uncertainty and MisinformationThose Nerdy Girls
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
December 25, 2024
Wishing peace and love to all
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals ❗️Misinformation Alert❗️ Predatory scientific publishing is a thing. There is an entire industry of essentially fake, for-profit “journals” that will publish just about anything for a fee. Academics get “invitations” to publish in these journals all the time. Most often they have humorous flaws like Read more…
Wishing peace and love to all
UncategorizedThose Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
December 24, 2024
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…
There have been over 6 times as many cases of whooping cough compared to this time last year. So yes, cases are up. Now is a good time to make sure you are up-to-date on this vaccine. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is caused by infection with the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It causes respiratory symptoms such as runny or stuffy Read more…