Dr Emma Byrne
@sciwriby.bsky.social
Science Writer ('Swearing is Good for You', 'How to Build a Human'), broadcaster, journalist.
I write about the stuff that makes you go 'that's fucking amazing!'
She/they
www.emmabyrne.net
Signal: sciwriby.11
I write about the stuff that makes you go 'that's fucking amazing!'
She/they
www.emmabyrne.net
Signal: sciwriby.11
Pinned
Dr Emma Byrne
@sciwriby.bsky.social
· Oct 24
I'm proud to announce that I've been confirmed as a candidate for the council elections in May 2026.
I'm standing with my Green Party colleagues for social justice, for economic justice, for climate justice.
#GreenWave
#GetGreensElected
I'm standing with my Green Party colleagues for social justice, for economic justice, for climate justice.
#GreenWave
#GetGreensElected
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
The Government is planning to send King Charles to the US to celebrate with Trump. Giving him a royal visit right now sends a terrible message that his behaviour is acceptable. We can stop this if enough of us speak up. Will you add your name to the petition? you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ca...
Call off the King’s visit to the US for the 250th anniversary of America's independence
With the current political chaos in the US and Trump’s failure to adhere to international norms, and given his apparent obsession with the Monarchy, calling off this visit would send a powerful messag...
you.38degrees.org.uk
January 24, 2026 at 11:22 AM
The Government is planning to send King Charles to the US to celebrate with Trump. Giving him a royal visit right now sends a terrible message that his behaviour is acceptable. We can stop this if enough of us speak up. Will you add your name to the petition? you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ca...
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
If Maduro has barely been mentioned lately, think what else hasn't been reported.
In this video, I run through various things that have happened in the last 2 weeks in the US that really matter even if they aren't making the front pages.
youtu.be/TQRtdX4IE-w
In this video, I run through various things that have happened in the last 2 weeks in the US that really matter even if they aren't making the front pages.
youtu.be/TQRtdX4IE-w
January 24, 2026 at 6:02 PM
If Maduro has barely been mentioned lately, think what else hasn't been reported.
In this video, I run through various things that have happened in the last 2 weeks in the US that really matter even if they aren't making the front pages.
youtu.be/TQRtdX4IE-w
In this video, I run through various things that have happened in the last 2 weeks in the US that really matter even if they aren't making the front pages.
youtu.be/TQRtdX4IE-w
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
I know we’re all watching Trump’s health but I think we also need to focus on getting Stephen Miller out of any position of power.
January 24, 2026 at 7:17 PM
I know we’re all watching Trump’s health but I think we also need to focus on getting Stephen Miller out of any position of power.
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
I'm just a PhD, standing in front of a government, asking it to make evidence-based decisions.
Calling all the PhDs I know to make monumental annoyances of themselves (and honestly, who better)
January 23, 2026 at 2:09 PM
I'm just a PhD, standing in front of a government, asking it to make evidence-based decisions.
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
POLIO. Deadly, crippling, preventable.
My first tricycle was passed on by the next door neighbours, whose kid couldn't ride it any more because of polio. I was three years younger, caught the vaccine window.
My first tricycle was passed on by the next door neighbours, whose kid couldn't ride it any more because of polio. I was three years younger, caught the vaccine window.
The chair of a federal vaccine advisory panel charted a new course for the committee in a podcast released Thursday, suggesting the public might want to reconsider the use of polio vaccines. www.statnews.com/2026/01/22/v...
Top CDC vaccine adviser questions need for polio shot, other longstanding recommendations
The chair of a federal vaccine advisory panel charted a new course for the committee in a podcast released Thursday, questioning longstanding recommendations.
www.statnews.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:36 PM
POLIO. Deadly, crippling, preventable.
My first tricycle was passed on by the next door neighbours, whose kid couldn't ride it any more because of polio. I was three years younger, caught the vaccine window.
My first tricycle was passed on by the next door neighbours, whose kid couldn't ride it any more because of polio. I was three years younger, caught the vaccine window.
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
Write to peers. Tell them what you think. Support assisted dying. A small number of peers are about to kill the #AssistedDyingBill. Not only would this be undemocratic and an abuse of their power, it would come as a uninimagable tragedy to terminally ill people.
humanists.uk/action/ask-t...
humanists.uk/action/ask-t...
January 23, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Write to peers. Tell them what you think. Support assisted dying. A small number of peers are about to kill the #AssistedDyingBill. Not only would this be undemocratic and an abuse of their power, it would come as a uninimagable tragedy to terminally ill people.
humanists.uk/action/ask-t...
humanists.uk/action/ask-t...
I highly recommend this data-driven look at the actions of the Trump administration
Missed our webinar with the brilliant @chrischirp.bsky.social on Monday?
You can watch the recording online!
Dive into the data and analysis of Professor Pagel’s ‘Trump Action Tracker’ ⬇️
stoptrump.org.uk/trumps-dange...
You can watch the recording online!
Dive into the data and analysis of Professor Pagel’s ‘Trump Action Tracker’ ⬇️
stoptrump.org.uk/trumps-dange...
January 23, 2026 at 5:33 PM
I highly recommend this data-driven look at the actions of the Trump administration
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
Labour's infatuation with so-called #AI - hugely expensive and damaging
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Government admits its approval for Buckinghamshire AI datacentre should be quashed
Campaigners hail U-turn during legal challenge over proposed centre an ‘embarrassing climbdown’
www.theguardian.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Labour's infatuation with so-called #AI - hugely expensive and damaging
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
We have a new paper in Science today on how malicious AI swarms can threaten democracy.
AI systems can already coordinate autonomously, infiltrate communities, and fabricate social consensus.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Led by @kunstjonas.bsky.social & @daniel-thilo.bsky.social!
AI systems can already coordinate autonomously, infiltrate communities, and fabricate social consensus.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Led by @kunstjonas.bsky.social & @daniel-thilo.bsky.social!
January 22, 2026 at 7:09 PM
We have a new paper in Science today on how malicious AI swarms can threaten democracy.
AI systems can already coordinate autonomously, infiltrate communities, and fabricate social consensus.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Led by @kunstjonas.bsky.social & @daniel-thilo.bsky.social!
AI systems can already coordinate autonomously, infiltrate communities, and fabricate social consensus.
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Led by @kunstjonas.bsky.social & @daniel-thilo.bsky.social!
The most moving party political broadcast I've ever seen
youtu.be/bF_a_w7Dozo?...
Well done, @zackpolanski.bsky.social and @greenparty.org.uk
youtu.be/bF_a_w7Dozo?...
Well done, @zackpolanski.bsky.social and @greenparty.org.uk
How We Make Hope Normal Again- Green Party Political Broadcast
YouTube video by Green Party of England & Wales
youtu.be
January 22, 2026 at 7:07 PM
The most moving party political broadcast I've ever seen
youtu.be/bF_a_w7Dozo?...
Well done, @zackpolanski.bsky.social and @greenparty.org.uk
youtu.be/bF_a_w7Dozo?...
Well done, @zackpolanski.bsky.social and @greenparty.org.uk
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
January 22, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
“It is fitting that there are sections on decoration, watch makers throughout time and contemporary artisans, because About Time really is a work of art”. Delighted to find “About Time” has been shortlisted for the #InformationBookAward
🎉 We couldn't be more pleased to share the 2026 #InformationBookAward with you today, along with some new sponsor news! The IBA celebrates the very best UK-published information titles, and is now sponsored by @dkbooks.bsky.social. Read more: bit.ly/3YSAlgz #kidlituk #childrensbooks #bookskyuk
Information Book Award: Announcing the 2026 Shortlist
Announcing the IBA shortlist and new sponsorship from DK, the UK’s number one children’s non-fiction publisher
bit.ly
January 22, 2026 at 4:04 PM
“It is fitting that there are sections on decoration, watch makers throughout time and contemporary artisans, because About Time really is a work of art”. Delighted to find “About Time” has been shortlisted for the #InformationBookAward
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
9 days later and here is how it is going
January 19, 2026 at 2:53 PM
9 days later and here is how it is going
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
This can't go on. Lobbying by big tech is tilting the playing field not just in terms of child safety, but also in matters of misinformation, civil society, the working economy, and the environment.
This can't go on. Lobbying by big tech is tilting the playing field not just in terms of child safety, but also in matters of misinformation, civil society, the working economy, and the environment.
Tech companies’ access to UK ministers dwarfs that of child safety groups
Exclusive: Amazon, Meta and X among firms holding hundreds of meetings with people at heart of government, data shows
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:24 AM
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
This can't go on. Lobbying by big tech is tilting the playing field not just in terms of child safety, but also in matters of misinformation, civil society, the working economy, and the environment.
This can't go on. Lobbying by big tech is tilting the playing field not just in terms of child safety, but also in matters of misinformation, civil society, the working economy, and the environment.
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
Join us tomorrow for an online discussion with @chrischirp.bsky.social on ‘Trump’s dangerous escalation’.
Already in 2026 Trump is launching new attacks or threats every day.
Register now (link below in replies) and join us as we assess what’s happened - and plan for what’s to come.
Already in 2026 Trump is launching new attacks or threats every day.
Register now (link below in replies) and join us as we assess what’s happened - and plan for what’s to come.
January 18, 2026 at 12:18 PM
Join us tomorrow for an online discussion with @chrischirp.bsky.social on ‘Trump’s dangerous escalation’.
Already in 2026 Trump is launching new attacks or threats every day.
Register now (link below in replies) and join us as we assess what’s happened - and plan for what’s to come.
Already in 2026 Trump is launching new attacks or threats every day.
Register now (link below in replies) and join us as we assess what’s happened - and plan for what’s to come.
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
Over and over again, Keir Starmer has given Trump what he wants, in order to avoid US tariffs.
Now Trump wants to annex Greenland – and he's putting tariffs on the UK for opposing it.
The UK can't keep giving in to tariff threats. It's time for Europe to come together to take Trump on.
Now Trump wants to annex Greenland – and he's putting tariffs on the UK for opposing it.
The UK can't keep giving in to tariff threats. It's time for Europe to come together to take Trump on.
Donald Trump says eight European countries face 10% tariff for opposing US control of Greenland – Europe live
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Finland will face tariffs from 1 February
www.theguardian.com
January 17, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Over and over again, Keir Starmer has given Trump what he wants, in order to avoid US tariffs.
Now Trump wants to annex Greenland – and he's putting tariffs on the UK for opposing it.
The UK can't keep giving in to tariff threats. It's time for Europe to come together to take Trump on.
Now Trump wants to annex Greenland – and he's putting tariffs on the UK for opposing it.
The UK can't keep giving in to tariff threats. It's time for Europe to come together to take Trump on.
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
St. Peter reaches for the 'hell' trapdoor button...
Adams responds "No, I am very smart and did a Pascal's Wager a day ago - I'm in the clear!"
St. Peter instead reaches for the 'extra hell' button.
Adams responds "No, I am very smart and did a Pascal's Wager a day ago - I'm in the clear!"
St. Peter instead reaches for the 'extra hell' button.
January 13, 2026 at 4:31 PM
St. Peter reaches for the 'hell' trapdoor button...
Adams responds "No, I am very smart and did a Pascal's Wager a day ago - I'm in the clear!"
St. Peter instead reaches for the 'extra hell' button.
Adams responds "No, I am very smart and did a Pascal's Wager a day ago - I'm in the clear!"
St. Peter instead reaches for the 'extra hell' button.
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
Step into the hard streets of Charlie Chaplin's London in this rich social history of the Edwardian working-class.
#HardStreets by @jacriding.bksy.social is out 5th February.
profilebooks.com/work/hard-st...
#HardStreets by @jacriding.bksy.social is out 5th February.
profilebooks.com/work/hard-st...
January 14, 2026 at 8:15 AM
Step into the hard streets of Charlie Chaplin's London in this rich social history of the Edwardian working-class.
#HardStreets by @jacriding.bksy.social is out 5th February.
profilebooks.com/work/hard-st...
#HardStreets by @jacriding.bksy.social is out 5th February.
profilebooks.com/work/hard-st...
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
What even is a ‘Labour Party’ in the 21st century?
Keir Starmer will accept an offer to sit on a board that will temporarily run Gaza, led by the United States president Donald Trump, according to reports
Keir Starmer 'to accept place on Donald Trump’s board to run Gaza,' reports say
www.thenational.scot
January 14, 2026 at 11:58 AM
What even is a ‘Labour Party’ in the 21st century?
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
We can’t afford to delay climate action. In "Clearing the Air," data scientist and bestselling author @hannahritchie.bsky.social answers 50 key climate questions once and for all, getting the facts straight so we can take action and fix things. Out February 17th: mitpress.mit.edu/978026205274...
January 14, 2026 at 1:16 PM
We can’t afford to delay climate action. In "Clearing the Air," data scientist and bestselling author @hannahritchie.bsky.social answers 50 key climate questions once and for all, getting the facts straight so we can take action and fix things. Out February 17th: mitpress.mit.edu/978026205274...
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
The Society of Authors and children’s reading charity Coram Beanstalk have launched a campaign aimed at supporting 1,000 primary school children to become life-long readers.
buff.ly/95eajFC
#NationalYearOfReading2026 #GoAllIn
buff.ly/95eajFC
#NationalYearOfReading2026 #GoAllIn
January 14, 2026 at 4:24 PM
The Society of Authors and children’s reading charity Coram Beanstalk have launched a campaign aimed at supporting 1,000 primary school children to become life-long readers.
buff.ly/95eajFC
#NationalYearOfReading2026 #GoAllIn
buff.ly/95eajFC
#NationalYearOfReading2026 #GoAllIn
Reposted by Dr Emma Byrne
Grok seems to be laughing in Starmer’s face - if only analogue, AI-activist Starmer could see it.
January 14, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Grok seems to be laughing in Starmer’s face - if only analogue, AI-activist Starmer could see it.