Claudia Astorino
@claudistics.bsky.social
yr friendly neighborhood tooth evangelist 🦷✨ | PhD candidate CUNY GC & @nycep.bsky.social | Evo bio | Bioanthro | Vert paleo | Dental evo-devo | Sexual polymorphism | #intersex 🟨🙆♀️🟨 | neurodivergent #LateDiagnosisClub 🧠 | she/her 🌈
Pinned
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
new article is up in full-text in #AJBA @bioanth.org! 🧪 💀
I predicted expression levels for skeletal sex indicators for 9 forms of #intersex, based on what we know ab these intersex variations (and which traits are most likely to affect bone growth, development, & remodeling) #SexualPolymorphism
I predicted expression levels for skeletal sex indicators for 9 forms of #intersex, based on what we know ab these intersex variations (and which traits are most likely to affect bone growth, development, & remodeling) #SexualPolymorphism
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
I was wondering what Mamdani's first executive order would be, and I'm not disappointed by this.
He has wiped off the books EVERY Eric Adams executive order issued on or after September 26, 2024, the day Adams was indicted on federal bribery charges.
He has wiped off the books EVERY Eric Adams executive order issued on or after September 26, 2024, the day Adams was indicted on federal bribery charges.
January 1, 2026 at 11:07 PM
I was wondering what Mamdani's first executive order would be, and I'm not disappointed by this.
He has wiped off the books EVERY Eric Adams executive order issued on or after September 26, 2024, the day Adams was indicted on federal bribery charges.
He has wiped off the books EVERY Eric Adams executive order issued on or after September 26, 2024, the day Adams was indicted on federal bribery charges.
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
“Biblical Justice, Equal Justice, for All”: How North Carolina’s Chief Justice Transformed His State and America
Paul Newby, a born-again Christian, has turned his perch atop North Carolina’s Supreme Court into an instrument of political power. Over two decades, he’s driven changes that have reverberated well be...
www.propublica.org
January 2, 2026 at 4:00 AM
“I’m sure you’re aware of our connections with the Trump Administration,” the North Carolina Republican Party's communications director wrote in an email response to us. “I would strongly suggest dropping this story.”
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
We didn't. #ICYMI, read the story that he wanted dropped:
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
The number of people who understand that it's not cool to be on Twitter but who insist on being on substack is fucking bizarre
October 5, 2025 at 1:58 PM
The number of people who understand that it's not cool to be on Twitter but who insist on being on substack is fucking bizarre
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
Stolen image (of course)!
January 2, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Stolen image (of course)!
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
PRI REACHED THEIR GOAL!!! MUSEUM OF THE EARTH IS STAYING OPEN!!! Thank you all so much for donating and spreading the word, I'm so overjoyed! Good things are still possible! www.priweb.org/blog-post/pr...
PRI's Wonderful Life — Paleontological Research Institution
By Dr. Warren Allmon , Director of the Paleontological Research Institution December 30, 2025 The holidays are a time for “Christmas movies” in my house, and one that is always on our list is&nbs...
www.priweb.org
January 1, 2026 at 12:34 AM
PRI REACHED THEIR GOAL!!! MUSEUM OF THE EARTH IS STAYING OPEN!!! Thank you all so much for donating and spreading the word, I'm so overjoyed! Good things are still possible! www.priweb.org/blog-post/pr...
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
Texas A&M University will not reinstate a lecturer who was fired after a video of her teaching about gender identity in a children’s literature class went viral, despite a faculty appeals panel unanimously concluding that her dismissal was not justified.
Texas A&M won’t reinstate fired lecturer despite findings
A vice chancellor upheld the firing of Melissa McCoul, seen in a viral video being confronted by a student on her gender identity teachings, saying the termination was done with “good cause.”
www.texastribune.org
December 24, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Texas A&M University will not reinstate a lecturer who was fired after a video of her teaching about gender identity in a children’s literature class went viral, despite a faculty appeals panel unanimously concluding that her dismissal was not justified.
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
Julie K. Brown is a reporter for the Miami Herald who did groundbreaking work on Epstein beginning in 2018, including groundbreaking work on the disgusting coverup by Alex Acosta.
Her travel itinerary was released with some of the Epstein files. It appears the DOJ was monitoring her in 2019.
Her travel itinerary was released with some of the Epstein files. It appears the DOJ was monitoring her in 2019.
December 28, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Julie K. Brown is a reporter for the Miami Herald who did groundbreaking work on Epstein beginning in 2018, including groundbreaking work on the disgusting coverup by Alex Acosta.
Her travel itinerary was released with some of the Epstein files. It appears the DOJ was monitoring her in 2019.
Her travel itinerary was released with some of the Epstein files. It appears the DOJ was monitoring her in 2019.
🧪 this is so bleak
Poll of 5,000 researchers finds contrasting views on when it’s acceptable to involve AI in scientific publishing, and what needs to be disclosed
go.nature.com/3YrxDye
go.nature.com/3YrxDye
Is it OK for AI to write science papers? Nature survey shows researchers are split
Poll of 5,000 researchers finds contrasting views on when it’s acceptable to involve AI and what needs to be disclosed.
go.nature.com
December 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
🧪 this is so bleak
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
Isn’t it amazing that 'shooting stars' are caused by space dust, often the size of a grain of sand? 🌠
We asked Sara Russell, cosmic mineralogy expert from @nhm-london.bsky.social, about different kinds of cool space rocks.
Join us tomorrow, 29 December, for Maggie’s second Lecture.
We asked Sara Russell, cosmic mineralogy expert from @nhm-london.bsky.social, about different kinds of cool space rocks.
Join us tomorrow, 29 December, for Maggie’s second Lecture.
December 28, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Isn’t it amazing that 'shooting stars' are caused by space dust, often the size of a grain of sand? 🌠
We asked Sara Russell, cosmic mineralogy expert from @nhm-london.bsky.social, about different kinds of cool space rocks.
Join us tomorrow, 29 December, for Maggie’s second Lecture.
We asked Sara Russell, cosmic mineralogy expert from @nhm-london.bsky.social, about different kinds of cool space rocks.
Join us tomorrow, 29 December, for Maggie’s second Lecture.
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
I learned so much about platypuses w/this episode. I look for ways to be optimistic about the future & seeing @ologies.bsky.social at the top of science podcasts helps. Thoughtful & fun interviews w/scientists from all backgrounds, often mentions Indigenous ppl, dispels misinformation, I 💜 Ologies.
Ornithorhynchology (PLATYPUSES) with Dr. Tahneal Hawke — alie ward
Duck bills. Beaver tails. Underground lairs. Eggs. Milk. Venom? A platypus has it all. Scholar, conservationist, and Ornithorhynchologist Dr. Tahneal Hawke is here to run through the baffling anatomy ...
www.alieward.com
December 29, 2025 at 1:13 PM
I learned so much about platypuses w/this episode. I look for ways to be optimistic about the future & seeing @ologies.bsky.social at the top of science podcasts helps. Thoughtful & fun interviews w/scientists from all backgrounds, often mentions Indigenous ppl, dispels misinformation, I 💜 Ologies.
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
👴🏻"Well, to me, what woke means is..."
👴🏻"The term woke has evolved to mean..."
That's not how things work. Racists don't get to redefine Black vocab.
Don't use the definition of woke that mocks Black people and people that care about Black people.
👴🏻"The term woke has evolved to mean..."
That's not how things work. Racists don't get to redefine Black vocab.
Don't use the definition of woke that mocks Black people and people that care about Black people.
That list amounts to "Don't sound woke when you talk." Anti-woke.
Woke means Black.
It doesn't matter what *you* think woke means in this context. This isn't a vote. There are only 2 ways to use the phrase:
1) How Black folk use it
2) Cynically, how racists that hate Black people mockingly use it
Woke means Black.
It doesn't matter what *you* think woke means in this context. This isn't a vote. There are only 2 ways to use the phrase:
1) How Black folk use it
2) Cynically, how racists that hate Black people mockingly use it
If antisemites took a phrase that Jewish people say, like "Shabbat Shalom," and used it to make fun of Jewish people, we'd immediately see why this was wrong.
If xenophobes took a Chinese phrase like "Ni Hao," and insulted Chinese people with it, we'd see that too.
"Woke" is a Black phrase.
If xenophobes took a Chinese phrase like "Ni Hao," and insulted Chinese people with it, we'd see that too.
"Woke" is a Black phrase.
December 29, 2025 at 1:12 PM
👴🏻"Well, to me, what woke means is..."
👴🏻"The term woke has evolved to mean..."
That's not how things work. Racists don't get to redefine Black vocab.
Don't use the definition of woke that mocks Black people and people that care about Black people.
👴🏻"The term woke has evolved to mean..."
That's not how things work. Racists don't get to redefine Black vocab.
Don't use the definition of woke that mocks Black people and people that care about Black people.
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
A study published in August in Nature shows that the earliest known ankylosaurs had elaborate body armour, including a spiky ornament on their tail. These extreme armour features are unlike those of any other vertebrate, including other ankylosaurs later in their evolutionary history. #Paleosky 🧪
Extreme armour in the world's oldest ankylosaur - Nature
The ankylosaurian dinosaur Spicomellus afer possessed a tail weapon and uniquely elaborate dermal armour.
go.nature.com
December 24, 2025 at 8:49 PM
A study published in August in Nature shows that the earliest known ankylosaurs had elaborate body armour, including a spiky ornament on their tail. These extreme armour features are unlike those of any other vertebrate, including other ankylosaurs later in their evolutionary history. #Paleosky 🧪
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
ICE is planning 7 massive human warehouses holding 5,000 to 10,000 people … with a smaller facility holding up to 1,500 people in Woodbury. wapo.st/4axtwZ4
ICE documents reveal plan to hold 80,000 immigrants in warehouses
The Trump administration wants to build seven large-scale deportation hubs to speed up deportations, internal ICE documents show.
wapo.st
December 24, 2025 at 1:30 PM
ICE is planning 7 massive human warehouses holding 5,000 to 10,000 people … with a smaller facility holding up to 1,500 people in Woodbury. wapo.st/4axtwZ4
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
The US has sanctioned European researchers and policymakers studying misinformation, framing independent inquiry as a free speech violation. The Trump admin's refusal to allow regulation of platforms is US tech policy by other means—now being enforced through sanctions. Scholars must pay attention.
In a major escalation against the EU, alongside civil society representatives the Trump Administration sanctions former Commissioner Breton for work he did in official capacity ↘️ www.state.gov/releases/off...
Announcement of Actions to Combat the Global Censorship-Industrial Complex - United States Department of State
The State Department is taking decisive action against five individuals who have led organized efforts to coerce American platforms to censor, demonetize, and suppress American viewpoints they oppose....
www.state.gov
December 24, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The US has sanctioned European researchers and policymakers studying misinformation, framing independent inquiry as a free speech violation. The Trump admin's refusal to allow regulation of platforms is US tech policy by other means—now being enforced through sanctions. Scholars must pay attention.
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
The full spiked 60 Minutes CECOT package, clean & subtitled. 1/5
December 23, 2025 at 1:28 AM
The full spiked 60 Minutes CECOT package, clean & subtitled. 1/5
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
Americans having to bootleg broadcast news about our government’s offshored concentration camp is a level of fascism that immediately precedes democratic societies dropping leaflets on us from weather balloons.
And now someone has uploaded a version that wasn't filmed off a TV.
There's also the torrent link there, which is probably the fastest way to download the 60 Minutes segment on CECOT if you want to save the file locally to your computer.
There's also the torrent link there, which is probably the fastest way to download the 60 Minutes segment on CECOT if you want to save the file locally to your computer.
Pulled 60 Minutes segment on CECOT : CBS : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
This is a screen recording of a 60 Minutes segment about the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison in El Salvador, which was intended to be...
archive.org
December 23, 2025 at 12:49 AM
Americans having to bootleg broadcast news about our government’s offshored concentration camp is a level of fascism that immediately precedes democratic societies dropping leaflets on us from weather balloons.
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
Yes, CECOT is a concentration camp in the guise of a prison. The Venezuelans were the first people to *ever* be released from CECOT since Bukele opened the prison in January 2023. Seriously. The first.
These are concentration camps. No other way to describe them. Truly horrific, and none of it surprising in the least.
30 minutes. Some deportees described sexual assault. Detainee describes the guard sexually assaulting most detainees. Lights left on all day. Prisoners not given clean water.
Now the DHS tour. Nobody spoke to the detainees. Noem's video was in a different area of the prison.
Now the DHS tour. Nobody spoke to the detainees. Noem's video was in a different area of the prison.
December 23, 2025 at 1:04 AM
Yes, CECOT is a concentration camp in the guise of a prison. The Venezuelans were the first people to *ever* be released from CECOT since Bukele opened the prison in January 2023. Seriously. The first.
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
She wanted to take the job away from an underpaid trans graduate student who gave her a fair grade w/thoughtful feedback on 1 of the most vapid assortment of attempted thoughts&words I have ever read&OU admin are a bunch of yellow-bellied chickenshit bastards for caving&setting this precedent
A graduate teaching assistant who gave a University of Oklahoma student a failing grade on a psychology essay will no longer be teaching at the university
Graduate instructor who gave failing grade to Samantha Fulnecky no longer teaching at OU
A graduate teaching assistant who gave a University of Oklahoma student a failing grade on a psychology essay will no longer be teaching at the university.
www.koco.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:54 AM
She wanted to take the job away from an underpaid trans graduate student who gave her a fair grade w/thoughtful feedback on 1 of the most vapid assortment of attempted thoughts&words I have ever read&OU admin are a bunch of yellow-bellied chickenshit bastards for caving&setting this precedent
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
"The pause [in a faculty diversity initiative] was shared the same day that Hopkins announced its partnership with the American Enterprise Institute to recruit more conservative voices into academia, Makalani remembers. It was also the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr."
At Johns Hopkins, a once-robust diversity office has quietly withered, shrinking from 14 staffers to three, pausing programs for underrepresented scholars and restricting race-based initiatives on campus. The disappearing diversity programs at Hopkins:
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
The disappearing diversity programs at Johns Hopkins University
Under Donald Trump, Johns Hopkins University has changed policies and scaled back its diversity office.
www.thebanner.com
December 20, 2025 at 7:04 PM
"The pause [in a faculty diversity initiative] was shared the same day that Hopkins announced its partnership with the American Enterprise Institute to recruit more conservative voices into academia, Makalani remembers. It was also the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr."
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
At Johns Hopkins, a once-robust diversity office has quietly withered, shrinking from 14 staffers to three, pausing programs for underrepresented scholars and restricting race-based initiatives on campus. The disappearing diversity programs at Hopkins:
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
The disappearing diversity programs at Johns Hopkins University
Under Donald Trump, Johns Hopkins University has changed policies and scaled back its diversity office.
www.thebanner.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:19 PM
At Johns Hopkins, a once-robust diversity office has quietly withered, shrinking from 14 staffers to three, pausing programs for underrepresented scholars and restricting race-based initiatives on campus. The disappearing diversity programs at Hopkins:
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
www.thebanner.com/education/hi...
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
Color me shocked.
Doctors Catch Cancer-Diagnosing AI Extracting Patients' Race Data and Being Racist With It
A new study reveals an alarming bias present in four leading AI cancer screening tools, related to race, gender, and age.
futurism.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Color me shocked.
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
I’m sorry, but it is disgraceful to be an academic who uses this technology to conduct research. It should be prohibited in all of our scholarly institutions, including universities and journals.
December 20, 2025 at 12:35 PM
I’m sorry, but it is disgraceful to be an academic who uses this technology to conduct research. It should be prohibited in all of our scholarly institutions, including universities and journals.
omg that second set of midline bones *inferior* to the nasal aperture - n.b., not the labeled “nasal cavity” which are actually premolars 💀
absolutely saving this as a warning for anthro/anatomy students
absolutely saving this as a warning for anthro/anatomy students
Given all the recent buzz about how great ChatGPT has gotten, including its prowess with images, I figured I'd check in on its anatomical skills. Nope.
December 19, 2025 at 4:17 PM
omg that second set of midline bones *inferior* to the nasal aperture - n.b., not the labeled “nasal cavity” which are actually premolars 💀
absolutely saving this as a warning for anthro/anatomy students
absolutely saving this as a warning for anthro/anatomy students
Reposted by Claudia Astorino
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
First-of-a-kind study shows encouraging data for trans kids who socially transition
Ninety-four percent of participants in a new study stood firm in their trans identity after five years, and "detransitioning" is rare.
www.popsci.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...
And trans lives are grounded in reality.
We see y'all. No matter what.
www.popsci.com/science/tran...