Brian Helsel
@bchelsel.bsky.social
Christ follower, husband, father, Assistant Professor, #RStats developer, & physical activity epidemiologist focusing on Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.
Counting as high as you can in 10 seconds:
Me: 41
R: 1,152,791
C++: 448,971,124
Same task. Very different speeds. Programming is fun. #RStats
Me: 41
R: 1,152,791
C++: 448,971,124
Same task. Very different speeds. Programming is fun. #RStats
February 5, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Counting as high as you can in 10 seconds:
Me: 41
R: 1,152,791
C++: 448,971,124
Same task. Very different speeds. Programming is fun. #RStats
Me: 41
R: 1,152,791
C++: 448,971,124
Same task. Very different speeds. Programming is fun. #RStats
Reposted by Brian Helsel
I’ve just published {typeR}, a small R package that lets you simulate live typing. It prints code
To install:
devtools::install_github("fgazzelloni/typeR")
If you teach or demo R, I’d love your feedback on how it works for you. #rstats #rpackages
To install:
devtools::install_github("fgazzelloni/typeR")
If you teach or demo R, I’d love your feedback on how it works for you. #rstats #rpackages
January 20, 2026 at 6:32 PM
I’ve just published {typeR}, a small R package that lets you simulate live typing. It prints code
To install:
devtools::install_github("fgazzelloni/typeR")
If you teach or demo R, I’d love your feedback on how it works for you. #rstats #rpackages
To install:
devtools::install_github("fgazzelloni/typeR")
If you teach or demo R, I’d love your feedback on how it works for you. #rstats #rpackages
Reposted by Brian Helsel
# tweak to avoid running both branches
`%?%` <- function(test, yes) {
t <- function() test
y <- function() yes
list(test = t, yes = y)
}
`%:%` <- function(lhs, no) {
if (lhs$t()) lhs$y() else no
}
if (TRUE) 1 else 0
if (FALSE) stop() else 0
TRUE %?% 1 %:% stop()
FALSE %?% stop() %:% 0
`%?%` <- function(test, yes) {
t <- function() test
y <- function() yes
list(test = t, yes = y)
}
`%:%` <- function(lhs, no) {
if (lhs$t()) lhs$y() else no
}
if (TRUE) 1 else 0
if (FALSE) stop() else 0
TRUE %?% 1 %:% stop()
FALSE %?% stop() %:% 0
R is a flexible programming language. You can even shape function syntax to resemble other languages. Here is an example of a ternary style operator with infix functions—the same logic as ifelse. Is this something you need? Probably not. But it is fun to explore these ideas within your code. #RStats
February 3, 2026 at 3:44 PM
# tweak to avoid running both branches
`%?%` <- function(test, yes) {
t <- function() test
y <- function() yes
list(test = t, yes = y)
}
`%:%` <- function(lhs, no) {
if (lhs$t()) lhs$y() else no
}
if (TRUE) 1 else 0
if (FALSE) stop() else 0
TRUE %?% 1 %:% stop()
FALSE %?% stop() %:% 0
`%?%` <- function(test, yes) {
t <- function() test
y <- function() yes
list(test = t, yes = y)
}
`%:%` <- function(lhs, no) {
if (lhs$t()) lhs$y() else no
}
if (TRUE) 1 else 0
if (FALSE) stop() else 0
TRUE %?% 1 %:% stop()
FALSE %?% stop() %:% 0
R is a flexible programming language. You can even shape function syntax to resemble other languages. Here is an example of a ternary style operator with infix functions—the same logic as ifelse. Is this something you need? Probably not. But it is fun to explore these ideas within your code. #RStats
February 3, 2026 at 3:48 AM
R is a flexible programming language. You can even shape function syntax to resemble other languages. Here is an example of a ternary style operator with infix functions—the same logic as ifelse. Is this something you need? Probably not. But it is fun to explore these ideas within your code. #RStats
One of my favorite parts of R is that there are many paths to the same result. A simple task can be written with a for loop, the apply family, purrr, vectorized base R, or even Rcpp. The real skill isn’t memorizing syntax—it’s knowing when to choose each option. #RStats
January 31, 2026 at 10:10 PM
One of my favorite parts of R is that there are many paths to the same result. A simple task can be written with a for loop, the apply family, purrr, vectorized base R, or even Rcpp. The real skill isn’t memorizing syntax—it’s knowing when to choose each option. #RStats
Reposted by Brian Helsel
I am always amazed by the amount of useful tools that R can provide. Truly a multipurpose programming language!
#RStats
#RStats
Took me way too long to realize that its super easy to just merge pdfs in R rather than fussing with Adobe #rstats
library(pdftools)
pdf_combine(
input = c("file1.pdf", "file2.pdf"),
output = "merged.pdf"
)
library(pdftools)
pdf_combine(
input = c("file1.pdf", "file2.pdf"),
output = "merged.pdf"
)
January 31, 2026 at 3:01 PM
I am always amazed by the amount of useful tools that R can provide. Truly a multipurpose programming language!
#RStats
#RStats
I’ve been experimenting with tidyverse and the idea of an interactive console for data exploration. This would let you quickly explore, filter, and summarize data without writing code. The idea is to support a fast, conversational-style data workflow, especially useful for early exploration. #RStats
January 30, 2026 at 11:27 PM
I’ve been experimenting with tidyverse and the idea of an interactive console for data exploration. This would let you quickly explore, filter, and summarize data without writing code. The idea is to support a fast, conversational-style data workflow, especially useful for early exploration. #RStats
Reposted by Brian Helsel
January 24, 2026 at 7:43 PM
I found that I was rewriting the same R function to read in data for a research study. A function factory returns a function and allows you to reuse logic, creating consistent readers that still allow custom processing. Less duplication, clearer intent, and much easier to extend. #rstats
January 18, 2026 at 10:52 PM
I found that I was rewriting the same R function to read in data for a research study. A function factory returns a function and allows you to reuse logic, creating consistent readers that still allow custom processing. Less duplication, clearer intent, and much easier to extend. #rstats
Reposted by Brian Helsel
Last 2025 post, on @python.org & @carpentries.carpentries.org values, a great @posit.co conf session feat @mchow.com @richmeister.bsky.social @davisvaughan.bsky.social, the magic of #rstats #python dev cultures sharing best practices, and random #rstats history
www.emilyriederer.com/post/py-rgo-...
www.emilyriederer.com/post/py-rgo-...
R + Python: From polyglot to crosspolination | Emily Riederer
A combined reflection on 2025, posit::conf(2025), and the necessity of diversity in open source
www.emilyriederer.com
December 30, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Last 2025 post, on @python.org & @carpentries.carpentries.org values, a great @posit.co conf session feat @mchow.com @richmeister.bsky.social @davisvaughan.bsky.social, the magic of #rstats #python dev cultures sharing best practices, and random #rstats history
www.emilyriederer.com/post/py-rgo-...
www.emilyriederer.com/post/py-rgo-...
Reposted by Brian Helsel
We're hiring @umkines.bsky.social - two open searches for new faculty with expertise in the Social and Behavioral Science of Physical Activity (one open-rank tenure-line, one academic clinical asst/assoc). Details at myumi.ch/A1DDM
myumi.ch
November 24, 2025 at 6:54 PM
We're hiring @umkines.bsky.social - two open searches for new faculty with expertise in the Social and Behavioral Science of Physical Activity (one open-rank tenure-line, one academic clinical asst/assoc). Details at myumi.ch/A1DDM
Truly a unique and innovative position! I don’t think I’ve seen a Data Science & AI focus within a Kinesiology program but it will be interesting to read the research that results from these hires.
Join an emerging national center of excellence in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence in Kinesiology at a great university. @umkines.bsky.social has multiple open-rank faculty positions available. Join us in using advanced technology to challenge the idle state! Details at myumi.ch/8qnnD
myumi.ch
November 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Truly a unique and innovative position! I don’t think I’ve seen a Data Science & AI focus within a Kinesiology program but it will be interesting to read the research that results from these hires.
I’m always amazed by what you can do with maps in R. They’re not part of my everyday workflow, but I’ve started learning more and want to dive deeper.
Visualizing US electric power transmission lines for Day 26 of #30DayMapChallenge: Transport
A few mapgl tips in this one:
- To achieve a "glow effect" for the lines, first add a blurred line using the `line_blur` parameter then add the same layer over it as an opaque line
A few mapgl tips in this one:
- To achieve a "glow effect" for the lines, first add a blurred line using the `line_blur` parameter then add the same layer over it as an opaque line
November 26, 2025 at 4:33 PM
I’m always amazed by what you can do with maps in R. They’re not part of my everyday workflow, but I’ve started learning more and want to dive deeper.
Dr. Amy Bodde, PhD, MPH and I were recently awarded the Frontiers CTSI Integrating Special Populations Trailblazer Award to support our team’s work with the Community Health Improvement Program for Intellectual Disabilities (CHIP-ID). Through this project, we will translate evidence from clinical…
October 16, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Dr. Amy Bodde, PhD, MPH and I were recently awarded the Frontiers CTSI Integrating Special Populations Trailblazer Award to support our team’s work with the Community Health Improvement Program for Intellectual Disabilities (CHIP-ID). Through this project, we will translate evidence from clinical…
I enjoyed presenting at the 2025 annual meeting for the National Down Syndrome Congress this year. The energy and excitement at this conference is unmatched! Presenting for families and self-advocates was an honor.
July 27, 2025 at 3:36 AM
I enjoyed presenting at the 2025 annual meeting for the National Down Syndrome Congress this year. The energy and excitement at this conference is unmatched! Presenting for families and self-advocates was an honor.
New research published in the past month by team on physical activity, Alzheimer's, and Down syndrome:
1. A 12-month remote group exercise trial increased physical activity and fitness and showed promise for Alzheimer’s prevention in adults with Down syndrome. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40520478/
1. A 12-month remote group exercise trial increased physical activity and fitness and showed promise for Alzheimer’s prevention in adults with Down syndrome. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40520478/
June 30, 2025 at 11:21 AM
New research published in the past month by team on physical activity, Alzheimer's, and Down syndrome:
1. A 12-month remote group exercise trial increased physical activity and fitness and showed promise for Alzheimer’s prevention in adults with Down syndrome. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40520478/
1. A 12-month remote group exercise trial increased physical activity and fitness and showed promise for Alzheimer’s prevention in adults with Down syndrome. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40520478/
New pubication! Resting metabolic rate (RMR) equations often overestimate energy needs in adults with #DownSyndrome. Our study found that most equations over-predicted RMR, except the Bernstein fat-free mass equation, which showed statistical equivalency.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
A Comparison of Commonly Used Prediction Equations for Estimating Resting Metabolic Rate in Adults With Down Syndrome
Background
Resting metabolic rate (RMR), the energy required by the body at rest, is the largest part of total daily energy expenditure. Commonly used prediction equations may overestimate RMR in ad.....
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
February 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
New pubication! Resting metabolic rate (RMR) equations often overestimate energy needs in adults with #DownSyndrome. Our study found that most equations over-predicted RMR, except the Bernstein fat-free mass equation, which showed statistical equivalency.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
New research from our team! Adults with Down syndrome (DS) who had congenital heart disease (CHD) may have low activity levels but not impaired cardiovascular fitness. Thus, we need for inclusive programs promoting movement regardless of CHD status!
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
February 3, 2025 at 2:38 PM
New research from our team! Adults with Down syndrome (DS) who had congenital heart disease (CHD) may have low activity levels but not impaired cardiovascular fitness. Thus, we need for inclusive programs promoting movement regardless of CHD status!
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
✨ Exciting December publications! Our team published 3 studies exploring how diet, physical activity, and fitness impact the health of adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Read on for highlights and links! 🌟 #Inclusion #HealthResearch
January 2, 2025 at 4:05 PM
✨ Exciting December publications! Our team published 3 studies exploring how diet, physical activity, and fitness impact the health of adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers. Read on for highlights and links! 🌟 #Inclusion #HealthResearch
Reposted by Brian Helsel
I made one earlier. Feel free to combine! go.bsky.app/91HPwva
November 15, 2024 at 9:06 PM
I made one earlier. Feel free to combine! go.bsky.app/91HPwva
Reposted by Brian Helsel
Someone had to do it! I created a starter pack for #Alzheimer’s #dementia #ADRD researchers on Bluesky. Please let me know who I left out! Hoping more and more of us will join Bluesky
go.bsky.app/22DpUEy
go.bsky.app/22DpUEy
November 15, 2024 at 6:18 PM
Someone had to do it! I created a starter pack for #Alzheimer’s #dementia #ADRD researchers on Bluesky. Please let me know who I left out! Hoping more and more of us will join Bluesky
go.bsky.app/22DpUEy
go.bsky.app/22DpUEy