Prof Sheena Cruickshank
@sheencr.bsky.social
Immunologist & science communicator based at UoM fascinated by our immune response to threats (pathogens, pollution) & microbiome & how this exposome affects health. Also quite likely to share random dog and nature pics 🧪👩🔬 #AcademicSky #SciCom
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social offers insight in The Guardian @theguardian.com on the science behind sneezing and what it reveals about our health #ImmunoSky
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
The sneeze secret: how much should you worry about this explosive reflex?
It is one of the most powerful involuntary actions the human body can perform. But is a big sneeze a sign of illness, pollution or something else entirely?
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Prof Sheena Cruickshank @sheencr.bsky.social offers insight in The Guardian @theguardian.com on the science behind sneezing and what it reveals about our health #ImmunoSky
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
I cannot imagine how terrifying this was!
My helicopter went into freefall – inside an active volcano
Christopher Duddy was shooting a film in Hawaii when disaster struck. For 28 hours he choked on fumes near a lava lake, fighting to get to safety
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:17 AM
I cannot imagine how terrifying this was!
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
Interesting recent research has investigated why some people who are clinically vulnerable e.g. smokers or asthmatic do so much worse in response to some common cold viruses. 🧪 🧵@exposomeimmunology.bsky.social
Rhinovirus triggers distinct host responses through differential engagement of epithelial innate immune signaling
Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of common colds and also a major cause of
respiratory distress in high-risk groups. Using single-cell sequencing of rhinovirus-infected
nasal epithelial organo...
www.cell.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Interesting recent research has investigated why some people who are clinically vulnerable e.g. smokers or asthmatic do so much worse in response to some common cold viruses. 🧪 🧵@exposomeimmunology.bsky.social
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
7/ Read the rest of the letters:
“I Have Been Here Too Long”: Read Letters from the Children Detained at ICE’s Dilley Facility
Hundreds of children are currently being held with their parents at an immigration detention center in Dilley, Texas. In letters and drawings, eight kids convey the pain of feeling trapped with no end...
propub.li
February 9, 2026 at 12:42 PM
7/ Read the rest of the letters:
Interesting recent research has investigated why some people who are clinically vulnerable e.g. smokers or asthmatic do so much worse in response to some common cold viruses. 🧪 🧵@exposomeimmunology.bsky.social
Rhinovirus triggers distinct host responses through differential engagement of epithelial innate immune signaling
Rhinoviruses are the most frequent cause of common colds and also a major cause of
respiratory distress in high-risk groups. Using single-cell sequencing of rhinovirus-infected
nasal epithelial organo...
www.cell.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Interesting recent research has investigated why some people who are clinically vulnerable e.g. smokers or asthmatic do so much worse in response to some common cold viruses. 🧪 🧵@exposomeimmunology.bsky.social
As hypocritical as it is for Dr Oz to switch to supporting a vaccine, it’s still good to finally see someone in Kennedy’s team FINALLY encourage people to have the MMR as measles cases continue to soar in largely unvaccinated people
‘Take the vaccine, please,’ Dr Oz urges amid rising measles cases in US
Health official’s endorsement comes as South Carolina faces hundreds of cases and US risks losing elimination status
www.theguardian.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:17 AM
As hypocritical as it is for Dr Oz to switch to supporting a vaccine, it’s still good to finally see someone in Kennedy’s team FINALLY encourage people to have the MMR as measles cases continue to soar in largely unvaccinated people
Great to chat with Joel Snape about all things sneezing. Great seeing comments from @cathnoakes.bsky.social too
The sneeze secret: how much should you worry about this explosive reflex?
It is one of the most powerful involuntary actions the human body can perform. But is a big sneeze a sign of illness, pollution or something else entirely?
www.theguardian.com
February 8, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Great to chat with Joel Snape about all things sneezing. Great seeing comments from @cathnoakes.bsky.social too
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
Short thread on our new paper. We use face mask efficacy research as a “stress test” for systematic review methods. We analysed 66 systematic reviews of face mask efficacy; they reached widely different conclusions (~half said they work, half said that evidence of efficacy was lacking). 1/
Our new paper:
Synthesis challenges in complex evidence: A critical analysis of systematic reviews of face mask efficacy
#episky #healthpolicy #medsky
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Synthesis challenges in complex evidence: A critical analysis of systematic reviews of face mask efficacy
#episky #healthpolicy #medsky
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Synthesis challenges in complex evidence: A critical analysis of systematic reviews of face mask efficacy | Research Synthesis Methods | Cambridge Core
Synthesis challenges in complex evidence: A critical analysis of systematic reviews of face mask efficacy
www.cambridge.org
February 8, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Short thread on our new paper. We use face mask efficacy research as a “stress test” for systematic review methods. We analysed 66 systematic reviews of face mask efficacy; they reached widely different conclusions (~half said they work, half said that evidence of efficacy was lacking). 1/
Just watched Weapons. Well that was surprising!
a woman with red hair and glasses holds a pair of glasses in her hand
ALT: a woman with red hair and glasses holds a pair of glasses in her hand
media.tenor.com
February 7, 2026 at 10:18 PM
Just watched Weapons. Well that was surprising!
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
Evidence has emerged that RFKJr lied about his infamous 2019 trip to Samoa after which measles vax uptake plummeted and measles cases spiralled resulting in 83 deaths and thousands of measles cases …🧵 #HealthPolicy
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Evidence has emerged that RFKJr lied about his infamous 2019 trip to Samoa after which measles vax uptake plummeted and measles cases spiralled resulting in 83 deaths and thousands of measles cases …🧵 #HealthPolicy
Evidence has emerged that RFKJr lied about his infamous 2019 trip to Samoa after which measles vax uptake plummeted and measles cases spiralled resulting in 83 deaths and thousands of measles cases …🧵 #HealthPolicy
Newly revealed emails undermine RFK Jr testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of measles outbreak
Kennedy later said the purpose of his trip had nothing to do with vaccines. US embassy and UN staff at the time said otherwise, emails show
www.theguardian.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Evidence has emerged that RFKJr lied about his infamous 2019 trip to Samoa after which measles vax uptake plummeted and measles cases spiralled resulting in 83 deaths and thousands of measles cases …🧵 #HealthPolicy
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
A study examines a form of outdoor, ‘eco' therapy.
Participants said moments in nature helped them process the past: watching trees grow and decay, feeling the wind on their face, or sitting quietly in a forest.
@uomhums.bsky.social #ecotherapy
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Participants said moments in nature helped them process the past: watching trees grow and decay, feeling the wind on their face, or sitting quietly in a forest.
@uomhums.bsky.social #ecotherapy
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
February 6, 2026 at 3:56 PM
A study examines a form of outdoor, ‘eco' therapy.
Participants said moments in nature helped them process the past: watching trees grow and decay, feeling the wind on their face, or sitting quietly in a forest.
@uomhums.bsky.social #ecotherapy
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Participants said moments in nature helped them process the past: watching trees grow and decay, feeling the wind on their face, or sitting quietly in a forest.
@uomhums.bsky.social #ecotherapy
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Two papers submitted this week! Whohoo! Obviously they may get rejected but for now hope and excitement!!!
a man and a woman are looking at each other with the words " there is always hope " on the bottom
ALT: a man and a woman are looking at each other with the words " there is always hope " on the bottom
media.tenor.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Two papers submitted this week! Whohoo! Obviously they may get rejected but for now hope and excitement!!!
measles cases are rising and campuses are places they could expand exponentially. so really pleased to see the NHS offering walk in vaccine services at @officialuom.bsky.social for MMR, HPV and MenACWY on Feb and March 10th
Get protected: MMR and additional vaccinations available on campus | StaffNet | The University of Manchester
www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk
February 6, 2026 at 10:19 AM
measles cases are rising and campuses are places they could expand exponentially. so really pleased to see the NHS offering walk in vaccine services at @officialuom.bsky.social for MMR, HPV and MenACWY on Feb and March 10th
Who knew ? Excel work championships 🤯
Experience: I am the Excel world champion
I have been called the LeBron James of spreadsheets, but I try not to take myself too seriously
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 8:10 AM
Who knew ? Excel work championships 🤯
Wow, that is incredible
During a dive last year in the Atlantic Ocean off Argentina, researchers documented a giant phantom jelly, a deep-sea species rarely seen since it was discovered a little over a century ago. “There was a mixture of excitement and disbelief,” said one marine biologist. trib.al/HfkWfp4
February 6, 2026 at 6:41 AM
Wow, that is incredible
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
We found that Jeff Bezos paid *zero* taxes in 2007 and 2011.
In fact, he reported making so little in 2011 that he even claimed and received a $4,000 tax credit for his children.
This is how he did it (published 2021):
In fact, he reported making so little in 2011 that he even claimed and received a $4,000 tax credit for his children.
This is how he did it (published 2021):
The Secret IRS Files: Trove of Never-Before-Seen Records Reveal How the Wealthiest Avoid Income Tax
ProPublica has obtained a vast cache of IRS information showing how billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Warren Buffett pay little in income tax compared to their massive wealth — sometimes, ev...
www.propublica.org
February 6, 2026 at 2:00 AM
We found that Jeff Bezos paid *zero* taxes in 2007 and 2011.
In fact, he reported making so little in 2011 that he even claimed and received a $4,000 tax credit for his children.
This is how he did it (published 2021):
In fact, he reported making so little in 2011 that he even claimed and received a $4,000 tax credit for his children.
This is how he did it (published 2021):
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
Important paper. Schools are high-risk environments for respiratory disease transmission MAINLY because classrooms are underventilated. This problem has a workable solution - it just needs political will. Air quality is as important as water quality for public health. MT @martinmckee.bsky.social
Our paper modelling transmission risk in schools is published in Nature Communications. **The relative contribution of close-proximity contacts, shared classroom exposure and indoor air quality to respiratory virus transmission in schools** doi.org/10.1038/s414...
February 5, 2026 at 10:59 PM
Important paper. Schools are high-risk environments for respiratory disease transmission MAINLY because classrooms are underventilated. This problem has a workable solution - it just needs political will. Air quality is as important as water quality for public health. MT @martinmckee.bsky.social
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
As mentioned in another thread, four UKRI leaders spoke to journalists this morning about changes to research council funding
They addressed stories broken by RPN that STFC has to find £162m of costs savings by 2029-30, and that major physics infrastructure projects have been shelved
...
They addressed stories broken by RPN that STFC has to find £162m of costs savings by 2029-30, and that major physics infrastructure projects have been shelved
...
‘Difficult’ two years ahead for physics, warns STFC boss.
Michele Dougherty confirms withdrawal from LHC upgrade and indicates scant money for new projects.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
Michele Dougherty confirms withdrawal from LHC upgrade and indicates scant money for new projects.
www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-r...
‘Difficult’ two years ahead for physics, warns STFC boss - Research Professional News
Michele Dougherty confirms withdrawal from LHC upgrade and indicates scant money for new projects
www.researchprofessionalnews.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:06 PM
As mentioned in another thread, four UKRI leaders spoke to journalists this morning about changes to research council funding
They addressed stories broken by RPN that STFC has to find £162m of costs savings by 2029-30, and that major physics infrastructure projects have been shelved
...
They addressed stories broken by RPN that STFC has to find £162m of costs savings by 2029-30, and that major physics infrastructure projects have been shelved
...
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
An infant in New Mexico has just died from listeria.
Public health officials think it is because the mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
I can imagine this family’s pain.
Please, please don’t drink raw milk. It is of no benefit whatsoever.
Public health officials think it is because the mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
I can imagine this family’s pain.
Please, please don’t drink raw milk. It is of no benefit whatsoever.
New Mexico warns against consuming raw milk after newborn dies from listeria
While the New Mexico Department of Health said it can't pinpoint the baby's exact cause of death, officials believe it could have been linked to the mother's drinking raw milk during pregnancy.
www.nbcnews.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:08 PM
An infant in New Mexico has just died from listeria.
Public health officials think it is because the mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
I can imagine this family’s pain.
Please, please don’t drink raw milk. It is of no benefit whatsoever.
Public health officials think it is because the mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
I can imagine this family’s pain.
Please, please don’t drink raw milk. It is of no benefit whatsoever.
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
Excellent article but stark reminder that for all the perceptions of universities as ivory towers for elites, they are actually vital hubs in towns n cities supporting local businesses and providing key services as well as education….
‘If I think about what this means, I want to cry’: what happens when a city loses its university?
When Essex University’s Southend campus opened, it was a message of hope for a ‘left behind’ UK seaside town. Its closure will be felt far beyond its 800 students, some of whom will not get their degr...
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Excellent article but stark reminder that for all the perceptions of universities as ivory towers for elites, they are actually vital hubs in towns n cities supporting local businesses and providing key services as well as education….
Reposted by Prof Sheena Cruickshank
Excellent article but stark reminder that for all the perceptions of universities as ivory towers for elites, they are actually vital hubs in towns n cities supporting local businesses and providing key services as well as education….
‘If I think about what this means, I want to cry’: what happens when a city loses its university?
When Essex University’s Southend campus opened, it was a message of hope for a ‘left behind’ UK seaside town. Its closure will be felt far beyond its 800 students, some of whom will not get their degr...
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Excellent article but stark reminder that for all the perceptions of universities as ivory towers for elites, they are actually vital hubs in towns n cities supporting local businesses and providing key services as well as education….
Doing my first lecture to undergraduates of the semester this afternoon. Always get rather nervous for lecturing when i restart after a break! Is it just me with the nerves?
February 3, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Doing my first lecture to undergraduates of the semester this afternoon. Always get rather nervous for lecturing when i restart after a break! Is it just me with the nerves?