How will government funding cuts affect the CDC?
Health Policy
Those Nerdy Girls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cut nearly 20% of its workforce due to a recent reduction in force called for by the current administration. Several divisions were eliminated, including ones responsible for monitoring air and water quality, preventing childhood lead poisoning, and supporting safe drinking water initiatives. On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Read more…
What’s the deal with HPV and head & neck cancers?
Clinical Symptoms General HealthClara Ke, BSN, RN
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a leading cause of head & neck cancers in the US. Vaccination remains the best way of protecting yourself on top of safer sex and reduced alcohol/tobacco use. You may have heard a lot about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the news, but did you know HPV can Read more…
Mental Health Matters Every Month: Let’s Talk About It.
Mental HealthKelly Valentin
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
May means you’re probably hearing more people talk about mental health awareness, and that’s a good thing. But let’s be real – mental health isn’t a once-a-year conversation. It’s something many of us navigate every single day, sometimes out loud and sometimes in silence. 🤔 Did you know? ▪️As many as 1 in 8 people Read more…
I keep hearing about full-body MRIs. Are they worth it?
General HealthRebecca Raskin-Wish
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
Aging
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
For most healthy people, full-body MRIs aren’t necessary. It’s much more important to work with your provider and discuss your own risks and health goals. Wellness influencers and celebrities have been really into getting full-body magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, just to check to see if they might have cancer or other conditions. So should Read more…
What is ageism?
AgingClara Ke, BSN, RN
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Ageism is words or actions that judge someone based on their age, old or young. Ageist behaviors can be purposeful or accidental with personal and societal consequences. While most people think ageism only involves older adults, anyone can be ageist or be affected by ageism. First used by Dr. Robert Butler in 1969, ageism is Read more…
Will taking magnesium help with my mental health?
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive Health
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Maybe a little. It is difficult to tell if magnesium helps with mental health for most people. Why is magnesium important? Magnesium is a mineral that is present in the human body and generally taken in through food products. It is present in some medications and of course, can also be taken as a supplement. Read more…
April is STI Awareness Month
Reproductive HealthMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Any update on sexually transmitted infection prevention? Well as a matter of fact, yes there is! There is an exciting update on sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention. And sexually transmitted infection prevention is one of the things that makes this Nerd go all starry-eyed! 🤩 ✨ Medication prevention for chlamydia and syphilis (less effective for Read more…
What is an ad hominem attack?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
Uncategorized
Ashley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Tl;dr: Ad hominem attacks are used to insult a person’s motive or character rather than address the content of a specific idea or argument. This type of mudslinging is an intellectual fallacy that draws attention away from the issue at hand and creates distrust of the individual. Let’s look at how ad hominem attacks can Read more…
It’s National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day! How should I celebrate?
UncategorizedAshley Ritter, APRN, PhD
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Over-the-counter and prescription medications have a way of accumulating in cabinets, drawers, bags, and forgotten pockets. Unused and expired medications should be discarded safely to avoid misuse. Take a few minutes with Those Nerdy Girls to safely dispose of your old medications today. Think about all the places you store medication and then clean them Read more…
Are there more cases of whooping cough than normal?
Infectious Diseases VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
So far in 2025, there have been over 4 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. In the 5 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 15,000-20,000 cases Read more…
How do I know I have the capacity to emotionally support others?
Mental HealthKelly Valentin
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy Notes
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
In order to support others, it’s important to understand your own emotional state. There are several ways to do this, like checking in with yourself. When our friends and family struggle, we naturally want to step in and support them. However, sometimes life has a way of demanding more than we have to give. You Read more…
Bad Brain: Navigating Medical School with a Brain Tumor
Nerdy NotesRebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health Uncategorized
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for 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…
What’s happening with measles in the U.S.?
Infectious Diseases
Measles cases continue to rise across the U.S., with most cases occurring in Texas. Vaccination is highly effective and the best way to protect yourself. Update on numbers Confirmed cases are correct as of Friday April 4, 2025 (Note that the CDC updates their numbers on Friday afternoons) Reported cases for Texas are correct as Read more…
How worried should I be about synthetic braiding hair?
General Health UncategorizedMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
A recent Consumer Report has made waves for its coverage about synthetic braiding hair products and their potential link to chronic health issues, especially among Black women. While these concerns are valid, the report has significant blindspots and should be interpreted with caution. Since time immemorial, braided hair extensions have been used as a protective Read more…
It’s National Public Health Week!
Health Policy
Riddle us this, Nerdies! What is crucial for the well-being of everyone but is all but invisible when it’s working effectively? Public Health, of course! It’s National Public Health Week, and Those Nerdy Girls would like to show our support to all our public health colleagues and raise up their voices and good deeds. We Read more…
Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17, 2025
Reproductive Health Social and Racial JusticeMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
As we prepare to usher in Black Maternal Health Week, I’d like to pay tribute to the first post I ever wrote for Those Nerdy Girls, titled, “We Need to Move the Needle on Black Reproductive Health. Like, Yesterday.” In early 2023, I was intensely homesick while studying in Oxford. In my search for recourse Read more…
What is Commitment Bias?
Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized Videos
Gabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Tl;dr: Commitment bias is when we stick to what we did or said in the past, even when we were clearly wrong, and the outcome didn’t turn out well. We are more likely to exhibit this if those behaviors were public and others were aware. Commitment bias can limit our personal growth and ability to Read more…
When will monkeys become humans? 😉
Uncategorized VideosGabriella Kountourides, PhD
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Watch the video to find out! As a child, Nerdy Girl Gabriella Kountourides, PhD, remembers going to the zoo and asking her mother when the chimpanzees would turn into humans. This innocent childhood question reveals some of the most common misconceptions about evolution. In this video, Dr. Kountourides busts some common myths and offers an Read more…
We anticipate having updated flu vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season.
Infectious Diseases VaccinesElisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Recently, there was some concern that we may not have an updated flu vaccine for next season. Luckily, the FDA has announced the strains that will be included in the 25-26 flu vaccine. Every year, we get new versions of the influenza (flu) vaccines. This is because influenza viruses can change very quickly from year Read more…
What is prebunking?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and MisinformationSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
Tl;DR: Prebunking is an effective strategy to combat misinformation. Prebunking makes people aware in advance that they might be misled & teaches folks ways to recognize misinformation at the get-go. Prebunking, sometimes called attitudinal inoculation, alerts people in advance that misinformation and disinformation might be coming their way. Prebunking is an effective “heads up” for Read more…
