Meghan Bartels
@meghanbartels.bsky.social
News reporter at @sciam.bsky.social (posts are my fault). Book person, cat person, etc. Georgetown alumna, SHERP34. In NYC. Signal: mbartels.07. she/her http://meghanbartels.github.io/portfolio/
Pinned
Meghan Bartels
@meghanbartels.bsky.social
· Jul 15
The Bird Flu Story No One Is Telling
Bird flu fears have focused on the poultry and dairy industries and human health. But wild animals are threatened, too—at scales no one fully understands
www.scientificamerican.com
Amid bird flu fears about egg prices, viral milk and human pandemic risks, there's a piece missing--the impact on wildlife, which I covered for @sciam.bsky.social : 🧪 🪶 www.scientificamerican.com/article/bird...
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
More really cool science news: Scientists have extracted the oldest known RNA!
This is a particularly amazing feat because RNA degrades very quickly. (Also, we learned that Yuka here was a male, not a female as previously thought.) 🧪
(by @humbertobasilio.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social)
This is a particularly amazing feat because RNA degrades very quickly. (Also, we learned that Yuka here was a male, not a female as previously thought.) 🧪
(by @humbertobasilio.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social)
A Frozen Woolly Mammoth Reveals the World’s Oldest RNA
RNA has been extracted from an ancient woolly mammoth, providing insight into its last moments on Earth
www.scientificamerican.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:22 PM
More really cool science news: Scientists have extracted the oldest known RNA!
This is a particularly amazing feat because RNA degrades very quickly. (Also, we learned that Yuka here was a male, not a female as previously thought.) 🧪
(by @humbertobasilio.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social)
This is a particularly amazing feat because RNA degrades very quickly. (Also, we learned that Yuka here was a male, not a female as previously thought.) 🧪
(by @humbertobasilio.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social)
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
I, for one, welcome our new trash panda overlords.
But for real, fascinating science on how we might be seeing the very early stages of domestication in action in wild animals. 🧪
By @marinacoladas.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social
But for real, fascinating science on how we might be seeing the very early stages of domestication in action in wild animals. 🧪
By @marinacoladas.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social
City Raccoons Are Evolving to Look More Like Pets
City-dwelling raccoons seem to be evolving a shorter snout—a telltale feature of our pets and other domesticated animals
www.scientificamerican.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:27 PM
I, for one, welcome our new trash panda overlords.
But for real, fascinating science on how we might be seeing the very early stages of domestication in action in wild animals. 🧪
By @marinacoladas.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social
But for real, fascinating science on how we might be seeing the very early stages of domestication in action in wild animals. 🧪
By @marinacoladas.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social
Will bird flu cause turkey turmoil this Thanksgiving? Here's what you need to know: 🧪 www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-...
Are Turkeys at Risk of Bird Flu This Thanksgiving?
Nearly two million U.S. turkeys have died from bird flu in recent months. An agricultural economist explains what ongoing outbreaks could mean for Thanksgiving meals
www.scientificamerican.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Will bird flu cause turkey turmoil this Thanksgiving? Here's what you need to know: 🧪 www.scientificamerican.com/article/are-...
🧪
Jeffrey Epstein Emails Reveal Depth of Ties to High-Profile Scientists
A trove of emails of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was released Wednesday by a Congressional committee
www.scientificamerican.com/article/jeff...
A trove of emails of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was released Wednesday by a Congressional committee
www.scientificamerican.com/article/jeff...
Jeffrey Epstein Emails Reveal Depth of Ties to High-Profile Scientists
A trove of emails of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was released Wednesday by a Congressional committee.
www.scientificamerican.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:20 PM
🧪
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
These emails really do highlight why rich folk are so impressed by ChatGPT.
November 13, 2025 at 1:07 AM
These emails really do highlight why rich folk are so impressed by ChatGPT.
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
Yes, even if Substack wasn’t shot through with Nazis, it’s a bad model. That it is shot through with Nazi makes it a VERY bad model.
“Pay journalists directly for their work” is the same hyper-capitalist model as Uber, but even more ill equipped to address the need it exploits. See: Substack.
November 13, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Yes, even if Substack wasn’t shot through with Nazis, it’s a bad model. That it is shot through with Nazi makes it a VERY bad model.
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
Like I dunno, maybe the reason it took a lady to break open the story of all the men protecting the dude trafficking underage girls is because the male journos were all emailing him making jokes about it?
November 12, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Like I dunno, maybe the reason it took a lady to break open the story of all the men protecting the dude trafficking underage girls is because the male journos were all emailing him making jokes about it?
This is not at all the point but having dedicated “vacation” email address? choosing to frame your life as presented by email address as a “vacation”? is going to really stick with me.
November 13, 2025 at 12:58 AM
This is not at all the point but having dedicated “vacation” email address? choosing to frame your life as presented by email address as a “vacation”? is going to really stick with me.
🧪 🔭
Come look at some of the pretty northern lights that grace the skies of the U.S. last night. (I am so jealous of everyone who saw them. I wistfully tried to peek through the clouds on the late night dog walk, but alas, NYC light pollution.)
(by @meghanbartels.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social)
(by @meghanbartels.bsky.social for @sciam.bsky.social)
See Photos of the Northern Lights That Dazzled the U.S.
A severe geomagnetic storm brought spectacular auroras to much of the U.S. on Tuesday night
www.scientificamerican.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:51 PM
🧪 🔭
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
🧵Thread of cafes, restaurants, bars, bagel joints, etc offering free meals to SNAP recipients, for those who might need it, & so those who don't can give 'em their business.
If you know of such offers in your area & don't see them here, please tell us in @'s.
Here's one! toastedseattle.com
If you know of such offers in your area & don't see them here, please tell us in @'s.
Here's one! toastedseattle.com
October 29, 2025 at 10:44 PM
🧵Thread of cafes, restaurants, bars, bagel joints, etc offering free meals to SNAP recipients, for those who might need it, & so those who don't can give 'em their business.
If you know of such offers in your area & don't see them here, please tell us in @'s.
Here's one! toastedseattle.com
If you know of such offers in your area & don't see them here, please tell us in @'s.
Here's one! toastedseattle.com
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
November 10, 2025 at 2:17 PM
I received this email about Democrats caving to end the shutdown from one of the SNAP recipients I spoke to:
🧪
A company in China has proposed a 50-MW twin-headed turbine. If it materializes, it will be a huge leap in generation from a single turbine. (by You Xiaoying for @sciam.bsky.social)
www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-...
November 11, 2025 at 3:17 PM
🧪
🛟
🚨 BREAKING: Canada has lost its measles-free status after a year of continuous transmission — meaning the Americas region is no longer measles-free.
What does this mean?
My story for @sciam.bsky.social 🧪
What does this mean?
My story for @sciam.bsky.social 🧪
The Americas Are No Longer Officially Measles-Free
Canada lost its official measles elimination status after a year of continuous transmission
www.scientificamerican.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:27 PM
🛟
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
I want this posted in every hallway of every university and then ask your students, why have a library when we can have slop?
November 10, 2025 at 8:33 PM
I want this posted in every hallway of every university and then ask your students, why have a library when we can have slop?
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
BREAKING: We won!
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
November 10, 2025 at 5:48 PM
BREAKING: We won!
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
Today the 3rd Circuit Court ordered the @post-gazette.com to restore our contract it illegally tore up 5 years ago. That’s our health care, PTO, right to a 40-hr. work week, short-term disability and so much more we’ve struck for 3+ years.
pghguild.com/2025/11/10/p...
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
November 10, 2025 at 1:49 AM
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
I got this useful bon mot from a middle school teacher recently.
In response to, “I DONT UNDERSTAND,” he calmly said, “okay what steps have you taken to understand?”
And that’s when I realized that a lot of folks have no steps.
In response to, “I DONT UNDERSTAND,” he calmly said, “okay what steps have you taken to understand?”
And that’s when I realized that a lot of folks have no steps.
November 10, 2025 at 6:05 PM
I got this useful bon mot from a middle school teacher recently.
In response to, “I DONT UNDERSTAND,” he calmly said, “okay what steps have you taken to understand?”
And that’s when I realized that a lot of folks have no steps.
In response to, “I DONT UNDERSTAND,” he calmly said, “okay what steps have you taken to understand?”
And that’s when I realized that a lot of folks have no steps.
Today’s to do list:
-realign printer nozzles
-stare into the void
-fill out a form
-read some essays about nature
-consider burning everything down
-eat a donut
-find where I put the stamps
-realign printer nozzles
-stare into the void
-fill out a form
-read some essays about nature
-consider burning everything down
-eat a donut
-find where I put the stamps
November 10, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Today’s to do list:
-realign printer nozzles
-stare into the void
-fill out a form
-read some essays about nature
-consider burning everything down
-eat a donut
-find where I put the stamps
-realign printer nozzles
-stare into the void
-fill out a form
-read some essays about nature
-consider burning everything down
-eat a donut
-find where I put the stamps
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
Anyway a great way to radicalize people is for them to realize that you just abandoned their chance at being able to access and afford health care because you didn’t like waiting in line at the airport.
November 10, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Anyway a great way to radicalize people is for them to realize that you just abandoned their chance at being able to access and afford health care because you didn’t like waiting in line at the airport.
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
Remembering this 2022 study that found that universal health care in the US could have saved 330,000 lives in the early days of covid.
It could also have saved us $105 billion -- ON TOP of the annual $438 billion we could save in non-pandemic years.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/univ...
It could also have saved us $105 billion -- ON TOP of the annual $438 billion we could save in non-pandemic years.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/univ...
Universal Health Care Could Have Saved More Than 330,000 U.S. Lives during COVID
The numbers of lives lost and dollars spent would have been significantly lower if coverage had been extended to everyone, a new study says
www.scientificamerican.com
December 7, 2024 at 4:07 AM
Remembering this 2022 study that found that universal health care in the US could have saved 330,000 lives in the early days of covid.
It could also have saved us $105 billion -- ON TOP of the annual $438 billion we could save in non-pandemic years.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/univ...
It could also have saved us $105 billion -- ON TOP of the annual $438 billion we could save in non-pandemic years.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/univ...
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
Let me get this right… a sufficient number Senate Democrats appear to be willing to reopen government to alleviate air travel for upper & upper-middle income people at the expense of access to healthcare for lower income people. Yes?
November 9, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Let me get this right… a sufficient number Senate Democrats appear to be willing to reopen government to alleviate air travel for upper & upper-middle income people at the expense of access to healthcare for lower income people. Yes?
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
Native Americans used gar scales as arrowheads, native Carribeans used gar skin as breastplates, and early colonizers wrapped gar skin around their plow blades. In other words, it's really hard to get through gar skin
5/8
5/8
November 7, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Native Americans used gar scales as arrowheads, native Carribeans used gar skin as breastplates, and early colonizers wrapped gar skin around their plow blades. In other words, it's really hard to get through gar skin
5/8
5/8
Really interesting thread here 🧪
Just remembering that Dick Cheney secretly intervened in a dispute over the Klamath River in 2001--and caused the biggest fish die-off in US history, with ~77,000 fully grown adult salmon piled on the banks of the river.
November 8, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Really interesting thread here 🧪
I started playing Wordle approximately one month ago, I have been using the same first word the entire time, and today I solved it in one. Please clap. And also, advice please, should I now change my first word?
November 8, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I started playing Wordle approximately one month ago, I have been using the same first word the entire time, and today I solved it in one. Please clap. And also, advice please, should I now change my first word?
Reposted by Meghan Bartels
Watson had a flash of insight at age 25, based on stolen data, about 2 weeks before anybody else. He spent the rest of his too-long career claiming to be a genius about subjects he knew fuck all about.
November 8, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Watson had a flash of insight at age 25, based on stolen data, about 2 weeks before anybody else. He spent the rest of his too-long career claiming to be a genius about subjects he knew fuck all about.