Helen Thompson
@wwrfd.bsky.social
Science editor at Nat Geo, former multimedia editor/cat wrangler at Science News. Fan of tacos and Dolly Parton.
Reposted by Helen Thompson
"He did care what his obituaries would say. He knew his racist and sexist assertions would feature in them. Not even that could make him reconsider his beliefs, which only seemed to harden with criticism. Now history can reach its verdict."
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:47 PM
"He did care what his obituaries would say. He knew his racist and sexist assertions would feature in them. Not even that could make him reconsider his beliefs, which only seemed to harden with criticism. Now history can reach its verdict."
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
www.statnews.com/2025/11/07/j...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
After 5️⃣5️⃣9️⃣ days of negotiations, @sn-media-guild.bsky.social is now on the eve of our first-ever strike. We love our jobs. We just want a sustainable workplace.
Support us by spreading the word or joining my DC-based colleagues on the picket line!
Support us by spreading the word or joining my DC-based colleagues on the picket line!
Workers of the Science News Media Guild will conduct a 24-hour #strike on Wednesday, 11/5. This comes after our members voted to reject the Society’s latest contract proposal. Our members previously voted by 92% to authorize a strike against the @society4science.bsky.social, if necessary.
November 4, 2025 at 2:44 PM
After 5️⃣5️⃣9️⃣ days of negotiations, @sn-media-guild.bsky.social is now on the eve of our first-ever strike. We love our jobs. We just want a sustainable workplace.
Support us by spreading the word or joining my DC-based colleagues on the picket line!
Support us by spreading the word or joining my DC-based colleagues on the picket line!
Reposted by Helen Thompson
NEW: Intuitive Machines, Astrolab, and Lunar Outpost have all built seriously cool, super-futuristic moon rovers. They’re competing to become the official mode of transportation for NASA’s Artemis astronauts.
And for NatGeo, I test drove all three. www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
And for NatGeo, I test drove all three. www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
An inside look into NASA's next generation moon rovers
A retro-futuristic space truck. A nimble crustacean on wheels. A space-age dune buggy. One will win a multibillion-dollar prize to deploy on a future NASA Artemis mission. But first, we took a ride on...
www.nationalgeographic.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:52 PM
NEW: Intuitive Machines, Astrolab, and Lunar Outpost have all built seriously cool, super-futuristic moon rovers. They’re competing to become the official mode of transportation for NASA’s Artemis astronauts.
And for NatGeo, I test drove all three. www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
And for NatGeo, I test drove all three. www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
It's me. The first raise is higher than my yearly salary. (And the 2nd comes VERY close.)
In 2022 and 2023, @society4science.bsky.social CEO @mayaajmera.bsky.social's raises totaled more than some employees' annual salaries. And yet, after 545 days, our workers are still waiting for a contract that ensures fair pay and cost-of-living adjustments. The math isn't mathing.
October 22, 2025 at 2:43 PM
It's me. The first raise is higher than my yearly salary. (And the 2nd comes VERY close.)
Reposted by Helen Thompson
It's been 540+ days since we started negotiating with
@society4science.bsky.social for a fair contract. We marked the occasion by holding a practice picket during our lunch hour. Judging by all the honking cars and trucks, we think it's safe to say DC commuters are with us!
#faircontractNOW
@society4science.bsky.social for a fair contract. We marked the occasion by holding a practice picket during our lunch hour. Judging by all the honking cars and trucks, we think it's safe to say DC commuters are with us!
#faircontractNOW
October 17, 2025 at 1:55 PM
It's been 540+ days since we started negotiating with
@society4science.bsky.social for a fair contract. We marked the occasion by holding a practice picket during our lunch hour. Judging by all the honking cars and trucks, we think it's safe to say DC commuters are with us!
#faircontractNOW
@society4science.bsky.social for a fair contract. We marked the occasion by holding a practice picket during our lunch hour. Judging by all the honking cars and trucks, we think it's safe to say DC commuters are with us!
#faircontractNOW
Reposted by Helen Thompson
Meet Artemis II: the first mission to send humans around the moon since 1972. I’ll be covering this mission for National Geographic, so you’ll be seeing a lot from me about it, but here’s the first:
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
NASA's Artemis II ushers in a new era of human exploration
NASA's Artemis II mission could happen as early as February. Here's why this flight will be one to watch.
www.nationalgeographic.com
September 25, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Meet Artemis II: the first mission to send humans around the moon since 1972. I’ll be covering this mission for National Geographic, so you’ll be seeing a lot from me about it, but here’s the first:
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
Is #tylenol safe in pregnancy? Data 👇
A large Swedish study of 2.48M children found:
👶 No link btwn prenatal tylenol & autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability once sibling comparisons controlled for family/genetic factors.
👉 Tylenol is safe in pregnancy if needed.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
A large Swedish study of 2.48M children found:
👶 No link btwn prenatal tylenol & autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability once sibling comparisons controlled for family/genetic factors.
👉 Tylenol is safe in pregnancy if needed.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Children’s Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability
This nationwide cohort study with sibling control analysis examines the association of acetaminophen use during pregnancy with children’s risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability.
jamanetwork.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Is #tylenol safe in pregnancy? Data 👇
A large Swedish study of 2.48M children found:
👶 No link btwn prenatal tylenol & autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability once sibling comparisons controlled for family/genetic factors.
👉 Tylenol is safe in pregnancy if needed.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
A large Swedish study of 2.48M children found:
👶 No link btwn prenatal tylenol & autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability once sibling comparisons controlled for family/genetic factors.
👉 Tylenol is safe in pregnancy if needed.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
In case you missed it: scientists found this sign of possible past life on Mars! My latest for Nat Geo:
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
This is the best evidence yet for ancient life on Mars
NASA’s Perseverance rover found possible signs of ancient life in rocks on Mars, keeping scientists up at night.
www.nationalgeographic.com
September 17, 2025 at 2:25 AM
In case you missed it: scientists found this sign of possible past life on Mars! My latest for Nat Geo:
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
American Academy of Pediatrics has released our annual update to our immunization recommendations to best help children and adolescents build immunity and stay healthy.
Read our full policy statement to learn about AAP's updated immunization schedule.
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
Read our full policy statement to learn about AAP's updated immunization schedule.
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
August 19, 2025 at 3:21 PM
American Academy of Pediatrics has released our annual update to our immunization recommendations to best help children and adolescents build immunity and stay healthy.
Read our full policy statement to learn about AAP's updated immunization schedule.
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
Read our full policy statement to learn about AAP's updated immunization schedule.
www.aap.org/en/news-room...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
NEW: A magnitude 8.8 megaquake blasted tsunami waves across the Pacific today. Here's everything you need to know about it, including:
-Why it happened
-Why it generated a widespread tsunami
-Why the timing of this megaquake is a bit weird
Me, for NatGeo www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
-Why it happened
-Why it generated a widespread tsunami
-Why the timing of this megaquake is a bit weird
Me, for NatGeo www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
What caused the 8.8 magnitude quake that sent tsunamis to Hawaii and California
Here's what we know about what caused the earthquake off Russia's Far East and why the tsunami it generated weren't as big as anticipated.
www.nationalgeographic.com
July 30, 2025 at 3:34 PM
NEW: A magnitude 8.8 megaquake blasted tsunami waves across the Pacific today. Here's everything you need to know about it, including:
-Why it happened
-Why it generated a widespread tsunami
-Why the timing of this megaquake is a bit weird
Me, for NatGeo www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
-Why it happened
-Why it generated a widespread tsunami
-Why the timing of this megaquake is a bit weird
Me, for NatGeo www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
I’m no giraffe but I’m sticking my neck out to say it’s not fair that the C-suite gets raises greater than many employees salaries while Guild members haven’t gotten a raise since bargaining began.
It's been 454 days since we started negotiations with
@society4science.bsky.social. That's great news for expecting giraffes. Not so much for the SN Media Guild workers waiting on a fair contract. Sign our petition to let CEO @mayaajmera.bsky.social know you stand with us! [Link in comments.]
@society4science.bsky.social. That's great news for expecting giraffes. Not so much for the SN Media Guild workers waiting on a fair contract. Sign our petition to let CEO @mayaajmera.bsky.social know you stand with us! [Link in comments.]
July 21, 2025 at 2:13 PM
I’m no giraffe but I’m sticking my neck out to say it’s not fair that the C-suite gets raises greater than many employees salaries while Guild members haven’t gotten a raise since bargaining began.
Reposted by Helen Thompson
This is Susan. She has a smile that could light up a room, and independently finance the local orthodontist. 12/10
July 16, 2025 at 6:15 PM
This is Susan. She has a smile that could light up a room, and independently finance the local orthodontist. 12/10
Reposted by Helen Thompson
NEW: Come on, you didn’t think I’d write nothing on that new interstellar comet, even while on holiday, did you? Pfft.
Here’s everything we know so far about the solar system’s new gatecrasher, from its size, shape, origins and voyage. ☄️
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Here’s everything we know so far about the solar system’s new gatecrasher, from its size, shape, origins and voyage. ☄️
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Our solar system has a new mysterious visitor—what is it?
Just the third-ever confirmed interstellar object has been detected in our solar system. Here's what we know. (Spoiler: It's not aliens.)
www.nationalgeographic.com
July 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
NEW: Come on, you didn’t think I’d write nothing on that new interstellar comet, even while on holiday, did you? Pfft.
Here’s everything we know so far about the solar system’s new gatecrasher, from its size, shape, origins and voyage. ☄️
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Here’s everything we know so far about the solar system’s new gatecrasher, from its size, shape, origins and voyage. ☄️
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
Could Tyrannosaurus rex swim like its silver screen equivalent in the new Jurassic World film?
The big carnivore was probably able to do the dino doggypaddle, but a big body full of air sacs may have been the reptile more of a "tipsy punter" than a skilled swimmer. I dig in at NatGeo. 🧪
The big carnivore was probably able to do the dino doggypaddle, but a big body full of air sacs may have been the reptile more of a "tipsy punter" than a skilled swimmer. I dig in at NatGeo. 🧪
Could T. rex swim? Kinda
Evidence suggests dinosaurs like tyrannosaurs were probably best suited to a version of the doggy paddle.
www.nationalgeographic.com
July 2, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Could Tyrannosaurus rex swim like its silver screen equivalent in the new Jurassic World film?
The big carnivore was probably able to do the dino doggypaddle, but a big body full of air sacs may have been the reptile more of a "tipsy punter" than a skilled swimmer. I dig in at NatGeo. 🧪
The big carnivore was probably able to do the dino doggypaddle, but a big body full of air sacs may have been the reptile more of a "tipsy punter" than a skilled swimmer. I dig in at NatGeo. 🧪
Reposted by Helen Thompson
#Shingles, #RSV vaccines may protect older adults from dementia
Compared with flu vaccine recipients, those given the RSV or shingles vaccine had 18% to 37% lower odds, respectively, of receiving a dementia diagnosis in the next 18 months.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Compared with flu vaccine recipients, those given the RSV or shingles vaccine had 18% to 37% lower odds, respectively, of receiving a dementia diagnosis in the next 18 months.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
July 2, 2025 at 7:01 PM
#Shingles, #RSV vaccines may protect older adults from dementia
Compared with flu vaccine recipients, those given the RSV or shingles vaccine had 18% to 37% lower odds, respectively, of receiving a dementia diagnosis in the next 18 months.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Compared with flu vaccine recipients, those given the RSV or shingles vaccine had 18% to 37% lower odds, respectively, of receiving a dementia diagnosis in the next 18 months.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/r...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
Maybe if Mark Watney had some algae and a 3D printer on Mars, he could have grown even more potatoes
www.sciencenews.org/article/biop...
www.sciencenews.org/article/biop...
A 3-D printed, plastic beaker could help algae grow on Mars
Algae grown under Mars-like conditions could make bioplastic building materials for structures to harbor life in space.
www.sciencenews.org
July 2, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Maybe if Mark Watney had some algae and a 3D printer on Mars, he could have grown even more potatoes
www.sciencenews.org/article/biop...
www.sciencenews.org/article/biop...
It's Vera Rubin day! We finally got to see what the telescope that will solve all of astronomy's mysteries can do, and it did not disappoint. Read @prosaaquino.bsky.social's full story on the first look images for Nat Geo here: www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
These are first deep-space images from the Vera Rubin Observatory
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is expected to discover 20 billion new galaxies over the next decade.
www.nationalgeographic.com
June 23, 2025 at 6:14 PM
It's Vera Rubin day! We finally got to see what the telescope that will solve all of astronomy's mysteries can do, and it did not disappoint. Read @prosaaquino.bsky.social's full story on the first look images for Nat Geo here: www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
NEW: You’ve probably seen a few scary headlines (and histrionic stories) about asteroids hiding near Venus that might crash into Earth. So should we be concerned about a fleet of stealthy asteroids killing us all?
(Nah. But we should try to find them!) www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
(Nah. But we should try to find them!) www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Asteroids with ‘unstable orbits’ hide around Venus—do they threaten Earth?
New research on the orbits of these mysterious asteroids near Venus stress the need for better space rock surveillance.
www.nationalgeographic.com
June 5, 2025 at 5:14 PM
NEW: You’ve probably seen a few scary headlines (and histrionic stories) about asteroids hiding near Venus that might crash into Earth. So should we be concerned about a fleet of stealthy asteroids killing us all?
(Nah. But we should try to find them!) www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
(Nah. But we should try to find them!) www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
NEW: Astronomers have long predicted that the Andromeda Galaxy will one day crash into the Milky Way. Well, good news, future time travellers: scientists now think that the pull of a small, nearby galaxy might just save our galactic bacon.
Me for NatGeo www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Me for NatGeo www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Will the Milky Way crash into the Andromeda galaxy? Maybe not.
Astronomers have long thought that the Milky Way is headed for a head-on crash with its neighbor, Andromeda. But a new study complicates the story.
www.nationalgeographic.com
June 2, 2025 at 3:13 PM
NEW: Astronomers have long predicted that the Andromeda Galaxy will one day crash into the Milky Way. Well, good news, future time travellers: scientists now think that the pull of a small, nearby galaxy might just save our galactic bacon.
Me for NatGeo www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Me for NatGeo www.nationalgeographic.com/science/arti...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
HHS cancels funding for Moderna’s candidate H5 avian flu and pandemic vaccines
Buoyed by promising clinical findings, Moderna said it will explore alternatives for late-stage development of the H5 vaccine.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Buoyed by promising clinical findings, Moderna said it will explore alternatives for late-stage development of the H5 vaccine.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
May 29, 2025 at 7:37 PM
HHS cancels funding for Moderna’s candidate H5 avian flu and pandemic vaccines
Buoyed by promising clinical findings, Moderna said it will explore alternatives for late-stage development of the H5 vaccine.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
Buoyed by promising clinical findings, Moderna said it will explore alternatives for late-stage development of the H5 vaccine.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/a...
A classic
If you're hitting the pool today, heads up: Peeing in the pool creates chemicals toxic enough to be classified as chemical warfare agents. But they’re not the deadliest risk you face in swimming.
This is what happens when you pee in the pool | Science News
Swimming pools are basically chemical toilets, but here’s why I’ll keep swimming.
buff.ly
May 27, 2025 at 2:25 PM
A classic
Reposted by Helen Thompson
It’s Mary Anning’s birthday, so time to share @katebeaton.bsky.social’s brilliant cartoon again.
May 21, 2025 at 11:31 AM
It’s Mary Anning’s birthday, so time to share @katebeaton.bsky.social’s brilliant cartoon again.
Reposted by Helen Thompson
Apes can "talk" and what they've told us is that they are beings with rich inner lives. Erin Wayman's story for @sciencenews.bsky.social is thought-provoking and moving. www.sciencenews.org/article/talk...
A ‘talking’ ape’s death signals the end of an era
Kanzi showed apes have the capacity for language, but in recent years scientists have questioned the ethics of ape experiments.
www.sciencenews.org
May 21, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Apes can "talk" and what they've told us is that they are beings with rich inner lives. Erin Wayman's story for @sciencenews.bsky.social is thought-provoking and moving. www.sciencenews.org/article/talk...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
Dogs are domesticates right?
Cats?
What about rats? Or bedbugs?
In this new definition, dogs, cats, rats and bedbugs are in.
Horses, cows and pigs? OUT. www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
Cats?
What about rats? Or bedbugs?
In this new definition, dogs, cats, rats and bedbugs are in.
Horses, cows and pigs? OUT. www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
Dogs. Bedbugs. Corn. They all have this one thing in common.
You might think you know which animals and plants are considered "domesticated" or “domestic” and which ones aren't—but a new definition has launched a big debate among scientists.
www.nationalgeographic.com
May 15, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Dogs are domesticates right?
Cats?
What about rats? Or bedbugs?
In this new definition, dogs, cats, rats and bedbugs are in.
Horses, cows and pigs? OUT. www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
Cats?
What about rats? Or bedbugs?
In this new definition, dogs, cats, rats and bedbugs are in.
Horses, cows and pigs? OUT. www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
Reposted by Helen Thompson
In this new definition of domesticate:
🐕: 👍
🐈: 👍
🐎: 👎
🐄: 👎
🌽: 👍
BEDBUGS: 👍
🐀: 👍
🍞: 👎
www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
🐕: 👍
🐈: 👍
🐎: 👎
🐄: 👎
🌽: 👍
BEDBUGS: 👍
🐀: 👍
🍞: 👎
www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
Dogs. Bedbugs. Corn. They all have this one thing in common.
You might think you know which animals and plants are considered "domesticated" or “domestic” and which ones aren't—but a new definition has launched a big debate among scientists.
www.nationalgeographic.com
May 14, 2025 at 1:54 PM
In this new definition of domesticate:
🐕: 👍
🐈: 👍
🐎: 👎
🐄: 👎
🌽: 👍
BEDBUGS: 👍
🐀: 👍
🍞: 👎
www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
🐕: 👍
🐈: 👍
🐎: 👎
🐄: 👎
🌽: 👍
BEDBUGS: 👍
🐀: 👍
🍞: 👎
www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...