Teresa Carr
@teresacarr.bsky.social
Award-winning science journalist based in Colorado. Senior contributor at Undark. '18 KSJ Fellow @ MIT; former Consumer Reports staff. Bylines at The New York Times, The Guardian, Medscape, Sapiens, Texas Monthly, and others. Signal: TeresaCarr.36
At the heart of the parable of blind men describing parts of an elephant, there stands an actual elephant.
Journalism's job is to convey the reality of the elephant, not portray each dissenting view as a potentially accurate depiction of the whole.
Journalism's job is to convey the reality of the elephant, not portray each dissenting view as a potentially accurate depiction of the whole.
This does not sound good: "Bari Weiss to cut staff, add commentators at CBS News." By @davidfolkenflik.bsky.social
January 28, 2026 at 7:04 PM
At the heart of the parable of blind men describing parts of an elephant, there stands an actual elephant.
Journalism's job is to convey the reality of the elephant, not portray each dissenting view as a potentially accurate depiction of the whole.
Journalism's job is to convey the reality of the elephant, not portray each dissenting view as a potentially accurate depiction of the whole.
If it’s close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades, it’s good enough for air travel, amiright?
NEW: The Transportation Department, which oversees the safety of airplanes, cars and pipelines, plans to use Google Gemini to draft new regulations.
“We don’t need the perfect rule,” said DOT’s top lawyer. “We want good enough.”
By @jessecoburn.bsky.social
“We don’t need the perfect rule,” said DOT’s top lawyer. “We want good enough.”
By @jessecoburn.bsky.social
Government by AI? Trump Administration Plans to Write Regulations Using Artificial Intelligence
The Transportation Department, which oversees the safety of airplanes, cars and pipelines, plans to use Google Gemini to draft new regulations. “We don’t need the perfect rule,” said DOT’s top lawyer....
www.propublica.org
January 26, 2026 at 7:58 PM
If it’s close enough for horseshoes and hand grenades, it’s good enough for air travel, amiright?
Reposted by Teresa Carr
Newsmax fabricated a quote from me about my father Richard Zimmer today. They never contacted me. It's not just outrageous but funny. He was talented in many ways, but most definitely not at golf or cooking or craftsmanship. www.newsmax.com/john-gizzi/z...
January 25, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Newsmax fabricated a quote from me about my father Richard Zimmer today. They never contacted me. It's not just outrageous but funny. He was talented in many ways, but most definitely not at golf or cooking or craftsmanship. www.newsmax.com/john-gizzi/z...
Yes, if one person says it’s raining and someone else says it’s not, open the window and see.
This is true in all aspects of coverage. What officials say happened should never carry as much weight as what can be demonstrated to have happened.
So important. What they say is not the story. That is never the story. What happened is the story. Write what happened.
January 25, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Yes, if one person says it’s raining and someone else says it’s not, open the window and see.
Reposted by Teresa Carr
I read this paragraph four times. Not because it's murky, but to let the message sink in. www.cjr.org/tow_center/b...
If an information company is clear and determined in supporting (not "saving') democracy, then it can be a home for good journalism. If not then the press must disengage. Now.
If an information company is clear and determined in supporting (not "saving') democracy, then it can be a home for good journalism. If not then the press must disengage. Now.
January 8, 2026 at 3:51 PM
I read this paragraph four times. Not because it's murky, but to let the message sink in. www.cjr.org/tow_center/b...
If an information company is clear and determined in supporting (not "saving') democracy, then it can be a home for good journalism. If not then the press must disengage. Now.
If an information company is clear and determined in supporting (not "saving') democracy, then it can be a home for good journalism. If not then the press must disengage. Now.
Or punish them for being sick. I was completely healthy until a routine mammogram revealed a small, nasty breast cancer that I’m in the process of stomping into oblivion. My premiums should go up? FFS, I’m a human being, not a car or a house.
Markwayne Mullin: "Reward people for being healthy. Think about this. Healthcare is the only industry that you're not rewarded for taking care of your responsibility. If you think about homeowners insurance, if you're within 500 feet of a fire hydrant, your insurance goes down."
November 19, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Or punish them for being sick. I was completely healthy until a routine mammogram revealed a small, nasty breast cancer that I’m in the process of stomping into oblivion. My premiums should go up? FFS, I’m a human being, not a car or a house.
It’s not just about springing forward and falling back; time zones are also out of whack. Revisiting this look at the implications of how we mark time.
Standard Time begins today. We gained an hour, but research shows millions still wake before sunrise due to time misalignment. Chronobiologists say this structural problem poses a risk to our health and safety.
People Hate Daylight Saving. Science Tells Us Why.
Something is awry about the way we mark time. Can research and policy changes help us reset the clocks?
f.mtr.cool
November 2, 2025 at 2:54 PM
It’s not just about springing forward and falling back; time zones are also out of whack. Revisiting this look at the implications of how we mark time.
On avg, having a baby in the U.S.costs nearly $3,000 out of pocket; infant childcare costs about $18,000/yr. (And far more in some areas.) Can't imagine why Americans aren't popping out more kids.
Dr Oz: "Turns out that about 1/3 families don't have the number of babies they desire. They're under-babied. So this president committed to address that during the campaign and he's delivering on that today."
October 17, 2025 at 5:25 PM
On avg, having a baby in the U.S.costs nearly $3,000 out of pocket; infant childcare costs about $18,000/yr. (And far more in some areas.) Can't imagine why Americans aren't popping out more kids.
Curious about THC inflation and contamination in legal cannabis? I'm on Reddit today at noon PT/3p ET to talk about my investigative reporting for @Undark. Ask me anything!
October 2, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Curious about THC inflation and contamination in legal cannabis? I'm on Reddit today at noon PT/3p ET to talk about my investigative reporting for @Undark. Ask me anything!
I’ve updated a ‘23 Undark story that takes a deep dive into the data on the potential link between prenatal use of acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders. It reflects the uncertainty and nuance that is missing in much of the coverage. I hope you’ll read and share. undark.org/2023/07/10/c...
Can In-Utero Exposure to Acetaminophen Cause Autism and ADHD?
The question is a matter of fierce debate among scientists. Now it's making its way into the courtroom.
undark.org
September 26, 2025 at 4:29 PM
I’ve updated a ‘23 Undark story that takes a deep dive into the data on the potential link between prenatal use of acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders. It reflects the uncertainty and nuance that is missing in much of the coverage. I hope you’ll read and share. undark.org/2023/07/10/c...
To answer key questions about a possible link between acetaminophen and autism, I recommend this deep dive I did for @Undark in '23. Since then, a review of 46 studies found inconsistent evidence and a Swedish study of siblings (one exposed; one not) found no association. undark.org/2023/07/10/c...
Can In-Utero Exposure to Acetaminophen Cause Autism and ADHD?
The question is a matter of fierce debate among scientists. Now it's making its way into the courtroom.
undark.org
September 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
To answer key questions about a possible link between acetaminophen and autism, I recommend this deep dive I did for @Undark in '23. Since then, a review of 46 studies found inconsistent evidence and a Swedish study of siblings (one exposed; one not) found no association. undark.org/2023/07/10/c...
Good Lord, no. You are not interviewing Joaquin Oliver and this is not journalism.
At 4p ET/1p PT, I’ll have a one of a kind interview with Joaquin Oliver. He died in the Parkland school shooting. But his parents have created an AI version of their son for a powerful message on gun violence. Plus TX Rep. @jamestalarico.bsky.social - see you soon on Substack and later on YouTube.
August 5, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Good Lord, no. You are not interviewing Joaquin Oliver and this is not journalism.
What could go wrong?
July 23, 2025 at 10:35 PM
What could go wrong?
Reposted by Teresa Carr
The U.S. struggles to regulate the booming cannabis market without federal guidance.
Legal cannabis products often fail independent tests for THC, pesticides, & heavy metals.
Grantee @teresacarr.bsky.social, @aleszu.bsky.social, and Paulina Rowińska report for @undark.org. bit.ly/3UoiVpJ
Legal cannabis products often fail independent tests for THC, pesticides, & heavy metals.
Grantee @teresacarr.bsky.social, @aleszu.bsky.social, and Paulina Rowińska report for @undark.org. bit.ly/3UoiVpJ
Weed Regulation Is Foundering. For Answers, Look to the Labs
Lots of legal marijuana is sold with inflated THC levels or unsafe contaminants. Can the oversight system be reformed? On the Friday before Thanksgiving last year, the white dome of the Oklahoma State...
bit.ly
July 22, 2025 at 6:19 PM
The U.S. struggles to regulate the booming cannabis market without federal guidance.
Legal cannabis products often fail independent tests for THC, pesticides, & heavy metals.
Grantee @teresacarr.bsky.social, @aleszu.bsky.social, and Paulina Rowińska report for @undark.org. bit.ly/3UoiVpJ
Legal cannabis products often fail independent tests for THC, pesticides, & heavy metals.
Grantee @teresacarr.bsky.social, @aleszu.bsky.social, and Paulina Rowińska report for @undark.org. bit.ly/3UoiVpJ
Reposted by Teresa Carr
Weed Regulation is Foundering. For Answers, Look to the Labs
by @teresacarr.bsky.social for @undarated.bsky.social
Lots of legal #marijuana is sold with inflated #THC levels or unsafe contaminants. Can the oversight system be reformed?
undark.org/2025/07/16/c...
by @teresacarr.bsky.social for @undarated.bsky.social
Lots of legal #marijuana is sold with inflated #THC levels or unsafe contaminants. Can the oversight system be reformed?
undark.org/2025/07/16/c...
Weed Regulation is Foundering. For Answers, Look to the Labs
Lots of legal marijuana is sold with inflated THC levels or unsafe contaminants. Can the oversight system be reformed?
undark.org
July 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Weed Regulation is Foundering. For Answers, Look to the Labs
by @teresacarr.bsky.social for @undarated.bsky.social
Lots of legal #marijuana is sold with inflated #THC levels or unsafe contaminants. Can the oversight system be reformed?
undark.org/2025/07/16/c...
by @teresacarr.bsky.social for @undarated.bsky.social
Lots of legal #marijuana is sold with inflated #THC levels or unsafe contaminants. Can the oversight system be reformed?
undark.org/2025/07/16/c...
My investigation on the cannabis industry for @undark.org — supported by @pulitzercenter.bsky.social — took me from farms in OR to MA testing labs to the OK capitol, uncovering corruption and highlighting change makers along the way.
It's quite the ride. Enjoy! undark.org/2025/07/16/c...
It's quite the ride. Enjoy! undark.org/2025/07/16/c...
Weed Regulation is Foundering. For Answers, Look to the Labs
Lots of legal marijuana is sold with inflated THC levels or unsafe contaminants. Can the oversight system be reformed?
undark.org
July 16, 2025 at 3:54 PM
My investigation on the cannabis industry for @undark.org — supported by @pulitzercenter.bsky.social — took me from farms in OR to MA testing labs to the OK capitol, uncovering corruption and highlighting change makers along the way.
It's quite the ride. Enjoy! undark.org/2025/07/16/c...
It's quite the ride. Enjoy! undark.org/2025/07/16/c...
Or — hear me out — maybe the key question is how girls who were raped find justice.
" How does the president get out of this mess?" It's completely bizarre and amoral that this is the question the Washington Post talking heads are asking. Are they his lawyers? His press team?
July 15, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Or — hear me out — maybe the key question is how girls who were raped find justice.
I'm currently in treatment for an aggressive breast cancer, so this is personal. But, good grief, cancer touches every family. This affects everyone. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
World’s Premier Cancer Institute Faces Crippling Cuts and Chaos - KFF Health News
After spearheading a 34% cut in cancer mortality, the National Cancer Institute at the NIH is bleeding resources and staff and could see its budget cut by nearly 40%.
kffhealthnews.org
July 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM
I'm currently in treatment for an aggressive breast cancer, so this is personal. But, good grief, cancer touches every family. This affects everyone. kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
@nytimes.com You know what would be awesome to have right about now? A public editor.
Always curious to see who gets to be an anonymous source!
July 4, 2025 at 1:27 PM
@nytimes.com You know what would be awesome to have right about now? A public editor.
Godspeed to journalists covering the protests. Be safe. Shine a light.
June 14, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Godspeed to journalists covering the protests. Be safe. Shine a light.
Reposted by Teresa Carr
“No children are dying on my watch,” said Rubio. It's blatantly false. Credible estimates count 190K deaths so far.
In Kenya, I am seeing devastating impact, incl this child's starvation & many deaths directly caused by Rubio’s actions. More in my @msnbc.com clip. www.instagram.com/atul.gawande...
In Kenya, I am seeing devastating impact, incl this child's starvation & many deaths directly caused by Rubio’s actions. More in my @msnbc.com clip. www.instagram.com/atul.gawande...
Atul Gawande on Instagram: "“No children are dying on my watch,” said Rubio. It's blatantly false.
So far, 190,000 children and 90,000 adults have died due to the dismantling of USAID (even assuming...
9 likes, 0 comments - atul.gawande on May 24, 2025: "“No children are dying on my watch,” said Rubio. It's blatantly false.
So far, 190,000 children and 90,000 adults have died due to the dismantlin...
www.instagram.com
May 24, 2025 at 9:28 PM
“No children are dying on my watch,” said Rubio. It's blatantly false. Credible estimates count 190K deaths so far.
In Kenya, I am seeing devastating impact, incl this child's starvation & many deaths directly caused by Rubio’s actions. More in my @msnbc.com clip. www.instagram.com/atul.gawande...
In Kenya, I am seeing devastating impact, incl this child's starvation & many deaths directly caused by Rubio’s actions. More in my @msnbc.com clip. www.instagram.com/atul.gawande...
Kudos to @consumerreports.org @theguardian.com and FERN for this investigation of price gouging at Kroger. I've caught overcharges, and had them corrected, but like most folks, I can hardly check prices on my entire cart every time I chart.
www.consumerreports.org/money/questi...
www.consumerreports.org/money/questi...
Kroger Stores Overcharging Shoppers on Sale Items, CR Price Check Finds - Consumer Reports
Consumers say Kroger has a price tag problem, resulting in overcharges for many grocery items. We sent shoppers to stores to check.
www.consumerreports.org
May 15, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Kudos to @consumerreports.org @theguardian.com and FERN for this investigation of price gouging at Kroger. I've caught overcharges, and had them corrected, but like most folks, I can hardly check prices on my entire cart every time I chart.
www.consumerreports.org/money/questi...
www.consumerreports.org/money/questi...
Reposted by Teresa Carr
If these trying times are giving you a headache, have I got the book for you! And for a limited time, you can get 25% off @barnesandnoble.com.
April 24, 2025 at 8:27 PM
If these trying times are giving you a headache, have I got the book for you! And for a limited time, you can get 25% off @barnesandnoble.com.
We’ve grown accustomed to pretty safe food. Reupping this post from the wonderful @deborahb.bsky.social as a reminder of why food regulations are a good thing.
As we start the new year, I would like to remind everyone that it is now almost 120 years since the US decided consumer protection - by which I mean regulation - mattered. Given the upcoming presidential inauguration, let's talk about how that happened - and why it's so important. (A thread)
April 24, 2025 at 12:44 PM
We’ve grown accustomed to pretty safe food. Reupping this post from the wonderful @deborahb.bsky.social as a reminder of why food regulations are a good thing.
It does make one wonder if those axing federal funding for biomedical research decided that studying the health of elderly women simply wasn’t relevant.
Let’s dream up to ways to shit on women. Oh hey, let’s cancel the largest clinical trial ever for women www.science.org/content/arti...
NIH cancels its first and largest study centered on women
The Women’s Health Initiative has produced numerous influential findings
www.science.org
April 23, 2025 at 1:28 PM
It does make one wonder if those axing federal funding for biomedical research decided that studying the health of elderly women simply wasn’t relevant.