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.
I’ve been feeling better these past few months, and the surest sign that I’m feeling better is I can feel my creativity and motivation starting to come back.
It feels like waking up after years of sleep-walking.
It feels like waking up after years of sleep-walking.
November 17, 2025 at 12:57 AM
I’ve been feeling better these past few months, and the surest sign that I’m feeling better is I can feel my creativity and motivation starting to come back.
It feels like waking up after years of sleep-walking.
It feels like waking up after years of sleep-walking.
I recently read a book about an Inuit woman who was the only survivor of an Arctic expedition, and now I’m obsessed with scurvy, which one of the expedition members died of.
The descriptions of what scurvy is like have me squeezing lemon into my iced tea like I’m about to head off to the Arctic.
The descriptions of what scurvy is like have me squeezing lemon into my iced tea like I’m about to head off to the Arctic.
Ada Blackjack
From the author of The Ice Master comes the remarkable true story of a young Inuit woman who survived six months alone on a desolate, uninhabited Arctic isla...
www.hachettebookgroup.com
November 16, 2025 at 7:19 PM
I recently read a book about an Inuit woman who was the only survivor of an Arctic expedition, and now I’m obsessed with scurvy, which one of the expedition members died of.
The descriptions of what scurvy is like have me squeezing lemon into my iced tea like I’m about to head off to the Arctic.
The descriptions of what scurvy is like have me squeezing lemon into my iced tea like I’m about to head off to the Arctic.
There’s a woman on Instagram doing a series on “things I say to my cat that make sound like a creepy old man,” and yup, guilty as charged.
November 15, 2025 at 5:57 PM
There’s a woman on Instagram doing a series on “things I say to my cat that make sound like a creepy old man,” and yup, guilty as charged.
I keep wearing a sweatshirt, in the hopes that it will manifest fall weather, but so far, Houston is continuing to Houston.
November 15, 2025 at 5:53 PM
I keep wearing a sweatshirt, in the hopes that it will manifest fall weather, but so far, Houston is continuing to Houston.
Hearing about Nuzzi succeeding in spite of some huge ethical violations is really fun when you are a journalist who is barely scraping by.
November 14, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Hearing about Nuzzi succeeding in spite of some huge ethical violations is really fun when you are a journalist who is barely scraping by.
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
I will no doubt read and enjoy all your very good Nuzzi jokes, but I also want to say earnestly, so many of us (myself included) are on the verge of being pushed out of this industry and it's genuinely so dispiriting to see the worst among us, ethics-wise, get such preferential treatment.
November 14, 2025 at 5:54 PM
I will no doubt read and enjoy all your very good Nuzzi jokes, but I also want to say earnestly, so many of us (myself included) are on the verge of being pushed out of this industry and it's genuinely so dispiriting to see the worst among us, ethics-wise, get such preferential treatment.
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
GLP-1s are being studied for a wide range of conditions. Now, scientists will test whether their anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms of #LongCovid. @wired.com @emilymullin.bsky.social
www.wired.com/story/weight...
www.wired.com/story/weight...
Weight-Loss Drug Zepbound Is Being Tested as a Treatment for Long Covid
GLP-1s are being studied for a wide range of conditions. Now, scientists will test whether their anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms of long Covid.
www.wired.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:22 PM
GLP-1s are being studied for a wide range of conditions. Now, scientists will test whether their anti-inflammatory properties can help alleviate symptoms of #LongCovid. @wired.com @emilymullin.bsky.social
www.wired.com/story/weight...
www.wired.com/story/weight...
My most woke opinion is that not only does everyone deserves a comfortable place to live, good nutritious food to eat, quality healthcare, and a good education, but that we can afford to give everyone this. I will die on this hill.
And I do mean everyone, not just the people who "deserve" it.
And I do mean everyone, not just the people who "deserve" it.
"my least woke opinion is---"
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
November 14, 2025 at 4:50 PM
My most woke opinion is that not only does everyone deserves a comfortable place to live, good nutritious food to eat, quality healthcare, and a good education, but that we can afford to give everyone this. I will die on this hill.
And I do mean everyone, not just the people who "deserve" it.
And I do mean everyone, not just the people who "deserve" it.
Can we have an actual opposition party, rather than just three spineless Schumers in a trenchcoat?
November 9, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Can we have an actual opposition party, rather than just three spineless Schumers in a trenchcoat?
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
Great work from Rachel Fairbank on the winding story of metformin for #LongCOVID at @thesicktimes.org.
Quotes from @jencurtinmd.bsky.social, Rachel Hall Clifford, @chromatowski.bsky.social, Carolyn Bramante, Ed Mills, Melissa Mazur & myself.
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
#MedSky
Quotes from @jencurtinmd.bsky.social, Rachel Hall Clifford, @chromatowski.bsky.social, Carolyn Bramante, Ed Mills, Melissa Mazur & myself.
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
#MedSky
Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of Long COVID. Why isn’t it more widely used? - The Sick Times
Recent studies add evidence to a prior phase 3 clinical trial, suggesting that taking the diabetes drug during acute COVID-19 reduces the risk of long-term symptoms.
thesicktimes.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Great work from Rachel Fairbank on the winding story of metformin for #LongCOVID at @thesicktimes.org.
Quotes from @jencurtinmd.bsky.social, Rachel Hall Clifford, @chromatowski.bsky.social, Carolyn Bramante, Ed Mills, Melissa Mazur & myself.
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
#MedSky
Quotes from @jencurtinmd.bsky.social, Rachel Hall Clifford, @chromatowski.bsky.social, Carolyn Bramante, Ed Mills, Melissa Mazur & myself.
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
#MedSky
There are a lot of cultures where it’s common to call relatives ‘aunt’ or ‘uncle.’
Why are we being so weird about this?
Why are we being so weird about this?
In the final days of New York City’s mayoral race, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani has faced pushback over a story he told about his aunt being afraid to wear her hijab while riding the subway after the September 11, 2001, attacks. https://cnn.it/432IAcr
October 28, 2025 at 10:41 PM
There are a lot of cultures where it’s common to call relatives ‘aunt’ or ‘uncle.’
Why are we being so weird about this?
Why are we being so weird about this?
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
Happy to be featured on my thoughts on metformin for (long) covid in this great new piece by @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social
Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of Long COVID. Why isn’t it more widely used? - The Sick Times
Recent studies add evidence to a prior phase 3 clinical trial, suggesting that taking the diabetes drug during acute COVID-19 reduces the risk of long-term symptoms.
thesicktimes.org
October 28, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Happy to be featured on my thoughts on metformin for (long) covid in this great new piece by @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
Thank you so much Rachel Fairbank @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social for this important piece on the evidence behind metformin for preventing Long Covid. Really hope it helps improve access to this med.
Great work from Rachel Fairbank on the winding story of metformin for #LongCOVID at @thesicktimes.org.
Quotes from @jencurtinmd.bsky.social, Rachel Hall Clifford, @chromatowski.bsky.social, Carolyn Bramante, Ed Mills, Melissa Mazur & myself.
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
#MedSky
Quotes from @jencurtinmd.bsky.social, Rachel Hall Clifford, @chromatowski.bsky.social, Carolyn Bramante, Ed Mills, Melissa Mazur & myself.
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
#MedSky
Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of Long COVID. Why isn’t it more widely used? - The Sick Times
Recent studies add evidence to a prior phase 3 clinical trial, suggesting that taking the diabetes drug during acute COVID-19 reduces the risk of long-term symptoms.
thesicktimes.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Thank you so much Rachel Fairbank @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social for this important piece on the evidence behind metformin for preventing Long Covid. Really hope it helps improve access to this med.
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
NEW: A series of studies have shown that the diabetes drug metformin may help reduce the risk of #LongCOVID. So why isn't the information being translated into guidelines for providers?
@sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social reports for @thesicktimes.org!
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
@sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social reports for @thesicktimes.org!
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of Long COVID. Why isn’t it more widely used? - The Sick Times
Recent studies add evidence to a prior phase 3 clinical trial, suggesting that taking the diabetes drug during acute COVID-19 reduces the risk of long-term symptoms.
thesicktimes.org
October 28, 2025 at 10:00 PM
NEW: A series of studies have shown that the diabetes drug metformin may help reduce the risk of #LongCOVID. So why isn't the information being translated into guidelines for providers?
@sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social reports for @thesicktimes.org!
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
@sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social reports for @thesicktimes.org!
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
Today @thesicktimes.org: Multiple studies suggest taking metformin during acute COVID-19 can help reduce the risk of Long COVID. So why aren't more clinicians prescribing it for that purpose?
Great reporting by @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social: thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Great reporting by @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social: thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of Long COVID. Why isn’t it more widely used? - The Sick Times
Recent studies add evidence to a prior phase 3 clinical trial, suggesting that taking the diabetes drug during acute COVID-19 reduces the risk of long-term symptoms.
thesicktimes.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Today @thesicktimes.org: Multiple studies suggest taking metformin during acute COVID-19 can help reduce the risk of Long COVID. So why aren't more clinicians prescribing it for that purpose?
Great reporting by @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social: thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Great reporting by @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social: thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
I’ve taken metformin for LC for 2 yrs; it was the only thing my GP would prescribe from a list of possible research-backed treatments. I also took an increased dose for a recent reinfection; no baseline decrease. Thanks to @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social @thesicktimes.org for a great piece! 👏👏👏
The Sick Times: 'Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of Long COVID. Why isn’t it more widely used?'
Written by Rachel Fairbank
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Written by Rachel Fairbank
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of Long COVID. Why isn’t it more widely used? - The Sick Times
Recent studies add evidence to a prior phase 3 clinical trial, suggesting that taking the diabetes drug during acute COVID-19 reduces the risk of long-term symptoms.
thesicktimes.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:34 PM
I’ve taken metformin for LC for 2 yrs; it was the only thing my GP would prescribe from a list of possible research-backed treatments. I also took an increased dose for a recent reinfection; no baseline decrease. Thanks to @sweetsciencewriter.bsky.social @thesicktimes.org for a great piece! 👏👏👏
Bezos thinks The Expanse is aspirational, rather than a cautionary tale of what happens when billionaires colonize space.
tech.yahoo.com/science/arti...
tech.yahoo.com/science/arti...
Jeff Bezos Says He Doesn't Understand Why Anybody Alive Now Would Be 'Discouraged'—Because Soon, 'Millions Of People Will Be Living In Space'
Jeff Bezos says the future is so bright, he "doesn't see how anybody can be discouraged who is alive right now." Speaking at Italian Tech Week 2025 earlier this month with Ferrari and Stellantis chair...
tech.yahoo.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:40 AM
Bezos thinks The Expanse is aspirational, rather than a cautionary tale of what happens when billionaires colonize space.
tech.yahoo.com/science/arti...
tech.yahoo.com/science/arti...
I’m headed to a Halloween party at the Children’s Museum with my son, and my costume is quite on the nose.
October 24, 2025 at 10:09 PM
I’m headed to a Halloween party at the Children’s Museum with my son, and my costume is quite on the nose.
I've been doing some historical research lately, and came across this old profile of my family from 1979, which was six years before I was born.
My mother was basically the OG tradwife, except without money, and boy, did my parents make it sound a lot more idyllic than it actually was.
My mother was basically the OG tradwife, except without money, and boy, did my parents make it sound a lot more idyllic than it actually was.
October 24, 2025 at 2:36 AM
I've been doing some historical research lately, and came across this old profile of my family from 1979, which was six years before I was born.
My mother was basically the OG tradwife, except without money, and boy, did my parents make it sound a lot more idyllic than it actually was.
My mother was basically the OG tradwife, except without money, and boy, did my parents make it sound a lot more idyllic than it actually was.
Reposted by Rachel Fairbank
One out of every 8 people in the U.S. receives support from the federal hunger relief program called SNAP. (Former known as "food stamps.")
That's more than 41 million people.
SNAP funding expires in November due to the shutdown.
People you know *will* be affected.
www.cbpp.org/research/foo...
That's more than 41 million people.
SNAP funding expires in November due to the shutdown.
People you know *will* be affected.
www.cbpp.org/research/foo...
A Closer Look at Who Benefits from SNAP: State-by-State Fact Sheets
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps) is the nation’s most important anti-hunger program, reaching some 41 million people nationwide in 2024. These...
www.cbpp.org
October 22, 2025 at 1:37 PM
One out of every 8 people in the U.S. receives support from the federal hunger relief program called SNAP. (Former known as "food stamps.")
That's more than 41 million people.
SNAP funding expires in November due to the shutdown.
People you know *will* be affected.
www.cbpp.org/research/foo...
That's more than 41 million people.
SNAP funding expires in November due to the shutdown.
People you know *will* be affected.
www.cbpp.org/research/foo...
I had to meet with my son’s teachers and apparently the key to a teacher’s heart is bringing kolaches. Instant mood-lifter for everyone in the room.
October 16, 2025 at 7:53 PM
I had to meet with my son’s teachers and apparently the key to a teacher’s heart is bringing kolaches. Instant mood-lifter for everyone in the room.
Sometimes I wish I were a cat: These two haven’t moved all morning.
October 13, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Sometimes I wish I were a cat: These two haven’t moved all morning.
One of these days, I’d like to read an apocalypse story where all the doomsday preppers die because all they have are bullets and dried food that they don’t know how to cook, while the people who survive are the women who have life skills and a community they can rely on.
September 25, 2025 at 4:06 PM
One of these days, I’d like to read an apocalypse story where all the doomsday preppers die because all they have are bullets and dried food that they don’t know how to cook, while the people who survive are the women who have life skills and a community they can rely on.
“It starts with a safe virus that has been altered to contain a specially designed sequence of DNA.
This is infused deep into the brain using real-time MRI scanning to guide a microcatheter to two brain regions - the caudate nucleus and the putamen.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
This is infused deep into the brain using real-time MRI scanning to guide a microcatheter to two brain regions - the caudate nucleus and the putamen.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Huntington's disease successfully treated for first time
One of the most devastating diseases finally has a treatment that can slow its progression and transform lives, tearful doctors tell BBC.
www.bbc.com
September 24, 2025 at 5:02 PM
“It starts with a safe virus that has been altered to contain a specially designed sequence of DNA.
This is infused deep into the brain using real-time MRI scanning to guide a microcatheter to two brain regions - the caudate nucleus and the putamen.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...
This is infused deep into the brain using real-time MRI scanning to guide a microcatheter to two brain regions - the caudate nucleus and the putamen.”
www.bbc.com/news/article...