Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
@mulledscience.bsky.social
Science editor/writer/educator, biologist, nature/book lover, & busy musician—often in a different order. She/Her #SciComm
A decade ago, I worked in higher ed. I scraped together support & took the BELS scientific editing test. I recently completed the new ELS recertification process as an editor/writer. I've learned from many editors in recent years, & I'm happy to count myself among them! ✏️ #editing #scicomm
February 9, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Olympics figure skating science! 🧪 #scicomm www.scientificamerican.com/article/quad...
How the ‘Quad God’ cracked a seemingly impossible jump
How do figure skaters like Ilia Malinin keep landing harder and harder jumps?
www.scientificamerican.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Olympics figure skating science! 🧪 #scicomm www.scientificamerican.com/article/quad...
Interesting cell bio finding on the topic of aging: worm cells have less rough ER and more smooth ER as they age. Lots of interesting follow-up questions worth exploring.
“research shows that cells actively reshape the endoplasmic reticulum or ER…Rather than remaining static the ER undergoes controlled remodeling as organisms grow older. The team discovered that this remodeling happens through a process called ER-phagy”
🧪 #CellSky
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...
🧪 #CellSky
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...
A hidden cellular process may drive aging and disease
As we age, our cells don’t just wear down—they reorganize. Researchers found that cells actively remodel a key structure called the endoplasmic reticulum, reducing protein-producing regions while pres...
www.sciencedaily.com
February 7, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Interesting cell bio finding on the topic of aging: worm cells have less rough ER and more smooth ER as they age. Lots of interesting follow-up questions worth exploring.
Some cool plant science explained, with important implications for understanding plant adaptations to harsh environments: Mangroves may beat the salt in their habitat along coastlines by having stouter and thicker cells. 💪 🧪 #plants #scicomm
phys.org/news/2026-02...
phys.org/news/2026-02...
Video: How the science of saltwater-tolerating plants could protect coastlines
Rising sea levels along coastlines not only threaten populations, but also pose a danger to agricultural crops, which may be damaged by surging amounts of saltwater. Researchers have, in response, sou...
phys.org
February 6, 2026 at 11:18 PM
Some cool plant science explained, with important implications for understanding plant adaptations to harsh environments: Mangroves may beat the salt in their habitat along coastlines by having stouter and thicker cells. 💪 🧪 #plants #scicomm
phys.org/news/2026-02...
phys.org/news/2026-02...
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
The spotted lanternfly has spread across the United States with unrelenting speed — and now we have a clue as to why: living in cities seems to have helped these invasive insects evolve to be more resistant to stresses. 🧪
www.livescience.com/animals/inse...
www.livescience.com/animals/inse...
Spotted lanternflies are invading the US. They may have gotten their evolutionary superpowers in China's cities.
The alarming spread of spotted lanternflies across the U.S. has been made possible by cities acting as evolutionary incubators, fine-tuning the insects and enabling them to thrive.
www.livescience.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:17 AM
The spotted lanternfly has spread across the United States with unrelenting speed — and now we have a clue as to why: living in cities seems to have helped these invasive insects evolve to be more resistant to stresses. 🧪
www.livescience.com/animals/inse...
www.livescience.com/animals/inse...
An interesting look at the fate of old astronomy photographic plates and how they can still inform today’s research needs. 🧪
www.quantamagazine.org/how-modern-a...
www.quantamagazine.org/how-modern-a...
How Modern and Antique Technologies Reveal a Dynamic Cosmos | Quanta Magazine
Today’s observatories document every pulse and flash in the sky each night. To understand how the cosmos has changed over longer periods, scientists rely on a more tactile technology.
www.quantamagazine.org
February 3, 2026 at 12:42 PM
An interesting look at the fate of old astronomy photographic plates and how they can still inform today’s research needs. 🧪
www.quantamagazine.org/how-modern-a...
www.quantamagazine.org/how-modern-a...
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
WHAT'S OPERA DOC? (1957) — 8:20 pm ET
(Star of the Month: Bugs Bunny | Co-starring Elmer Fudd)
Mel Blanc; directed by Chuck Jones
Elmer Fudd is hunting Bugs Bunny and chases him into an opera acting out their characters.
#TCM #TCMParty
(Star of the Month: Bugs Bunny | Co-starring Elmer Fudd)
Mel Blanc; directed by Chuck Jones
Elmer Fudd is hunting Bugs Bunny and chases him into an opera acting out their characters.
#TCM #TCMParty
Star of the Month: Bugs Bunny
February 2–9 | 45 Shorts
www.tcm.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:50 AM
A community science project needs your help to document light pollution in the U.S. Midwest. Just look up! 🧪
www.kcur.org/environment-...
www.kcur.org/environment-...
Help scientists document Midwest light pollution by looking at Orion
More people participating in the citizen science project Globe At Night could help fill gaps in what astronomers know about the extent of skyglow.
www.kcur.org
February 2, 2026 at 6:06 PM
A community science project needs your help to document light pollution in the U.S. Midwest. Just look up! 🧪
www.kcur.org/environment-...
www.kcur.org/environment-...
I wrote a thing last week, amid the chaos of our country, the weather, and everything else, in an effort to stay grounded. Forgot to add useful hashtags here, though, of course. ICYMI, please drop in if so inclined. #SciComm #sciencewriting #blog #science
mulledscience.com/2026/01/25/t...
mulledscience.com/2026/01/25/t...
January 31, 2026 at 6:16 PM
I wrote a thing last week, amid the chaos of our country, the weather, and everything else, in an effort to stay grounded. Forgot to add useful hashtags here, though, of course. ICYMI, please drop in if so inclined. #SciComm #sciencewriting #blog #science
mulledscience.com/2026/01/25/t...
mulledscience.com/2026/01/25/t...
Could retinal infection and inflammation have a connection to Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists in the Crother lab (one of my grad school peeps!) are trying to find out. 🧪 www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/com...
Study Finds That Bacteria in Eye Worsens Alzheimer’s
A Cedars-Sinai study finds a common bacterium in the eye linked to Alzheimer’s severity, pointing to new approaches to detect and treat the disease.
www.cedars-sinai.org
January 31, 2026 at 12:13 AM
Could retinal infection and inflammation have a connection to Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists in the Crother lab (one of my grad school peeps!) are trying to find out. 🧪 www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/com...
One of the researchers in this project got hooked on the search for exoplanets through a community science project as a teen! 🧪
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
A potentially habitable new planet has been discovered 146 light-years away – but it may be -70C
The Earth-size planet HD 137010 b has a ‘50% chance of residing in the habitable zone’ of its sun-like star, scientists say
www.theguardian.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:03 PM
One of the researchers in this project got hooked on the search for exoplanets through a community science project as a teen! 🧪
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
Scientists have launched a fresh effort to find out what could be producing oxygen at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean 🧪🌊
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Deep-sea robots will search for source of mysterious ‘dark oxygen’
Scientists have launched a fresh effort to find out what could be producing oxygen at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
www.nature.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Scientists have launched a fresh effort to find out what could be producing oxygen at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean 🧪🌊
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
January 27, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Martian rocks made of aluminum-rich clay suggest to earthlings at Purdue University that there might have once been a LOT of water on Mars. 🧪 #HoosierSky
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...
Strange white rocks on Mars hint at millions of years of rain
Bright white rocks spotted by NASA’s Perseverance rover are rewriting what we thought we knew about ancient Mars. These aluminum-rich clays, called kaolinite, usually form on Earth only after millions...
www.sciencedaily.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Martian rocks made of aluminum-rich clay suggest to earthlings at Purdue University that there might have once been a LOT of water on Mars. 🧪 #HoosierSky
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202...
A new study suggests blister beetles are sneaky in catching a meal! 🧪
“A newly discovered form of deception is more convoluted yet: The larvae of blister beetles emit a mix of volatile scents that resemble a flower, attracting bees. The beetles then latch onto the bee, hitch a ride to its nest, and eat the eggs.”
#scicomm
www.science.org/content/arti...
🧪
#scicomm
www.science.org/content/arti...
🧪
Bee-hunting beetles are the first animals known to fake the smell of flowers
Study of parasitic blister beetles reveals a new form of chemical deception
www.science.org
January 26, 2026 at 4:16 PM
A new study suggests blister beetles are sneaky in catching a meal! 🧪
I’ve been long overdue for a new blog post. I started one yesterday, about science writing spotted in the wild. And then the all the Things happened yesterday that sucked me and maybe you down with strong feelings. Anyway, please stop by if you need a break. mulledscience.com/2026/01/25/t...
The Balm of an Engaging Science Story
The “Mulled Science” blog has been quiet for a while. Again. Over the past few years, I (the author) have explored new jobs, had major life changes, and supported loved ones through their own life …
mulledscience.com
January 25, 2026 at 7:20 PM
I’ve been long overdue for a new blog post. I started one yesterday, about science writing spotted in the wild. And then the all the Things happened yesterday that sucked me and maybe you down with strong feelings. Anyway, please stop by if you need a break. mulledscience.com/2026/01/25/t...
Some snow science! Stay warm and safe this weekend. 🧪
www.popsci.com/science/why-...
www.popsci.com/science/why-...
Snow isn't actually white
Winter wonderlands are only possible thanks to a sparkly light trick.
www.popsci.com
January 24, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Some snow science! Stay warm and safe this weekend. 🧪
www.popsci.com/science/why-...
www.popsci.com/science/why-...
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
Magnetically sensitive proteins could lead to new imaging tools and remote-controlled drugs | Science | AAAS 🧪 www.science.org/content/arti...
Magnetically sensitive proteins could lead to new imaging tools and remote-controlled drugs
New study shows how engineered proteins can be tracked with an MRI-like approach
www.science.org
January 21, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Magnetically sensitive proteins could lead to new imaging tools and remote-controlled drugs | Science | AAAS 🧪 www.science.org/content/arti...
Added to my reading list! 🌳📚
Today is book release day for When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America's Black Botanical Legacy.
Available wherever books are sold.
Spotted on local shelf, and in good company of Robin Wall Kimmerer's The Serviceberry. What a welcome to the world.
Yes, we're outside!!!
Available wherever books are sold.
Spotted on local shelf, and in good company of Robin Wall Kimmerer's The Serviceberry. What a welcome to the world.
Yes, we're outside!!!
January 20, 2026 at 7:39 PM
Added to my reading list! 🌳📚
Tool use has been scientifically documented in cows for the first time. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/s...
Do Cows Use Tools? This One Does.
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:39 PM
Tool use has been scientifically documented in cows for the first time. www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/s...
Some scientists are turning to artwork to search for elusive genetic traces of Leonardo da Vinci, but it’s not clear if it will work or what it might reveal about his legacy. www.cnn.com/2026/01/16/s... 🧪
Leonardo da Vinci’s DNA may be hiding in his artwork, researchers say | CNN
Scientists have turned to artifacts associated with Leonardo da Vinci on a quest to track down the legendary polymath’s elusive DNA.
www.cnn.com
January 19, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Some scientists are turning to artwork to search for elusive genetic traces of Leonardo da Vinci, but it’s not clear if it will work or what it might reveal about his legacy. www.cnn.com/2026/01/16/s... 🧪
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
Thanks to @hannahdevlin.bsky.social from @theguardian.com for the article about our first ever #BlackHole 🔭🧪 movie campaign 🎬 with the @ehtelescope.bsky.social, coming soon to a telescope near you!
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
Revolutionary imaging of black hole aims to prove they are not ‘evil vacuum cleaners’
Newly appointed Cambridge professor says feat would accelerate scientific knowledge by an order of magnitude
www.theguardian.com
January 18, 2026 at 1:53 PM
Thanks to @hannahdevlin.bsky.social from @theguardian.com for the article about our first ever #BlackHole 🔭🧪 movie campaign 🎬 with the @ehtelescope.bsky.social, coming soon to a telescope near you!
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
www.theguardian.com/science/2026...
An interesting look at the many factors that make Valley fever a disease to keep an eye on in the American West—for both people and dogs.
January 17, 2026 at 11:30 PM
An interesting look at the many factors that make Valley fever a disease to keep an eye on in the American West—for both people and dogs.