It’s not too late to get your flu shot
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
TL:DR: The flu season can linger through May, so it’s not too late to get your vaccine. If you already had the flu, the shot can still reduce your risk of catching one of the other strains (the “tri-valent” vaccine covers three). This year’s flu vaccine reduces risk of severe disease, even against the new Read more…
What exactly are ethics, and how important are they in human medical research?
Health Policy Treatments Vaccines
Sandy Laping, MSc
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
TL:DR: The flu season can linger through May, so it’s not too late to get your vaccine. If you already had the flu, the shot can still reduce your risk of catching one of the other strains (the “tri-valent” vaccine covers three). This year’s flu vaccine reduces risk of severe disease, even against the new Read more…
What exactly are ethics, and how important are they in human medical research?
Health Policy Treatments VaccinesSandy Laping, MSc
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious Diseases
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
Ethics are a set of principles that help us figure out what’s right and wrong. In medical research, they help to keep the people taking part safe, make sure the research does more good than harm, and ensure the results can be trusted. Note: This post was updated by Those Nerdy Girls from the original Read more…
Should I get hepatitis C screening?
Infectious DiseasesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and Spread
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
Hepatitis C is a virus spread through infected blood that can hurt the liver over time, but simple screening tests can find it early, and today’s treatments can cure most people. It’s respiratory virus season: that jolly time of year when people get Covid, flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and all the other viruses that cause Read more…
Q: What is a toilet plume?
Infection and SpreadJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
In our recent post on norovirus, aka stomach flu, we advised folks to “close the lid” to avoid spreading disease via toilet plumes. Here’s a deeper dive (Ewwww!) into that topic. A: A picture is worth a 1000 words. 💩 😱 TL;DR: Close the lid. Scientists have used lasers to measure aerosols (tiny water droplets) Read more…
Q: Can I search for questions already answered by Those Nerdy Girls?
UncategorizedThose Nerdy Girls
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental Health
Aparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
A: YES! You can search our past posts on our website by keyword, phrase, and topic! Since March 2020, Those Nerdy Girls have answered 1000s of questions, and all of our past posts are searchable at thosenerdygirls.org! For example, we have written *143* posts on ‘Reproductive Health’, *216* on “Uncertainty and Misinformation’, *227* on ‘Infectious Read more…
Let’s talk about Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Mental HealthAparna Kumar, PhD CRNP MPH
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
I notice I am feeling a little more down or blue at this time of the year. What should I do? It’s that time of year again when the light changes…and you start to feel just a little blue. 💧 It isn’t just you. Almost 20-40% of adults experience something called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Read more…
Is setting a New Year’s Resolution a recipe for disaster?
UncategorizedThose Nerdy Girls
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
Uncategorized
Those Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
Not at all! You can make those resolutions happen….well, at least one or two of them. TL; DR: Lots of people set goals (aka resolutions or intentions) around this time of year. When you set your goals, make sure you focus on the what, why, and how. 🫖 Tell me more. Lots of us across Read more…
Wishing Peace and Love to All
UncategorizedThose Nerdy Girls
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health Videos
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
To those who celebrate, Those Nerdy Girls wish you a Merry Christmas. For many, these are precious days filled with family, friends, love, and rejoicing. It is our hope that you enjoy these times to the fullest. We well know, however, that it can also be a very difficult time of year for many of Read more…
Is the Glucola test necessary?
Reproductive Health VideosRebecca Raskin-Wish
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
Uncategorized
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
The Glucola test is given to pregnant people to test for gestational diabetes and is both necessary and safe. Untreated gestational diabetes can have serious health consequences for both the pregnant person and the baby. What is Gestational Diabetes? Gestational diabetes occurs when a person has elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy. In gestational diabetes, Read more…
Light in Darkness
UncategorizedMK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive Health
MacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
🌏 Across various cultures, light-filled festivals during the colder months are a shared experience rooted in astronomical, psychological, and cultural factors. These celebrations provide warmth, hope, and community bonding during the darkest times of the year. 🌄 Sun’s Trajectory & Seasonal Changes: Winter brings shorter days and longer nights (from December through March in the Read more…
Holiday Etiquette: Repro Health Edition
Reproductive HealthMacKenzie (Kenzie) Isaac, MA
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive Health
Those Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
‘Tis the season once again when many of us prepare to see our loved ones for the holidays. And once again, many of us might find ourselves anxiously anticipating invasive questions about, well, everything. This is especially true for people who identify as women or gender minorities, who may feel distinct pressures to have relationships, Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy.
Reproductive HealthThose Nerdy Girls
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General Health
Clara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
There are lots of different types of “pills” related to pregnancy. It’s most helpful to break them into two categories: 1: Contraceptives PREVENT someone from becoming pregnant. 2: Different types of pills are used when there is ALREADY an established pregnancy. It’s mifepristone, from this second group, whose FDA approval is currently being contested in Read more…
Is it ok for me to drive after using cannabis?
General HealthClara Ke, BSN, RN
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/Immunity
Yasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
Note – Evidence and research around this topic continue to emerge and evolve. The post below is based on the best information currently available (Dec 2025). TL;DR: It is NOT safe to drive after using cannabis. Cannabis can negatively affect your ability to drive safely, even hours after use. While it’s tempting to think driving Read more…
How close are we to curing autoimmune diseases, really?
Biology/ImmunityYasmin Mohseni, PhD
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious Diseases
Those Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
Autoimmunity is when your immune system attacks your own body. Some examples of autoimmune diseases include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD, not to be confused with IBS!) Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus. There is no cure, and the only way to manage it is by trying to slow the symptoms and disease. In an exciting Read more…
Help! How can I stop the spread of a “stomach flu” caused by Norovirus?
Infectious DiseasesThose Nerdy Girls
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious Diseases
Sandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
To stop the spread of Norovirus: reach for bleach, wash your hands, don’t share, close the lid, and stay home for two full days if possible. Noroviruses are the most common cause of “stomach bug” outbreaks (vomiting, diarrhea) in older kids and adults. They strike fast and hard, and are very contagious. 2025 UPDATE: With Read more…
I keep hearing about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in some regions. What is it, and do I need to worry about it?
Infectious DiseasesSandy Laping, MSc
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a deadly illness that affects deer in some rural parts of the U.S. and Canada. There isn’t any strong evidence that CWD infects people, but if you hunt or have contact with deer, there are precautions you can take to keep yourself safe regardless. What is CWD? Chronic Wasting Disease Read more…
What is a mitochondrial disease?
Biology/Immunity General HealthRebecca Raskin-Wish
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and Misinformation
Lindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
Mitochondrial diseases are a broad category of diseases that have many different symptoms and appearances. They can be mild or severe. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but they’re also, in my opinion, the coolest part, aka organelle, of the cell. An organelle is a specialized part of the cell, including the mitochondria, Golgi Read more…
What are the hallmarks of high-quality reporting?
Uncertainty and MisinformationLindsey Leininger, PhD MA
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial Justice
We need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
Look for the ABCs of ethical journalism: Accountability; Balance; and Credibility Background: At its best, news reporting serves as an honest umpire, dispassionately calling the balls and strikes of current events.* But let’s get real: It can be hard to spot an honest ump right now. Anyone with a keyboard can become a self-styled reporter, Read more…
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism?
Infectious Diseases
Does COVID during pregnancy “cause” neurodevelopmental disorders like autism? A recent study suggests there is a possible link, but more studies are needed to know for sure. There’s been a lot in the news lately about pregnancy and risks of neurodevelopmental disorders, including recent claims that Tylenol/Paracetamol in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk Read more…
Birthing While Black: A Maternal Health Crisis
Reproductive Health Social and Racial JusticeWe need to talk about two recent cases of medical racism in maternity care. In this post you’ll learn more about what steps you can take to directly address this crisis. Last month, like so many moments in the reproductive health space, we woke up to information that has our hearts despairing. Two viral videos last month showed Read more…
