Rachel Fairbank
@sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social
Science journalist, with bylines in Nature, National Geographic, the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Houston Chronicle. I cover a mixture of health topics, with a focus on conditions such as autism, ADHD, ME/CFS, POTS and Long COVID.
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
New from Medscape (widely used by healthcare professionals)
"Multiple Abnormal Responses to Exertion Seen in ME/CFS" by @miriametucker.bsky.social
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Sympathetic article.May require free registration
#MEcfs #CFS #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome
"Multiple Abnormal Responses to Exertion Seen in ME/CFS" by @miriametucker.bsky.social
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Sympathetic article.May require free registration
#MEcfs #CFS #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome
January 9, 2026 at 12:58 PM
New from Medscape (widely used by healthcare professionals)
"Multiple Abnormal Responses to Exertion Seen in ME/CFS" by @miriametucker.bsky.social
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Sympathetic article.May require free registration
#MEcfs #CFS #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome
"Multiple Abnormal Responses to Exertion Seen in ME/CFS" by @miriametucker.bsky.social
www.medscape.com/viewarticle/...
Sympathetic article.May require free registration
#MEcfs #CFS #PwME #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome
I took a wrong turn on the way home, and there was a train…coming through a bunch of townhomes. The train looked like it’d also gotten lost on the way home.
I would not want to live in one of those townhouses.
I would not want to live in one of those townhouses.
January 6, 2026 at 10:03 PM
I took a wrong turn on the way home, and there was a train…coming through a bunch of townhomes. The train looked like it’d also gotten lost on the way home.
I would not want to live in one of those townhouses.
I would not want to live in one of those townhouses.
2025 Unwrapped:
Oura is telling me I took 213 naps this year, which means I’m going to call 2025 my year of rest.
2024 ended on a pretty bad note, with a COVID reinfection leading to my worst crash to date. I’m happy to report I’ve recovered, and am better than I have been in years.
Oura is telling me I took 213 naps this year, which means I’m going to call 2025 my year of rest.
2024 ended on a pretty bad note, with a COVID reinfection leading to my worst crash to date. I’m happy to report I’ve recovered, and am better than I have been in years.
December 29, 2025 at 10:58 PM
2025 Unwrapped:
Oura is telling me I took 213 naps this year, which means I’m going to call 2025 my year of rest.
2024 ended on a pretty bad note, with a COVID reinfection leading to my worst crash to date. I’m happy to report I’ve recovered, and am better than I have been in years.
Oura is telling me I took 213 naps this year, which means I’m going to call 2025 my year of rest.
2024 ended on a pretty bad note, with a COVID reinfection leading to my worst crash to date. I’m happy to report I’ve recovered, and am better than I have been in years.
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
Wrote about how disappointing it is that Jon Stewart punched down on people masking at @motherjones.com, when people should mind their own business and leave mask wearers be. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Hey Jon Stewart, jokes about wearing masks aren't funny
Critics of the Daily Show host say he's a hypocrite.
www.motherjones.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Wrote about how disappointing it is that Jon Stewart punched down on people masking at @motherjones.com, when people should mind their own business and leave mask wearers be. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
My son is calling the train bathroom the ‘skibidi toilet,’ and honestly, he’s not wrong.
December 27, 2025 at 7:31 PM
My son is calling the train bathroom the ‘skibidi toilet,’ and honestly, he’s not wrong.
There’s been a lot of talk about family estrangement lately.
Last year, I wrote a feature on estrangement for the American Psychological Association’s monthly magazine.
Contrary to what most people think, we have no evidence that estrangement is on the rise.
Last year, I wrote a feature on estrangement for the American Psychological Association’s monthly magazine.
Contrary to what most people think, we have no evidence that estrangement is on the rise.
www.apa.org
December 27, 2025 at 4:32 PM
There’s been a lot of talk about family estrangement lately.
Last year, I wrote a feature on estrangement for the American Psychological Association’s monthly magazine.
Contrary to what most people think, we have no evidence that estrangement is on the rise.
Last year, I wrote a feature on estrangement for the American Psychological Association’s monthly magazine.
Contrary to what most people think, we have no evidence that estrangement is on the rise.
Overheard on the train: “This was our first Christmas without a trip to the ER or a big fight.”
Same, lady, same.
Same, lady, same.
December 27, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Overheard on the train: “This was our first Christmas without a trip to the ER or a big fight.”
Same, lady, same.
Same, lady, same.
“When people try to sell you on the idea the future is already settled, it is because it is deeply unsettled.”
AI isn’t what they are saying it is, and it’s important to remember that the future is still an open book.
AI isn’t what they are saying it is, and it’s important to remember that the future is still an open book.
"This promise of an AI future, is really just a collective anxiety that wealthy people have about how well they're gonna be able to control us in the future."
- @tressiemcphd.bsky.social with an absolute mic drop moment about AI bullshit.
Incredible words.
Listen to all of it!
- @tressiemcphd.bsky.social with an absolute mic drop moment about AI bullshit.
Incredible words.
Listen to all of it!
December 19, 2025 at 10:11 PM
“When people try to sell you on the idea the future is already settled, it is because it is deeply unsettled.”
AI isn’t what they are saying it is, and it’s important to remember that the future is still an open book.
AI isn’t what they are saying it is, and it’s important to remember that the future is still an open book.
For normal people, those who don’t replace headphones the moment they crack, or buy new jumpers because the old ones “feel tired”, Christmas presents aren’t chores, they’re events. We notice things, such as “Mum mentioned she likes that tea”, “Dad’s gloves are falling apart”
Sure, Christmas isn’t all about presents – for those lucky enough to afford their own treats | Letter
Letter: Those who suggest ‘not doing presents this year’ tend to be people who already have all the socks and candles they need, writes one reader
www.theguardian.com
December 19, 2025 at 6:13 PM
For normal people, those who don’t replace headphones the moment they crack, or buy new jumpers because the old ones “feel tired”, Christmas presents aren’t chores, they’re events. We notice things, such as “Mum mentioned she likes that tea”, “Dad’s gloves are falling apart”
My pop culture hot-take of the day:
Rebecca Yarros, the author of the Fourth Wing series, is Mormon.
Fourth Wing is all about suppressing critical information, which is something that the Mormon leaders do in spades. I’m very curious as to whether that is intentional or accidental.
Rebecca Yarros, the author of the Fourth Wing series, is Mormon.
Fourth Wing is all about suppressing critical information, which is something that the Mormon leaders do in spades. I’m very curious as to whether that is intentional or accidental.
December 19, 2025 at 5:29 PM
My pop culture hot-take of the day:
Rebecca Yarros, the author of the Fourth Wing series, is Mormon.
Fourth Wing is all about suppressing critical information, which is something that the Mormon leaders do in spades. I’m very curious as to whether that is intentional or accidental.
Rebecca Yarros, the author of the Fourth Wing series, is Mormon.
Fourth Wing is all about suppressing critical information, which is something that the Mormon leaders do in spades. I’m very curious as to whether that is intentional or accidental.
The hard part about being a former athlete with chronic illness is that you find yourself missing exercise with an intensity that is almost physically painful.
December 18, 2025 at 10:10 PM
The hard part about being a former athlete with chronic illness is that you find yourself missing exercise with an intensity that is almost physically painful.
I just remodeled my kitchen, and it’s not a coincidence that my smoothest home renovation to date was managed by a woman.
She got the project done on time, within budget. The lady was a boss, in the very best way possible.
Women: They get shit done.
She got the project done on time, within budget. The lady was a boss, in the very best way possible.
Women: They get shit done.
December 17, 2025 at 6:06 PM
I just remodeled my kitchen, and it’s not a coincidence that my smoothest home renovation to date was managed by a woman.
She got the project done on time, within budget. The lady was a boss, in the very best way possible.
Women: They get shit done.
She got the project done on time, within budget. The lady was a boss, in the very best way possible.
Women: They get shit done.
My son has gotten really into KPop Demon Hunters, except he’s calling it Cake Pop Demon Hunters.
Eating cake pops and hunting demons sounds like a pretty good combination.
Eating cake pops and hunting demons sounds like a pretty good combination.
December 16, 2025 at 11:53 PM
My son has gotten really into KPop Demon Hunters, except he’s calling it Cake Pop Demon Hunters.
Eating cake pops and hunting demons sounds like a pretty good combination.
Eating cake pops and hunting demons sounds like a pretty good combination.
"Unsolicited life and medical advice with a side of body shame?
Now you might have a glimmer of the sense of public ownership that comes with life in a female body. “Here, little girl, let me help you with that.” My goodness, an overweight female body, the living penny for everyone’s thoughts."
Now you might have a glimmer of the sense of public ownership that comes with life in a female body. “Here, little girl, let me help you with that.” My goodness, an overweight female body, the living penny for everyone’s thoughts."
Column | Carolyn Hax: Daughter drops dad after his email suggesting weight-loss drug
His wife warned him not to talk to their daughter about her weight. He emailed her anyway to say he’d pay for a weight-loss drug.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:58 PM
"Unsolicited life and medical advice with a side of body shame?
Now you might have a glimmer of the sense of public ownership that comes with life in a female body. “Here, little girl, let me help you with that.” My goodness, an overweight female body, the living penny for everyone’s thoughts."
Now you might have a glimmer of the sense of public ownership that comes with life in a female body. “Here, little girl, let me help you with that.” My goodness, an overweight female body, the living penny for everyone’s thoughts."
“I marveled at what a good story the truth could make in the right hands.”
Such a lovely tribute to Reiner, by Stephen King
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/o...
Such a lovely tribute to Reiner, by Stephen King
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/o...
Opinion | Stephen King: Why I Hugged Rob Reiner After Watching ‘Stand by Me’
www.nytimes.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:41 PM
“I marveled at what a good story the truth could make in the right hands.”
Such a lovely tribute to Reiner, by Stephen King
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/o...
Such a lovely tribute to Reiner, by Stephen King
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/o...
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
Some Dems have told themselves only ~1% of the population is trans so they can dip their toe in the anti-trans filth and come out clean.
I don't have any trans family members—but it still makes me irate. I see it as a huge red flag, a sign you are unprincipled and untrustworthy. And I'm not alone.
I don't have any trans family members—but it still makes me irate. I see it as a huge red flag, a sign you are unprincipled and untrustworthy. And I'm not alone.
We are parents of a trans kid and our family takes this very, very personally. If you intentionally make life harder for our beloved daughter, it’s EXTREMELY hard to think of you as an ally, to say the least. @amyklobuchar.com - you still send us requests for money, while hurting our kid. Disgusted.
Here are the 28 Dem Senators who voted to advance the first federal ban on trans athletes & a federal definition of sex that would make trans & intersex people non-existent: Angela Alsobrooks (MD), Tammy Baldwin (WI), Richard Blumenthal (CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE), Chris Coons (DE), ->
December 16, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Some Dems have told themselves only ~1% of the population is trans so they can dip their toe in the anti-trans filth and come out clean.
I don't have any trans family members—but it still makes me irate. I see it as a huge red flag, a sign you are unprincipled and untrustworthy. And I'm not alone.
I don't have any trans family members—but it still makes me irate. I see it as a huge red flag, a sign you are unprincipled and untrustworthy. And I'm not alone.
Just went to Costco, did not come home with a kitty. Did I do something wrong?
www.reddit.com/r/cats/comme...
www.reddit.com/r/cats/comme...
Rescued this guy behind a Costco hiding behind the trash compactor
www.reddit.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Just went to Costco, did not come home with a kitty. Did I do something wrong?
www.reddit.com/r/cats/comme...
www.reddit.com/r/cats/comme...
Let’s not forget Schumer’s spinelessness.
Today is the last day for Americans to sign up for January marketplace coverage.
Over the next two weeks, millions will see skyrocketing premium amounts deducted from their bank account.
All thanks to Donald Trump and Republicans who are refusing to extend the ACA tax credits.
Over the next two weeks, millions will see skyrocketing premium amounts deducted from their bank account.
All thanks to Donald Trump and Republicans who are refusing to extend the ACA tax credits.
December 16, 2025 at 3:21 AM
Let’s not forget Schumer’s spinelessness.
I got a new car this weekend, which means I traded in my green Subaru Outback…for a green Subaru Outback.
I freely admit that I am a creature of habit. That said, I got the 2026 Outback, which is way bigger than the old Outback. It feels like driving a truck.
I freely admit that I am a creature of habit. That said, I got the 2026 Outback, which is way bigger than the old Outback. It feels like driving a truck.
December 16, 2025 at 2:59 AM
I got a new car this weekend, which means I traded in my green Subaru Outback…for a green Subaru Outback.
I freely admit that I am a creature of habit. That said, I got the 2026 Outback, which is way bigger than the old Outback. It feels like driving a truck.
I freely admit that I am a creature of habit. That said, I got the 2026 Outback, which is way bigger than the old Outback. It feels like driving a truck.
I just finished Family of Spies, by Christine Kuehn, and 10/10, will recommend.
The author was 31 when she discovered her father’s family, including his parents and older sister, were Nazi spies who gathered intelligence for the Pearl Harbor attacks.
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
The author was 31 when she discovered her father’s family, including his parents and older sister, were Nazi spies who gathered intelligence for the Pearl Harbor attacks.
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
Family of Spies
"An amazing and gripping tale, full of suspenseful twists and cinematic details" —New York Times Book ReviewA propulsive, never-before-told story of one fa...
us.macmillan.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:59 PM
I just finished Family of Spies, by Christine Kuehn, and 10/10, will recommend.
The author was 31 when she discovered her father’s family, including his parents and older sister, were Nazi spies who gathered intelligence for the Pearl Harbor attacks.
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
The author was 31 when she discovered her father’s family, including his parents and older sister, were Nazi spies who gathered intelligence for the Pearl Harbor attacks.
us.macmillan.com/books/978125...
I like to think I am a some-what competent writer. I tell myself I’m a hack and a fraud at least 3x a day. It’s an important part of the process.
One of the many reasons AI can't produce good writing is it can't hate its own writing. It can't think to itself "Maybe I'm illiterate" during the writing process. And that's essential
December 9, 2025 at 11:35 PM
I like to think I am a some-what competent writer. I tell myself I’m a hack and a fraud at least 3x a day. It’s an important part of the process.
An absolute queen.
Jeff Bezos managed to fumble a marriage to a woman who is a million times the person he is.
Jeff Bezos managed to fumble a marriage to a woman who is a million times the person he is.
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott gave $7.1 billion to nonprofits in 2025, a major increase
The author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott revealed $7.1 billion in donations to nonprofits in 2025 Tuesday, marking a significant increase in her annual giving from recent years.
apnews.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:19 PM
An absolute queen.
Jeff Bezos managed to fumble a marriage to a woman who is a million times the person he is.
Jeff Bezos managed to fumble a marriage to a woman who is a million times the person he is.
When it comes to sharing his food, my husband is basically Joey from Friends, which is why it’s especially hilarious watching my son steal his food. Anyone else, and they’d get their hand bitten off.
joey does n't share food while sitting on the couch
Alt: Joey from Friends yelling “Joey doesn't share food” while sitting on the couch
media.tenor.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:26 AM
When it comes to sharing his food, my husband is basically Joey from Friends, which is why it’s especially hilarious watching my son steal his food. Anyone else, and they’d get their hand bitten off.
My son’s name is not complicated — two syllables for the full name, one for the nickname — and people still get it wrong all the time. It’s even getting to the point where MY SON is pronouncing it wrong.
December 5, 2025 at 5:08 PM
My son’s name is not complicated — two syllables for the full name, one for the nickname — and people still get it wrong all the time. It’s even getting to the point where MY SON is pronouncing it wrong.
This year marks yet another year of not doing elf-on-the-shelf, with zero regrets.
In our house, the elf is a snitch, and snitches get stitches.
In our house, the elf is a snitch, and snitches get stitches.
December 3, 2025 at 1:32 AM
This year marks yet another year of not doing elf-on-the-shelf, with zero regrets.
In our house, the elf is a snitch, and snitches get stitches.
In our house, the elf is a snitch, and snitches get stitches.