FDA approves Moderna & Pfizer COVID vaccines for kids under 5
VaccinesAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
BREAKING NEWS: The Vaccine and Other Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), an FDA advisory committee, met over the last two days to discuss data for COVID-19 vaccines in children under 5 years of age (among other topics). Here are the big takeaways!!! The committee voted unanimously that the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Read more…
June 14, 2022
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
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 odd salutations “Greetings of the day, Respected Doctor!” or other Read more…
June 13, 2022
Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
June 10, 2022
Good news! Moderna’s new Omicron-inspired COVID vaccine looks promising.
Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
💥 In a press release earlier this week, Moderna shared a first peek at the safety and performance of their updated Omicron-inspired “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine. The results are encouraging, and suggest that the newer jab may provide both stronger and longer lasting protection. CEO Stéphane Bancel stated that this updated vaccine is now their lead Read more…
June 8, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Tita Smyth Escobedo
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this post series, we’re introducing the women behind Dear Pandemic and TNG. Today we get to meet Tita Smyth Escobedo. Tita has been a steadfast member of the Spanish language team that makes our Spanish-language content at Querida Pandemia possible. She has a degree in clinical psychology in her home country, Guatemala. Tita says Read more…
June 8, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 2 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
This is part 2 in a series by Dr. Kristen Panthangani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines in the US, looking back at how well they have worked and why the communication around them has been confusing. It was late November 2020, and we were just about to start Read more…
June 7, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
June 7, 2022
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
June 6, 2022
What options exist for birth control?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
BREAKING NEWS: The Vaccine and Other Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), an FDA advisory committee, met over the last two days to discuss data for COVID-19 vaccines in children under 5 years of age (among other topics). Here are the big takeaways!!! The committee voted unanimously that the benefits of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Read more…
Get the Facts on Predatory Publishing and Fake Scientific Journals
Uncertainty and MisinformationKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
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 odd salutations “Greetings of the day, Respected Doctor!” or other Read more…
June 13, 2022
Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days?
Testing and Contact Tracing
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
June 10, 2022
Good news! Moderna’s new Omicron-inspired COVID vaccine looks promising.
Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
💥 In a press release earlier this week, Moderna shared a first peek at the safety and performance of their updated Omicron-inspired “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine. The results are encouraging, and suggest that the newer jab may provide both stronger and longer lasting protection. CEO Stéphane Bancel stated that this updated vaccine is now their lead Read more…
June 8, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Tita Smyth Escobedo
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this post series, we’re introducing the women behind Dear Pandemic and TNG. Today we get to meet Tita Smyth Escobedo. Tita has been a steadfast member of the Spanish language team that makes our Spanish-language content at Querida Pandemia possible. She has a degree in clinical psychology in her home country, Guatemala. Tita says Read more…
June 8, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 2 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
This is part 2 in a series by Dr. Kristen Panthangani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines in the US, looking back at how well they have worked and why the communication around them has been confusing. It was late November 2020, and we were just about to start Read more…
June 7, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
June 7, 2022
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
June 6, 2022
What options exist for birth control?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
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 odd salutations “Greetings of the day, Respected Doctor!” or other Read more…
Why is my PCR test still positive if I’ve taken Paxlovid, isolated and have been asymptomatic for many days?
Testing and Contact TracingJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
June 10, 2022
Good news! Moderna’s new Omicron-inspired COVID vaccine looks promising.
Vaccines
Chana Davis, PhD
💥 In a press release earlier this week, Moderna shared a first peek at the safety and performance of their updated Omicron-inspired “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine. The results are encouraging, and suggest that the newer jab may provide both stronger and longer lasting protection. CEO Stéphane Bancel stated that this updated vaccine is now their lead Read more…
June 8, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Tita Smyth Escobedo
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this post series, we’re introducing the women behind Dear Pandemic and TNG. Today we get to meet Tita Smyth Escobedo. Tita has been a steadfast member of the Spanish language team that makes our Spanish-language content at Querida Pandemia possible. She has a degree in clinical psychology in her home country, Guatemala. Tita says Read more…
June 8, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 2 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
This is part 2 in a series by Dr. Kristen Panthangani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines in the US, looking back at how well they have worked and why the communication around them has been confusing. It was late November 2020, and we were just about to start Read more…
June 7, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
June 7, 2022
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
June 6, 2022
What options exist for birth control?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Constance from Astoria, NY asks: “I tested positive for COVID-19, took Paxlovid, and isolated for 12 days. My symptoms are gone. Why does my PCR test show I’m positive?” Great question, Constance! PCR tests are very sensitive, picking up even old fragments of viral RNA that may be leftover in your body but not capable Read more…
Good news! Moderna’s new Omicron-inspired COVID vaccine looks promising.
VaccinesChana Davis, PhD
💥 In a press release earlier this week, Moderna shared a first peek at the safety and performance of their updated Omicron-inspired “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine. The results are encouraging, and suggest that the newer jab may provide both stronger and longer lasting protection. CEO Stéphane Bancel stated that this updated vaccine is now their lead Read more…
June 8, 2022
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Tita Smyth Escobedo
Women in STEM
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
In this post series, we’re introducing the women behind Dear Pandemic and TNG. Today we get to meet Tita Smyth Escobedo. Tita has been a steadfast member of the Spanish language team that makes our Spanish-language content at Querida Pandemia possible. She has a degree in clinical psychology in her home country, Guatemala. Tita says Read more…
June 8, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 2 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
This is part 2 in a series by Dr. Kristen Panthangani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines in the US, looking back at how well they have worked and why the communication around them has been confusing. It was late November 2020, and we were just about to start Read more…
June 7, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
June 7, 2022
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
June 6, 2022
What options exist for birth control?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
💥 In a press release earlier this week, Moderna shared a first peek at the safety and performance of their updated Omicron-inspired “bivalent” COVID-19 vaccine. The results are encouraging, and suggest that the newer jab may provide both stronger and longer lasting protection. CEO Stéphane Bancel stated that this updated vaccine is now their lead Read more…
Meet Those Nerdy Girls: Tita Smyth Escobedo
Women in STEMMalia Jones, PhD MPH
In this post series, we’re introducing the women behind Dear Pandemic and TNG. Today we get to meet Tita Smyth Escobedo. Tita has been a steadfast member of the Spanish language team that makes our Spanish-language content at Querida Pandemia possible. She has a degree in clinical psychology in her home country, Guatemala. Tita says Read more…
June 8, 2022
COVID Vaccine Series Part 2 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
Vaccines
Kristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
This is part 2 in a series by Dr. Kristen Panthangani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines in the US, looking back at how well they have worked and why the communication around them has been confusing. It was late November 2020, and we were just about to start Read more…
June 7, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
June 7, 2022
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
June 6, 2022
What options exist for birth control?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
In this post series, we’re introducing the women behind Dear Pandemic and TNG. Today we get to meet Tita Smyth Escobedo. Tita has been a steadfast member of the Spanish language team that makes our Spanish-language content at Querida Pandemia possible. She has a degree in clinical psychology in her home country, Guatemala. Tita says Read more…
COVID Vaccine Series Part 2 with Dr. Kristen Panthagani
VaccinesKristen Panthagani, MD, PhD
This is part 2 in a series by Dr. Kristen Panthangani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines in the US, looking back at how well they have worked and why the communication around them has been confusing. It was late November 2020, and we were just about to start Read more…
June 7, 2022
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines Videos
Chana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
June 7, 2022
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
June 6, 2022
What options exist for birth control?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
This is part 2 in a series by Dr. Kristen Panthangani of You Can Know Things covering the story of the COVID vaccines in the US, looking back at how well they have worked and why the communication around them has been confusing. It was late November 2020, and we were just about to start Read more…
Dear Pandemic Live Q&A 06-06-22
COVID Variants Families/Kids Infectious Diseases Testing and Contact Tracing Vaccines VideosChana Davis, PhD
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
June 7, 2022
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
June 6, 2022
What options exist for birth control?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Live COVID Q&A with Those Nerdy Girls of Dear Pandemic Those Nerdy Girls answer your latest questions about COVID and beyond. This month’s topics include: * Monkeypox * Shingles & the shingles vaccine * The SIDS study that went viral * Variant-specific COVID vaccines There’s also a speed round with quick answers to common questions Read more…
Evaluating Medical Literature: Patient Oriented Evidence vs. Disease Oriented Evidence
Data and Metrics Data LiteracySarah Whitley Coles, MD
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
June 6, 2022
What options exist for birth control?
General Health
Megan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Results of medical studies are often reported in the news. You may have seen headlines like “What vegetable on your dinner plate is killing you?” or “New study shows Medicine X causes memory loss!” You are, very likely and very appropriately, highly skeptical of these headlines but it can be really tricky to sort out Read more…
What options exist for birth control?
General HealthMegan Madsen, DO
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
June 3, 2022
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Reproductive rights are in the news these days, which has this Nerdy Girl thinking – this is a nice time to take a quick break to review options to prevent pregnancy. Babies are wonderful and it’s also pretty great to be able to choose if and when you become a parent. Luckily you have many Read more…
What is an anxiety disorder?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
June 2, 2022
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
😟 Anxiety is a general term that can describe stress, worries, and specific fears. We often think of anxiety about school, work, or new situations. All of us have anxiety sometimes. And a little bit of it isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes it pushes us to do new things or to get things done. But Read more…
Progress Being Made on Potential mRNA Vaccine for HIV
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
May 30, 2022
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEM
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
Earlier this year, Moderna started a small human trial of a vaccine against HIV infection using the same mRNA technology that led to the success and rapid availability of COVID-19 vaccines. They expect to have safety data (and some hints about effectiveness) in 2023. mRNA technology has been in development for decades, and we can Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls chosen as a case study by WHO
Women in STEMJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…
🎉 Those Nerdy Girls were recently honored to be chosen as a case study by the World Health Organization (WHO) for innovative science communication during the COVID-19 pandemic! “The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of translating science in a timely and accessible manner to different audiences. As the pandemic progressed, the evidence evolved and Read more…