Posts from Those Nerdy Girls

All the posts from our Those Nerdy Girls Facebook page dating back to May 1st, 2020, are currently archived here and can be searched for by category, key words, etc. Be sure to check back often as additional posts are being added each day.

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Should I be worried about coronavirus HKU-5?

COVID Variants Infectious Diseases

HKU5 coronavirus is unlikely to lead to a pandemic, but to prevent future coronavirus pandemics it is important to support scientific research, emerging disease surveillance, and vaccine and medication development. Main points: HKU5-CoV-2 did not infect laboratory cells under controlled conditions as well as the virus that causes COVID-19 Current antivirals and monoclonal antibodies inhibited Read more…

What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?

Data Literacy

Tl;dr: The Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when someone’s lack of knowledge or skill in a certain area causes them to overestimate their own ability. It also causes people who are the most competent to think less of their skill. Self-reflection, objective measures of performance, and getting meaningful feedback can help keep you from falling victim to Read more…

Five years of researching, writing, and sharing trusted health info—what’s next?

Videos

This week, we’ve been celebrating 5 years of trusted, science-backed health information—and today, we’re looking ahead.  Watch our Executive Director, MK Haber, on what’s next for Those Nerdy Girls. Now and in the future, you can count on Those Nerdy Girls to: Educate, not commentate—always rooted in the best available science  Provide actionable steps to Read more…

What happens behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls?

Videos

What happens behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls? For 5 years, Those Nerdy Girls has been your trusted source for clear, science-backed health information. But to keep going, we need you. 🎥 Meet our Production Team and see what goes on behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls! Link to Original Facebook Post

What is the ACIP and why does it matter?

Health Policy Vaccines

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a federal advisory committee that develops recommendations for vaccination in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bases their recommendations for adult and childhood vaccines on the ACIP recommendations. In the last few weeks, you may have seen some headlines and social media Read more…

What is the CDC, and what does it do?

General Health

The CDC is part of the U.S. government that helps protect human health and prevent disease. Their primary role is to gather health data, analyze it, and offer recommendations and public health support. ➡️ What is the CDC? Nearly 80 years ago the CDC was started to help stop the spread of malaria. At that Read more…

What is happening with the measles outbreak in Texas?

Hot Health Topics Infectious Diseases

The measles outbreak in West Texas is still ongoing and cases are mainly in unvaccinated children. Vaccination against measles is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. This information is correct as of Feb 28, 2025. Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It is a vaccine-preventable childhood disease. Read more…

What’s up with NAD+ supplements?

General Health

NAD+ is heralded by celebrities as the fountain of youth, but there’s no solid evidence to back that up.Though NAD+ shows some early promising benefits in animal studies and some human trials, there isn’t really enough data yet. TL;DR: NAD+ has some promising research but we honestly don’t have any solid scientific data to support Read more…

Black History Month: Honoring Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire

Vaccines Women in STEM

During Black History Month (and every day!), we celebrate Dr. Kizzmekia “Kizzy” Corbett-Helaire, a Nerdy Girl hero who developed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine continues to save countless lives around the world every day. She is also passionate about health equity, effective science communication, and encouraging young Black women to pursue the study of Read more…

What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?

Infectious Diseases

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Right now it has made headlines due to an active outbreak occurring in Kansas. The risk to the public remains low at this time, but continue reading to learn more about symptoms, prevention, and treatment. You may have seen the headlines about Tuberculosis (TB) Read more…