Frank Norman
@franknorman.bsky.social
Retired librarian. Interested in science (mainly biomedical), choral music, running, countryside, libraries (of course), literature, the Philippines, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergence.
Reposted by Frank Norman
Whatever the causes of the shortage of tenors, the consequences are plain. Some of the classical choral repertoire has already become unsingable for many choirs
How to solve the tenor shortage
A voice that is made, not found
econ.st
February 14, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Whatever the causes of the shortage of tenors, the consequences are plain. Some of the classical choral repertoire has already become unsingable for many choirs
Reposted by Frank Norman
Happy #LGBTQHistoryMonth from RCN libraries! 🏳️🌈
We've put together a new book display in London with books on providing affirming care, queer history, and more.
📍 20 Cavendish Sq, W1G 0RN
🗓️ February
Find more resources on supporting LGBTQ+ health in our reading list: https://bit.ly/44lItJY
We've put together a new book display in London with books on providing affirming care, queer history, and more.
📍 20 Cavendish Sq, W1G 0RN
🗓️ February
Find more resources on supporting LGBTQ+ health in our reading list: https://bit.ly/44lItJY
February 13, 2026 at 5:09 PM
Happy #LGBTQHistoryMonth from RCN libraries! 🏳️🌈
We've put together a new book display in London with books on providing affirming care, queer history, and more.
📍 20 Cavendish Sq, W1G 0RN
🗓️ February
Find more resources on supporting LGBTQ+ health in our reading list: https://bit.ly/44lItJY
We've put together a new book display in London with books on providing affirming care, queer history, and more.
📍 20 Cavendish Sq, W1G 0RN
🗓️ February
Find more resources on supporting LGBTQ+ health in our reading list: https://bit.ly/44lItJY
Reposted by Frank Norman
On ransomware and under-funded GLAMs: 'At no point was the British Library particularly negligent or unprepared. Instead, it was hindered by vulnerabilities shared by the majority of cultural institutions. ...the attack [is] a warning to the whole sector.' informationsecuritybuzz.com/the-cyberatt...
The Cyberattack That Exposed The Fragility Of Digital Heritage
Saturday 28 October 2023 is a date that will live long in the memory of staff at the British Library. As they arrived for work that day, they encountered
informationsecuritybuzz.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:20 PM
On ransomware and under-funded GLAMs: 'At no point was the British Library particularly negligent or unprepared. Instead, it was hindered by vulnerabilities shared by the majority of cultural institutions. ...the attack [is] a warning to the whole sector.' informationsecuritybuzz.com/the-cyberatt...
Reposted by Frank Norman
In terms of what cures are being lost:
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
February 13, 2026 at 5:44 AM
In terms of what cures are being lost:
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
Reposted by Frank Norman
Just going to leave this here
February 12, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Just going to leave this here
Reposted by Frank Norman
Husband has blessed a signpost but the @churchofengland.org can't allow the blessing of two human beings... What a terrible example it sets. No wonder so many are leaving. #synod #LLF.
February 12, 2026 at 3:12 PM
Husband has blessed a signpost but the @churchofengland.org can't allow the blessing of two human beings... What a terrible example it sets. No wonder so many are leaving. #synod #LLF.
Reposted by Frank Norman
It's hard to overstate the degree to which the general public is being lied to about trans people
Alex Massie trumped up a fake campaign in the times to claim hundreds of rape convictions for women in the justice system were actually trans women despite the numbers covering several hundred more convictions than there are trans women in prison for any crime.
To understand how much Alex Massie actually cares about women's safety: when I called out his transphobe-in-arms Nick Cohen for multiple acts of sexual misconduct against cis women, which eventually got him sacked, Massie went berserk at me.
Transphobia is a men's rights movement in drag.
Transphobia is a men's rights movement in drag.
February 8, 2026 at 10:14 AM
It's hard to overstate the degree to which the general public is being lied to about trans people
Reposted by Frank Norman
On 16 April, we co-host 'History and Archives in Practice, 2026' with @ihr.bsky.social, The National Archives, and University of Sheffield Library.
For #HAP26 our theme is: ‘Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: the Impact of Archives and Historical Research’ bit.ly/4tvKUnX. Booking now #Skystorians
For #HAP26 our theme is: ‘Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: the Impact of Archives and Historical Research’ bit.ly/4tvKUnX. Booking now #Skystorians
‘Shaping Societies, Improving Lives’: programme and booking for ‘History and Archives in Practice, 2026’ now available - RHS
On Thursday 16 April 2026, the Royal Historical Society joins with The National Archives, Institute ofHistorical Research and University of Sheffield Library to co-host the this year’s History and Arc...
bit.ly
February 12, 2026 at 8:25 AM
On 16 April, we co-host 'History and Archives in Practice, 2026' with @ihr.bsky.social, The National Archives, and University of Sheffield Library.
For #HAP26 our theme is: ‘Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: the Impact of Archives and Historical Research’ bit.ly/4tvKUnX. Booking now #Skystorians
For #HAP26 our theme is: ‘Shaping Societies, Improving Lives: the Impact of Archives and Historical Research’ bit.ly/4tvKUnX. Booking now #Skystorians
Looking forward to hearing Baroness Tessa Blackstone talk this morning about Millicent Garrett Fawcett.
February 12, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Looking forward to hearing Baroness Tessa Blackstone talk this morning about Millicent Garrett Fawcett.
Reposted by Frank Norman
Researchers found Apple's in-built AI system systematically exhibits forms of racial bias and gender stereotyping when summarising texts and emails, according to a report exclusively shared with EUobserver.
Apple’s AI-notification exhibits racial and gender bias, researchers find
Researchers found Apple's in-built AI system systematically exhibits forms of racial bias and gender stereotyping when summarising texts and emails, according to a report exclusively shared with EUobserver.
euobserver.com
February 12, 2026 at 9:36 AM
Researchers found Apple's in-built AI system systematically exhibits forms of racial bias and gender stereotyping when summarising texts and emails, according to a report exclusively shared with EUobserver.
Reposted by Frank Norman
The study points to using libraries and visiting museums as bringing these enormous brain health benefits ... who would have thought? Well, librarians and museum folk for a start ... www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reading and writing can lower dementia risk by almost 40%, study finds
Cognitive health in later life is ‘strongly influenced’ by lifelong exposure to intellectually stimulating environments, say researchers
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:57 AM
The study points to using libraries and visiting museums as bringing these enormous brain health benefits ... who would have thought? Well, librarians and museum folk for a start ... www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reposted by Frank Norman
Starmer:
• Not mentioned once in the Epstein Papers
• Bad judgement call over Mandelson
Media - Resign Now!
Farage:
• Mentioned over 40 times
• Bad judgement over Nathan Gill
• Reform "treasurer" Nick Candy linked to Epstein
• Bannon was Farage advisor
Media - Nothing to see here
🤔 🤔
• Not mentioned once in the Epstein Papers
• Bad judgement call over Mandelson
Media - Resign Now!
Farage:
• Mentioned over 40 times
• Bad judgement over Nathan Gill
• Reform "treasurer" Nick Candy linked to Epstein
• Bannon was Farage advisor
Media - Nothing to see here
🤔 🤔
February 11, 2026 at 8:49 PM
Starmer:
• Not mentioned once in the Epstein Papers
• Bad judgement call over Mandelson
Media - Resign Now!
Farage:
• Mentioned over 40 times
• Bad judgement over Nathan Gill
• Reform "treasurer" Nick Candy linked to Epstein
• Bannon was Farage advisor
Media - Nothing to see here
🤔 🤔
• Not mentioned once in the Epstein Papers
• Bad judgement call over Mandelson
Media - Resign Now!
Farage:
• Mentioned over 40 times
• Bad judgement over Nathan Gill
• Reform "treasurer" Nick Candy linked to Epstein
• Bannon was Farage advisor
Media - Nothing to see here
🤔 🤔
Reposted by Frank Norman
Greetings...
If you are running a conference or workshop this year, and are looking for an event photographer to document it for you, I'd be happy to talk. Get in quick though...
Have Nikons, will travel...
If you are running a conference or workshop this year, and are looking for an event photographer to document it for you, I'd be happy to talk. Get in quick though...
Have Nikons, will travel...
February 11, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Greetings...
If you are running a conference or workshop this year, and are looking for an event photographer to document it for you, I'd be happy to talk. Get in quick though...
Have Nikons, will travel...
If you are running a conference or workshop this year, and are looking for an event photographer to document it for you, I'd be happy to talk. Get in quick though...
Have Nikons, will travel...
Reposted by Frank Norman
Over on threads someone just use ai;dr and we all need to adopt that right quick
February 11, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Over on threads someone just use ai;dr and we all need to adopt that right quick
Reposted by Frank Norman
The incompetence in every aspect of the Trump Administration is overwhelmingly mind-boggling.
#MedSky 🧪
#MedSky 🧪
So the feds ARE NOT considering an mRNA vaccine for the flu, which could save countless lives, but ARE backing research into whether horse dewormer can cure cancer, because the right views vaccines as elite and ivermectin as populist.
Cool.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Cool.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
FDA won’t review Moderna application for first mRNA-based flu vaccine
The decision, which shocked company officials, comes as the FDA says it will take a stricter approach to federal vaccine approvals.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:19 PM
The incompetence in every aspect of the Trump Administration is overwhelmingly mind-boggling.
#MedSky 🧪
#MedSky 🧪
Reposted by Frank Norman
Farage lecturing us on 'hard work' lol. What next? Are rabbits going to lecture us on family planning?
February 11, 2026 at 9:05 AM
Farage lecturing us on 'hard work' lol. What next? Are rabbits going to lecture us on family planning?
Reposted by Frank Norman
"In our work, we found that none of the tested language models were ready for deployment in direct patient care."
#medlibs
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
#medlibs
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reliability of LLMs as medical assistants for the general public: a randomized preregistered study - Nature Medicine
In a randomized controlled study involving 1,298 participants from a general sample, performance of humans when assisted by a large language model (LLM) was sensibly inferior to that of the LLM alone ...
www.nature.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:15 PM
"In our work, we found that none of the tested language models were ready for deployment in direct patient care."
#medlibs
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
#medlibs
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Frank Norman
💡 #WomenInScience make up about 1/3 of researchers globally but are still underrepresented in academies and scientific unions that shape leadership and recognition
📢New report out today by IAP, ISC and SCGES explores the gap: tinyurl.com/y9ntv3sn
Join today's webinar (2pm UTM): tinyurl.com/229rrumb
📢New report out today by IAP, ISC and SCGES explores the gap: tinyurl.com/y9ntv3sn
Join today's webinar (2pm UTM): tinyurl.com/229rrumb
February 11, 2026 at 11:22 AM
💡 #WomenInScience make up about 1/3 of researchers globally but are still underrepresented in academies and scientific unions that shape leadership and recognition
📢New report out today by IAP, ISC and SCGES explores the gap: tinyurl.com/y9ntv3sn
Join today's webinar (2pm UTM): tinyurl.com/229rrumb
📢New report out today by IAP, ISC and SCGES explores the gap: tinyurl.com/y9ntv3sn
Join today's webinar (2pm UTM): tinyurl.com/229rrumb
Reposted by Frank Norman
✨ NEW blog post: Being open isn't enough - true "research information citizenship" requires building & maintaining a robust, genuinely #OpenResearch infrastructure, writes our VP of Research Futures, Simon Porter.
💡 Here's what it will take to achieve: https://ow.ly/6U3Y50YcJ3J
💡 Here's what it will take to achieve: https://ow.ly/6U3Y50YcJ3J
February 11, 2026 at 12:01 PM
✨ NEW blog post: Being open isn't enough - true "research information citizenship" requires building & maintaining a robust, genuinely #OpenResearch infrastructure, writes our VP of Research Futures, Simon Porter.
💡 Here's what it will take to achieve: https://ow.ly/6U3Y50YcJ3J
💡 Here's what it will take to achieve: https://ow.ly/6U3Y50YcJ3J
Reposted by Frank Norman
One Boston Children’s Hospital researcher said, “This is like asking, how do you think dropping an atomic bomb on New York City will affect the future of Broadway musicals? This is a generational loss of innovation, technology, and economic power.” www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/09/m...
They came to Massachusetts to cure disease. Now they’re packing up their labs. - The Boston Globe
In a first-of-its-kind survey, the Globe asked hundreds of scientists about the impact of federal funding cuts.
www.bostonglobe.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:39 PM
One Boston Children’s Hospital researcher said, “This is like asking, how do you think dropping an atomic bomb on New York City will affect the future of Broadway musicals? This is a generational loss of innovation, technology, and economic power.” www.bostonglobe.com/2026/02/09/m...
Some of my science writing friends may know about this? I’d be interested to know the answer.
Does anyone have any good sources for demographics on who actually reads popular science books? Age range, numbers, education level, etc?
February 11, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Some of my science writing friends may know about this? I’d be interested to know the answer.
Reposted by Frank Norman
We sent #CuratorRob to a professional Networking event at the Novium Museum, Chichester, yesterday and he represented the Palace by wearing a prawn hat. 🤦
February 11, 2026 at 8:24 AM
We sent #CuratorRob to a professional Networking event at the Novium Museum, Chichester, yesterday and he represented the Palace by wearing a prawn hat. 🤦
Reposted by Frank Norman
Happy 13th anniversary to this pair of matching news headlines.
February 10, 2026 at 7:26 AM
Happy 13th anniversary to this pair of matching news headlines.
Reposted by Frank Norman
Just started doing new data analysis and I know I keep saying this, but: I really, really don't think people appreciate how much this moral panic was a deliberate and extremely expensive invention.
January 28, 2026 at 3:12 AM
Just started doing new data analysis and I know I keep saying this, but: I really, really don't think people appreciate how much this moral panic was a deliberate and extremely expensive invention.
Reposted by Frank Norman
'there is declining support for open-data mandates ... probably because researchers still think they're not getting sufficient recognition and credit for sharing data' #OpenData policycommons.net/artifacts/42...
February 9, 2026 at 10:30 AM
'there is declining support for open-data mandates ... probably because researchers still think they're not getting sufficient recognition and credit for sharing data' #OpenData policycommons.net/artifacts/42...