Nora Newcombe
@noranewcombe.bsky.social
Cognitive and developmental scientist at Temple University
Hurray for @crimsoncourage.bsky.social !
Thanks for giving us the last word @us.theguardian.com! Our quote reads in part: "As usual, the Trump administration is misusing the legal system to impose its views and values on Harvard in an attempt to control its institutional autonomy and academic freedom.'"
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
US justice department sues Harvard over admissions records access
Justice department accuses university of failing to comply with government’s request for over 10 months
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Hurray for @crimsoncourage.bsky.social !
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
Do you work or study in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, computer science, artificial intelligence, or philosophy?
What does the term 'representation' mean to you?
We invite you to participate in a brief survey on key conceptual questions across fields.
eu.surveymonkey.com/r/VX9GNXM
What does the term 'representation' mean to you?
We invite you to participate in a brief survey on key conceptual questions across fields.
eu.surveymonkey.com/r/VX9GNXM
February 12, 2026 at 1:39 PM
Do you work or study in the fields of psychology, neuroscience, computer science, artificial intelligence, or philosophy?
What does the term 'representation' mean to you?
We invite you to participate in a brief survey on key conceptual questions across fields.
eu.surveymonkey.com/r/VX9GNXM
What does the term 'representation' mean to you?
We invite you to participate in a brief survey on key conceptual questions across fields.
eu.surveymonkey.com/r/VX9GNXM
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
New ep! 🚨 In it, we introduce a new member of our team — Jenna DiStefano (@jennadistefano.bsky.social) — and chat with her about her work — how Infant Directed Speech varies across context.
With Jenna as our editor, we may *finally* be able to release episodes regularly! itsinnate.fireside.fm/33
With Jenna as our editor, we may *finally* be able to release episodes regularly! itsinnate.fireside.fm/33
Finding common ground (with Jenna DiStefano)
itsinnate.fireside.fm
February 13, 2026 at 2:13 PM
New ep! 🚨 In it, we introduce a new member of our team — Jenna DiStefano (@jennadistefano.bsky.social) — and chat with her about her work — how Infant Directed Speech varies across context.
With Jenna as our editor, we may *finally* be able to release episodes regularly! itsinnate.fireside.fm/33
With Jenna as our editor, we may *finally* be able to release episodes regularly! itsinnate.fireside.fm/33
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
As we move away from an object our view shifts along a continuum from object (when we are close) to scene (when we are far away). Park et al. examined this continuum.
@taliakonkle.bsky.social
jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
@taliakonkle.bsky.social
jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
Systematic transition from boundary extension to contraction along an object-to-scene continuum | JOV | ARVO Journals
jov.arvojournals.org
February 13, 2026 at 2:33 PM
As we move away from an object our view shifts along a continuum from object (when we are close) to scene (when we are far away). Park et al. examined this continuum.
@taliakonkle.bsky.social
jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
@taliakonkle.bsky.social
jov.arvojournals.org/article.aspx...
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
In terms of what cures are being lost:
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
February 13, 2026 at 5:44 AM
In terms of what cures are being lost:
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
- Epstein-Barr virus is perhaps the major trigger for multiple sclerosis
- herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, genital herpes, infections in babies, deadly meningitis
- shingles virus causes an intensely painful disease
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
The volume & geographic distribution of protest nationwide during year 1 of Trump's second term was extraordinary.
February 12, 2026 at 6:19 PM
The volume & geographic distribution of protest nationwide during year 1 of Trump's second term was extraordinary.
Hollowing out of NIH continues apace 
February 12, 2026 at 3:56 PM
Hollowing out of NIH continues apace 
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
New paper alert! 🚨
We found that the brain's compass is remarkably stable at two scales
1️⃣ the system maintains its internal organization for weeks
2️⃣ It "remembers" its orientation for weeks, even after a single visit
This may be key to how the brain aligns its other maps.
Paper: rdcu.be/e3waP
We found that the brain's compass is remarkably stable at two scales
1️⃣ the system maintains its internal organization for weeks
2️⃣ It "remembers" its orientation for weeks, even after a single visit
This may be key to how the brain aligns its other maps.
Paper: rdcu.be/e3waP
February 11, 2026 at 5:52 PM
New paper alert! 🚨
We found that the brain's compass is remarkably stable at two scales
1️⃣ the system maintains its internal organization for weeks
2️⃣ It "remembers" its orientation for weeks, even after a single visit
This may be key to how the brain aligns its other maps.
Paper: rdcu.be/e3waP
We found that the brain's compass is remarkably stable at two scales
1️⃣ the system maintains its internal organization for weeks
2️⃣ It "remembers" its orientation for weeks, even after a single visit
This may be key to how the brain aligns its other maps.
Paper: rdcu.be/e3waP
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
I'm looking forward to talking about our STEM education research with parents through The Parent Venture's talk series!
Info below in case you know any interested parents:
Breaking the Stereotypes: How to Support STEM Learning and Motivation
Info below in case you know any interested parents:
Breaking the Stereotypes: How to Support STEM Learning and Motivation
February 11, 2026 at 6:29 PM
I'm looking forward to talking about our STEM education research with parents through The Parent Venture's talk series!
Info below in case you know any interested parents:
Breaking the Stereotypes: How to Support STEM Learning and Motivation
Info below in case you know any interested parents:
Breaking the Stereotypes: How to Support STEM Learning and Motivation
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
There is no reason to think the NIH, NSF, EPA, etc. won't be next in these impoundment games.
We are taking to the streets to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH on March 7th, 2026, all across the nation. Join us.
www.standupforscience.net/march7
We are taking to the streets to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH on March 7th, 2026, all across the nation. Join us.
www.standupforscience.net/march7
Stand Up for Science: March 7th, 2026 — STAND UP FOR SCIENCE
www.standupforscience.net
February 11, 2026 at 6:37 PM
There is no reason to think the NIH, NSF, EPA, etc. won't be next in these impoundment games.
We are taking to the streets to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH on March 7th, 2026, all across the nation. Join us.
www.standupforscience.net/march7
We are taking to the streets to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH on March 7th, 2026, all across the nation. Join us.
www.standupforscience.net/march7
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
Our multi-ancestry GWAS of EXTernalizing conditions (ADHD, substance use...) in ~4M people reveals neurodevelopmental risk, drug-repurposing targets, and yields one of the strongest psychiatric polygenic indices yet! 🧬🎉 doi.org/10.64898/202...
Genomic insights into substance use and disinhibitory disorders
Externalizing spectrum disorders- spanning attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, substance use disorders, and other disorders characterized by disinhibition - frequently co-occur...
doi.org
February 11, 2026 at 10:33 AM
Our multi-ancestry GWAS of EXTernalizing conditions (ADHD, substance use...) in ~4M people reveals neurodevelopmental risk, drug-repurposing targets, and yields one of the strongest psychiatric polygenic indices yet! 🧬🎉 doi.org/10.64898/202...
Rays of hope for neural regeneration--science for the win!
news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...
news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...
A ‘cocktail’ recipe for brain cells — Harvard Gazette
Stem cell biologists discover how to regenerate type damaged in ALS, spinal cord injuries
news.harvard.edu
February 11, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Rays of hope for neural regeneration--science for the win!
news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...
news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
Happy international day of women im science day. 🥳 From the MPI for Psycholinguistics ... led by a majority women directorate. It can be done :)
February 11, 2026 at 9:57 AM
Happy international day of women im science day. 🥳 From the MPI for Psycholinguistics ... led by a majority women directorate. It can be done :)
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
So we combined 5 large datasets from our lab with >6,000 students in Grades 1-12 in a mega-analysis. Key findings: gender gaps began in middle school, were largest in middle and high school, and were largest in CS and engineering (all STEM fields are not the same!). (5/N)
January 27, 2026 at 6:57 PM
So we combined 5 large datasets from our lab with >6,000 students in Grades 1-12 in a mega-analysis. Key findings: gender gaps began in middle school, were largest in middle and high school, and were largest in CS and engineering (all STEM fields are not the same!). (5/N)
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
NSF GRFP applicants (and mentors): Was your application Returned Without Review and deemed ineligible despite fitting in the allowed topics?
1) Write NSF
2) Write your Congressperson
3) CC us at grfp@grant-witness.us so we can compile + follow up
Details and template at grant-witness.us/grfp-letter
1) Write NSF
2) Write your Congressperson
3) CC us at grfp@grant-witness.us so we can compile + follow up
Details and template at grant-witness.us/grfp-letter
February 2, 2026 at 5:58 PM
NSF GRFP applicants (and mentors): Was your application Returned Without Review and deemed ineligible despite fitting in the allowed topics?
1) Write NSF
2) Write your Congressperson
3) CC us at grfp@grant-witness.us so we can compile + follow up
Details and template at grant-witness.us/grfp-letter
1) Write NSF
2) Write your Congressperson
3) CC us at grfp@grant-witness.us so we can compile + follow up
Details and template at grant-witness.us/grfp-letter
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman doctor in the US, graduated with her M.D. in 1864. She overcame significant barriers due to both racism & sexism & provided care to formerly enslaved people in the post-Civil War period. She was born #OTD in 1831.
#WomenInSTEM #BHM (1/2)
#WomenInSTEM #BHM (1/2)
February 8, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman doctor in the US, graduated with her M.D. in 1864. She overcame significant barriers due to both racism & sexism & provided care to formerly enslaved people in the post-Civil War period. She was born #OTD in 1831.
#WomenInSTEM #BHM (1/2)
#WomenInSTEM #BHM (1/2)
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
On the other hand, medicine labels, especially for babies, are playing some kind of hide-the-dosage game where it's either behind a sticker you have to peel up or just says "ask a doctor". I *think* the logic is it makes you read the rest of the instructions or involve a medical professional??
according to a pediatric ER doctor my wife follows on Instagram they have started to see children coming in sick because their parents are asking ChatGPT what the correct dosage is on over the counter medication instead of just looking at the instructions on the bottle
One of the easiest ways to shoot down the idea that "AI" is an expert is to show how it deals with something people know about.
Younger readers may not get this as most appliances come pre-wired, but anyone 35+ can see these are chaotic fire hazards.
From Mastodon, AI asked how to wire a plug:
Younger readers may not get this as most appliances come pre-wired, but anyone 35+ can see these are chaotic fire hazards.
From Mastodon, AI asked how to wire a plug:
February 8, 2026 at 7:57 PM
On the other hand, medicine labels, especially for babies, are playing some kind of hide-the-dosage game where it's either behind a sticker you have to peel up or just says "ask a doctor". I *think* the logic is it makes you read the rest of the instructions or involve a medical professional??
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
The highlight of my week was the publication of "Parkinson’s disease as a somato-cognitive action network disorder" in @nature.com. It's a great paper that shows how conceptual changes in fundamental neuroscience - the discovery of SCAN - can improve treatment 🧪 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Parkinson’s disease as a somato-cognitive action network disorder - Nature
The substantia nigra and all Parkinson’s disease deep-brain stimulation targets are selectively connected to the somato-cognitive action network rather than to effector-specific motor regions.
www.nature.com
February 7, 2026 at 3:14 PM
The highlight of my week was the publication of "Parkinson’s disease as a somato-cognitive action network disorder" in @nature.com. It's a great paper that shows how conceptual changes in fundamental neuroscience - the discovery of SCAN - can improve treatment 🧪 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
How the brain's 'memory replay' goes wrong in Alzheimer's disease
@ucl press release on @caswell.bsky.social lab new study:
www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/ja...
@ucl press release on @caswell.bsky.social lab new study:
www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/ja...
How the brain's 'memory replay' goes wrong in Alzheimer's disease
Memory dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease may be linked to impairment in how the brain replays our recent experiences while we are resting, according to a new study in mice by UCL scientists.
www.ucl.ac.uk
February 4, 2026 at 4:41 PM
How the brain's 'memory replay' goes wrong in Alzheimer's disease
@ucl press release on @caswell.bsky.social lab new study:
www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/ja...
@ucl press release on @caswell.bsky.social lab new study:
www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2026/ja...
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
Paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey was born #OTD in 1913.
A major figure in the uncovering of E. African prehistory, she is best known for her excavations of some of the earliest members of the human family, their footprints & artifacts. #WomenInSTEM
leakeyfoundation.org #paleoanthropology #fossils
A major figure in the uncovering of E. African prehistory, she is best known for her excavations of some of the earliest members of the human family, their footprints & artifacts. #WomenInSTEM
leakeyfoundation.org #paleoanthropology #fossils
February 6, 2026 at 11:27 PM
Paleoanthropologist Mary Leakey was born #OTD in 1913.
A major figure in the uncovering of E. African prehistory, she is best known for her excavations of some of the earliest members of the human family, their footprints & artifacts. #WomenInSTEM
leakeyfoundation.org #paleoanthropology #fossils
A major figure in the uncovering of E. African prehistory, she is best known for her excavations of some of the earliest members of the human family, their footprints & artifacts. #WomenInSTEM
leakeyfoundation.org #paleoanthropology #fossils
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
We’re hiring! The Suthana Lab @ Duke is looking for a Research Assistant to join our team studying human memory & real-world 🧠 dynamics using wearable tech & intracranial recordings.
Apply: careers.duke.edu/job/Durham-C...
You can also email suthanalab@duke.edu with CV/questions. Please share!
Apply: careers.duke.edu/job/Durham-C...
You can also email suthanalab@duke.edu with CV/questions. Please share!
February 5, 2026 at 4:41 PM
We’re hiring! The Suthana Lab @ Duke is looking for a Research Assistant to join our team studying human memory & real-world 🧠 dynamics using wearable tech & intracranial recordings.
Apply: careers.duke.edu/job/Durham-C...
You can also email suthanalab@duke.edu with CV/questions. Please share!
Apply: careers.duke.edu/job/Durham-C...
You can also email suthanalab@duke.edu with CV/questions. Please share!
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
Early face deprivation leads to long-lasting deficits in cortical face processing https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.04.703627v1
February 6, 2026 at 8:15 AM
Early face deprivation leads to long-lasting deficits in cortical face processing https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.04.703627v1
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
More on NSF funding data
A deeper dive into the numbers of awards by Directorate.
1/9
A deeper dive into the numbers of awards by Directorate.
1/9
a picture of a person in the water with the words call of the deep below it
ALT: a picture of a person in the water with the words call of the deep below it
media.tenor.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:05 PM
More on NSF funding data
A deeper dive into the numbers of awards by Directorate.
1/9
A deeper dive into the numbers of awards by Directorate.
1/9
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
One of the infuriating parts of listening to @melindafrennchgate.bsky.social is realizing that even billionaire women face abuse. Wealth does not equal safety. Women have to answer for the actions of Men who harmed them. Me rarely lose power when their victims are women. #Pinks #Momsky
February 4, 2026 at 7:31 PM
One of the infuriating parts of listening to @melindafrennchgate.bsky.social is realizing that even billionaire women face abuse. Wealth does not equal safety. Women have to answer for the actions of Men who harmed them. Me rarely lose power when their victims are women. #Pinks #Momsky
Reposted by Nora Newcombe
Song of the Cerebellum
Is thought just motion in the mind?
radiolab.org
February 5, 2026 at 12:12 AM