Alicia Ault
@aliciaault.bsky.social
Independent journalist for Medscape, Smithsonian, covering all things health and science. Consumer and chronicler of food, music, art and culture. More-than-mediocre tennis player. Beach yogi.
2 "random DOGE bros" w/ no knowledge or experience in humanities terminated NEH grants by asking ChatGPT “yo, tell me this is DEI” and then sending termination emails the next day from a private server and forging the director’s signature.
#culture #politics #art #history
#culture #politics #art #history
DOGE Bro’s Grant Review Process Was Literally Just Asking ChatGPT ‘Is This DEI?’
Federal grants that had been approved after a full application and review process were terminated by some random inexperienced DOGE bros based on whether ChatGPT could explain—in under 120 characte…
www.techdirt.com
February 19, 2026 at 11:28 PM
Reposted by Alicia Ault
Wow. I wonder what she’ll “discover.” What might she possibly end up concluding? It’s such a mystery.
In first speech to her FDA staff, Høeg says she’ll scrutinize RSV shots and SSRIs in pregnancy www.statnews.com/2026/02/19/t...
In first speech to her FDA staff, Høeg says she’ll scrutinize RSV shots and SSRIs in pregnancy
The top drug regulator at the FDA told staff she plans to question the safety of taking SSRIs in pregnancy and of RSV shots given to infants.
www.statnews.com
February 19, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Wow. I wonder what she’ll “discover.” What might she possibly end up concluding? It’s such a mystery.
This is so awesomely excellent--gifted to all of you. Apologies for the photo.
"make sure you are wearing a leather business belt. If you are going to ride an exercise bike in a sauna, it is very important you wear a leather business-type of belt with your jeans."
#Medsky #healthpolicy #politics
"make sure you are wearing a leather business belt. If you are going to ride an exercise bike in a sauna, it is very important you wear a leather business-type of belt with your jeans."
#Medsky #healthpolicy #politics
Column | Kid Rock and RFK Jr. attempt to bench-press the establishment
Decoding the super-manly workout video featuring Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Kid Rock.
wapo.st
February 19, 2026 at 7:13 PM
This is so awesomely excellent--gifted to all of you. Apologies for the photo.
"make sure you are wearing a leather business belt. If you are going to ride an exercise bike in a sauna, it is very important you wear a leather business-type of belt with your jeans."
#Medsky #healthpolicy #politics
"make sure you are wearing a leather business belt. If you are going to ride an exercise bike in a sauna, it is very important you wear a leather business-type of belt with your jeans."
#Medsky #healthpolicy #politics
In addition to emotional distress to the family and child, think of the economic costs. Hospitalization and treatment; the father's lost work time; potential for months or years of rehab for the child, or lifelong disability.
Multiply this times thousands going forward.
#measles #Medsky #IDsky
Multiply this times thousands going forward.
#measles #Medsky #IDsky
IN FOCUS | Mom of 7-year-old hospitalized with brain swelling from measles: ‘I still wouldn’t have given my son the vaccine’
Mom whose 7-year-old has brain swelling from measles still wouldn’t vaccinate
EXCLUSIVE: South Carolina parents living in the state’s measles epicenter tell Rhian Lubin of their devastation after their unvaccinated 7-year-old son, Ethan, developed encephalitis, a complication from the virus that causes swelling and inflammation in the brain
trib.al
February 19, 2026 at 6:48 PM
Reposted by Alicia Ault
WaPo: "After leaving WHO, Trump officials propose more expensive replacement to duplicate it"
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
a man wearing a denim jacket and a shirt that says ' den ' on it
ALT: a man wearing a denim jacket and a shirt that says ' den ' on it
media.tenor.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:45 PM
WaPo: "After leaving WHO, Trump officials propose more expensive replacement to duplicate it"
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/...
Meanwhile, a story I wrote for @medscape.com: CA, IL, NY, WI and NYC are joining WHO's GOARN.
w/thoughts from @drdebhoury.bsky.social @drdemetre.bsky.social and Ian Lipkin of Columbia's Center for Infection & Immunity
#IDsky #surveillance #epidemiology #outbreaks #healthpolicy #pandemic #immunity
w/thoughts from @drdebhoury.bsky.social @drdemetre.bsky.social and Ian Lipkin of Columbia's Center for Infection & Immunity
#IDsky #surveillance #epidemiology #outbreaks #healthpolicy #pandemic #immunity
February 19, 2026 at 6:33 PM
Meanwhile, a story I wrote for @medscape.com: CA, IL, NY, WI and NYC are joining WHO's GOARN.
w/thoughts from @drdebhoury.bsky.social @drdemetre.bsky.social and Ian Lipkin of Columbia's Center for Infection & Immunity
#IDsky #surveillance #epidemiology #outbreaks #healthpolicy #pandemic #immunity
w/thoughts from @drdebhoury.bsky.social @drdemetre.bsky.social and Ian Lipkin of Columbia's Center for Infection & Immunity
#IDsky #surveillance #epidemiology #outbreaks #healthpolicy #pandemic #immunity
US to spend billions to re-create labs, data-sharing networks and rapid-response systems that America abandoned when it withdrew from WHO and dismantled USAID.
#Medsky #healthpolicy #IDsky #Episky #surveillance #pandemic
#Medsky #healthpolicy #IDsky #Episky #surveillance #pandemic
After leaving WHO, Trump officials propose more expensive replacement to duplicate it
HHS proposes spending $2 billion a year to re-create systems the U.S. accessed through the WHO at a fraction of the cost, according to officials briefed on the matter.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 19, 2026 at 4:37 PM
US to spend billions to re-create labs, data-sharing networks and rapid-response systems that America abandoned when it withdrew from WHO and dismantled USAID.
#Medsky #healthpolicy #IDsky #Episky #surveillance #pandemic
#Medsky #healthpolicy #IDsky #Episky #surveillance #pandemic
Reposted by Alicia Ault
Don't believe me on the minimal impact of Trump's efforts to lower drug pricing? Listen to his Medicare & Medicaid chief...
On MFN:
"[Oz] noted that much of the initiative applies to Medicaid, where "prices are lower anyway, so it's less hurtful; the sector did OK, we believe."
On MFN:
"[Oz] noted that much of the initiative applies to Medicaid, where "prices are lower anyway, so it's less hurtful; the sector did OK, we believe."
Trump officials try to make peace with pharma
Drug companies have been frustrated navigating President Trump's pricing initiatives and a turbulent FDA.
www.axios.com
February 18, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Don't believe me on the minimal impact of Trump's efforts to lower drug pricing? Listen to his Medicare & Medicaid chief...
On MFN:
"[Oz] noted that much of the initiative applies to Medicaid, where "prices are lower anyway, so it's less hurtful; the sector did OK, we believe."
On MFN:
"[Oz] noted that much of the initiative applies to Medicaid, where "prices are lower anyway, so it's less hurtful; the sector did OK, we believe."
Measles may catch fire post-Spring Break in Tennessee. Both South Carolina and Tennessee are below the 95% CDC-recommended herd immunity level for measles.
via @knoxvillenews.bsky.social
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines #pediatrics #immunizations
via @knoxvillenews.bsky.social
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines #pediatrics #immunizations
Doctors worried measles will 'spread like wildfire' after spring break
Doctors are worried measles will “spread like wildfire” if those who are unvaccinated are exposed. Tennessee's immunity level falls short of the goal.
www.knoxnews.com
February 18, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Measles may catch fire post-Spring Break in Tennessee. Both South Carolina and Tennessee are below the 95% CDC-recommended herd immunity level for measles.
via @knoxvillenews.bsky.social
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines #pediatrics #immunizations
via @knoxvillenews.bsky.social
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines #pediatrics #immunizations
Maybe somebody at Blackstone put a bug in the White House's ear.
#mRNA #vaccines #flu #influenza #IDsky #Medsky #pediatrics #geriatrics
#mRNA #vaccines #flu #influenza #IDsky #Medsky #pediatrics #geriatrics
F.D.A. Reverses Decision and Agrees to Review Moderna’s Flu Vaccine
www.nytimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Maybe somebody at Blackstone put a bug in the White House's ear.
#mRNA #vaccines #flu #influenza #IDsky #Medsky #pediatrics #geriatrics
#mRNA #vaccines #flu #influenza #IDsky #Medsky #pediatrics #geriatrics
Promises promises. RFK never had any intention of following through on these theoretical promises.
#Medsky #IDsky #healthpolicy #politics #vaccines #measles
#Medsky #IDsky #healthpolicy #politics #vaccines #measles
RFK Jr. Made Promises in Order To Become Health Secretary. He’s Broken Many of Them. - KFF Health News
Before being confirmed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told U.S. senators he would not cut funding for vaccine research or change the nation’s official vacci...
kffhealthnews.org
February 14, 2026 at 10:52 PM
A sad outing for DMV area skater Ilia Malinin in the men's free skate at #MilanCortina. Too many mistakes. He didn't even medal. "I blew it," he just said in live interview.
#Olympics #figureskating #skating #WinterOlympics
#Olympics #figureskating #skating #WinterOlympics
February 13, 2026 at 10:02 PM
A sad outing for DMV area skater Ilia Malinin in the men's free skate at #MilanCortina. Too many mistakes. He didn't even medal. "I blew it," he just said in live interview.
#Olympics #figureskating #skating #WinterOlympics
#Olympics #figureskating #skating #WinterOlympics
ICYMI: My story for @medscape.com on the AMA and CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project joining to step into the gap created by ACIP.
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines
AMA and VIP to Review Vaccine Evidence
The two organizations say they are doing what CDC’s ACIP has failed to do.
www.medscape.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:39 PM
ICYMI: My story for @medscape.com on the AMA and CIDRAP's Vaccine Integrity Project joining to step into the gap created by ACIP.
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines
Many internal complaints at FDA about Prasad, incl “sexual harassment, retaliation against subordinates and verbally berating staff." He continues to live in SF Bay area and commutes to work in MD every 2 weeks, costing taxpayers $65K per year.
How long until he's gone again?
#Medsky
How long until he's gone again?
#Medsky
FDA’s Prasad Weathers Personal Controversy, Internal Strife Amid Moderna Imbroglio
Vinay Prasad, the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research head, is accused of interpersonal impropriety as pushback builds against his decision to reject Moderna’s influenza vaccine candida...
www.biospace.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Many internal complaints at FDA about Prasad, incl “sexual harassment, retaliation against subordinates and verbally berating staff." He continues to live in SF Bay area and commutes to work in MD every 2 weeks, costing taxpayers $65K per year.
How long until he's gone again?
#Medsky
How long until he's gone again?
#Medsky
@reuters.com story is behind a paywall, but you get the drift.
So disheartening. No government figure should need heavy-duty security. But also, Russell Vought should not get to plunder money that was used to save lives around the world to save his own hide.
So disheartening. No government figure should need heavy-duty security. But also, Russell Vought should not get to plunder money that was used to save lives around the world to save his own hide.
February 13, 2026 at 6:46 PM
@reuters.com story is behind a paywall, but you get the drift.
So disheartening. No government figure should need heavy-duty security. But also, Russell Vought should not get to plunder money that was used to save lives around the world to save his own hide.
So disheartening. No government figure should need heavy-duty security. But also, Russell Vought should not get to plunder money that was used to save lives around the world to save his own hide.
Reposted by Alicia Ault
In terms of what cures are being lost:
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
February 13, 2026 at 5:44 AM
In terms of what cures are being lost:
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
Meanwhile, @washingtonpost.com @ddiamond.bsky.social reporting that O'Neill is now out.
Who is going to lead CDC????
#Medsky #publichealth #healthpolicy #infectiousdisease #politics #healthlaw
Who is going to lead CDC????
#Medsky #publichealth #healthpolicy #infectiousdisease #politics #healthlaw
February 13, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Meanwhile, @washingtonpost.com @ddiamond.bsky.social reporting that O'Neill is now out.
Who is going to lead CDC????
#Medsky #publichealth #healthpolicy #infectiousdisease #politics #healthlaw
Who is going to lead CDC????
#Medsky #publichealth #healthpolicy #infectiousdisease #politics #healthlaw
But we do know that he used to snort cocaine from toilet seats.
Hats off to Mike Stobbe/AP for this round-up, which includes no disclosures of conflicts by ACIP members.
#Medsky #transparency #HHS #healthpolicy #EpiSky #publichealth
Hats off to Mike Stobbe/AP for this round-up, which includes no disclosures of conflicts by ACIP members.
#Medsky #transparency #HHS #healthpolicy #EpiSky #publichealth
RFK Jr. pledged more transparency. Here's what the public doesn't know anymore
Health experts say the federal government now shares less public health data, even after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised “radical transparency.”
apnews.com
February 13, 2026 at 2:24 PM
But we do know that he used to snort cocaine from toilet seats.
Hats off to Mike Stobbe/AP for this round-up, which includes no disclosures of conflicts by ACIP members.
#Medsky #transparency #HHS #healthpolicy #EpiSky #publichealth
Hats off to Mike Stobbe/AP for this round-up, which includes no disclosures of conflicts by ACIP members.
#Medsky #transparency #HHS #healthpolicy #EpiSky #publichealth
Given the dearth of communications from HHS or CDC on the expanding measles cases in the US, AAP urges RFK to speak out.
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines #MMR #EpiSky #publichealth #familymedicine #pediatrics
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines #MMR #EpiSky #publichealth #familymedicine #pediatrics
AAP calls on Kennedy to promote measles vaccines, support outbreak areas
There already have been 733 confirmed measles cases in 2026 but the nation’s top health official has not made a strong push to families to get vaccinated.
publications.aap.org
February 13, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Given the dearth of communications from HHS or CDC on the expanding measles cases in the US, AAP urges RFK to speak out.
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines #MMR #EpiSky #publichealth #familymedicine #pediatrics
#Medsky #IDsky #vaccines #MMR #EpiSky #publichealth #familymedicine #pediatrics
Sen Cassidy questioning the single-source monopoly company running the 340B drug program.
How did DOGE overlook this opportunity to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse?
#Medsky #oncology #cancer #pharma #biotech #drugcosts #healthpolicy
How did DOGE overlook this opportunity to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse?
#Medsky #oncology #cancer #pharma #biotech #drugcosts #healthpolicy
Senate Questions Health Care Firm for Profiting Off Program Meant for Poor
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:09 PM
Sen Cassidy questioning the single-source monopoly company running the 340B drug program.
How did DOGE overlook this opportunity to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse?
#Medsky #oncology #cancer #pharma #biotech #drugcosts #healthpolicy
How did DOGE overlook this opportunity to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse?
#Medsky #oncology #cancer #pharma #biotech #drugcosts #healthpolicy
Reposted by Alicia Ault
@ewidera.bsky.social, MD just published in JAMA Internal Medicine: "Importance of Function for Alzheimer Diagnosis and Management—More Than Memory". #geriatrics #HPM #palliativemedicine #ucsf
Read more here: tiny.ucsf.edu/B6anHu
Read more here: tiny.ucsf.edu/B6anHu
New JAMA Internal Medicine Editorial by Eric Widera, MD | Geriatrics
Eric Widera, MD published an editorial in JAMA Internal Medicine highlighting why the push to adopt blood biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease should not replace the essential role of primary care. He…
tiny.ucsf.edu
February 10, 2026 at 6:28 PM
@ewidera.bsky.social, MD just published in JAMA Internal Medicine: "Importance of Function for Alzheimer Diagnosis and Management—More Than Memory". #geriatrics #HPM #palliativemedicine #ucsf
Read more here: tiny.ucsf.edu/B6anHu
Read more here: tiny.ucsf.edu/B6anHu
Per an ex-CDC source: Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill has not been to agency's Atlanta HQ since he was appointed in August. That's going on 6 months.
O'Neill's temporary slot expires end of March, per govt rules.
Will a new director be named?
#politics #healthpolicy #healthlaw #Medsky
O'Neill's temporary slot expires end of March, per govt rules.
Will a new director be named?
#politics #healthpolicy #healthlaw #Medsky
February 11, 2026 at 3:42 PM
Per an ex-CDC source: Acting CDC Director Jim O'Neill has not been to agency's Atlanta HQ since he was appointed in August. That's going on 6 months.
O'Neill's temporary slot expires end of March, per govt rules.
Will a new director be named?
#politics #healthpolicy #healthlaw #Medsky
O'Neill's temporary slot expires end of March, per govt rules.
Will a new director be named?
#politics #healthpolicy #healthlaw #Medsky
Since August, Florida has spent $405 mill in its anti-immigration push. $92 mill for porta-potties. Thousands in dining, including at Pedro's Tacos and Tequila Bar, Kyoto Japanese Cuisine, and Korean BBQ.
Who brought that cuisine to America?
via @floridaphoenix.com @statesnewsroom.com
Who brought that cuisine to America?
via @floridaphoenix.com @statesnewsroom.com
Florida emergency agency ran up $405 million immigration tab in six months
Florida's emergency managers spent more than $405 million in taxpayer dollars in six months to fight illegal immigration, but that doesn't just include law enforcement, state spending records show: It...
www.wusf.org
February 11, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Since August, Florida has spent $405 mill in its anti-immigration push. $92 mill for porta-potties. Thousands in dining, including at Pedro's Tacos and Tequila Bar, Kyoto Japanese Cuisine, and Korean BBQ.
Who brought that cuisine to America?
via @floridaphoenix.com @statesnewsroom.com
Who brought that cuisine to America?
via @floridaphoenix.com @statesnewsroom.com
70% said they will follow AAP, or AAFP guidance, not CDC. Two-thirds very concerned there could be new disease outbreaks.
via @medscape.com
#Medsky #IDsky #publichealth #pediatrics #vaccines #ACIP #immunization #familymedicine
via @medscape.com
#Medsky #IDsky #publichealth #pediatrics #vaccines #ACIP #immunization #familymedicine
Medscape Poll Finds Wide Opposition to Federal Vax Recs
Most clinicians said they would stick with guidance from major medical groups, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics.
www.medscape.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:28 AM
70% said they will follow AAP, or AAFP guidance, not CDC. Two-thirds very concerned there could be new disease outbreaks.
via @medscape.com
#Medsky #IDsky #publichealth #pediatrics #vaccines #ACIP #immunization #familymedicine
via @medscape.com
#Medsky #IDsky #publichealth #pediatrics #vaccines #ACIP #immunization #familymedicine
Reposted by Alicia Ault
I've drafted a dozen responses and each one fails to capture the full breath of all the ways the FDA bad-faith posture is so deeply corrosive.
It is absolutely outrageous that Moderna’s flu vaccine was met with a “refusal-to-file” even after their approved their protocol with FDA and carried out the trial as agreed. This vaccine works better in older adults than the current flu vaccines.
apnews.com/article/mode...
apnews.com/article/mode...
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna’s application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology.
apnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:32 AM
I've drafted a dozen responses and each one fails to capture the full breath of all the ways the FDA bad-faith posture is so deeply corrosive.