Dr Helen MacLean
@drhmaclean.bsky.social
Former medical research scientist, interested in politics, society and sustainability, also science, cats, music, gardening and AFL (Geelong, the mighty Cats). On Wurrundjeri land, Naarm (Melbourne, Australia).
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Australian #NHMRC Ideas grants are out. 8.1% success rate. Lowest since the scheme began. Congrats to the successful few, as it looks like less than 200 were funded. 🧪
November 26, 2025 at 6:06 AM
Australian #NHMRC Ideas grants are out. 8.1% success rate. Lowest since the scheme began. Congrats to the successful few, as it looks like less than 200 were funded. 🧪
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
The CDC has put out a new statement saying that childhood vaccines do not necessarily not cause autism. Benjamin Mazer on the risks of this double-negative approach to science:
Do Childhood Vaccines Cause Tornadoes?
It hasn’t been ruled out.
bit.ly
November 23, 2025 at 9:15 AM
The CDC has put out a new statement saying that childhood vaccines do not necessarily not cause autism. Benjamin Mazer on the risks of this double-negative approach to science:
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Former (sadly) MP Zoe Daniel is a journalist - a good one - and it really shows in this excellent analysis piece, some of it about her own ex-colleagues.
#auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
#auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The Coalition is spinning a lie that climate action is economically bad. How are they getting away with it? | Zoe Daniel
In this post-truth environment, the interests of coal and gas are somehow able to win the hearts and minds of voters
www.theguardian.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Former (sadly) MP Zoe Daniel is a journalist - a good one - and it really shows in this excellent analysis piece, some of it about her own ex-colleagues.
#auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
#auspol
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Honestly, I think these two articles are pretty damn close in their tenor.
- The companies are barely investing anything meaningful in building new renewables, so they can extend coal and get paid to do it
- The grid operator lost all interest in enhancing emissions reductions years ago
- The companies are barely investing anything meaningful in building new renewables, so they can extend coal and get paid to do it
- The grid operator lost all interest in enhancing emissions reductions years ago
November 16, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Honestly, I think these two articles are pretty damn close in their tenor.
- The companies are barely investing anything meaningful in building new renewables, so they can extend coal and get paid to do it
- The grid operator lost all interest in enhancing emissions reductions years ago
- The companies are barely investing anything meaningful in building new renewables, so they can extend coal and get paid to do it
- The grid operator lost all interest in enhancing emissions reductions years ago
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
When Massachusetts passed a "millionaires tax" in 2023, conservatives claimed the rich would flee.
But two years later, they haven't — and MA has collected $5.7B for infrastructure and public education.
A reminder that positive change can still happen at the state level.
But two years later, they haven't — and MA has collected $5.7B for infrastructure and public education.
A reminder that positive change can still happen at the state level.
November 14, 2025 at 4:13 PM
When Massachusetts passed a "millionaires tax" in 2023, conservatives claimed the rich would flee.
But two years later, they haven't — and MA has collected $5.7B for infrastructure and public education.
A reminder that positive change can still happen at the state level.
But two years later, they haven't — and MA has collected $5.7B for infrastructure and public education.
A reminder that positive change can still happen at the state level.
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Hey!! Here's my new piece for The New Republic!!
It's about how Meta is cramming generative video slop (the most energy-intensive of the gen systems) into its massive global advertising engine: a recipe for an order magnitude worsening of its already-huge harms 😱
newrepublic.com/article/2028...
It's about how Meta is cramming generative video slop (the most energy-intensive of the gen systems) into its massive global advertising engine: a recipe for an order magnitude worsening of its already-huge harms 😱
newrepublic.com/article/2028...
November 11, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Hey!! Here's my new piece for The New Republic!!
It's about how Meta is cramming generative video slop (the most energy-intensive of the gen systems) into its massive global advertising engine: a recipe for an order magnitude worsening of its already-huge harms 😱
newrepublic.com/article/2028...
It's about how Meta is cramming generative video slop (the most energy-intensive of the gen systems) into its massive global advertising engine: a recipe for an order magnitude worsening of its already-huge harms 😱
newrepublic.com/article/2028...
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Chuck Schumer Helps Pull Democrats Back From Brink Of Courage
November 10, 2025 at 5:02 AM
Chuck Schumer Helps Pull Democrats Back From Brink Of Courage
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
1. In the wake on Mamdani’s win, we’ll see a lot more far right anti-urban sentiment. Here’s a thread on its roots and evolution.
The idea that the city is evil and corrupt, and the countryside innocent and pure, goes back a long way: to Theocritus in Alexandria, and to the Old Testament. 🧵
The idea that the city is evil and corrupt, and the countryside innocent and pure, goes back a long way: to Theocritus in Alexandria, and to the Old Testament. 🧵
November 5, 2025 at 7:58 AM
1. In the wake on Mamdani’s win, we’ll see a lot more far right anti-urban sentiment. Here’s a thread on its roots and evolution.
The idea that the city is evil and corrupt, and the countryside innocent and pure, goes back a long way: to Theocritus in Alexandria, and to the Old Testament. 🧵
The idea that the city is evil and corrupt, and the countryside innocent and pure, goes back a long way: to Theocritus in Alexandria, and to the Old Testament. 🧵
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
The medical treatment for septic uterus, eptopic pregancies and a miscarriage that the body cannot release is abortion
Without the medical procedure of an abortion for these medical emergencies, women die
This Far Right anti-abortion shtick has nothing to do with human rights
It’s misogyny, 101
Without the medical procedure of an abortion for these medical emergencies, women die
This Far Right anti-abortion shtick has nothing to do with human rights
It’s misogyny, 101
November 4, 2025 at 1:50 AM
The medical treatment for septic uterus, eptopic pregancies and a miscarriage that the body cannot release is abortion
Without the medical procedure of an abortion for these medical emergencies, women die
This Far Right anti-abortion shtick has nothing to do with human rights
It’s misogyny, 101
Without the medical procedure of an abortion for these medical emergencies, women die
This Far Right anti-abortion shtick has nothing to do with human rights
It’s misogyny, 101
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
"PM Albanese’s culture of secrecy, in three charts"
Damning work by @skyelark.bsky.social on this govt's secrecy
#OffTheCharts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
Damning work by @skyelark.bsky.social on this govt's secrecy
#OffTheCharts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
PM Albanese’s culture of secrecy, in three charts
If he doesn’t change course, the Prime Minister may end up leading exactly the kind of 'shadow government' that he derided his predecessor for.
thepoint.com.au
November 2, 2025 at 10:12 PM
"PM Albanese’s culture of secrecy, in three charts"
Damning work by @skyelark.bsky.social on this govt's secrecy
#OffTheCharts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
Damning work by @skyelark.bsky.social on this govt's secrecy
#OffTheCharts #ThePoint
thepoint.com.au/off-the-char...
The Andrew formerly known as Prince
(I’ll see myself out 😅)
(I’ll see myself out 😅)
October 30, 2025 at 9:32 PM
The Andrew formerly known as Prince
(I’ll see myself out 😅)
(I’ll see myself out 😅)
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
World’s biggest industrial heat battery, from a company backed by big name investors including Rio Tinto, begins operations.
reneweconomy.com.au
October 22, 2025 at 2:21 AM
World’s biggest industrial heat battery, from a company backed by big name investors including Rio Tinto, begins operations.
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
When claims made in the public arena using agency data is “flat-out contradicted by the statistical evidence", intervening to correct it upholds integrity
"you’re trying to take the side of truth [.. ]to take the side of explaining what the statistics say and what they don’t say"
#IStandWithABS
"you’re trying to take the side of truth [.. ]to take the side of explaining what the statistics say and what they don’t say"
#IStandWithABS
Head of ABS defends debunking far-right ‘mass migration’ claims after censorship accusations
Chief statistician David Gruen says bureau did not censor anyone and is ‘trying to take the side of truth’ after misuse of overseas arrivals figures
www.theguardian.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:42 AM
When claims made in the public arena using agency data is “flat-out contradicted by the statistical evidence", intervening to correct it upholds integrity
"you’re trying to take the side of truth [.. ]to take the side of explaining what the statistics say and what they don’t say"
#IStandWithABS
"you’re trying to take the side of truth [.. ]to take the side of explaining what the statistics say and what they don’t say"
#IStandWithABS
Australians have a right to access government information and to understand how decisions are made on their behalf. I just signed this @australiainstitute.org.au petition calling to end government secrecy: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/end_governme...
✍️ ADD YOUR NAME: End Government Secrecy
Australians have a right to access government information and to understand how decisions are made on their behalf. But the Labor Government’s proposed changes to freedom of information laws threaten ...
nb.australiainstitute.org.au
October 19, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Australians have a right to access government information and to understand how decisions are made on their behalf. I just signed this @australiainstitute.org.au petition calling to end government secrecy: nb.australiainstitute.org.au/end_governme...
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Even in a digital era, the choices editors make about the Sunday front page say a great deal about their priorities
October 19, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Even in a digital era, the choices editors make about the Sunday front page say a great deal about their priorities
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
According to the City of Paris, in the last 10 years 150K trees have been planted & 45ha of parks created in the already hot city, all intended to not only improve quality-of-life today, but also help the city adapt to & manage summer heatwaves of 50℃ (122F) by 2050.
Just the start.
Common sense.
Just the start.
Common sense.
October 5, 2025 at 2:46 AM
According to the City of Paris, in the last 10 years 150K trees have been planted & 45ha of parks created in the already hot city, all intended to not only improve quality-of-life today, but also help the city adapt to & manage summer heatwaves of 50℃ (122F) by 2050.
Just the start.
Common sense.
Just the start.
Common sense.
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Oh no, here we go again. Are we heading for another (rushed) agreement to solidify our role as the world’s quarry?
We should export processed minerals, not raw! #ValueAddHere. 1/2 #auspol
We should export processed minerals, not raw! #ValueAddHere. 1/2 #auspol
October 11, 2025 at 11:42 PM
Oh no, here we go again. Are we heading for another (rushed) agreement to solidify our role as the world’s quarry?
We should export processed minerals, not raw! #ValueAddHere. 1/2 #auspol
We should export processed minerals, not raw! #ValueAddHere. 1/2 #auspol
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Australia Post says it has beaten its emissions reduction site, reached 100 pct renewables at its operational sites, and rolled out thousands of EVs.
reneweconomy.com.au
October 7, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Australia Post says it has beaten its emissions reduction site, reached 100 pct renewables at its operational sites, and rolled out thousands of EVs.
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
If you like yelling about misuse of the passive voice, THIS IS IT.
Adults and children alike were pulled from their Chicago apartments, crying and screaming, during a large overnight raid that has left tenants and neighbors shaken. https://cnn.it/4pPCXIt
37 people arrested and American kids separated from parents after ICE raid at Chicago apartments | CNN
Adults and children alike were pulled from their Chicago apartments, crying and screaming, during a large overnight raid that has left tenants and neighbors shaken.
www.cnn.com
October 4, 2025 at 6:58 PM
If you like yelling about misuse of the passive voice, THIS IS IT.
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Sometimes I think about how from 1935-1975ish, Bell Labs produced an insane amount of revolutionary science and technology, including 11 Nobel Prizes, the transistor, UNIX, C, the laser, the solar cell, information theory, etc. The secret? Provide scientists with ample, steady, no-strings funding.
sites.stat.columbia.edu
October 4, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Sometimes I think about how from 1935-1975ish, Bell Labs produced an insane amount of revolutionary science and technology, including 11 Nobel Prizes, the transistor, UNIX, C, the laser, the solar cell, information theory, etc. The secret? Provide scientists with ample, steady, no-strings funding.
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
When a president sends troops into American cities to “restore order,” what he’s really doing is testing obedience. Portland and Chicago aren’t war zones…they’re warning shots. Authoritarians don’t announce takeovers. They practice them. One city at a time. However, each practice destroys families.
October 4, 2025 at 7:59 PM
When a president sends troops into American cities to “restore order,” what he’s really doing is testing obedience. Portland and Chicago aren’t war zones…they’re warning shots. Authoritarians don’t announce takeovers. They practice them. One city at a time. However, each practice destroys families.
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
Who could ever have imagined when I played a fictional rebel who joined the Resistance to oppose a criminal Authoritarian & wannabe King, it would be happening in real-life?
#TwentyfiveFortyseven
#TwentyfiveFortyseven
October 4, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Who could ever have imagined when I played a fictional rebel who joined the Resistance to oppose a criminal Authoritarian & wannabe King, it would be happening in real-life?
#TwentyfiveFortyseven
#TwentyfiveFortyseven
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
"Discrediting science and scientists is an essential first step for authoritarian regimes to discredit any other forms of learning and truth and destabilize societies to keep them under control."
"Who is leading the war against science and what interest do they have" | Nice review of #ScienceUnderSiege by #SpotMedia: spotmedia.ro/en/news/soci...
Who is leading the war against science and what interest do they have
Who is leading the war against science and what interest do they have
spotmedia.ro
October 4, 2025 at 8:42 PM
"Discrediting science and scientists is an essential first step for authoritarian regimes to discredit any other forms of learning and truth and destabilize societies to keep them under control."
Reposted by Dr Helen MacLean
In 1935 German leadership called a surprise meeting and informed their previous oath to uphold the Weimar constitution was now void and they instead must swear a personal oath to the Führer. Many claimed they didn’t like the order, but they did it anyway.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Hegseth orders rare, urgent meeting of hundreds of generals, admirals
The Pentagon has summoned military officials from around the world for a gathering in Virginia. Top generals and their staffs don’t know the reason for the meeting.
www.washingtonpost.com
September 25, 2025 at 9:04 PM
In 1935 German leadership called a surprise meeting and informed their previous oath to uphold the Weimar constitution was now void and they instead must swear a personal oath to the Führer. Many claimed they didn’t like the order, but they did it anyway.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...