Carl Zimmer
@carlzimmer.com
NYT columnist. Signal: carlzimmer.51
Newsletter: https://buttondown.com/carlzimmer/
Web: http://carlzimmer.com
[This account includes a tweet archive]
Newsletter: https://buttondown.com/carlzimmer/
Web: http://carlzimmer.com
[This account includes a tweet archive]
Pinned
Carl Zimmer
@carlzimmer.com
· Dec 27
The @nytimes.com Lost Science series continues. Here's my Q&A with a scientist who was studying how wildfire smoke threatens human health when the EPA decided that her research was no longer a funding priority. Gift link: nyti.ms/4jhpw14
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
Just finished this fantastic book, "Air-Borne". One piece Carl Zimmer understands about science is that it is fundamentally a human endeavor. At its best, it builds on the previous works of others, in other cases the interplay of society and personalities shapes how it does or does not advance.
February 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Just finished this fantastic book, "Air-Borne". One piece Carl Zimmer understands about science is that it is fundamentally a human endeavor. At its best, it builds on the previous works of others, in other cases the interplay of society and personalities shapes how it does or does not advance.
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
We're using it. Nobody should expect a step forward to complete a long journey, but this is a significant step forward and should be celebrated.
We only understand the 1.2% of the human genome that encodes genes. AlphaGenome is a tool towards understanding the remaining 98.8%.
We only understand the 1.2% of the human genome that encodes genes. AlphaGenome is a tool towards understanding the remaining 98.8%.
January 28, 2026 at 6:07 PM
We're using it. Nobody should expect a step forward to complete a long journey, but this is a significant step forward and should be celebrated.
We only understand the 1.2% of the human genome that encodes genes. AlphaGenome is a tool towards understanding the remaining 98.8%.
We only understand the 1.2% of the human genome that encodes genes. AlphaGenome is a tool towards understanding the remaining 98.8%.
I wrote today about AlphaGenome, Google DeepMind's AI for DNA. It's powerful, experts told me, but it won't solve the mysteries of the genome overnight. Gift link: nyti.ms/4k5NFIl
nyti.ms
January 28, 2026 at 4:44 PM
I wrote today about AlphaGenome, Google DeepMind's AI for DNA. It's powerful, experts told me, but it won't solve the mysteries of the genome overnight. Gift link: nyti.ms/4k5NFIl
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
The US government lost more than 10,000 STEM PhDs last year, according to an analysis by Science of newly released OPM data, with 11 departures for every hire. And many OPM calls "voluntary" separations were probably pushed. www.science.org/content/arti...
U.S. government has lost more than 10,000 STEM Ph.D.s since Trump took office
A Science analysis reveals how many were fired, retired, or quit across 14 agencies
www.science.org
January 27, 2026 at 1:28 AM
The US government lost more than 10,000 STEM PhDs last year, according to an analysis by Science of newly released OPM data, with 11 departures for every hire. And many OPM calls "voluntary" separations were probably pushed. www.science.org/content/arti...
If you need some listening while you shovel snow, or just a break from the weekend's harsh news, I'm on "The Sunday Daily," a new @nytimes.com podcast, talking about Neanderthals and other humans with Michael Barbaro & Franz Lidz www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/p...
The Sunday Daily: We Underestimated the Neanderthal
www.nytimes.com
January 25, 2026 at 6:42 PM
If you need some listening while you shovel snow, or just a break from the weekend's harsh news, I'm on "The Sunday Daily," a new @nytimes.com podcast, talking about Neanderthals and other humans with Michael Barbaro & Franz Lidz www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/p...
Newsmax fabricated a quote from me about my father Richard Zimmer today. They never contacted me. It's not just outrageous but funny. He was talented in many ways, but most definitely not at golf or cooking or craftsmanship. www.newsmax.com/john-gizzi/z...
January 25, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Newsmax fabricated a quote from me about my father Richard Zimmer today. They never contacted me. It's not just outrageous but funny. He was talented in many ways, but most definitely not at golf or cooking or craftsmanship. www.newsmax.com/john-gizzi/z...
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
This witness to Alex Pretti's murder not only refutes the governmen't story, but says she is afraid to go home because federal agents might arrest her. This is what it feels like to live under state terror.
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
TincherSealedWitnessDec012426.PDF
www.documentcloud.org
January 25, 2026 at 2:43 PM
This witness to Alex Pretti's murder not only refutes the governmen't story, but says she is afraid to go home because federal agents might arrest her. This is what it feels like to live under state terror.
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
Alex from our time working together, while he was in nursing school. Later, he moved to ICU, working as a nurse to support critically ill Veterans. He had such a great attitude. We’d chat between patients about trying to get in a mountain bike ride together. Will never happen now
January 24, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Alex from our time working together, while he was in nursing school. Later, he moved to ICU, working as a nurse to support critically ill Veterans. He had such a great attitude. We’d chat between patients about trying to get in a mountain bike ride together. Will never happen now
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
NYT video analysis confirms victim’s gun was removed before he was shot. So he was unarmed. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/24/us/minneapolis-shooting-federal-agents-video.html
January 24, 2026 at 8:35 PM
NYT video analysis confirms victim’s gun was removed before he was shot. So he was unarmed. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/24/us/minneapolis-shooting-federal-agents-video.html
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
The chair of a federal vaccine advisory panel charted a new course for the committee in a podcast released Thursday, suggesting the public might want to reconsider the use of polio vaccines. www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/v...
Top CDC vaccine adviser questions need for polio shot, other longstanding recommendations
The chair of a federal vaccine advisory panel charted a new course for the committee in a podcast released Thursday, questioning longstanding recommendations.
www.statnews.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:26 PM
The chair of a federal vaccine advisory panel charted a new course for the committee in a podcast released Thursday, suggesting the public might want to reconsider the use of polio vaccines. www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/v...
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
The US withdrawal from #WHO became official today, leaving the world less prepared for dangerous disease outbreaks. “When that will bite us in the ass, it’s impossible to predict. But there is a 100% certainty that it will bite us in the ass,” one expert told me. www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/u...
U.S. makes exit from the WHO complete
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO became official Thursday, formalizing a fissure between the Trump administration and the Geneva-based global health agency.
www.statnews.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:52 PM
The US withdrawal from #WHO became official today, leaving the world less prepared for dangerous disease outbreaks. “When that will bite us in the ass, it’s impossible to predict. But there is a 100% certainty that it will bite us in the ass,” one expert told me. www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/u...
It's been almost a century since scientists first demonstrated how to clean the air of measles and other pathogens with ultraviolet light, as I wrote in Air-Borne. Here's the latest guidance from @donmilton.bsky.social & other experts.
⭐We are excited to present the GUV Hub website!⭐
The GUV Hub is a reliable source for learning about Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) technology.
Visit us at guv.umd.edu
#PublicHealth #InfectionControl #IndoorAirQuality #GermicidalUltraviolet #GUV #PHABLab #Science
The GUV Hub is a reliable source for learning about Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) technology.
Visit us at guv.umd.edu
#PublicHealth #InfectionControl #IndoorAirQuality #GermicidalUltraviolet #GUV #PHABLab #Science
January 22, 2026 at 2:29 AM
It's been almost a century since scientists first demonstrated how to clean the air of measles and other pathogens with ultraviolet light, as I wrote in Air-Borne. Here's the latest guidance from @donmilton.bsky.social & other experts.
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
The Species Declared Extinct in 2025
My annual look back is, of course, heartbreaking -- but it's also a reminder and encouragement that we can do more to prevent future extinctions:
therevelator.org/extinct-2025/
My annual look back is, of course, heartbreaking -- but it's also a reminder and encouragement that we can do more to prevent future extinctions:
therevelator.org/extinct-2025/
Rocket Frog, Damselfish, and Bandicoots: The Species Declared Extinct in 2025 • The Revelator
This year’s list includes a notable extinction caused by climate change — and several caused by introduced predators.
therevelator.org
January 20, 2026 at 4:17 PM
The Species Declared Extinct in 2025
My annual look back is, of course, heartbreaking -- but it's also a reminder and encouragement that we can do more to prevent future extinctions:
therevelator.org/extinct-2025/
My annual look back is, of course, heartbreaking -- but it's also a reminder and encouragement that we can do more to prevent future extinctions:
therevelator.org/extinct-2025/
Hello, Chicago! I'll be giving a public talk on Wednesday about reporting on science in these rocky times. events.uchicago.edu/event/259056...
January 19, 2026 at 6:43 PM
Hello, Chicago! I'll be giving a public talk on Wednesday about reporting on science in these rocky times. events.uchicago.edu/event/259056...
Controversial US study on hepatitis B vaccines in Africa is cancelled. Story by @melodyschreiber.com www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Controversial US study on hepatitis B vaccines in Africa is cancelled
$1.6m project drew outrage over ethical questions about withholding vaccines proven to prevent disease
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Controversial US study on hepatitis B vaccines in Africa is cancelled. Story by @melodyschreiber.com www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Hospitals and doctors are ignoring RFK Jr.’s new vaccine schedule and relying on pediatricians’ guidance instead. Story by @danielpayne.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/n...
Hospitals and doctors are ignoring RFK Jr.’s new vaccine schedule and relying on pediatricians’ guidance instead
Their decisions underscore a growing divide between federal health authorities and major medical groups.
www.statnews.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Hospitals and doctors are ignoring RFK Jr.’s new vaccine schedule and relying on pediatricians’ guidance instead. Story by @danielpayne.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/n...
"Less than 24 hours after the Trump administration informed more than 2,000 addiction and mental health programs nationwide that it was immediately terminating almost $2 billion of their funding, the administration reversed course and reinstated the money." Gift link: nyti.ms/4pzDSLz
nyti.ms
January 15, 2026 at 3:46 PM
"Less than 24 hours after the Trump administration informed more than 2,000 addiction and mental health programs nationwide that it was immediately terminating almost $2 billion of their funding, the administration reversed course and reinstated the money." Gift link: nyti.ms/4pzDSLz
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
#Measles cases continues to climb. The 2025 tally has now hit 2242 & there've already been more confirmed cases in 2026 — 171 — than were logged in most years from the late 1990s to 2023!
Interesting to see the age distribution of cases. Lots of susceptible adults, seems. www.cdc.gov/measles/data...
Interesting to see the age distribution of cases. Lots of susceptible adults, seems. www.cdc.gov/measles/data...
January 14, 2026 at 10:39 PM
#Measles cases continues to climb. The 2025 tally has now hit 2242 & there've already been more confirmed cases in 2026 — 171 — than were logged in most years from the late 1990s to 2023!
Interesting to see the age distribution of cases. Lots of susceptible adults, seems. www.cdc.gov/measles/data...
Interesting to see the age distribution of cases. Lots of susceptible adults, seems. www.cdc.gov/measles/data...
"Last April, HHS had informed staff of plans to terminate around 90% of NIOSH's roughly 1,000 employees, eviscerating the agency." Nine months later, the decision is reversed and layoff notices to workplace safety workers have been revoked. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
US Reverses Deep Cuts to Safety Agency Niosh, Reinstating Hundreds
The Trump Administration is reversing its deep staffing cuts to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, reinstating hundreds of employees.
www.bloomberg.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:01 PM
"Last April, HHS had informed staff of plans to terminate around 90% of NIOSH's roughly 1,000 employees, eviscerating the agency." Nine months later, the decision is reversed and layoff notices to workplace safety workers have been revoked. www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
Confirming the NYT's reporting: FBI agents arrived at Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home this morning and conducted a search. Natanson penned this outstanding first-person piece last month about being "the federal government whisperer." www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
I am The Post’s ‘federal government whisperer.’ It’s been brutal.
One reporter’s effort to show how Trump was transforming government brought her 1,168 new sources — and nearly broke her.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Confirming the NYT's reporting: FBI agents arrived at Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home this morning and conducted a search. Natanson penned this outstanding first-person piece last month about being "the federal government whisperer." www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
Hannah Natanson is an exceptional reporter and should never have been subjected to this type of extraordinary intimidation tactic. We have few details now, but it’s hard to interpret this as anything other than an attempt to squash the freedom of the press.
January 14, 2026 at 2:15 PM
Hannah Natanson is an exceptional reporter and should never have been subjected to this type of extraordinary intimidation tactic. We have few details now, but it’s hard to interpret this as anything other than an attempt to squash the freedom of the press.
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
Come with me to Lander, Wyo. to meet Bill, Lee and Barb. They were supposed to be retired from the Forest Service. But they're back as volunteers — driving 100s of miles a week, cleaning 5 bathrooms a day — determined to protect forests Trump abandoned. wapo.st/4r4727z
They retired from the government. Now they’re back, protecting forests Trump abandoned.
The U.S. Forest Service lost thousands of workers under Trump. Volunteers and retirees are trying to help — but things are breaking.
wapo.st
November 24, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Come with me to Lander, Wyo. to meet Bill, Lee and Barb. They were supposed to be retired from the Forest Service. But they're back as volunteers — driving 100s of miles a week, cleaning 5 bathrooms a day — determined to protect forests Trump abandoned. wapo.st/4r4727z
Reposted by Carl Zimmer
Breaking WaPo:
The FBI executed a search warrant this morning at a Post reporter's home as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified materials.
It's highly unusual and aggressive for law enforcement to conduct a search on a reporter's home.
The FBI executed a search warrant this morning at a Post reporter's home as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified materials.
It's highly unusual and aggressive for law enforcement to conduct a search on a reporter's home.
FBI executes search warrant at Washington Post reporter’s home
The reporter, Hannah Natanson, covers the federal workforce and has been part of The Post’s most sensitive coverage of the first year of the second Trump administration.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Breaking WaPo:
The FBI executed a search warrant this morning at a Post reporter's home as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified materials.
It's highly unusual and aggressive for law enforcement to conduct a search on a reporter's home.
The FBI executed a search warrant this morning at a Post reporter's home as part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified materials.
It's highly unusual and aggressive for law enforcement to conduct a search on a reporter's home.
FDA deletes warning on bogus autism therapies touted by RFK Jr.‘s allies arstechnica.com/health/2026/...
FDA deletes warning on bogus autism therapies touted by RFK Jr.‘s allies
The agency used to warn of chelation, used by RFK Jr.'s anti-vaccine ally David Geier.
arstechnica.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:04 AM
FDA deletes warning on bogus autism therapies touted by RFK Jr.‘s allies arstechnica.com/health/2026/...
"A lot of people have long regarded same-sex behaviour as an accident, or rare, or only in zoo animals." But "it’s part of the normal social life of primates." www.nature.com/articles/d41...
January 13, 2026 at 7:09 PM
"A lot of people have long regarded same-sex behaviour as an accident, or rare, or only in zoo animals." But "it’s part of the normal social life of primates." www.nature.com/articles/d41...