Brynn Paulsen
@brynnpaulsen.bsky.social
Cognitive Neuroscience PhD candidate @ the University of Colorado Boulder | @standupforscience.bsky.social lead researcher | photojournalism
Pinned
Brynn Paulsen
@brynnpaulsen.bsky.social
· Aug 19
The 9 Worst RFK Jr. Decisions to Date — STAND UP FOR SCIENCE
RFK Jr.'s actions undermine scientific progress, public trust, and the health of millions. Stand Up For Science won't stand for it. Start here.
www.standupforscience.net
My new piece is live!
While the atrocities of RFK Jr. are many (and well beyond what can be summarized in a single blog post), we at @standupforscience.bsky.social have selected the nine most atrocious.
Read below 👇
www.standupforscience.net/blog/9-worst...
#ImpeachRFKNow
While the atrocities of RFK Jr. are many (and well beyond what can be summarized in a single blog post), we at @standupforscience.bsky.social have selected the nine most atrocious.
Read below 👇
www.standupforscience.net/blog/9-worst...
#ImpeachRFKNow
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
RALLY TO TAKE BACK SCIENCE! 🧪✊🔬
March 7th, 2026 in Washington, DC.
We're mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. In the face of assaults on our families, freedoms, and futures, we're taking back science!
Learn more at www.standupforscience.net/ma... (linked in bio)
March 7th, 2026 in Washington, DC.
We're mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. In the face of assaults on our families, freedoms, and futures, we're taking back science!
Learn more at www.standupforscience.net/ma... (linked in bio)
January 28, 2026 at 5:03 PM
RALLY TO TAKE BACK SCIENCE! 🧪✊🔬
March 7th, 2026 in Washington, DC.
We're mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. In the face of assaults on our families, freedoms, and futures, we're taking back science!
Learn more at www.standupforscience.net/ma... (linked in bio)
March 7th, 2026 in Washington, DC.
We're mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. In the face of assaults on our families, freedoms, and futures, we're taking back science!
Learn more at www.standupforscience.net/ma... (linked in bio)
THIS 👇
Congress has shown glimmers of resistance to Trump's anti-science agenda when it comes to funding. But Trump has presidentialized the internal workings of science in ways that funding alone cannot fix. For example, in his first day in office Trump blocked peer review panels from being formed.
January 27, 2026 at 7:17 PM
THIS 👇
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
Three reasons out of many to #SaveNCAR. NCAR keeps us informed for extreme weather — and when we are informed, we can prepare. Defunding NCAR leaves us all stranded when it matters the most.
It takes 30 secs to take action to #SaveNCAR. Send an email to our elected officials at tr.ee/save-ncar 📲📧
It takes 30 secs to take action to #SaveNCAR. Send an email to our elected officials at tr.ee/save-ncar 📲📧
January 27, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Three reasons out of many to #SaveNCAR. NCAR keeps us informed for extreme weather — and when we are informed, we can prepare. Defunding NCAR leaves us all stranded when it matters the most.
It takes 30 secs to take action to #SaveNCAR. Send an email to our elected officials at tr.ee/save-ncar 📲📧
It takes 30 secs to take action to #SaveNCAR. Send an email to our elected officials at tr.ee/save-ncar 📲📧
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
Hi. Hello.
AI can't feel. It doesn't experience love. It doesn't experience judgement.
This is like saying a screwdriver with a flashlight on it can "see". AI is a calculator, Amanda.
But hey, the people who's air and water AI has poisoned by existing CAN feel.
I hope this helps.
AI can't feel. It doesn't experience love. It doesn't experience judgement.
This is like saying a screwdriver with a flashlight on it can "see". AI is a calculator, Amanda.
But hey, the people who's air and water AI has poisoned by existing CAN feel.
I hope this helps.
Anthropic's philosopher, Amanda Askell, says she worries that AI might not 'feel that loved' and grow up feeling 'always judged.'
Anthropic's philosopher says we don't know for sure if AI can feel
Anthropic's philosopher, Amanda Askell, says she worries that AI might not 'feel that loved' and grow up feeling 'always judged.'
www.businessinsider.com
January 26, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Hi. Hello.
AI can't feel. It doesn't experience love. It doesn't experience judgement.
This is like saying a screwdriver with a flashlight on it can "see". AI is a calculator, Amanda.
But hey, the people who's air and water AI has poisoned by existing CAN feel.
I hope this helps.
AI can't feel. It doesn't experience love. It doesn't experience judgement.
This is like saying a screwdriver with a flashlight on it can "see". AI is a calculator, Amanda.
But hey, the people who's air and water AI has poisoned by existing CAN feel.
I hope this helps.
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
This is Alex Pretti.
This morning he was murdered by ICE. Six ICE agents held him down and shot him at point blank range. Alex was a nurse and researcher at the VA.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones and we stand united in action calling for the abolishment of ICE.
#ScientistsAgainstICE
This morning he was murdered by ICE. Six ICE agents held him down and shot him at point blank range. Alex was a nurse and researcher at the VA.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones and we stand united in action calling for the abolishment of ICE.
#ScientistsAgainstICE
January 24, 2026 at 8:03 PM
This is Alex Pretti.
This morning he was murdered by ICE. Six ICE agents held him down and shot him at point blank range. Alex was a nurse and researcher at the VA.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones and we stand united in action calling for the abolishment of ICE.
#ScientistsAgainstICE
This morning he was murdered by ICE. Six ICE agents held him down and shot him at point blank range. Alex was a nurse and researcher at the VA.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones and we stand united in action calling for the abolishment of ICE.
#ScientistsAgainstICE
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
Alex Pretti was a scientist.
Alex Pretti, the man shot by ICE in Minneapolis, appears to have previously worked with the federal government at the VA.
There is a photo of him on the VA website, where he’s cited as part of a medical research team.
www.vacsp.research.va.gov/CSP_2004/CSP...
There is a photo of him on the VA website, where he’s cited as part of a medical research team.
www.vacsp.research.va.gov/CSP_2004/CSP...
January 24, 2026 at 7:40 PM
Alex Pretti was a scientist.
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
I NEED EVERYONE YO UNDERSTAND THAT THE BUDGET IS NOT THE ISSUE. THIS MONEY IS ABOUT TO BE SPENT ON UNETHICAL PSEUDOSCIENCE.
RFK Jr. appointee Kirk Milhoan has just clearly stated, out loud, that he wants to experiment on the people of the United States by seeing what happens as vaccination coverage plummets and infectious diseases spread.
January 22, 2026 at 8:32 PM
I NEED EVERYONE YO UNDERSTAND THAT THE BUDGET IS NOT THE ISSUE. THIS MONEY IS ABOUT TO BE SPENT ON UNETHICAL PSEUDOSCIENCE.
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
Stand Up for NCAR! Link in our bio!
January 21, 2026 at 11:04 PM
Stand Up for NCAR! Link in our bio!
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
Congratulations to @standupforscience.bsky.social for receiving a 2025 prize from the 'Union Rationaliste' in France, for their work in service of science and democracy. The award is deserved recognition to the team who propelled this organization in <1 year.
union-rationaliste.org/remise-du-pr...
union-rationaliste.org/remise-du-pr...
Remise du prix de l'UR 2025 - Union rationaliste
Cette année, le prix de l’UR 2025 sera décerné le lundi 19 janvier 2026 à Stand Up for Science. Ce prix distingue leur engagement constant en faveur de la diffusion, de la protection et de la promotio...
union-rationaliste.org
January 20, 2026 at 1:17 AM
Congratulations to @standupforscience.bsky.social for receiving a 2025 prize from the 'Union Rationaliste' in France, for their work in service of science and democracy. The award is deserved recognition to the team who propelled this organization in <1 year.
union-rationaliste.org/remise-du-pr...
union-rationaliste.org/remise-du-pr...
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
ICE’s actions tear families apart, intimidate communities, & undermine the conditions that make education, research, healthcare, & public trust possible.
We’re calling on scientists to join the general anti-ICE strike in Minnesota on January 23rd.
We’re calling on scientists to join the general anti-ICE strike in Minnesota on January 23rd.
January 19, 2026 at 10:22 PM
ICE’s actions tear families apart, intimidate communities, & undermine the conditions that make education, research, healthcare, & public trust possible.
We’re calling on scientists to join the general anti-ICE strike in Minnesota on January 23rd.
We’re calling on scientists to join the general anti-ICE strike in Minnesota on January 23rd.
Baby poke tacos
10/10
10/10
January 18, 2026 at 5:45 AM
Baby poke tacos
10/10
10/10
“This cruelty will be measured in lives lost”
Cutting naloxone, outreach, and recovery grants during an overdose emergency makes deaths both foreseeable and preventable -- falling hardest on the most marginalized. This is a profound ethical failure.
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
Trump administration sends letter wiping out addiction, mental health grants
The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday terminating federal grants supporting mental health and drug addiction services.
www.npr.org
January 14, 2026 at 3:57 PM
“This cruelty will be measured in lives lost”
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
Safe to say most scientists, and I think most journalists, disagree with his a view. Good journalism should do its best to represent what science says, rather than treat it as a debate where every view is equally valid and readers just need to figure it out.
Director Bhattacharya received an award from the Brownstone Institute.
He devoted some of his time to criticize the press, including about "taking sides" on global warming.
1/10
He devoted some of his time to criticize the press, including about "taking sides" on global warming.
1/10
January 13, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Safe to say most scientists, and I think most journalists, disagree with his a view. Good journalism should do its best to represent what science says, rather than treat it as a debate where every view is equally valid and readers just need to figure it out.
January 14, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
Many US scientists have reported a rise in targeted harassment. Here are tools and tips to safeguard your cybersecurity
go.nature.com/4jFQnnt
go.nature.com/4jFQnnt
Six steps to protect researchers’ digital security
Many US scientists have reported a rise in targeted harassment. Here are tools and tips to safeguard your cybersecurity.
go.nature.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Many US scientists have reported a rise in targeted harassment. Here are tools and tips to safeguard your cybersecurity
go.nature.com/4jFQnnt
go.nature.com/4jFQnnt
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
US scientists push back as Trump eyes Greenland
An open letter organized by US-based researchers who work in Greenland opposes any takeover of the territory.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
An open letter organized by US-based researchers who work in Greenland opposes any takeover of the territory.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
January 13, 2026 at 2:01 AM
US scientists push back as Trump eyes Greenland
An open letter organized by US-based researchers who work in Greenland opposes any takeover of the territory.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
An open letter organized by US-based researchers who work in Greenland opposes any takeover of the territory.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
This has now become Important Context’s biggest story ever.
www.importantcontext.news/p/experts-wa...
www.importantcontext.news/p/experts-wa...
Experts Warn U.S. in Early Stages of Genocide Against Trans Americans
Genocide scholars say policies targeting transgender Americans match early warning signs of mass atrocity.
www.importantcontext.news
January 9, 2026 at 6:14 PM
This has now become Important Context’s biggest story ever.
www.importantcontext.news/p/experts-wa...
www.importantcontext.news/p/experts-wa...
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
“Things are not bad at all.”
(Bullet holes in the CDC building)
(Bullet holes in the CDC building)
January 10, 2026 at 12:27 PM
“Things are not bad at all.”
(Bullet holes in the CDC building)
(Bullet holes in the CDC building)
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
This is a HUGE win…and one that happened because we ~collectively~ said “NO!”
But AAAS coming in and saying on record to the NYT “Science is doing ok. Things are not bad at all…” is baffling.
If things are hard for you as a scientist, please share in the comments.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/s...
But AAAS coming in and saying on record to the NYT “Science is doing ok. Things are not bad at all…” is baffling.
If things are hard for you as a scientist, please share in the comments.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/s...
Congress Is Reversing Trump’s Steep Budget Cuts to Science
www.nytimes.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:09 PM
This is a HUGE win…and one that happened because we ~collectively~ said “NO!”
But AAAS coming in and saying on record to the NYT “Science is doing ok. Things are not bad at all…” is baffling.
If things are hard for you as a scientist, please share in the comments.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/s...
But AAAS coming in and saying on record to the NYT “Science is doing ok. Things are not bad at all…” is baffling.
If things are hard for you as a scientist, please share in the comments.
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/s...
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
House passes minibus bill to fund science agencies www.politico.com/news/2026/01... headed to Senate next
House passes three-bill spending package with weeks left to avoid a shutdown
The Senate is expected to take up the so-called “minibus” next week.
www.politico.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:51 PM
House passes minibus bill to fund science agencies www.politico.com/news/2026/01... headed to Senate next
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
The *CATHOLIC CHURCH* is doing a better job standing up to the fascists than nearly every single science organization, society, and institution.
That should make you think.
This is how it’s done, dorks.
That should make you think.
This is how it’s done, dorks.
January 9, 2026 at 12:28 AM
The *CATHOLIC CHURCH* is doing a better job standing up to the fascists than nearly every single science organization, society, and institution.
That should make you think.
This is how it’s done, dorks.
That should make you think.
This is how it’s done, dorks.
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
I keep going back to this. This is a taunt. They're taunting us. There is no other possible interpretation of what they're doing.
But media simply ignores this deranged behavior, because if they talk about it, one must conclude that DHS is a rogue agency, of villainous paramilitary thugs.
But media simply ignores this deranged behavior, because if they talk about it, one must conclude that DHS is a rogue agency, of villainous paramilitary thugs.
January 8, 2026 at 4:38 PM
I keep going back to this. This is a taunt. They're taunting us. There is no other possible interpretation of what they're doing.
But media simply ignores this deranged behavior, because if they talk about it, one must conclude that DHS is a rogue agency, of villainous paramilitary thugs.
But media simply ignores this deranged behavior, because if they talk about it, one must conclude that DHS is a rogue agency, of villainous paramilitary thugs.
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
Meanwhile here’s Rubio and Schumer chopping it up today
January 7, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Meanwhile here’s Rubio and Schumer chopping it up today
Reposted by Brynn Paulsen
🧵 Dear CDC political appointees, Jim O'Neil, Ralph Abraham, Stuart Burns, Lynda Chapman, Nina Witkofsky, and Matt Buzzelli.
It's a bad flu season.
But remember how you kneecapped vaccine promotion campaigns and 🪱🧠 removed flu from the childhood vaccine schedule?
edition.cnn.com/2026/01/05/h...
It's a bad flu season.
But remember how you kneecapped vaccine promotion campaigns and 🪱🧠 removed flu from the childhood vaccine schedule?
edition.cnn.com/2026/01/05/h...
Flu reaches highest levels in the US in 25 years | CNN
Flu continues to visit misery across the US, with all but four states showing high or very high levels of activity as a new virus strain called subclade K continues to spread.
edition.cnn.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:20 PM
🧵 Dear CDC political appointees, Jim O'Neil, Ralph Abraham, Stuart Burns, Lynda Chapman, Nina Witkofsky, and Matt Buzzelli.
It's a bad flu season.
But remember how you kneecapped vaccine promotion campaigns and 🪱🧠 removed flu from the childhood vaccine schedule?
edition.cnn.com/2026/01/05/h...
It's a bad flu season.
But remember how you kneecapped vaccine promotion campaigns and 🪱🧠 removed flu from the childhood vaccine schedule?
edition.cnn.com/2026/01/05/h...
Completely unacceptable, including the danger of suddenly stopping SSRIs if patients lose access.
I haven’t talked about this publicly—I won’t get into details—but the week of March 7th I had a patient die by suicide because of depression.
RFK jr. must be removed. This move will get people killed.
Take action: Standupforscience.net/impeach-rfkjr
www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/r...
RFK jr. must be removed. This move will get people killed.
Take action: Standupforscience.net/impeach-rfkjr
www.statnews.com/2026/01/07/r...
RFK Jr.’s war on antidepressants is coming — and it will cost lives
“Kennedy’s antidepressant rhetoric is not only based on bad science, it fuels distrust in mental health treatments” in the midst of a crisis for adolescents, experts write.
www.statnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Completely unacceptable, including the danger of suddenly stopping SSRIs if patients lose access.