Helen Pearson
@helenpearson.bsky.social
Science journalist & editor for Nature, author, teacher at University College London.
Reposted by Helen Pearson
This was a light-bulb moment for me! My new post @plos.org comes from learning about the concept of science populists:
absolutelymaybe.plos.org/2025/12/19/s...
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absolutelymaybe.plos.org/2025/12/19/s...
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Science Populism, Medicine Style - Absolutely Maybe
I hadn’t been aware of the term science populism until a video about it did the rounds recently. It was a light-bulb…
absolutelymaybe.plos.org
December 19, 2025 at 9:01 AM
This was a light-bulb moment for me! My new post @plos.org comes from learning about the concept of science populists:
absolutelymaybe.plos.org/2025/12/19/s...
....
absolutelymaybe.plos.org/2025/12/19/s...
....
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Here's our reporting on the proposed dismantling of the jewel of US atmospheric science, @ncar-ucar.bsky.social.
The plan is to break NCAR apart and disburse some parts to other locations (like the research aircraft fleet) and eliminate others.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪 #AGU25 #climate
The plan is to break NCAR apart and disburse some parts to other locations (like the research aircraft fleet) and eliminate others.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪 #AGU25 #climate
Trump team plans to break up ‘global mothership’ of climate science
Much of the National Center for Atmospheric Research’s non-climate portfolio will be dispersed, the White House says.
www.nature.com
December 17, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Here's our reporting on the proposed dismantling of the jewel of US atmospheric science, @ncar-ucar.bsky.social.
The plan is to break NCAR apart and disburse some parts to other locations (like the research aircraft fleet) and eliminate others.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪 #AGU25 #climate
The plan is to break NCAR apart and disburse some parts to other locations (like the research aircraft fleet) and eliminate others.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪 #AGU25 #climate
Reposted by Helen Pearson
“The influenza season has begun roughly four weeks earlier than in previous seasons. At least 27 of the 38 countries in the WHO European Region reporting data are now seeing high or very high influenza activity.”
@whoeurope.bsky.social warning of an intense, early flu season
#IDsky 🧪
@whoeurope.bsky.social warning of an intense, early flu season
#IDsky 🧪
More than half of the WHO European Region experiencing intense, early influenza season driven by new strain
Copenhagen, 17 December 2025
Influenza is sweeping across the European Region earlier than
news.cision.com
December 17, 2025 at 9:01 AM
“The influenza season has begun roughly four weeks earlier than in previous seasons. At least 27 of the 38 countries in the WHO European Region reporting data are now seeing high or very high influenza activity.”
@whoeurope.bsky.social warning of an intense, early flu season
#IDsky 🧪
@whoeurope.bsky.social warning of an intense, early flu season
#IDsky 🧪
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Listen in as @richard-lehman.bsky.social and @raj-mehta.bsky.social explore why it took so long for fair tests of treatments to develop, and the transition from anecdotal and authority-based decisions to empirical methodologies in the 18th and 19th centuries.
www.jameslindlibrary.org/blogs/the-fi...
www.jameslindlibrary.org/blogs/the-fi...
Podcast: The first steps towards Evidence-Based Medicine - The James Lind Library
This video covers the first section of the James Lind Library essays, exploring why it took so long for fair assessments of medical treatments to develop.
www.jameslindlibrary.org
December 17, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Listen in as @richard-lehman.bsky.social and @raj-mehta.bsky.social explore why it took so long for fair tests of treatments to develop, and the transition from anecdotal and authority-based decisions to empirical methodologies in the 18th and 19th centuries.
www.jameslindlibrary.org/blogs/the-fi...
www.jameslindlibrary.org/blogs/the-fi...
Fascinating study covered by @maxkozlov.bsky.social that analyses the shared genetic roots of many neurodevelopmental (ADHD, autism) and mental health conditions
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Huge genetic study reveals hidden links between psychiatric conditions
Analysis of more than one million people shows that mental-health disorders fall into five clusters, each of them linked to a specific set of genetic variants.
www.nature.com
December 11, 2025 at 11:33 AM
Fascinating study covered by @maxkozlov.bsky.social that analyses the shared genetic roots of many neurodevelopmental (ADHD, autism) and mental health conditions
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Helen Pearson
For the overly prepared among you: You can already buy a ticket to the 2027 World Conference of Science Journalists! It will be in London, so I am definitely there. #scicomm
Super Early Bird tickets are now available for WCSJ 2027!
📅 6–9 Sept 2027 • London
💻 Book: registration.wcsj2027.org
Event Hosts: @absw.bsky.social & @wfsj25.bsky.social Founding Partners: The Royal Society, @springernature.com , @ukri.org, & @wellcometrust.bsky.social
📅 6–9 Sept 2027 • London
💻 Book: registration.wcsj2027.org
Event Hosts: @absw.bsky.social & @wfsj25.bsky.social Founding Partners: The Royal Society, @springernature.com , @ukri.org, & @wellcometrust.bsky.social
WCSJ 2027 Launch Video_
YouTube video by WCSJ 2027
youtu.be
December 10, 2025 at 12:54 PM
For the overly prepared among you: You can already buy a ticket to the 2027 World Conference of Science Journalists! It will be in London, so I am definitely there. #scicomm
Reposted by Helen Pearson
A fired public-health official, a mosquito breeder and a baby with a smile seen around the world. These are just a few of the remarkable people chosen for Nature’s 10 2025
Check out the full list: go.nature.com/4rIQH8H
Check out the full list: go.nature.com/4rIQH8H
December 8, 2025 at 5:37 PM
A fired public-health official, a mosquito breeder and a baby with a smile seen around the world. These are just a few of the remarkable people chosen for Nature’s 10 2025
Check out the full list: go.nature.com/4rIQH8H
Check out the full list: go.nature.com/4rIQH8H
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Behold: a genuinely useful flowchart #AcademicChatter
December 4, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Behold: a genuinely useful flowchart #AcademicChatter
ADHD diagnoses are climbing in some countries. What’s going on?
My @nature.com story looks at what specialists and people with ADHD are learning about the rise in diagnoses and how best to provide support www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My @nature.com story looks at what specialists and people with ADHD are learning about the rise in diagnoses and how best to provide support www.nature.com/articles/d41...
ADHD diagnoses are growing. What’s going on?
More children and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD in some countries. Science is helping to understand why — and how best to provide support.
www.nature.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:23 PM
ADHD diagnoses are climbing in some countries. What’s going on?
My @nature.com story looks at what specialists and people with ADHD are learning about the rise in diagnoses and how best to provide support www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My @nature.com story looks at what specialists and people with ADHD are learning about the rise in diagnoses and how best to provide support www.nature.com/articles/d41...
This deep-dive course in evidence synthesis looks great
Looking forward to October 2026, we've started offering places to applicants to our MSc Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-...
Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) MSc
UCL's Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) MSc has a specialist focus on advanced methods for the systematic review of research, also known as evidence syntheses, and explores how research is combined with professional and community knowledge to support policy decision-making by governments and other national and international organisations around the world. The course offers
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:42 AM
This deep-dive course in evidence synthesis looks great
Thoughtful and informed post about the past and future of science journalism, based on an excellent talk
A few thoughts on the future of science journalism from a talk I gave recently--at UCL for the American Association of Science Journalism.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
From Print to Prompts
What the past tells us about the future of science journalism
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Thoughtful and informed post about the past and future of science journalism, based on an excellent talk
Reposted by Helen Pearson
In praise of fundamental research
Our editorial this week argues that I n these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different
🧪
@nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Our editorial this week argues that I n these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different
🧪
@nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
From MRI to Ozempic: breakthroughs that show why fundamental research must be protected
In these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different.
www.nature.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:53 PM
In praise of fundamental research
Our editorial this week argues that I n these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different
🧪
@nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Our editorial this week argues that I n these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different
🧪
@nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Helen Pearson
We’re hiring! We are recruiting for Science Communication Technician (Equipment and Resources) to join our Department from November 2025. For more info and to apply, please visit: http://bit.ly/43BnBxu
Closing Date: 10th November 2025
#WeAreSTS #Sciencecommunication #MSc
Closing Date: 10th November 2025
#WeAreSTS #Sciencecommunication #MSc
October 27, 2025 at 7:31 AM
We’re hiring! We are recruiting for Science Communication Technician (Equipment and Resources) to join our Department from November 2025. For more info and to apply, please visit: http://bit.ly/43BnBxu
Closing Date: 10th November 2025
#WeAreSTS #Sciencecommunication #MSc
Closing Date: 10th November 2025
#WeAreSTS #Sciencecommunication #MSc
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Fewer grad students means less science, but many STEM PhD programs in the US are cutting back on admissions this year due to federal funding uncertainties. Words by me for @nature.com:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
US PhD admissions shrink as fears over Trump’s cuts take hold
Some doctoral programmes are admitting no students at all amid uncertainty about federal science funding.
www.nature.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Fewer grad students means less science, but many STEM PhD programs in the US are cutting back on admissions this year due to federal funding uncertainties. Words by me for @nature.com:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
Reposted by Helen Pearson
I listened to the article on the Nature podcast, Helen; Very timely. Too bad the scientifically unfounded claim that taking #acetaminophen #Tylenol during pregnancy is linked to autism came out just a few days later.
October 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
I listened to the article on the Nature podcast, Helen; Very timely. Too bad the scientifically unfounded claim that taking #acetaminophen #Tylenol during pregnancy is linked to autism came out just a few days later.
Reposted by Helen Pearson
thx to @nature.com @helenpearson.bsky.social for including our words & letter‼️
> unis are allowing or even encouraging the use of AI tools — many of which are controlled by companies, have unknown cognitive impacts and are dogged by ethical and environmental concerns.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
> unis are allowing or even encouraging the use of AI tools — many of which are controlled by companies, have unknown cognitive impacts and are dogged by ethical and environmental concerns.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
October 21, 2025 at 2:45 PM
thx to @nature.com @helenpearson.bsky.social for including our words & letter‼️
> unis are allowing or even encouraging the use of AI tools — many of which are controlled by companies, have unknown cognitive impacts and are dogged by ethical and environmental concerns.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
> unis are allowing or even encouraging the use of AI tools — many of which are controlled by companies, have unknown cognitive impacts and are dogged by ethical and environmental concerns.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
AI tools can, within seconds, analyse information and write essays — some of the exact skills that universities teach. My @nature.com story examines what this means for universities & students: is this the future of learning of the end of critical thinking?
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Universities are embracing AI: will students get smarter or stop thinking?
Millions of students arriving at campuses are now using artificial intelligence. Worries abound.
www.nature.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:49 PM
AI tools can, within seconds, analyse information and write essays — some of the exact skills that universities teach. My @nature.com story examines what this means for universities & students: is this the future of learning of the end of critical thinking?
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Less than 70% of science Nobel prize winners awarded this century hail from the country in which they were awarded their prize.
“Mobility benefits everyone. Each newcomer brings fresh ideas, new techniques & different ways of looking at old problems”
🧪 #academicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Mobility benefits everyone. Each newcomer brings fresh ideas, new techniques & different ways of looking at old problems”
🧪 #academicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
More than 30% of this century’s science Nobel prizewinners immigrated: see their journeys
The most common destination for eventual Nobel laureates in physics, chemistry and medicine since 2000 is the United States, Nature has found.
www.nature.com
October 9, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Less than 70% of science Nobel prize winners awarded this century hail from the country in which they were awarded their prize.
“Mobility benefits everyone. Each newcomer brings fresh ideas, new techniques & different ways of looking at old problems”
🧪 #academicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Mobility benefits everyone. Each newcomer brings fresh ideas, new techniques & different ways of looking at old problems”
🧪 #academicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Now might be a good time to repost this story about what scientists actually know about the complex causes of autism, and what's behind the increasing prevalence.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Autism is on the rise: what’s really behind the increase?
RFK Jr has vowed to find out what’s responsible, but scientists say he is ignoring answers from decades of research.
www.nature.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Now might be a good time to repost this story about what scientists actually know about the complex causes of autism, and what's behind the increasing prevalence.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
A good news story. A new birth cohort to add to the UK’s unique series of such studies
UKRI announces first UK-wide birth cohort study in 25 years #ESRC #AcademicSky
UKRI announces first UK-wide birth cohort study in 25 years
A ground-breaking UK-wide scientific study will help improve the lives of future generations by studying 30,000 children born in 2026.
www.ukri.org
September 9, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A good news story. A new birth cohort to add to the UK’s unique series of such studies
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Good summary by my friend @helenpearson.bsky.social of what we have been saying for years: if there’s an epidemic in autism, it’s of diagnoses, which is not a bad thing www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Autism is on the rise: what’s really behind the increase?
RFK Jr has vowed to find out what’s responsible, but scientists say he is ignoring answers from decades of research.
www.nature.com
August 28, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Good summary by my friend @helenpearson.bsky.social of what we have been saying for years: if there’s an epidemic in autism, it’s of diagnoses, which is not a bad thing www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“While X has primarily served as a dissemination tool, Bluesky may support a more interpretive, reflective mode of science communication.” 👇
Posts about research on Bluesky receive substantially more attention than similar posts on X, formerly called Twitter
go.nature.com/45Ftiw4
go.nature.com/45Ftiw4
Research posts on Bluesky are more original — and get better engagement
Bluesky posts about science garner more likes and reposts than similar ones on X.
go.nature.com
August 29, 2025 at 8:34 AM
“While X has primarily served as a dissemination tool, Bluesky may support a more interpretive, reflective mode of science communication.” 👇
Very surprised and delighted to be one of 4 finalists for European Science Journalist of the Year Award 2025 - along with amazing reporters @mikepeeljourno.bsky.social, Jonas Reese & Christopher Weingart.
Congratulations to ABSW members @helenpearson.bsky.social and @mikepeeljourno.bsky.social who are finalists in the European Science Journalist of the Year Award 2025. Really well deserved. efsj.eu/2025/08/27/a...
Announcing the shortlist for the European Science Journalist of the Year Award 2025
The European Federation for Science Journalism reveals the 2025 shortlist for the European Science Journalist of the Year award.
National science journalism associations put forward their candidates, ...
efsj.eu
August 27, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Very surprised and delighted to be one of 4 finalists for European Science Journalist of the Year Award 2025 - along with amazing reporters @mikepeeljourno.bsky.social, Jonas Reese & Christopher Weingart.
What’s really driving the rise in prevalence of autism? My @nature.com story looks at what scientists and the autism community have learned about the causes of autism and the growth in diagnoses. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Autism is on the rise: what’s really behind the increase?
RFK Jr has vowed to find out what’s responsible, but scientists say he is ignoring answers from decades of research.
www.nature.com
August 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM
What’s really driving the rise in prevalence of autism? My @nature.com story looks at what scientists and the autism community have learned about the causes of autism and the growth in diagnoses. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Congratulations to the fantastic crop of winners of the @absw.bsky.social Awards 2025 but especially (of course!) to our @nature.com winners Nisha Gaind (www.nature.com/articles/d41...) & Lizzy Gibney (www.nature.com/articles/d41... ) 🎉🎉🎉
@lizziegibney.bsky.social
🧪
www.absw.org.uk/pages/meet-t...
@lizziegibney.bsky.social
🧪
www.absw.org.uk/pages/meet-t...
Meet the Winners 2025 | Association of British Science Writers
The winners of the 2025 ABSW Awards were announced at a ceremony held on Wednesday July 9, 2025
www.absw.org.uk
July 9, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Congratulations to the fantastic crop of winners of the @absw.bsky.social Awards 2025 but especially (of course!) to our @nature.com winners Nisha Gaind (www.nature.com/articles/d41...) & Lizzy Gibney (www.nature.com/articles/d41... ) 🎉🎉🎉
@lizziegibney.bsky.social
🧪
www.absw.org.uk/pages/meet-t...
@lizziegibney.bsky.social
🧪
www.absw.org.uk/pages/meet-t...