Lauren Gravitz
@lyrebard.bsky.social
Reporter + editor specializing in health and science, particularly obsessed with neuroscience and the brain. Contributing editor for Scientific American. Bibliophile. Baker. Defender of the marginalized. Proselytizer of kindness. San Diego, CA
Now seems like a good time to re-post this story I edited by @tarahaelle.bsky.social, which details the global public health impact of vaccines. They have saved innumerable lives. They can only continue to do so if we keep using them.
See How Many Lives Vaccines Have Saved around the World
Vaccines are the first step toward health equity in many parts of the world
www.scientificamerican.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Now seems like a good time to re-post this story I edited by @tarahaelle.bsky.social, which details the global public health impact of vaccines. They have saved innumerable lives. They can only continue to do so if we keep using them.
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
Yesterday the president demanded that evidence about Covid vaccines be shown to the public. Today @apoorvanyt.bsky.social & I run through some of the studies made public over the past 4+ years that show that the vaccines work. Gift link: nyti.ms/46k17Tq
nyti.ms
September 2, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Yesterday the president demanded that evidence about Covid vaccines be shown to the public. Today @apoorvanyt.bsky.social & I run through some of the studies made public over the past 4+ years that show that the vaccines work. Gift link: nyti.ms/46k17Tq
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
This is not reporting. This is propaganda.
September 2, 2025 at 1:10 PM
This is not reporting. This is propaganda.
One deeply dangerous aspect of this is many smart-but-poorly-informed voters don’t understand that the damage occurring now cannot simply be reversed by a new president/administration. The number of conversations I have had explaining this is truly astounding.
Scientists fear Trump administration cuts to NIH could impact the health of Americans for generations - CBS News
Scientists fear Trump administration cuts to NIH could impact the health of Americans for generations
Former National Institutes of Health Director Dr. Francis Collins, who abruptly left his NIH research lab in February, fears aggressive downsizing could impact Americans' health.
www.cbsnews.com
April 29, 2025 at 3:03 PM
One deeply dangerous aspect of this is many smart-but-poorly-informed voters don’t understand that the damage occurring now cannot simply be reversed by a new president/administration. The number of conversations I have had explaining this is truly astounding.
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
And it's official!
Resistance Summer School is live!
You can sign up now to take my course, which Columbia cancelled-- Race, Media and International Affairs-- which I will teach live and online beginning in July.
124 signed up in five hours.
Let's goooo!!
open.substack.com/pub/karenatt...
Resistance Summer School is live!
You can sign up now to take my course, which Columbia cancelled-- Race, Media and International Affairs-- which I will teach live and online beginning in July.
124 signed up in five hours.
Let's goooo!!
open.substack.com/pub/karenatt...
Latest podcast is out: Get in everyone, we are going to Resistance Summer School!
Thank you to everyone who indicated they would like to take my course on Race, Media and International Affairs 101.
Please fill out this quick interest form to begin to sign up!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Thank you to everyone who indicated they would like to take my course on Race, Media and International Affairs 101.
Please fill out this quick interest form to begin to sign up!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Columbia Canceled My Course on Race and Media. I'm Going to Teach It Anyway.
This is not a time for media literacy or historical knowledge to be held hostage by institutions bending the knee to authoritarianism.
open.substack.com
April 26, 2025 at 1:11 PM
And it's official!
Resistance Summer School is live!
You can sign up now to take my course, which Columbia cancelled-- Race, Media and International Affairs-- which I will teach live and online beginning in July.
124 signed up in five hours.
Let's goooo!!
open.substack.com/pub/karenatt...
Resistance Summer School is live!
You can sign up now to take my course, which Columbia cancelled-- Race, Media and International Affairs-- which I will teach live and online beginning in July.
124 signed up in five hours.
Let's goooo!!
open.substack.com/pub/karenatt...
Yes. It is okay here. 💕🌊
November 30, 2024 at 9:13 PM
Yes. It is okay here. 💕🌊
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
The latest version of Sky Follower Bridge now lets you import your old X/Twitter lists into Bluesky! (Feature only available on Chrome for now)
📢 Sky Follower Bridge Version 1.4.0 is here! (Chrome only)
You can import lists directly from X to Bluesky! 🚀
Try this experimental feature and share your thoughts! Thanks to dftflowers for their contributions.
www.sky-follower-bridge.dev
#SkyFollowerBridge
You can import lists directly from X to Bluesky! 🚀
Try this experimental feature and share your thoughts! Thanks to dftflowers for their contributions.
www.sky-follower-bridge.dev
#SkyFollowerBridge
November 30, 2024 at 4:40 PM
The latest version of Sky Follower Bridge now lets you import your old X/Twitter lists into Bluesky! (Feature only available on Chrome for now)
I’m just going to note that pasteurization and vaccination exist for good reasons.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
www.latimes.com/environment/...
Bird flu virus detected in California raw milk
An independent Stanford research detected bird flu virus in a retail sample of Fresno-based Raw Farm milk.
www.latimes.com
November 24, 2024 at 11:02 PM
I’m just going to note that pasteurization and vaccination exist for good reasons.
www.latimes.com/environment/...
www.latimes.com/environment/...
“[F]or a nominee for a top position — much less the director of national intelligence — to have been placed on a government watchlist of any kind is highly unusual, if not unprecedented, several US officials said.”
“The Quiet Skies algorithm looks at travel patterns, foreign connections and other data in a variety of government holdings, and if triggered, leads to additional security screening at the airport by Air Marshals.”
Trump’s intel pick was placed on government watch list for overseas travel and foreign connections | CNN Politics
Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump’s pick to lead the intelligence community, was briefly placed on a Transportation Security Administration list that prompts additional security screening before flights aft...
www.cnn.com
November 22, 2024 at 10:26 PM
“[F]or a nominee for a top position — much less the director of national intelligence — to have been placed on a government watchlist of any kind is highly unusual, if not unprecedented, several US officials said.”
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
"We’re about to be deluged with the most brazen and dangerous lies of our lifetimes."
@laurahelmuth.bsky.social has been flying free for < 1 week and publishes a BANGER showing how RFK Jr. got where he is and why he's VERY dangerous. slate.com/_pages/cm3qc...
I want to add, RE: vaccines...
@laurahelmuth.bsky.social has been flying free for < 1 week and publishes a BANGER showing how RFK Jr. got where he is and why he's VERY dangerous. slate.com/_pages/cm3qc...
I want to add, RE: vaccines...
There Are Three Main Reasons You Are Alive Right Now. RFK Jr. Is Fighting Tooth and Nail Against One of Them.
Things could get really bad.
slate.com
November 21, 2024 at 2:28 PM
"We’re about to be deluged with the most brazen and dangerous lies of our lifetimes."
@laurahelmuth.bsky.social has been flying free for < 1 week and publishes a BANGER showing how RFK Jr. got where he is and why he's VERY dangerous. slate.com/_pages/cm3qc...
I want to add, RE: vaccines...
@laurahelmuth.bsky.social has been flying free for < 1 week and publishes a BANGER showing how RFK Jr. got where he is and why he's VERY dangerous. slate.com/_pages/cm3qc...
I want to add, RE: vaccines...
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
Researchers are worried that emerging cases of bird flu in humans are giving H5N1 more opportunity to mutate and adapt. Here's what we've learned so far from the latest infections in young people: www.scientificamerican.com/article/bird...
New Bird Flu Cases in Young People Are Raising Concerns about Mutating Virus
Canada’s first human case of bird flu has left a teenager in critical condition as human infections continue to emerge in the western U.S.
www.scientificamerican.com
November 21, 2024 at 7:13 PM
Researchers are worried that emerging cases of bird flu in humans are giving H5N1 more opportunity to mutate and adapt. Here's what we've learned so far from the latest infections in young people: www.scientificamerican.com/article/bird...
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
A reminder that RFK Jr. has other dangerous, bizarre, & stupid beliefs, such as the bogus idea that HIV does not cause AIDS. Another great piece by the always amazing, dependable @annamerlan.bsky.social. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
RFK Jr. has made false and dangerous claims about AIDS. That could become a global problem.
Will the United States abandon lifesaving efforts to research and fight the virus?
www.motherjones.com
November 21, 2024 at 7:09 PM
A reminder that RFK Jr. has other dangerous, bizarre, & stupid beliefs, such as the bogus idea that HIV does not cause AIDS. Another great piece by the always amazing, dependable @annamerlan.bsky.social. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Listen to the people who understand science and public health, rather than a bully who has bolstered measles outbreaks.
No one has grifted more from a once-respected family name. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is a conspiracy-theory crank who is a danger to public health, and every mention of him should be quite clear about that. slate.com/technology/2...
I Know Personally Exactly What Kind of Bully RFK Jr Is. Now America Will Too.
Things could get really bad.
slate.com
November 21, 2024 at 6:20 PM
Listen to the people who understand science and public health, rather than a bully who has bolstered measles outbreaks.
So, now that Gaetz has withdrawn m, can we talk about McMahon and the DOE?
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/11/...
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/11/...
Linda McMahon, Trump’s Education pick, was sued for allegedly enabling sexual abuse of children | CNN Business
A recent lawsuit alleges Linda McMahon, who President-elect Donald Trump tapped to lead the Department of Education, knowingly enabled the sexual exploitation of children by a World Wrestling Entertai...
amp.cnn.com
November 21, 2024 at 5:47 PM
So, now that Gaetz has withdrawn m, can we talk about McMahon and the DOE?
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/11/...
amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/11/...
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
“I have found so many amazing teachers and friends that support me that I don’t think people would even know that type of support is a thing in Texas.”
From our friends at @deceleration.bsky.social and @truthout.org : What happens to the #trans teens and their families who can't flee?
From our friends at @deceleration.bsky.social and @truthout.org : What happens to the #trans teens and their families who can't flee?
‘Not Everyone Can Leave’: Survival Advice from Trans Teens in Texas
Media attention often focuses on trans teens fleeing the anti-trans states they’re living in. But what about those who can’t leave?
www.texasobserver.org
November 20, 2024 at 4:39 PM
“I have found so many amazing teachers and friends that support me that I don’t think people would even know that type of support is a thing in Texas.”
From our friends at @deceleration.bsky.social and @truthout.org : What happens to the #trans teens and their families who can't flee?
From our friends at @deceleration.bsky.social and @truthout.org : What happens to the #trans teens and their families who can't flee?
I wrote about the fluoride debate in 2021 for Nature. After 20+ interviews, I can tell you that it is nuanced and not as obvious as it first appears. Here's my (paywalled) story from 3 years ago, before the National Toxicology Program released their final report: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
The fluoride wars rage on
There is little question that supplemental fluoride strengthens teeth and reduces decay. But at what cost?
www.nature.com
November 20, 2024 at 5:03 PM
I wrote about the fluoride debate in 2021 for Nature. After 20+ interviews, I can tell you that it is nuanced and not as obvious as it first appears. Here's my (paywalled) story from 3 years ago, before the National Toxicology Program released their final report: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
Do you know about STATS check? A service from the American Statistical Association, a team of volunteer statisticians work with journalists to understand and correctly communicate statistics, on deadline. It's a hugely valuable resource for journalists.
senseaboutscienceusa.org/stats-check/
senseaboutscienceusa.org/stats-check/
STATS check - Sense About Science USA
Free service to help journalists with understanding data and statistics run in collaboration with the American Statistical Association
senseaboutscienceusa.org
November 18, 2024 at 6:05 PM
Do you know about STATS check? A service from the American Statistical Association, a team of volunteer statisticians work with journalists to understand and correctly communicate statistics, on deadline. It's a hugely valuable resource for journalists.
senseaboutscienceusa.org/stats-check/
senseaboutscienceusa.org/stats-check/
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
It's official:
HHS and DEA have moved to extend pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities on prescribing controlled substances like ADHD meds and opioids another year
This effectively punts fight over how to unwind this policy to Trump admin
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-27018.pdf
HHS and DEA have moved to extend pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities on prescribing controlled substances like ADHD meds and opioids another year
This effectively punts fight over how to unwind this policy to Trump admin
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-27018.pdf
November 15, 2024 at 10:58 PM
It's official:
HHS and DEA have moved to extend pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities on prescribing controlled substances like ADHD meds and opioids another year
This effectively punts fight over how to unwind this policy to Trump admin
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-27018.pdf
HHS and DEA have moved to extend pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities on prescribing controlled substances like ADHD meds and opioids another year
This effectively punts fight over how to unwind this policy to Trump admin
public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-27018.pdf
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
An estimated 10.3 million cases of measles occurred worldwide last year, up 20 percent from 2022, primarily because of inadequate immunization coverage, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
Surge in worldwide measles cases driven by lack of vaccine coverage, WHO says
The WHO and CDC say there were about 10.3 million cases of measles last year, up 20 percent from 2022. Children are especially susceptible to complications.
wapo.st
November 15, 2024 at 5:32 PM
An estimated 10.3 million cases of measles occurred worldwide last year, up 20 percent from 2022, primarily because of inadequate immunization coverage, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday.
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
I think it's really important to think in broad terms about Helmuth's tenure at Scientific American. Because it has been truly remarkable. Bear with me here, because I think this matters and is worth thinking about. 🧵🧪 #SciWri24
I’ve decided to leave Scientific American after an exciting 4.5 years as editor in chief. I’m going to take some time to think about what comes next (and go birdwatching), but for now I’d like to share a very small sample of the work I’ve been so proud to support (thread)
November 15, 2024 at 5:10 PM
I think it's really important to think in broad terms about Helmuth's tenure at Scientific American. Because it has been truly remarkable. Bear with me here, because I think this matters and is worth thinking about. 🧵🧪 #SciWri24
I’m just going to leave this story I edited last month right here, for no reason whatsoever. Story by @tarahaelle.bsky.social
www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-...
See How Many Lives Vaccines Have Saved around the World
Vaccines are the first step toward health equity in many parts of the world
www.scientificamerican.com
November 14, 2024 at 11:42 PM
I’m just going to leave this story I edited last month right here, for no reason whatsoever. Story by @tarahaelle.bsky.social
www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/see-...
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
RFK advised American Samoa to stop using the MMR vaccine and 83 people died including children. He could do the same nationally and kill thousands.
People will die.
apnews.com/article/rfk-...
People will die.
apnews.com/article/rfk-...
RFK Jr. spent years stoking fear and mistrust of vaccines. These people were hurt by his work
The book, called “Cause Unknown,” was co-published by an anti-vaccine group led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is now running for president.
apnews.com
November 14, 2024 at 8:58 PM
RFK advised American Samoa to stop using the MMR vaccine and 83 people died including children. He could do the same nationally and kill thousands.
People will die.
apnews.com/article/rfk-...
People will die.
apnews.com/article/rfk-...
Reposted by Lauren Gravitz
people who use goodreads: jeff bezos owns goodreads and if you want a better alternative there is a black woman owned company called storygraph that you can use to replace it. you can transfer all of your data from goodreads to storygraph and have your mind be free of trumpie jeff bezos! win win. 💙
November 13, 2024 at 5:24 PM
people who use goodreads: jeff bezos owns goodreads and if you want a better alternative there is a black woman owned company called storygraph that you can use to replace it. you can transfer all of your data from goodreads to storygraph and have your mind be free of trumpie jeff bezos! win win. 💙