Nick Blackmer
@nblack42.bsky.social
Information Hunter/Gatherer | Cat furniture | Recovering pedant
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 8, 2025 at 1:39 PM
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
1/ A concerning flu "variant" may be driving an early rise in cases in the UK.
The virus is an H3N2, but has mutations that suggest it may evade some prior immunity.
We're not seeing much activity in the US, but that may be changing.
A 🧵 on what signals I'm watching.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The virus is an H3N2, but has mutations that suggest it may evade some prior immunity.
We're not seeing much activity in the US, but that may be changing.
A 🧵 on what signals I'm watching.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
New flu virus mutation could see ‘worst season in a decade'
Leading flu experts say they will not be surprised if this year's is the worst flu season for a decade.
www.bbc.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:16 AM
1/ A concerning flu "variant" may be driving an early rise in cases in the UK.
The virus is an H3N2, but has mutations that suggest it may evade some prior immunity.
We're not seeing much activity in the US, but that may be changing.
A 🧵 on what signals I'm watching.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The virus is an H3N2, but has mutations that suggest it may evade some prior immunity.
We're not seeing much activity in the US, but that may be changing.
A 🧵 on what signals I'm watching.
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
Infant *botulism* outbreak (yes, you read that correctly). As of 11/8/25, 13 infants w/ suspected or confirmed botulism have been reported in 10 states. Stop using ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Remember: RFKjr's FDA & CDC have cut back on foodborne-illness surveillance👇
Infant Formula Recalled Amid Botulism Investigation
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Infant *botulism* outbreak (yes, you read that correctly). As of 11/8/25, 13 infants w/ suspected or confirmed botulism have been reported in 10 states. Stop using ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. Remember: RFKjr's FDA & CDC have cut back on foodborne-illness surveillance👇
Hooray for dictionaries!
(Other reference works, too, of course.)
(Other reference works, too, of course.)
The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary 12th Edition Deep Dive.
New paper dictionary arrives 11/18!
youtube.com/shorts/Ur4Ek...
New paper dictionary arrives 11/18!
youtube.com/shorts/Ur4Ek...
The Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary 12th Edition Deep Dive.
YouTube video by Merriam-Webster
youtube.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Hooray for dictionaries!
(Other reference works, too, of course.)
(Other reference works, too, of course.)
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
Important read by Akilah Johnson about the increasing rate of premature death in the US, with Black USians disprop. impacted.
The article emphasizes that Black USians are paying into a system (Medicare, Social Security) that many (including family members left behind) will never benefit from.
The article emphasizes that Black USians are paying into a system (Medicare, Social Security) that many (including family members left behind) will never benefit from.
More people are dying before they turn 65. Who it impacts and what it means.
A new study reveals an increase in premature deaths among 18-to-64-year-olds, with Black adults and certain states disproportionately affected.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Important read by Akilah Johnson about the increasing rate of premature death in the US, with Black USians disprop. impacted.
The article emphasizes that Black USians are paying into a system (Medicare, Social Security) that many (including family members left behind) will never benefit from.
The article emphasizes that Black USians are paying into a system (Medicare, Social Security) that many (including family members left behind) will never benefit from.
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
Tylenol during pregnancy: No strong evidence ties use of the medication to autism or ADHD risk. Research in the British Medical Journal—BMJ—responds to claims that acetaminophen use in pregnancy is dangerous. 2 links👇
1st: medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11...
2nd: www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/au...
1st: medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11...
2nd: www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/au...
No Clear Autism Link With Prenatal Tylenol, Major Review Finds
Familial genetic factors, confounding may have driven previous outcomes
www.medpagetoday.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Tylenol during pregnancy: No strong evidence ties use of the medication to autism or ADHD risk. Research in the British Medical Journal—BMJ—responds to claims that acetaminophen use in pregnancy is dangerous. 2 links👇
1st: medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11...
2nd: www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/au...
1st: medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11...
2nd: www.medpagetoday.com/neurology/au...
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
It’s officially potluck season withoffice parties galore. 🦃🥘 If, like me, you harbor an irrational fear of food poisoning, I’ve got you covered. Here’s your ID doctor–approved guide to surviving the season’s buffets w/out ending up in the ER.
🧤🍽️💀
open.substack.com/pub/bktitanj...
🧤🍽️💀
open.substack.com/pub/bktitanj...
An ID Doctor’s Guide to Surviving Holiday Potlucks Food Poisoning Free
Because nothing says “festive” like avoiding an impromptu Norovirus outbreak.
open.substack.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:05 PM
It’s officially potluck season withoffice parties galore. 🦃🥘 If, like me, you harbor an irrational fear of food poisoning, I’ve got you covered. Here’s your ID doctor–approved guide to surviving the season’s buffets w/out ending up in the ER.
🧤🍽️💀
open.substack.com/pub/bktitanj...
🧤🍽️💀
open.substack.com/pub/bktitanj...
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
BREAKING: The Supreme Court DENIES former county clerk Kim Davis's request for the justices to take up her longshot bid to overturn 2015's Obergefell v. Hodges marriage equality decision. No justice even writes about the request.
November 10, 2025 at 2:34 PM
BREAKING: The Supreme Court DENIES former county clerk Kim Davis's request for the justices to take up her longshot bid to overturn 2015's Obergefell v. Hodges marriage equality decision. No justice even writes about the request.
FDA recommends immediately disposing of this product.
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula:
• Lot: 206VABP/251261P2
• Lot: 206VABP/251131P2
Use by: 01 Dec 2026
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula:
• Lot: 206VABP/251261P2
• Lot: 206VABP/251131P2
Use by: 01 Dec 2026
Outbreak Investigation of Infant Botulism: Infant Formula
Do not use certain lots of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula. FDA’s Investigation is ongoing.
www.fda.gov
November 9, 2025 at 2:04 PM
FDA recommends immediately disposing of this product.
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula:
• Lot: 206VABP/251261P2
• Lot: 206VABP/251131P2
Use by: 01 Dec 2026
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula:
• Lot: 206VABP/251261P2
• Lot: 206VABP/251131P2
Use by: 01 Dec 2026
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
If you ever think English isn’t a needlessly complicated language just remember that read and lead rhyme and read and lead rhyme but read and lead don't rhyme, and neither do read and lead.
July 5, 2025 at 8:39 PM
If you ever think English isn’t a needlessly complicated language just remember that read and lead rhyme and read and lead rhyme but read and lead don't rhyme, and neither do read and lead.
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
#RECALL: STIHL BR 800 Backpack Blower. The fan wheel inside the backpack blower can break apart, posing a laceration hazard. Get free repair. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026...
November 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
#RECALL: STIHL BR 800 Backpack Blower. The fan wheel inside the backpack blower can break apart, posing a laceration hazard. Get free repair. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026...
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
#RECALL: Lezyne Pressure Over Drive Bicycle Floor Pumps; The pump’s canister can forcefully eject from the base when pressurized, posing a risk of serious injury from impact to the user or bystander. Get replacement. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026...
November 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
#RECALL: Lezyne Pressure Over Drive Bicycle Floor Pumps; The pump’s canister can forcefully eject from the base when pressurized, posing a risk of serious injury from impact to the user or bystander. Get replacement. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026...
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
#RECALL: Inkari Plush Alpaca Toys; The recalled toys are intended for children under three years of age and the eyes can detach, which violates the small parts ban, posing a choking hazard to children. Get refund. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026...
November 6, 2025 at 2:32 PM
#RECALL: Inkari Plush Alpaca Toys; The recalled toys are intended for children under three years of age and the eyes can detach, which violates the small parts ban, posing a choking hazard to children. Get refund. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026...
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
#RECALL: Criblike aftermarket play yard and non-full sized crib mattresses. The mattresses may not fit certain play yards/non-full sized cribs, posing a deadly entrapment hazard. The non-full-sized crib mattress, also fails the standard for mattress set flammability. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026...
November 6, 2025 at 2:46 PM
#RECALL: Criblike aftermarket play yard and non-full sized crib mattresses. The mattresses may not fit certain play yards/non-full sized cribs, posing a deadly entrapment hazard. The non-full-sized crib mattress, also fails the standard for mattress set flammability. www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026...
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
#Medsky🧪 #publichealth Every year, vaccines save mil of lives & protect mil more from disease and disability. By preventing serious early-childhood infectious diseases like polio and measles, vaccines help children grow into healthy adults.
November 1, 2025 at 5:46 AM
#Medsky🧪 #publichealth Every year, vaccines save mil of lives & protect mil more from disease and disability. By preventing serious early-childhood infectious diseases like polio and measles, vaccines help children grow into healthy adults.
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
A new study says several states are doing the right things to get students to show up to school regularly. n.pr/3JrZP0k
Fewer students are missing school. These state policies may have helped
A new study says several states are doing the right things to get students to show up to school regularly.
n.pr
November 1, 2025 at 9:34 AM
A new study says several states are doing the right things to get students to show up to school regularly. n.pr/3JrZP0k
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
Researchers immunized an alpaca and a llama with snake venoms, and combined some of the antibodies produced into a potent cocktail
go.nature.com/47QZkGc
go.nature.com/47QZkGc
Single antivenom protects against 17 different snakebites
Nature - Researchers immunized an alpaca and a llama with snake venoms, and combined some of the antibodies produced into a potent cocktail.
go.nature.com
November 1, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Researchers immunized an alpaca and a llama with snake venoms, and combined some of the antibodies produced into a potent cocktail
go.nature.com/47QZkGc
go.nature.com/47QZkGc
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
We've just launched the first large, site-less (home, direct to participant) randomized trial for treatment of #LongCovid, testing tirzepatide (a GLP-1 drug) vs placebo. Please help spread the word
www.scripps.edu/news-and-eve...
www.scripps.edu/news-and-eve...
Scripps Research scientists launch new digital clinical trial to test repurposed drug for long COVID symptom relief
www.scripps.edu
October 31, 2025 at 5:07 PM
We've just launched the first large, site-less (home, direct to participant) randomized trial for treatment of #LongCovid, testing tirzepatide (a GLP-1 drug) vs placebo. Please help spread the word
www.scripps.edu/news-and-eve...
www.scripps.edu/news-and-eve...
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
Rabies is almost always fatal in infected humans and animals once symptoms appear.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/s...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/s...
Vaccine Skepticism Comes for Pet Owners, Too
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Rabies is almost always fatal in infected humans and animals once symptoms appear.
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/s...
www.nytimes.com/2025/10/27/s...
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
I was asked for a SUPER accessible version of my accessibility list, which - on reflection - I should have done long ago 😂
I mean, it was already accessible, but I expanded support for cortical visual impairment and there’s a hidden jump menu for switch users
400 live resources! More needed!
I mean, it was already accessible, but I expanded support for cortical visual impairment and there’s a hidden jump menu for switch users
400 live resources! More needed!
Awesome Accessibility — Luke Steuber
A comprehensive accessibility resource and testing platform by Luke Steuber, featuring tools, guidelines, and best practices for creating inclusive digital experiences.
Dr.eamer.dev
October 28, 2025 at 12:29 AM
I was asked for a SUPER accessible version of my accessibility list, which - on reflection - I should have done long ago 😂
I mean, it was already accessible, but I expanded support for cortical visual impairment and there’s a hidden jump menu for switch users
400 live resources! More needed!
I mean, it was already accessible, but I expanded support for cortical visual impairment and there’s a hidden jump menu for switch users
400 live resources! More needed!
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
This is the kind of wall I like!
October 24, 2025 at 8:46 PM
This is the kind of wall I like!
That eternal dilemma:
Get up to refill the coffee cup or stay put so a cat can continue her nap?
Get up to refill the coffee cup or stay put so a cat can continue her nap?
October 24, 2025 at 9:51 AM
That eternal dilemma:
Get up to refill the coffee cup or stay put so a cat can continue her nap?
Get up to refill the coffee cup or stay put so a cat can continue her nap?
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
Yet again, we can't afford to let LLMs become a source of epistemic grounding for society.
Largest study of its kind shows AI assistants misrepresent news content 45% of the time – regardless of language or territory
An intensive international study was coordinated by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and led by the BBC
www.bbc.co.uk
October 24, 2025 at 5:21 AM
Yet again, we can't afford to let LLMs become a source of epistemic grounding for society.
Reposted by Nick Blackmer
Trump has gagged the CDC, but not me. So I'm sharing this. www.cjonline.com/story/news/p...
Kansas tuberculosis outbreak is now America's largest in recorded history
Kansas public health officials say the state's ongoing tuberculosis outbreak is the largest since the CDC started reporting TB cases in the 1950s.
www.cjonline.com
January 25, 2025 at 9:40 PM
Trump has gagged the CDC, but not me. So I'm sharing this. www.cjonline.com/story/news/p...