Should I be worried about coronavirus HKU-5?
COVID Variants Infectious Diseases
Andrea Harmony, NP-C, PMHS
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…
March 17, 2025
What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?
Data Literacy
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 14, 2025
What is an infodemic?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
An infodemic occurs when there is so much information that it becomes difficult to sort good information from bad. It is a tidal wave of info that can be incredibly overwhelming. That type of information overload can make it hard to make decisions, find trustworthy resources, or use information to make good choices. Infodemics are Read more…
March 13, 2025
Five years of researching, writing, and sharing trusted health info—what’s next?
Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
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…
March 13, 2025
Why am I mourning something that isn’t normally recognized as a loss?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
When we hear about someone experiencing grief, it is often about the loss of a pet, a loved one, or a long-term relationship. However, grief extends beyond these experiences – it can also stem from what never was. Grief is how we respond to loss. When loss doesn’t have a specific event or something that Read more…
March 12, 2025
It’s our 5th Nerdyversary! Check out our Origin Story!
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Jenn posted last year in 2024 about our Origin Story. Read about it here. March 2020 feels like both a million years ago and the blink of an eye. We Nerdy Girls thought we might be answering questions on here for a few weeks at the most. Despite all the stress, grief, and Read more…
March 11, 2025
What happens behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
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
March 11, 2025
Bird Flu Update – March 2025
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. This information is correct as of March 10, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT. Avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, continues to infect poultry and dairy cattle in the United States. Read more…
March 10, 2025
It’s our Nerdyversary! Five years strong!
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Last year in 2024, Nerdy Girl Sarah Coles shared her reflection on her first COVID shot and our Nerdyversary. As we celebrate our 4th #Nerdyversary, I have been reflecting on the joys and privilege of writing and working with Those Nerdy Girls. I have met many incredible women scientists and clinicians, learned a ridiculous amount, Read more…
March 8, 2025
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
March 7, 2025
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
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
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 14, 2025
What is an infodemic?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
An infodemic occurs when there is so much information that it becomes difficult to sort good information from bad. It is a tidal wave of info that can be incredibly overwhelming. That type of information overload can make it hard to make decisions, find trustworthy resources, or use information to make good choices. Infodemics are Read more…
March 13, 2025
Five years of researching, writing, and sharing trusted health info—what’s next?
Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
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…
March 13, 2025
Why am I mourning something that isn’t normally recognized as a loss?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
When we hear about someone experiencing grief, it is often about the loss of a pet, a loved one, or a long-term relationship. However, grief extends beyond these experiences – it can also stem from what never was. Grief is how we respond to loss. When loss doesn’t have a specific event or something that Read more…
March 12, 2025
It’s our 5th Nerdyversary! Check out our Origin Story!
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Jenn posted last year in 2024 about our Origin Story. Read about it here. March 2020 feels like both a million years ago and the blink of an eye. We Nerdy Girls thought we might be answering questions on here for a few weeks at the most. Despite all the stress, grief, and Read more…
March 11, 2025
What happens behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
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
March 11, 2025
Bird Flu Update – March 2025
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. This information is correct as of March 10, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT. Avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, continues to infect poultry and dairy cattle in the United States. Read more…
March 10, 2025
It’s our Nerdyversary! Five years strong!
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Last year in 2024, Nerdy Girl Sarah Coles shared her reflection on her first COVID shot and our Nerdyversary. As we celebrate our 4th #Nerdyversary, I have been reflecting on the joys and privilege of writing and working with Those Nerdy Girls. I have met many incredible women scientists and clinicians, learned a ridiculous amount, Read more…
March 8, 2025
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
March 7, 2025
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
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…
What is an infodemic?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
An infodemic occurs when there is so much information that it becomes difficult to sort good information from bad. It is a tidal wave of info that can be incredibly overwhelming. That type of information overload can make it hard to make decisions, find trustworthy resources, or use information to make good choices. Infodemics are Read more…
March 13, 2025
Five years of researching, writing, and sharing trusted health info—what’s next?
Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
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…
March 13, 2025
Why am I mourning something that isn’t normally recognized as a loss?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
When we hear about someone experiencing grief, it is often about the loss of a pet, a loved one, or a long-term relationship. However, grief extends beyond these experiences – it can also stem from what never was. Grief is how we respond to loss. When loss doesn’t have a specific event or something that Read more…
March 12, 2025
It’s our 5th Nerdyversary! Check out our Origin Story!
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Jenn posted last year in 2024 about our Origin Story. Read about it here. March 2020 feels like both a million years ago and the blink of an eye. We Nerdy Girls thought we might be answering questions on here for a few weeks at the most. Despite all the stress, grief, and Read more…
March 11, 2025
What happens behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
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
March 11, 2025
Bird Flu Update – March 2025
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. This information is correct as of March 10, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT. Avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, continues to infect poultry and dairy cattle in the United States. Read more…
March 10, 2025
It’s our Nerdyversary! Five years strong!
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Last year in 2024, Nerdy Girl Sarah Coles shared her reflection on her first COVID shot and our Nerdyversary. As we celebrate our 4th #Nerdyversary, I have been reflecting on the joys and privilege of writing and working with Those Nerdy Girls. I have met many incredible women scientists and clinicians, learned a ridiculous amount, Read more…
March 8, 2025
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
March 7, 2025
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
An infodemic occurs when there is so much information that it becomes difficult to sort good information from bad. It is a tidal wave of info that can be incredibly overwhelming. That type of information overload can make it hard to make decisions, find trustworthy resources, or use information to make good choices. Infodemics are Read more…
Five years of researching, writing, and sharing trusted health info—what’s next?
Videos
MK Haber, FNP-C, IBCLC
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…
March 13, 2025
Why am I mourning something that isn’t normally recognized as a loss?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
When we hear about someone experiencing grief, it is often about the loss of a pet, a loved one, or a long-term relationship. However, grief extends beyond these experiences – it can also stem from what never was. Grief is how we respond to loss. When loss doesn’t have a specific event or something that Read more…
March 12, 2025
It’s our 5th Nerdyversary! Check out our Origin Story!
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Jenn posted last year in 2024 about our Origin Story. Read about it here. March 2020 feels like both a million years ago and the blink of an eye. We Nerdy Girls thought we might be answering questions on here for a few weeks at the most. Despite all the stress, grief, and Read more…
March 11, 2025
What happens behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
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
March 11, 2025
Bird Flu Update – March 2025
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. This information is correct as of March 10, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT. Avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, continues to infect poultry and dairy cattle in the United States. Read more…
March 10, 2025
It’s our Nerdyversary! Five years strong!
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Last year in 2024, Nerdy Girl Sarah Coles shared her reflection on her first COVID shot and our Nerdyversary. As we celebrate our 4th #Nerdyversary, I have been reflecting on the joys and privilege of writing and working with Those Nerdy Girls. I have met many incredible women scientists and clinicians, learned a ridiculous amount, Read more…
March 8, 2025
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
March 7, 2025
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
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…
Why am I mourning something that isn’t normally recognized as a loss?
Mental Health
Kelly Valentin
When we hear about someone experiencing grief, it is often about the loss of a pet, a loved one, or a long-term relationship. However, grief extends beyond these experiences – it can also stem from what never was. Grief is how we respond to loss. When loss doesn’t have a specific event or something that Read more…
March 12, 2025
It’s our 5th Nerdyversary! Check out our Origin Story!
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Jenn posted last year in 2024 about our Origin Story. Read about it here. March 2020 feels like both a million years ago and the blink of an eye. We Nerdy Girls thought we might be answering questions on here for a few weeks at the most. Despite all the stress, grief, and Read more…
March 11, 2025
What happens behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
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
March 11, 2025
Bird Flu Update – March 2025
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. This information is correct as of March 10, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT. Avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, continues to infect poultry and dairy cattle in the United States. Read more…
March 10, 2025
It’s our Nerdyversary! Five years strong!
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Last year in 2024, Nerdy Girl Sarah Coles shared her reflection on her first COVID shot and our Nerdyversary. As we celebrate our 4th #Nerdyversary, I have been reflecting on the joys and privilege of writing and working with Those Nerdy Girls. I have met many incredible women scientists and clinicians, learned a ridiculous amount, Read more…
March 8, 2025
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
March 7, 2025
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
When we hear about someone experiencing grief, it is often about the loss of a pet, a loved one, or a long-term relationship. However, grief extends beyond these experiences – it can also stem from what never was. Grief is how we respond to loss. When loss doesn’t have a specific event or something that Read more…
It’s our 5th Nerdyversary! Check out our Origin Story!
Uncategorized
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Nerdy Girl Jenn posted last year in 2024 about our Origin Story. Read about it here. March 2020 feels like both a million years ago and the blink of an eye. We Nerdy Girls thought we might be answering questions on here for a few weeks at the most. Despite all the stress, grief, and Read more…
March 11, 2025
What happens behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
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
March 11, 2025
Bird Flu Update – March 2025
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. This information is correct as of March 10, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT. Avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, continues to infect poultry and dairy cattle in the United States. Read more…
March 10, 2025
It’s our Nerdyversary! Five years strong!
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Last year in 2024, Nerdy Girl Sarah Coles shared her reflection on her first COVID shot and our Nerdyversary. As we celebrate our 4th #Nerdyversary, I have been reflecting on the joys and privilege of writing and working with Those Nerdy Girls. I have met many incredible women scientists and clinicians, learned a ridiculous amount, Read more…
March 8, 2025
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
March 7, 2025
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
Nerdy Girl Jenn posted last year in 2024 about our Origin Story. Read about it here. March 2020 feels like both a million years ago and the blink of an eye. We Nerdy Girls thought we might be answering questions on here for a few weeks at the most. Despite all the stress, grief, and Read more…
What happens behind the scenes at Those Nerdy Girls?
Videos
Those Nerdy Girls
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
March 11, 2025
Bird Flu Update – March 2025
Infectious Diseases Staying Safe
Although dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. This information is correct as of March 10, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT. Avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, continues to infect poultry and dairy cattle in the United States. Read more…
March 10, 2025
It’s our Nerdyversary! Five years strong!
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Last year in 2024, Nerdy Girl Sarah Coles shared her reflection on her first COVID shot and our Nerdyversary. As we celebrate our 4th #Nerdyversary, I have been reflecting on the joys and privilege of writing and working with Those Nerdy Girls. I have met many incredible women scientists and clinicians, learned a ridiculous amount, Read more…
March 8, 2025
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
March 7, 2025
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
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
Bird Flu Update – March 2025
Infectious Diseases Staying SafeAlthough dairy cattle and poultry continue to get infected and there are several more human cases, the risk to the general public is still low. This information is correct as of March 10, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT. Avian influenza, more commonly called bird flu, continues to infect poultry and dairy cattle in the United States. Read more…
It’s our Nerdyversary! Five years strong!
Uncategorized
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Last year in 2024, Nerdy Girl Sarah Coles shared her reflection on her first COVID shot and our Nerdyversary. As we celebrate our 4th #Nerdyversary, I have been reflecting on the joys and privilege of writing and working with Those Nerdy Girls. I have met many incredible women scientists and clinicians, learned a ridiculous amount, Read more…
March 8, 2025
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
March 7, 2025
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
Last year in 2024, Nerdy Girl Sarah Coles shared her reflection on her first COVID shot and our Nerdyversary. As we celebrate our 4th #Nerdyversary, I have been reflecting on the joys and privilege of writing and working with Those Nerdy Girls. I have met many incredible women scientists and clinicians, learned a ridiculous amount, Read more…
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day.
Social and Racial Justice
Those Nerdy Girls
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
March 7, 2025
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
Those Nerdy Girls are celebrating International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This day also provides a call to action for accelerating gender equality. Here are some ways you can join in and celebrate International Women’s Day: 1.) Donate Read more…
What is the ACIP and why does it matter?
Health Policy Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
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…
March 6, 2025
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
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…
Is a 2nd COVID 2024-2025 vaccination recommended for me?
Infectious Diseases Vaccines
Gretchen Peterson, Chief Operations Officer
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
March 5, 2025
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
This 69-year-old Nerdy Girl and her husband just received their second vaccine ahead of an upcoming international trip. If you are 65 years and older or 6 months and older and moderately or severely immunocompromised, the CDC recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine. Here’s what to know: For those 65 years and Read more…
What is the CDC, and what does it do?
General Health
Those Nerdy Girls
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…
March 4, 2025
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…
March 3, 2025
What is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
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 DiseasesThe 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 is the framing effect?
Data Literacy Uncertainty and Misinformation
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
February 28, 2025
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
Tl;dr: The framing effect is a cognitive bias in which our choices are more influenced by how information is presented than the information itself. We can overcome the framing effect by purposefully rephrasing information to reflect both positive and negative aspects of the choice, separating the information from the razzle dazzle, and gathering as much Read more…
Are clinicians prone to social pressure when making treatment decisions?
Mental Health
Sara Gorman, PhD, MPH
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
February 27, 2025
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
Clinicians are humans, too, and they are prone to social pressure just like the rest of us. Let’s explore a few interesting case examples of this to get a flavor of what might be at play here. In 2016, some researchers published a paper looking at ways to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by clinicians in primary care Read more…
What’s up with NAD+ supplements?
General Health
Rebecca Raskin-Wish
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…
February 25, 2025
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
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…
Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender? !
Reproductive Health
Alexandra Hall, MD
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
February 24, 2025
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…
February 21, 2025
What is tuberculosis, and why am I hearing about it so often in the news right now?
Infectious Diseases
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
Q: Ok, just what IS the difference between sex and gender?! A: To answer this question we need to discuss three different things: 1️⃣ Biological sex (body characteristics), 2️⃣ Gender expression (how we communicate our gender to the world), and 3️⃣ Gender identity (our sense of self). 1️⃣ Biological sex refers to the different types Read more…
Black History Month: Honoring Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire
Vaccines Women in STEMDuring 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
Elisabeth Adkins Marnik, PhD
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…
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…