Jonathan Lambert
@jonlambert.bsky.social
Science journalist at NPR covering global health. Used to work at Grid and Science News. jlambert1@npr.org. On signal @jonlambert.12
https://jonathanmlambert.com/
https://jonathanmlambert.com/
Pinned
Jonathan Lambert
@jonlambert.bsky.social
· Apr 21
Some professional news: I'm permanently joining NPR's Science Desk! (My last gig was temporary).
I'll be covering global health, with a special focus on what comes next after the US withdrawal from foreign aid, as well as environmental determinants of health.
If you have ideas or tips, reach out!
I'll be covering global health, with a special focus on what comes next after the US withdrawal from foreign aid, as well as environmental determinants of health.
If you have ideas or tips, reach out!
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
The US withdrawal from WHO could impact the flu shot.
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Why next year's flu shot might not be as good as it should be
America's withdrawal from the World Health Organization is affecting the ability of U.S. scientists to track flu and other pathogens. That could be a blow to the development of the 2025 flu vaccine.
www.npr.org
November 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
The US withdrawal from WHO could impact the flu shot.
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
The US withdrawal from WHO could impact the flu shot.
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Why next year's flu shot might not be as good as it should be
America's withdrawal from the World Health Organization is affecting the ability of U.S. scientists to track flu and other pathogens. That could be a blow to the development of the 2025 flu vaccine.
www.npr.org
November 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
The US withdrawal from WHO could impact the flu shot.
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Flu samples sent to CDC from around the world are down 60% this year, as of July.
"When those viruses are not coming in, we don't know what to put in the vaccine, and you're going to have less effective vaccines."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Sharing of flu samples from around the world with CDC is down 60% this year as of July, and other WHO labs have seen a dip too in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from WHO.
That patchier view of influenza's evolution could mean a less effective flu shot next year.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
That patchier view of influenza's evolution could mean a less effective flu shot next year.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Why next year's flu shot might not be as good as it should be
America's withdrawal from the World Health Organization is affecting the ability of U.S. scientists to track flu and other pathogens. That could be a blow to the development of the 2025 flu vaccine.
www.npr.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Sharing of flu samples from around the world with CDC is down 60% this year as of July, and other WHO labs have seen a dip too in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from WHO.
That patchier view of influenza's evolution could mean a less effective flu shot next year.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
That patchier view of influenza's evolution could mean a less effective flu shot next year.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
🔔 When Trump posted a video of budget director Russell Vought as the grim reaper, public health workers recognized a kernel of truth.
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Wielding Obscure Budget Tools, Trump’s ‘Reaper’ Vought Sows Turmoil in Public Health - KFF Health News
Through shrouded bureaucratic maneuvers, White House budget director Russell Vought and DOGE have quietly upended outbreak response, HIV treatment, and dementia care in communities across America.
kffhealthnews.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:37 PM
🔔 When Trump posted a video of budget director Russell Vought as the grim reaper, public health workers recognized a kernel of truth.
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
My latest piece @kffhealthnews.org couldn't be more important. Art by the incredible @oonazenda.bsky.social
🧵
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Today's the big day — we're officially on strike all day! We'll be picketing from 8am to 8pm at 1776 Massachusetts NW. Come show your support! @wbng.org @newsguild.org
November 5, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Today's the big day — we're officially on strike all day! We'll be picketing from 8am to 8pm at 1776 Massachusetts NW. Come show your support! @wbng.org @newsguild.org
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
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 3, 2025 at 2:51 PM
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.
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
A scoop that I’m not happy to report:
CBS News has gutted its climate change reporting team, one of the best in the business, and one of the only ones on cable news that consistently called out fossil fuels as the main source of climate pollution.
heated.world/p/cbs-news-k...
CBS News has gutted its climate change reporting team, one of the best in the business, and one of the only ones on cable news that consistently called out fossil fuels as the main source of climate pollution.
heated.world/p/cbs-news-k...
CBS News kills its climate unit
David Ellison, the new pro-Trump chief executive of Paramount Skydance, has dismantled the best climate change reporting team in cable news.
heated.world
October 31, 2025 at 3:51 PM
A scoop that I’m not happy to report:
CBS News has gutted its climate change reporting team, one of the best in the business, and one of the only ones on cable news that consistently called out fossil fuels as the main source of climate pollution.
heated.world/p/cbs-news-k...
CBS News has gutted its climate change reporting team, one of the best in the business, and one of the only ones on cable news that consistently called out fossil fuels as the main source of climate pollution.
heated.world/p/cbs-news-k...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
As part of @technologyreview.com's big new package on conspiracy theories, I went long on weather modification — what's possible, what's not, what's happening and where, and why people will probably always find ways to blame weather disasters on shady forces:
Why it’s so hard to bust the weather control conspiracy theory
From effective rain-enhancing technology to a long, secretive history of trying to weaponize storms, there’s fertile ground for misinformation.
www.technologyreview.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:02 PM
As part of @technologyreview.com's big new package on conspiracy theories, I went long on weather modification — what's possible, what's not, what's happening and where, and why people will probably always find ways to blame weather disasters on shady forces:
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Here's my latest contribution to the "Lost Science" series at the New York Times: Jay Falk, a scientist who studies why some female hummingbirds look just like males. Gift link: nyti.ms/4qF7Qje
October 30, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Here's my latest contribution to the "Lost Science" series at the New York Times: Jay Falk, a scientist who studies why some female hummingbirds look just like males. Gift link: nyti.ms/4qF7Qje
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Fewer grad students means less science, but many STEM PhD programs in the US are cutting back on admissions this year due to federal funding uncertainties. Words by me for @nature.com:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
US PhD admissions shrink as fears over Trump’s cuts take hold
Some doctoral programmes are admitting no students at all amid uncertainty about federal science funding.
www.nature.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Fewer grad students means less science, but many STEM PhD programs in the US are cutting back on admissions this year due to federal funding uncertainties. Words by me for @nature.com:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
"We're sleepwalking into a disaster ... I shouldn't say we are — we already have sleepwalked into a disaster."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Study: We're losing the war against drug-resistant infections faster than we thought
Antimicrobial resistance is responsible for some 1.2 million deaths a year a year and contributes to millions more. Data in the new report shows that the problem is growing at an alarming rate.
www.npr.org
October 15, 2025 at 2:42 PM
"We're sleepwalking into a disaster ... I shouldn't say we are — we already have sleepwalked into a disaster."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Each Friday, I summarize what is happening to American science & higher ed. 🧪
This was Week 38:
- MIT declines loyalty oath/compact & I review latest at other 8 universities
- Newest RIFs gutting CDC
- “Payroll pirates” targeting university HR
& so much more buttondown.com/liminalcreat...
This was Week 38:
- MIT declines loyalty oath/compact & I review latest at other 8 universities
- Newest RIFs gutting CDC
- “Payroll pirates” targeting university HR
& so much more buttondown.com/liminalcreat...
Week 38
Oct 4-10, 2025 - failure state
buttondown.com
October 11, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Each Friday, I summarize what is happening to American science & higher ed. 🧪
This was Week 38:
- MIT declines loyalty oath/compact & I review latest at other 8 universities
- Newest RIFs gutting CDC
- “Payroll pirates” targeting university HR
& so much more buttondown.com/liminalcreat...
This was Week 38:
- MIT declines loyalty oath/compact & I review latest at other 8 universities
- Newest RIFs gutting CDC
- “Payroll pirates” targeting university HR
& so much more buttondown.com/liminalcreat...
Are you a fed who works in global health who’s been affected by this latest round of RIFs?
Reach out via signal @jonlambert.12, NPR can protect your anonymity.
Reach out via signal @jonlambert.12, NPR can protect your anonymity.
October 11, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Are you a fed who works in global health who’s been affected by this latest round of RIFs?
Reach out via signal @jonlambert.12, NPR can protect your anonymity.
Reach out via signal @jonlambert.12, NPR can protect your anonymity.
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
EXTREMELY COOL BAT STUFF: A study out in Science today found that the greater noctule bat, Europe's largest, hunts and catches *migrating birds* while in flight. In at least one case, a bat climbed to more than 1200 feet, then chased a robin downward FAST until it caught it near the ground.
Greater noctule bats prey on and consume passerines in flight
Despite billions of passerines seasonally migrating during the night at high altitudes, only three bat species have been found to consistently tap into this rich prey resource. However, it remains unk...
www.science.org
October 9, 2025 at 8:02 PM
EXTREMELY COOL BAT STUFF: A study out in Science today found that the greater noctule bat, Europe's largest, hunts and catches *migrating birds* while in flight. In at least one case, a bat climbed to more than 1200 feet, then chased a robin downward FAST until it caught it near the ground.
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Today my @nytimes.com colleagues and I are launching a new series called Lost Science. We interview US scientists who can no longer discover something new about our world, thanks to this year‘s cuts. Here is my first interview with a scientist who studied bees and fires. Gift link: nyti.ms/3IWXbiE
nyti.ms
October 8, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Today my @nytimes.com colleagues and I are launching a new series called Lost Science. We interview US scientists who can no longer discover something new about our world, thanks to this year‘s cuts. Here is my first interview with a scientist who studied bees and fires. Gift link: nyti.ms/3IWXbiE
In many parts of rural Africa, babies bop around on mom's back during the daytime, where they're exposed to malaria. Treating those baby wraps with permethrin cuts that risk drastically.
"It was a level of effect that was beyond even our wildest expectations."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
"It was a level of effect that was beyond even our wildest expectations."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Babies take a lesson from soldiers in the war against malaria
Inspired by a military strategy to ward off disease-carrying mosquitoes, researchers see if the technique will help cut malaria infections in little ones.
www.npr.org
October 7, 2025 at 1:23 PM
In many parts of rural Africa, babies bop around on mom's back during the daytime, where they're exposed to malaria. Treating those baby wraps with permethrin cuts that risk drastically.
"It was a level of effect that was beyond even our wildest expectations."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
"It was a level of effect that was beyond even our wildest expectations."
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
My first time appearing in the "Notables" section of a book I eagerly await each year!
For a @quantamagazine.bsky.social story I wrote last fall about LUCA.
jaimealyse.beehiiv.com/p/basnw25
For a @quantamagazine.bsky.social story I wrote last fall about LUCA.
jaimealyse.beehiiv.com/p/basnw25
Coming soon! The Best American Science & Nature Writing 2025
Discover the 2025 Best American Science & Nature Writing anthology, curated by Susan Orlean and featuring exceptional science writing that explores the wonders of our natural world.
jaimealyse.beehiiv.com
October 1, 2025 at 8:01 PM
My first time appearing in the "Notables" section of a book I eagerly await each year!
For a @quantamagazine.bsky.social story I wrote last fall about LUCA.
jaimealyse.beehiiv.com/p/basnw25
For a @quantamagazine.bsky.social story I wrote last fall about LUCA.
jaimealyse.beehiiv.com/p/basnw25
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
JUST IN: Jane Goodall, primatologist who transformed our understanding of the lives of apes, has died, according to an announcement from the Jane Goodall Institute.
Jane Goodall, legendary primatologist, has died at age 91
Jane Goodall, primatologist who transformed our understanding of the lives of apes, has died, according to an announcement from the Jane Goodall Institute.
n.pr
October 1, 2025 at 6:34 PM
JUST IN: Jane Goodall, primatologist who transformed our understanding of the lives of apes, has died, according to an announcement from the Jane Goodall Institute.
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Today marks the first day in public media’s history without federal funding. And we’re not going anywhere.
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
October 1, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Today marks the first day in public media’s history without federal funding. And we’re not going anywhere.
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Listeners like you keep our mission alive. Protect one of the last places where America comes together to hear itself.
Stand with us today. Donate at this link: n.pr/46wamAj
Had a blast going on Short Wave to talk scavengers and why they're surprisingly important for human health.
www.npr.org/2025/10/01/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/01/n...
From vultures to hyenas: How scavengers protect human health : Short Wave
Worldwide, populations of scavenging animals that feed on rotting carcasses are declining. Scientists are finding that this can seriously hurt human health. NPR science reporter Jonathan Lambert has b...
www.npr.org
October 1, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Had a blast going on Short Wave to talk scavengers and why they're surprisingly important for human health.
www.npr.org/2025/10/01/n...
www.npr.org/2025/10/01/n...
Researchers have known about a form of diabetes linked to malnutrition for 70 years, but it's been largely neglected. That's a problem for patients, since standard treatment can be lethal.
Now, scientists are hoping a new name - Type 5 diabetes - will spur more research.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Now, scientists are hoping a new name - Type 5 diabetes - will spur more research.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Neglected form of diabetes with unusual symptoms finally gets its own name
An unusual type of diabetes linked to malnutrition now has a name. Scientists are calling for wider recognition of the newly classified Type 5 diabetes to spur better treatments.
www.npr.org
September 29, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Researchers have known about a form of diabetes linked to malnutrition for 70 years, but it's been largely neglected. That's a problem for patients, since standard treatment can be lethal.
Now, scientists are hoping a new name - Type 5 diabetes - will spur more research.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Now, scientists are hoping a new name - Type 5 diabetes - will spur more research.
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
This is the official communication from the FDA to physicians on acetaminophen use in pregnancy.
- They acknowledge the lack of a causal link with autism
- Essentially tell physicians to keep doing what we've been doing anyway
It's very different from the press conference.
Pass it on.
- They acknowledge the lack of a causal link with autism
- Essentially tell physicians to keep doing what we've been doing anyway
It's very different from the press conference.
Pass it on.
September 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM
This is the official communication from the FDA to physicians on acetaminophen use in pregnancy.
- They acknowledge the lack of a causal link with autism
- Essentially tell physicians to keep doing what we've been doing anyway
It's very different from the press conference.
Pass it on.
- They acknowledge the lack of a causal link with autism
- Essentially tell physicians to keep doing what we've been doing anyway
It's very different from the press conference.
Pass it on.
"Don't pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine ... I've just got to be really clear about this: there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None." -- UK Health Secretary
www.npr.org/2025/09/23/g...
www.npr.org/2025/09/23/g...
World health officials reject Trump's claims that Tylenol is linked to autism
The President says pregnant women should stay away from Tylenol due to possible autism link. World health authorities strongly disagree, say the drug is safe in pregnancy.
www.npr.org
September 23, 2025 at 7:53 PM
"Don't pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine ... I've just got to be really clear about this: there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None." -- UK Health Secretary
www.npr.org/2025/09/23/g...
www.npr.org/2025/09/23/g...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
The meeting of CDC vaccine advisers is getting underway soon. Meet the new members, some of whom have said we need to stop giving Covid vaccines and reexamine the childhood immunization schedule.
“As Christians, we should not fear death,” one new adviser said.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
“As Christians, we should not fear death,” one new adviser said.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Vaccine ‘skeptics’ among new advisers joining CDC committee
Some have little to no documented experience with vaccines while others have undermined their safety
www.theguardian.com
September 18, 2025 at 11:55 AM
The meeting of CDC vaccine advisers is getting underway soon. Meet the new members, some of whom have said we need to stop giving Covid vaccines and reexamine the childhood immunization schedule.
“As Christians, we should not fear death,” one new adviser said.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
“As Christians, we should not fear death,” one new adviser said.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
The CDC has released the agenda for this week’s vaccine advisory meeting. The first item of business: MMR vaccines. 👀👀👀
www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...
www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...
September 15, 2025 at 3:03 PM
The CDC has released the agenda for this week’s vaccine advisory meeting. The first item of business: MMR vaccines. 👀👀👀
www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...
www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...