Mera L🪬
@mlicc1701.bsky.social
Duke University alumn. Virology research specialist in the Sheahan Lab at CVRG (y'know, at that other blue school). Pop punk millennial. she/they. ✡️•🏳️🌈•🖖
Reposted by Mera L🪬
Psyched to say that Mike Diamond is talking at our next seminar. THURSDAY 20th Nov. All welcome!
World leading #virology not to be missed - just email us for a Zoom link.
Please help us with a re-post to get the word out 👍
World leading #virology not to be missed - just email us for a Zoom link.
Please help us with a re-post to get the word out 👍
November 13, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Psyched to say that Mike Diamond is talking at our next seminar. THURSDAY 20th Nov. All welcome!
World leading #virology not to be missed - just email us for a Zoom link.
Please help us with a re-post to get the word out 👍
World leading #virology not to be missed - just email us for a Zoom link.
Please help us with a re-post to get the word out 👍
Reposted by Mera L🪬
The freedom to *checks notes* shit yourself to death
Congress’s shutdown deal eliminated key food safety rules, blocking agencies from enforcing measures to prevent contamination and trace outbreaks. This rollback has coincided with a surge in hospitalizations and deaths from foodborne illnesses.
Shutdown Deal Kills Rules to Prevent Food Contamination and Foodborne Illnesses
The gutting of these rules coincides with a huge increase in hospitalizations and deaths from foodborne illnesses.
truthout.org
November 15, 2025 at 5:45 AM
The freedom to *checks notes* shit yourself to death
Reposted by Mera L🪬
One of the best pieces of science journalism of 2025 is Jon Cohen’s terrifying article on how Trump/RFK Jr/their crew of MAGA/MAHA dudes, like Jay Bhattacharya, have dismantled US pandemic preparedness (www.science.org/content/arti...)
Then read Jay’s astoundingly stupid “pandemic prevention plan”😢
Then read Jay’s astoundingly stupid “pandemic prevention plan”😢
November 15, 2025 at 1:38 AM
One of the best pieces of science journalism of 2025 is Jon Cohen’s terrifying article on how Trump/RFK Jr/their crew of MAGA/MAHA dudes, like Jay Bhattacharya, have dismantled US pandemic preparedness (www.science.org/content/arti...)
Then read Jay’s astoundingly stupid “pandemic prevention plan”😢
Then read Jay’s astoundingly stupid “pandemic prevention plan”😢
Reposted by Mera L🪬
Increasing prevalence of H5N1 globally, drastically reduced surveillance in the US, H3N2 driving a severe flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, a mismatched flu vaccine, and the possibility of undetected human - human transmission of H5N1 is a recipe for a reassortment event.
November 14, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Increasing prevalence of H5N1 globally, drastically reduced surveillance in the US, H3N2 driving a severe flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, a mismatched flu vaccine, and the possibility of undetected human - human transmission of H5N1 is a recipe for a reassortment event.
Reposted by Mera L🪬
Granting anonymity to an HHS official to make a bullshit accusation about a federal worker they’re retaliating against generally isn’t great.
But it serves the story here bc that statement contradicts the official narrative about the leave—and undermines the NIH director’s claims of valuing dissent
But it serves the story here bc that statement contradicts the official narrative about the leave—and undermines the NIH director’s claims of valuing dissent
NIH scientist Dr. Jenna Norton was just placed on nondisciplinary leave.
She led a team who wrote a sign-on letter critical of The Regime.
A person at NIH asked to give a reason for her leave called her “radical leftist”; while the NIH Director has claimed that “dissent is productive”.
She led a team who wrote a sign-on letter critical of The Regime.
A person at NIH asked to give a reason for her leave called her “radical leftist”; while the NIH Director has claimed that “dissent is productive”.
N.I.H. Worker Who Criticized Trump Health Policies Says She Is on Administrative Leave
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Granting anonymity to an HHS official to make a bullshit accusation about a federal worker they’re retaliating against generally isn’t great.
But it serves the story here bc that statement contradicts the official narrative about the leave—and undermines the NIH director’s claims of valuing dissent
But it serves the story here bc that statement contradicts the official narrative about the leave—and undermines the NIH director’s claims of valuing dissent
Reposted by Mera L🪬
This is designed to tank public health & primary care by excluding public health professions, advanced nursing practice, physical & occupational therapy from loans that can cover the cost of education. This is going to make an existing workforce crisis worse.
aspph.org/department-o...
aspph.org/department-o...
Department of Education Proposal Excludes Public Health Degrees from “Professional Degree” Definition
Discover the new results and implications of Dept of Ed consensus regarding professional degree programs and public health education.
aspph.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:23 AM
This is designed to tank public health & primary care by excluding public health professions, advanced nursing practice, physical & occupational therapy from loans that can cover the cost of education. This is going to make an existing workforce crisis worse.
aspph.org/department-o...
aspph.org/department-o...
Reposted by Mera L🪬
During the height of the pandemic, Tyson used Palantir to predict Covid-19 infections among meatpacking workers down to a nearly exactly figure. But rather than using this data to increase worker protections, Tyson used it plan for labor shortages + plant closures
My latest for @sentientmedia.org
My latest for @sentientmedia.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:49 PM
During the height of the pandemic, Tyson used Palantir to predict Covid-19 infections among meatpacking workers down to a nearly exactly figure. But rather than using this data to increase worker protections, Tyson used it plan for labor shortages + plant closures
My latest for @sentientmedia.org
My latest for @sentientmedia.org
Reposted by Mera L🪬
i’m proud to have studied and worked with many chinese public health scientists over the years. this red scare bullshit is unjust, bigoted, and utterly self-destructive
The only way we will win a better world is not only leftism for America, but internationalism. “Researchers who have anything to do with China should have their careers ended” is a bipartisan position, and it can’t be anymore. If we live in a fragmented world, it will burn in our lifetime
November 14, 2025 at 6:36 AM
i’m proud to have studied and worked with many chinese public health scientists over the years. this red scare bullshit is unjust, bigoted, and utterly self-destructive
Reposted by Mera L🪬
Prohibited activities include advising Chinese graduate students. For reference, a recent Georgetown report estimated 16% of STEM graduate students in the US are Chinese nationals.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
“The prohibited activities would include joint research, co-authorship on papers, and advising a foreign graduate student or postdoctoral fellow. The language is retroactive, meaning any interactions during the previous 5 years could make a scientist ineligible for future federal funding.”
U.S. Congress considers sweeping ban on Chinese collaborations
Researchers speak out against proposal that would bar funding for U.S. scientists working with Chinese partners or training Chinese students
www.science.org
November 14, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Prohibited activities include advising Chinese graduate students. For reference, a recent Georgetown report estimated 16% of STEM graduate students in the US are Chinese nationals.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
This would take out entire fields at the knees, which is perhaps the point.
Reposted by Mera L🪬
@jenna-m-norton.bsky.social has more integrity and spine than the entire HHS "leadership"
In a video, Norton confirms the news and says: "I strongly suspect it is because I have been speaking up in my personal capacity about the harms I have been witnessing inside the NIH.
Putting me on admin leave was designed to scare and silence me. I will not stop speaking out," she says.
Putting me on admin leave was designed to scare and silence me. I will not stop speaking out," she says.
I guess I am hitting a nerve, because they just put me on admin leave.
TikTok video by Jenna
www.tiktok.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:30 AM
@jenna-m-norton.bsky.social has more integrity and spine than the entire HHS "leadership"
Reposted by Mera L🪬
How President Donald Trump’s administration has undermined efforts to develop vaccines and drugs for the next viral scourge
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
The Trump administration is dismantling efforts to fight the next pandemic
A retreat from investments in drugs and vaccines leaves U.S. less prepared for the next viral scourge, experts warn
www.science.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:14 PM
How President Donald Trump’s administration has undermined efforts to develop vaccines and drugs for the next viral scourge
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Mera L🪬
November 13, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Reposted by Mera L🪬
BREAKING: "The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has notified the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that Canada no longer holds measles elimination status."
Statement from the Public Health Agency of Canada on Canada’s Measles Elimination Status
Following over 12 months of transmission across the country, PAHO confirms Canada's loss of measles elimination status. We are coordinating efforts with provinces and territories to restore the status...
www.canada.ca
November 10, 2025 at 2:36 PM
BREAKING: "The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has notified the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) that Canada no longer holds measles elimination status."
Reposted by Mera L🪬
*deadpan*
This is particularly enraging because 1) @standupforscience.bsky.social is doing a LOT against RFK Jr/MAHA and we are just getting started and 2) because I HAVE SPOKEN WITH HIS WRITERS AND PRODUCER.
@thedailyshow.com hit me up!
This is particularly enraging because 1) @standupforscience.bsky.social is doing a LOT against RFK Jr/MAHA and we are just getting started and 2) because I HAVE SPOKEN WITH HIS WRITERS AND PRODUCER.
@thedailyshow.com hit me up!
November 9, 2025 at 12:18 PM
*deadpan*
This is particularly enraging because 1) @standupforscience.bsky.social is doing a LOT against RFK Jr/MAHA and we are just getting started and 2) because I HAVE SPOKEN WITH HIS WRITERS AND PRODUCER.
@thedailyshow.com hit me up!
This is particularly enraging because 1) @standupforscience.bsky.social is doing a LOT against RFK Jr/MAHA and we are just getting started and 2) because I HAVE SPOKEN WITH HIS WRITERS AND PRODUCER.
@thedailyshow.com hit me up!
Reposted by Mera L🪬
Her role as one of the first structural virologists is underappreciated.
It's International Women in Science Day ♀️, and I want to talk briefly about Rosalind Franklin.
A conventional choice for unconventional reasons: Dr. Franklin was one of the FIRST STRUCTURAL VIROLOGISTS. Let's talk about her work outside of the Crick & Watson debacle.
A conventional choice for unconventional reasons: Dr. Franklin was one of the FIRST STRUCTURAL VIROLOGISTS. Let's talk about her work outside of the Crick & Watson debacle.
November 7, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Her role as one of the first structural virologists is underappreciated.
Reposted by Mera L🪬
This is a total outrage and has crippled SARS-CoV-2 variant tracking and evolutionary analysis.
Updating a file and giving access to Nextstrain & Cov-Spectrum does not require extensive resources, so the official justification is a lie. There has to be an ulterior motive here.
Updating a file and giving access to Nextstrain & Cov-Spectrum does not require extensive resources, so the official justification is a lie. There has to be an ulterior motive here.
Nextstrain's daily-updated tree of SARS-CoV-2 genomes was my gateway into the world of viral phylogenetics in early 2020, and Nextstrain's beautiful interactive tree display is crucial to making usher.bio results usable. GISAID cutting off data harms global surveillance efforts. 🧵👇
On Oct 1, 2025, GISAID informed us that they had ended updates to the flat file of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences and associated metadata that we had used to update Nextstrain analyses since Feb 2020. GISAID's stated rationale was that their "resources are limited". 1/5
November 7, 2025 at 12:18 PM
This is a total outrage and has crippled SARS-CoV-2 variant tracking and evolutionary analysis.
Updating a file and giving access to Nextstrain & Cov-Spectrum does not require extensive resources, so the official justification is a lie. There has to be an ulterior motive here.
Updating a file and giving access to Nextstrain & Cov-Spectrum does not require extensive resources, so the official justification is a lie. There has to be an ulterior motive here.
Reposted by Mera L🪬
This piece by my friend and fellow co-founder of Defend Public Health @gregggonsalves.bsky.social is a must-read. In it he shares the reasons why public health practitioners and allies must rise up to meet this moment.
Public health has had to fight deniers for centuries, and we must do it now.
Public health has had to fight deniers for centuries, and we must do it now.
Public Health Was a Place for Warriors Once. It Needs to Be Again.
www.thenation.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:51 PM
This piece by my friend and fellow co-founder of Defend Public Health @gregggonsalves.bsky.social is a must-read. In it he shares the reasons why public health practitioners and allies must rise up to meet this moment.
Public health has had to fight deniers for centuries, and we must do it now.
Public health has had to fight deniers for centuries, and we must do it now.
Reposted by Mera L🪬
WHO has a long history of coordinating scientific networks - for flu samples, they've been doing it for 70 years. Global South countries have been begging for this, and have been ignored. The world is stuck in a hostage crisis with a shady businessman: www.science.org/content/arti...
The ‘invented persona’ behind a key pandemic database
GISAID offers a safe space to post viral genomes. Peter Bogner, its perplexing creator and overseer, may be jeopardizing its future
www.science.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:33 PM
WHO has a long history of coordinating scientific networks - for flu samples, they've been doing it for 70 years. Global South countries have been begging for this, and have been ignored. The world is stuck in a hostage crisis with a shady businessman: www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Mera L🪬
🚨 NEW: The majority holder of the world's genetic sequence data is a bad actor who can cut off access to critics and competing services. We've tolerated this for years, and now it threatens the pandemic treaty. Time for WHO to step in. With @ctrlalttim.com: www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/to-f...
To Finish the Pandemic Agreement, WHO Needs a Trustworthy Viral Database | Think Global Health
Online platforms for sharing virus sequences are in disarray. The World Health Organization has a chance to build something new
www.thinkglobalhealth.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:31 PM
🚨 NEW: The majority holder of the world's genetic sequence data is a bad actor who can cut off access to critics and competing services. We've tolerated this for years, and now it threatens the pandemic treaty. Time for WHO to step in. With @ctrlalttim.com: www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/to-f...
Reposted by Mera L🪬
“When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine. And you're going to have less effective vaccines, but also, you're not going to know when these unusual influenza viruses are emerging in other parts of the globe.” www.npr.org/2025/11/04/n...
With fewer samples from other countries, CDC has dimmer global view of flu and COVID
There's been a significant slowdown in influenza and COVID samples sent to CDC from other countries, which could impair pandemic preparedness and vaccine development
www.npr.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:37 PM
“When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine. And you're going to have less effective vaccines, but also, you're not going to know when these unusual influenza viruses are emerging in other parts of the globe.” www.npr.org/2025/11/04/n...
Reposted by Mera L🪬
I said this in 2020. I was right then and I am right today. The furin cleavage site is the grassy knoll of COVID-19 conspiracy freaks.
A new bat coronavirus discovered in Brazil confirms what we already knew: nature handles furin cleavage sites just fine.
Lab leakers, don’t worry, you've got the track record to pivot seamlessly to a career in creative fiction writing.
Quick update on the news:
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
Lab leakers, don’t worry, you've got the track record to pivot seamlessly to a career in creative fiction writing.
Quick update on the news:
open.substack.com/pub/protagon...
The Brazilian clue
Or: another L for lab leak believers
open.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:44 PM
I said this in 2020. I was right then and I am right today. The furin cleavage site is the grassy knoll of COVID-19 conspiracy freaks.
Reposted by Mera L🪬
Can't overstate how fucked up it is that unraveling what is arguably the greatest achievement in the history of humanity is now a motivating issue of one of the two dominant parties in the U.S.
FL is moving forward w/ plan to end all childhood vaccine mandates. Starting with hepatitis B, chickenpox, and the bacteria causing meningitis and pneumonia. Then next year GOP FL legislature is expected to revisit 1977 law re: whooping cough, measles, polio, rubella, mumps, diphtheria, and tetanus.
October 31, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Can't overstate how fucked up it is that unraveling what is arguably the greatest achievement in the history of humanity is now a motivating issue of one of the two dominant parties in the U.S.
Reposted by Mera L🪬
the "federal agency that coordinates the government’s responses to public health crises and maintains the nation’s medical stockpile" should not be led by an unqualified crank
October 30, 2025 at 5:51 PM
the "federal agency that coordinates the government’s responses to public health crises and maintains the nation’s medical stockpile" should not be led by an unqualified crank
Reposted by Mera L🪬
Defaulting to surgical masks in health care settings in 2025 is one of the most dissapointing examples of reluctance to change despite overwhelming evidence.
Even defaulting to KN95 style would significantly increase protection of the most vulnerable.
Infuriating inertia in the HC industry.
Even defaulting to KN95 style would significantly increase protection of the most vulnerable.
Infuriating inertia in the HC industry.
October 30, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Defaulting to surgical masks in health care settings in 2025 is one of the most dissapointing examples of reluctance to change despite overwhelming evidence.
Even defaulting to KN95 style would significantly increase protection of the most vulnerable.
Infuriating inertia in the HC industry.
Even defaulting to KN95 style would significantly increase protection of the most vulnerable.
Infuriating inertia in the HC industry.
Reposted by Mera L🪬
The utterly disgraced Andrew Wakefield, who was struck off the UK medical register for dishonesty & failing to act in the best interests of vulnerable children, is now a key MAHA actor; he's seeing his dream come true (he falsely believed the combined MMR vaccine 'overloaded the immune system')
Q: The president has called for breaking up the MMR vaccine into 3 separate shots. Is that something you're going to direct ACIP to consider or take action on?
RFK Jr: We're looking at the feasibility of that now
Q: Can you say anything more?
RFK Jr: ... ... ...
RFK Jr: We're looking at the feasibility of that now
Q: Can you say anything more?
RFK Jr: ... ... ...
October 29, 2025 at 6:53 PM
The utterly disgraced Andrew Wakefield, who was struck off the UK medical register for dishonesty & failing to act in the best interests of vulnerable children, is now a key MAHA actor; he's seeing his dream come true (he falsely believed the combined MMR vaccine 'overloaded the immune system')