Jon Brock
@drbrocktagon.bsky.social
Sydney based science writer
Reposted by Jon Brock
I'm surprised I only came across it now, but this review on improving communication in data visualization is excellent.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
The Science of Visual Data Communication: What Works - Steven L. Franconeri, Lace M. Padilla, Priti Shah, Jeffrey M. Zacks, Jessica Hullman, 2021
Effectively designed data visualizations allow viewers to use their powerful visual systems to understand patterns in data across science, education, health, an...
journals.sagepub.com
November 19, 2025 at 11:48 AM
I'm surprised I only came across it now, but this review on improving communication in data visualization is excellent.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Reposted by Jon Brock
I feel like writing about this again. CSIRO / broader research tips welcome: rickjamesmorton@protonmail.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:16 AM
I feel like writing about this again. CSIRO / broader research tips welcome: rickjamesmorton@protonmail.com
Reposted by Jon Brock
Reposted by Jon Brock
This is obscene.
The challenges facing the nation means we should be scaling up CSIRO, not cutting it to shreds.
While we are sending billions to the US for nuclear shipyards, our science and industrial base at home is falling apart for lack of funds and direction.
The challenges facing the nation means we should be scaling up CSIRO, not cutting it to shreds.
While we are sending billions to the US for nuclear shipyards, our science and industrial base at home is falling apart for lack of funds and direction.
‘Sad day for publicly funded science’: up to 350 more jobs to go at CSIRO
Australia’s national scientific agency announces more research job losses as it looks for budgetary savings
www.theguardian.com
November 18, 2025 at 6:00 AM
This is obscene.
The challenges facing the nation means we should be scaling up CSIRO, not cutting it to shreds.
While we are sending billions to the US for nuclear shipyards, our science and industrial base at home is falling apart for lack of funds and direction.
The challenges facing the nation means we should be scaling up CSIRO, not cutting it to shreds.
While we are sending billions to the US for nuclear shipyards, our science and industrial base at home is falling apart for lack of funds and direction.
Reposted by Jon Brock
If we don’t signal our virtue every now and again - then so many believe they are utterly alone - “virtue signalling” is not there to say “aren’t I good” but “there are more of us than you might imagine” and “fuck you for demanding that only the brutal and the bullies may speak”
November 17, 2025 at 11:31 AM
If we don’t signal our virtue every now and again - then so many believe they are utterly alone - “virtue signalling” is not there to say “aren’t I good” but “there are more of us than you might imagine” and “fuck you for demanding that only the brutal and the bullies may speak”
“Our impression is that autism-microbiome research is an example of a field that has generated its own momentum, without necessarily going anywhere.”
The link between the gut #microbiome and autism is not backed by science, researchers say.
Read the full opinion piece in @cp-neuron.bsky.social: spkl.io/63322AbxpA
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social, @statsepi.bsky.social, & @deevybee.bsky.social
Read the full opinion piece in @cp-neuron.bsky.social: spkl.io/63322AbxpA
@wiringthebrain.bsky.social, @statsepi.bsky.social, & @deevybee.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 8:46 PM
“Our impression is that autism-microbiome research is an example of a field that has generated its own momentum, without necessarily going anywhere.”
Reposted by Jon Brock
A personal reflection on the destructive erosion of ethics, norms and respect for law at NASA:
🧪🔭
🧵
🧪🔭
🧵
October 31, 2025 at 2:16 PM
A personal reflection on the destructive erosion of ethics, norms and respect for law at NASA:
🧪🔭
🧵
🧪🔭
🧵
Reposted by Jon Brock
“It’s really difficult to craft a story that explains the complexity of the research literature, but still gives people something to take away with them to do. And that’s what parents are craving' @peteetchells.bsky.social
@jonsevers.bsky.social @tesmagazine.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/tea...
@jonsevers.bsky.social @tesmagazine.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/tea...
Is Jonathan Haidt right about smartphones?
In ‘The Anxious Generation’, Haidt makes the case that social media and smartphones have ‘rewired’ today’s teenagers, but his critics say the evidence tells us something very different - and that bann...
www.tes.com
September 3, 2025 at 1:27 PM
“It’s really difficult to craft a story that explains the complexity of the research literature, but still gives people something to take away with them to do. And that’s what parents are craving' @peteetchells.bsky.social
@jonsevers.bsky.social @tesmagazine.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/tea...
@jonsevers.bsky.social @tesmagazine.bsky.social
www.tes.com/magazine/tea...
Reposted by Jon Brock
There is a reason "offsetting" does not exist in the vast majority of cases of avoidable harm to human safety: it would be laughed off as physically absurd and outright fraudulent.
Somehow, in the single most catastrophic physical threat facing our species, it became accepted as normal
Somehow, in the single most catastrophic physical threat facing our species, it became accepted as normal
Carbon credits are failing to help with climate change — here’s why
The idea that emissions can be offset through projects that claim to avoid releases or to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is fatally flawed.
www.nature.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:21 AM
There is a reason "offsetting" does not exist in the vast majority of cases of avoidable harm to human safety: it would be laughed off as physically absurd and outright fraudulent.
Somehow, in the single most catastrophic physical threat facing our species, it became accepted as normal
Somehow, in the single most catastrophic physical threat facing our species, it became accepted as normal
Reposted by Jon Brock
“Science journalism can — and should — be a barrier against misinformation. It should be careful, cautious, considered. The bare minimum should be picking up the phone and speaking to researcher.”
Very much agree with this!
Very much agree with this!
If science journalism is going to survive genAI (and Jen, from Corporate), we're going to have to do a lot more than rewrite press releases 🧪
What The **** Is The Point Of Us Then?
Are we better than the machines or not?
nobreakthroughs.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 9:52 AM
“Science journalism can — and should — be a barrier against misinformation. It should be careful, cautious, considered. The bare minimum should be picking up the phone and speaking to researcher.”
Very much agree with this!
Very much agree with this!
Reposted by Jon Brock
After 3,000 years of science, the embryo is very different – aeon.co/essays/after... via @aeonmag - a wonderful essay by John Wallingford
After 3,000 years of science, the embryo is very different | Aeon Essays
For 3,000 years, humans have struggled to understand the embryo. Now there is a revolution underway
aeon.co
September 30, 2025 at 7:53 AM
After 3,000 years of science, the embryo is very different – aeon.co/essays/after... via @aeonmag - a wonderful essay by John Wallingford
Reposted by Jon Brock
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
October 5, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
Reposted by Jon Brock
I went on CNN's One Thing podcast last week, talking about how absurd & ass-backwards last week's White House Big Autism Announcement was. But as not everyone listens to podcasts, here's a thread of the conversation:
www.cnn.com/audio/podcas...
#autism #TylenolDoesNotCauseAutism #neurodiversity 1/
www.cnn.com/audio/podcas...
#autism #TylenolDoesNotCauseAutism #neurodiversity 1/
Are You a Bad Mom for Taking Tylenol? - CNN One Thing - Podcast on CNN Podcasts
Major medical groups are speaking out against claims made by President Donald Trump linking Tylenol use to autism. So where should pregnant people and parents of autistic children turn for guidance? W...
www.cnn.com
September 29, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I went on CNN's One Thing podcast last week, talking about how absurd & ass-backwards last week's White House Big Autism Announcement was. But as not everyone listens to podcasts, here's a thread of the conversation:
www.cnn.com/audio/podcas...
#autism #TylenolDoesNotCauseAutism #neurodiversity 1/
www.cnn.com/audio/podcas...
#autism #TylenolDoesNotCauseAutism #neurodiversity 1/
Reposted by Jon Brock
In their new book, Michael E. Mann and Peter J. Hotez present an impassioned manifesto against attacks on #science. I review “Science Under Siege” for @undark.org:
undark.org/2025/10/03/b... @michaelemann.bsky.social @peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social #books
undark.org/2025/10/03/b... @michaelemann.bsky.social @peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social #books
Book Review: A Call to Arms About the Threat of Anti-Science
"Science Under Siege," by Michael E. Mann and Peter J. Hotez, is an impassioned manifesto against attacks on science.
undark.org
October 3, 2025 at 3:21 PM
In their new book, Michael E. Mann and Peter J. Hotez present an impassioned manifesto against attacks on #science. I review “Science Under Siege” for @undark.org:
undark.org/2025/10/03/b... @michaelemann.bsky.social @peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social #books
undark.org/2025/10/03/b... @michaelemann.bsky.social @peterhotezmdphd.bsky.social #books
Reposted by Jon Brock
In this week's episode, we dig into the psychology of mis/disinformation and why it works so well. We thought we knew a lot about disinformation, and then we talked to these experts!
drilled.media/podcasts/dri...
drilled.media/podcasts/dri...
S14, Ep3 | The Psychology of Misinformation: Why Does It Work So Well?
Investigating the obstacles to action on climate change.
drilled.media
October 1, 2025 at 11:00 PM
In this week's episode, we dig into the psychology of mis/disinformation and why it works so well. We thought we knew a lot about disinformation, and then we talked to these experts!
drilled.media/podcasts/dri...
drilled.media/podcasts/dri...
Reposted by Jon Brock
This moment from our latest episode with science writer @edyong209.bsky.social is 🔥
We asked Ed — how do we talk up the benefits of science in the face of government cuts? He told us that's the wrong approach. 🧪
Listen wherever, or watch on Spotify 👇
open.spotify.com/episode/7Evh...
We asked Ed — how do we talk up the benefits of science in the face of government cuts? He told us that's the wrong approach. 🧪
Listen wherever, or watch on Spotify 👇
open.spotify.com/episode/7Evh...
October 1, 2025 at 2:56 PM
This moment from our latest episode with science writer @edyong209.bsky.social is 🔥
We asked Ed — how do we talk up the benefits of science in the face of government cuts? He told us that's the wrong approach. 🧪
Listen wherever, or watch on Spotify 👇
open.spotify.com/episode/7Evh...
We asked Ed — how do we talk up the benefits of science in the face of government cuts? He told us that's the wrong approach. 🧪
Listen wherever, or watch on Spotify 👇
open.spotify.com/episode/7Evh...
Reposted by Jon Brock
"This is what climate misinformation looks like. These claims are common, influential and damaging. They’re often spread for a reason: to slow the uptake of clean alternatives to fossil fuels. Unfortunately, they are shaping public opinion. "
PR firms are spreading climate misinformation on behalf of fossil fuel companies. Could Australia stop them?
This week, Australian policymakers heard about the real and growing problem of climate misinformation. Stopping it would mean regulating the PR industry.
theconversation.com
October 1, 2025 at 9:39 PM
"This is what climate misinformation looks like. These claims are common, influential and damaging. They’re often spread for a reason: to slow the uptake of clean alternatives to fossil fuels. Unfortunately, they are shaping public opinion. "
Reposted by Jon Brock
I have just left a lengthy Pubpeer comment on the autism/Tylenol study being cited by the Trump administration. There appear to be a number of fairly straightforward errors in the paper.
pubpeer.com/publications...
pubpeer.com/publications...
PubPeer - Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodev...
There are comments on PubPeer for publication: Evaluation of the evidence on acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders using the Navigation Guide methodology (2025)
pubpeer.com
October 1, 2025 at 5:03 AM
I have just left a lengthy Pubpeer comment on the autism/Tylenol study being cited by the Trump administration. There appear to be a number of fairly straightforward errors in the paper.
pubpeer.com/publications...
pubpeer.com/publications...
Reposted by Jon Brock
Great piece by @jonathanjarry.bsky.social on the descent of Sabine Hossenfelder, from science communicator to contrarian outrage-monger www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
Sabine Hossenfelder Asks If Science Is Dying. It’s Not.
Physics is dying. It’s mathematical fiction. Science is failing. Most of academic research that your taxes pay for is almost certainly bullshit. I don’t trust scientists. Would you believe me if I tol...
www.mcgill.ca
September 30, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Great piece by @jonathanjarry.bsky.social on the descent of Sabine Hossenfelder, from science communicator to contrarian outrage-monger www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
Reposted by Jon Brock
I realized I didn't share a gift link. Please read and share! I know you already know about the refrigerator mother myth,* but most people don't, and I really think it's important context for what's happening here.
*actually you might not! Now you do!
www.startribune.com/trump-rfk-jr...
*actually you might not! Now you do!
www.startribune.com/trump-rfk-jr...
September 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
I realized I didn't share a gift link. Please read and share! I know you already know about the refrigerator mother myth,* but most people don't, and I really think it's important context for what's happening here.
*actually you might not! Now you do!
www.startribune.com/trump-rfk-jr...
*actually you might not! Now you do!
www.startribune.com/trump-rfk-jr...
This is very very good. Roy Richard Grinker.
This is such a nuanced and big-hearted piece on the evolution of autism as a diagnosis, by an anthropologist of mental health who is also the dad of a now-grown daughter on the spectrum. Great reading (gift link) www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/o...
Opinion | Autism Has Always Existed. We Haven’t Always Called It Autism.
www.nytimes.com
September 24, 2025 at 10:35 PM
This is very very good. Roy Richard Grinker.
Reposted by Jon Brock
I get that the news cycle is packed right now, but I just heard from a colleague at the Smithsonian that this is fully a GIANT SQUID BEING EATEN BY A SPERM WHALE and it’s possibly the first ever confirmed video according to a friend at NOAA
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
September 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
I get that the news cycle is packed right now, but I just heard from a colleague at the Smithsonian that this is fully a GIANT SQUID BEING EATEN BY A SPERM WHALE and it’s possibly the first ever confirmed video according to a friend at NOAA
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
10 YEAR OLD ME IS LOSING HER MIND (a thread 🧵)
Reposted by Jon Brock
This is really great reporting from Mother Jones - the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine disavows the Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine for misusing his work. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Trans health care "skeptics" lost a key ally—now they're having a meltdown
The godfather of evidence-based medicine on rejecting anti-trans "misuse" of his work.
www.motherjones.com
September 24, 2025 at 7:41 PM
This is really great reporting from Mother Jones - the "godfather" of evidence-based medicine disavows the Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine for misusing his work. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Jon Brock
Are you autistic? What did you think of the announcement yesterday? I want to hear from you for a Guardian US article: melodyschreiber@pm.me
September 24, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Are you autistic? What did you think of the announcement yesterday? I want to hear from you for a Guardian US article: melodyschreiber@pm.me
Reposted by Jon Brock
🚨 "Sick to my stomach."
That's how the researcher who found a link between Tylenol and autism felt when she realized MAHA would link her analysis to vaccines.
My latest exclusive @kffhealthnews.org
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
That's how the researcher who found a link between Tylenol and autism felt when she realized MAHA would link her analysis to vaccines.
My latest exclusive @kffhealthnews.org
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
‘Sick to My Stomach’: Trump Distorts Facts on Autism, Tylenol, and Vaccines, Scientists Say - KFF Health News
The White House’s autism announcement exaggerates links to Tylenol, misleads on vaccines, and sets back the field by ignoring decades of research, scientists say.
kffhealthnews.org
September 23, 2025 at 2:47 AM
🚨 "Sick to my stomach."
That's how the researcher who found a link between Tylenol and autism felt when she realized MAHA would link her analysis to vaccines.
My latest exclusive @kffhealthnews.org
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
That's how the researcher who found a link between Tylenol and autism felt when she realized MAHA would link her analysis to vaccines.
My latest exclusive @kffhealthnews.org
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...