Bénédicte C
@benecal.bsky.social
Biosciences & Tech policy
Post about research, innovation, public health, politics & policy making, regulation, disinfo
She/Her/Antifacist
Post about research, innovation, public health, politics & policy making, regulation, disinfo
She/Her/Antifacist
Pinned
Whopper of the Week: RFK Spreads Disinformation Again about Vaccines and Food Allergies | Defend Public Health
In 2024, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) concluded that over 70% of peanut allergies could be prevented through early consumption of peanut allergens by infants and c...
www.defendpublichealth.org
It's Whopper Wednesday.
This week @defendpublichealth.bsky.social takes on RFK's claim that food allergies might be caused by... you guessed it... aluminum adjuvants in vaccines.
www.defendpublichealth.org/opinion/whop...
This week @defendpublichealth.bsky.social takes on RFK's claim that food allergies might be caused by... you guessed it... aluminum adjuvants in vaccines.
www.defendpublichealth.org/opinion/whop...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
When people lead with hemming and hawing about how they maybe might have a point they’re intentionally or not providing cover for what we can all recognize as a pretext.
Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families said that investigators have found child care centers at the center of recent fraud allegations were operating as they should.
Minnesota department finds child care centers targeted in viral video operating normally
The state Department of Children, Youth, and Families said it visited the nine facilities at the center of right-wing claims of fraud and found them "operating as expected."
nbcnews.to
January 3, 2026 at 9:43 PM
When people lead with hemming and hawing about how they maybe might have a point they’re intentionally or not providing cover for what we can all recognize as a pretext.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Mamdani called Trump and chewed him out! Did any other Democrat have the integrity and guts to do that? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/world/americas/mamdani-trump-venezuela-maduro.html?smid=url-share
Mamdani Called Trump to Criticize Venezuela Strikes
www.nytimes.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:57 PM
Mamdani called Trump and chewed him out! Did any other Democrat have the integrity and guts to do that? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/world/americas/mamdani-trump-venezuela-maduro.html?smid=url-share
Reposted by Bénédicte C
One thing I have learned as a public health professor is that there is real value in stating and repeating important information, even—or especially—when that information may seem like it should be obvious.
January 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM
One thing I have learned as a public health professor is that there is real value in stating and repeating important information, even—or especially—when that information may seem like it should be obvious.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Anti-war march in NYC, organized overnight. Happening right now, 8th Ave.
People care.
People care.
January 3, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Anti-war march in NYC, organized overnight. Happening right now, 8th Ave.
People care.
People care.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
2026 was a terrible year, and it has barely started.
January 3, 2026 at 9:40 PM
2026 was a terrible year, and it has barely started.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
This online, PhD-level course in the economics of innovation is a huge opportunity.
Taught by some of the world's top scholars on this: @heidiwilliams.bsky.social, Chad Jones, Azoulay, van Reenen, many others! Co-sponsor @ifp.bsky.social
If you're admitted, it's free. Applications due January 9th!
Taught by some of the world's top scholars on this: @heidiwilliams.bsky.social, Chad Jones, Azoulay, van Reenen, many others! Co-sponsor @ifp.bsky.social
If you're admitted, it's free. Applications due January 9th!
Economics of Ideas, Science, and Innovation Online PhD Short Course | Institute for Progress
ifp.org
January 3, 2026 at 3:09 PM
This online, PhD-level course in the economics of innovation is a huge opportunity.
Taught by some of the world's top scholars on this: @heidiwilliams.bsky.social, Chad Jones, Azoulay, van Reenen, many others! Co-sponsor @ifp.bsky.social
If you're admitted, it's free. Applications due January 9th!
Taught by some of the world's top scholars on this: @heidiwilliams.bsky.social, Chad Jones, Azoulay, van Reenen, many others! Co-sponsor @ifp.bsky.social
If you're admitted, it's free. Applications due January 9th!
@booker.senate.gov
Hey Senator Booker, it's past 10 am and the President launched an illegal war and kidnapped a foreign leader under made up pretenses six hours ago. How much time needs to elapse are you going to wait before condemning this? Let alone calling for impeachment?
Hey Senator Booker, it's past 10 am and the President launched an illegal war and kidnapped a foreign leader under made up pretenses six hours ago. How much time needs to elapse are you going to wait before condemning this? Let alone calling for impeachment?
January 3, 2026 at 3:32 PM
@booker.senate.gov
Hey Senator Booker, it's past 10 am and the President launched an illegal war and kidnapped a foreign leader under made up pretenses six hours ago. How much time needs to elapse are you going to wait before condemning this? Let alone calling for impeachment?
Hey Senator Booker, it's past 10 am and the President launched an illegal war and kidnapped a foreign leader under made up pretenses six hours ago. How much time needs to elapse are you going to wait before condemning this? Let alone calling for impeachment?
Serious question, what court?
Marco Rubio is reportedly saying Maduro will stand trial in US courts.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
Which means it’s now the US administration’s position that US courts can hold foreign presidents, but not the US president, accountable for crimes.
January 3, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Serious question, what court?
Insider trading on US politics.
This person went on a buying spree over the past 24 hours. Fresh wallet. Only existed since Dec 27th and has only bet on Venezuela-related markets.
polymarket.com/@0x31a56e9E6...
polymarket.com/@0x31a56e9E6...
January 3, 2026 at 12:36 PM
Insider trading on US politics.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Plausible worst case scenario with Venezuela in four steps:
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
November 24, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Plausible worst case scenario with Venezuela in four steps:
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
1. Rubio and Venezuelan exiles sell the idea of decapitation strikes against Maduro to Trump as the one big thing that solves Venezuela, cartels and Cuba for the US.
How will Europe respond?
How will China respond?
We know how Russia will respond.
How will China respond?
We know how Russia will respond.
January 3, 2026 at 12:13 PM
How will Europe respond?
How will China respond?
We know how Russia will respond.
How will China respond?
We know how Russia will respond.
Little Mario goes full Field Marshall Göring, I guess
January 3, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Little Mario goes full Field Marshall Göring, I guess
Reposted by Bénédicte C
While the Senate is asking Trump why they started a war to kidnap a foreign leader perhaps they might also ask why Trump freed a former foreign leader convicted of the same kind of crimes.
January 3, 2026 at 10:37 AM
While the Senate is asking Trump why they started a war to kidnap a foreign leader perhaps they might also ask why Trump freed a former foreign leader convicted of the same kind of crimes.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
It’s easy for us to dismiss what Ellison is doing to CBS. Ppl who consume a lot of political news understand this is propaganda.
But Putin’s approval rating is well over 60%. And that’s because he moved early to control the Russian media and info environment. The CBS change is a democracy killer.
But Putin’s approval rating is well over 60%. And that’s because he moved early to control the Russian media and info environment. The CBS change is a democracy killer.
CBS leaning into, e.g., the reinforcement of what people *feel* about crime over the responsible dissemination and interpretation of actual crime rates and statistics (a/k/a journalism).
January 3, 2026 at 12:42 AM
It’s easy for us to dismiss what Ellison is doing to CBS. Ppl who consume a lot of political news understand this is propaganda.
But Putin’s approval rating is well over 60%. And that’s because he moved early to control the Russian media and info environment. The CBS change is a democracy killer.
But Putin’s approval rating is well over 60%. And that’s because he moved early to control the Russian media and info environment. The CBS change is a democracy killer.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Scott Wiener's anti-masking law is now in effect in California barring Trump's ICE Nazis from hiding their faces. This will make it easier for authorities to identify and arrest them once the US Nuremberg trials begin against fascists who committed crimes for the Trump regime. 👇
January 3, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Scott Wiener's anti-masking law is now in effect in California barring Trump's ICE Nazis from hiding their faces. This will make it easier for authorities to identify and arrest them once the US Nuremberg trials begin against fascists who committed crimes for the Trump regime. 👇
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Up until this year, the US invested $10bn in mRNA technology. HHS canceled $500m (22 projects) on mRNA research. The advent of the Covid vaccine was just the beginning of next gen vaccines. It will be expanded to HIV & cancer. Life goes on while leaving us behind.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Guardian view on mRNA vaccines: they are the future – with or without Donald Trump | Editorial
Editorial: Over the holiday period, the Guardian leader column is looking ahead at the themes of 2026. Today we examine how the White House’s war on vaccines has left the future of a key technology un...
www.theguardian.com
January 2, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Up until this year, the US invested $10bn in mRNA technology. HHS canceled $500m (22 projects) on mRNA research. The advent of the Covid vaccine was just the beginning of next gen vaccines. It will be expanded to HIV & cancer. Life goes on while leaving us behind.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
If you told me back in medical school that someday I would be running for the Senate and my campaign slogan would be “It’s me or the measles” I WOULD DEFINITELY NOT HAVE BELIEVED YOU.
But here we are. It’s me or the measles. South Carolina, the choice is yours. 💙🇺🇸
But here we are. It’s me or the measles. South Carolina, the choice is yours. 💙🇺🇸
January 2, 2026 at 7:51 PM
If you told me back in medical school that someday I would be running for the Senate and my campaign slogan would be “It’s me or the measles” I WOULD DEFINITELY NOT HAVE BELIEVED YOU.
But here we are. It’s me or the measles. South Carolina, the choice is yours. 💙🇺🇸
But here we are. It’s me or the measles. South Carolina, the choice is yours. 💙🇺🇸
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Another way to look at MAGA: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/o...
Opinion | Testosterone Is Misunderstood
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Another way to look at MAGA: www.nytimes.com/2026/01/01/o...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
My writing partner @jimalwine.bsky.social have started off 2026 with an OpEd asking AZ Governor Katie Hobbs to join the Governor’s Public Health Alliance.
It’s a critical step to protecting the health and lives of Arizonans from the ordure that emanates from RFK Jr.
It’s a critical step to protecting the health and lives of Arizonans from the ordure that emanates from RFK Jr.
Hobbs is urged to join the Governors’ Public Health Alliance | Arizona Capitol Times
Concerns arise as Trump administration and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismantle public health initiatives, endangering the health of Arizonans.
azcapitoltimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:23 PM
My writing partner @jimalwine.bsky.social have started off 2026 with an OpEd asking AZ Governor Katie Hobbs to join the Governor’s Public Health Alliance.
It’s a critical step to protecting the health and lives of Arizonans from the ordure that emanates from RFK Jr.
It’s a critical step to protecting the health and lives of Arizonans from the ordure that emanates from RFK Jr.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
‘Suspension of entry into the US’, paparazzi – and wine: three other reasons George Clooney moved to France
‘Suspension of entry into the US’, paparazzi – and wine: three other reasons George Clooney moved to France
A UK government warning that Amal Clooney risks US sanctions over her role in the issuing of an arrest warrant for the Israeli prime minister is key among reasons why the couple have moved to France
www.theguardian.com
January 2, 2026 at 8:28 PM
‘Suspension of entry into the US’, paparazzi – and wine: three other reasons George Clooney moved to France
Reposted by Bénédicte C
As a reminder, despite promises, we have yet to see "evidence" that the COVID vaccine killed 10 children.
If taken at face value (😂), our current FDA leadership is hiding evidence of fatal vaccine side effects.
It's been over a month.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dolw...
If taken at face value (😂), our current FDA leadership is hiding evidence of fatal vaccine side effects.
It's been over a month.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dolw...
Makary lies about vaccine side effects
YouTube video by Jonathan Howard
www.youtube.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:13 PM
As a reminder, despite promises, we have yet to see "evidence" that the COVID vaccine killed 10 children.
If taken at face value (😂), our current FDA leadership is hiding evidence of fatal vaccine side effects.
It's been over a month.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dolw...
If taken at face value (😂), our current FDA leadership is hiding evidence of fatal vaccine side effects.
It's been over a month.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dolw...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
On hospital airborne transmission of norovirus. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
Sources of Airborne Norovirus in Hospital Outbreaks
Noroviruses are the major cause of viral gastroenteritis. Disease transmission is difficult to prevent and outbreaks in health-care facilities commonly occur. Contact with infected persons and contaminated environments are believed to be the main ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
January 2, 2026 at 9:57 AM
On hospital airborne transmission of norovirus. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Ohio has our first pediatric #flu death of the season-- unvaccinated 16 year old, previously healthy.
No child should die of this. Vaccination isn't perfect, but it's the best protection.
No child should die of this. Vaccination isn't perfect, but it's the best protection.
January 2, 2026 at 5:56 PM
Ohio has our first pediatric #flu death of the season-- unvaccinated 16 year old, previously healthy.
No child should die of this. Vaccination isn't perfect, but it's the best protection.
No child should die of this. Vaccination isn't perfect, but it's the best protection.