Beth Shaaban
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popneurosci.bsky.social
Beth Shaaban
@popneurosci.bsky.social
200 followers 380 following 51 posts
Population Neuroscientist | Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias | Assistant Professor | OPINIONS ARE MY OWN
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
altthenia.bsky.social
For those of you attending #GSA2025 in Boston, consider this panel of #NIH awardees, Drs. Alden Gross, @mariaglymour.bsky.social , @sfackley.bsky.social , and @bryandjames.bsky.social. Please remember to tag #geronsky and @geronsociety.bsky.social in your posts.
The "biggest baddest" bias in aging research: A spirited GSA debate.
November 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
jeremymberg.bsky.social
Well reported story on the PBS News Hour about science cuts and the ongoing and potential brain drain.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLvO...

Thanks to Terrance Tao and other scientists at various career stages for having the courage to speak out.

Watch and share!

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Top researchers consider leaving U.S. amid funding cuts: 'The science world is ending'
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
www.youtube.com
October 30, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
vscooper.micropopbio.org
Happy Sinkhole Bus day to yinz who celebrate!
October 28, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
allochthonous.bsky.social
Lego MRI scanner set (donated to hospitals) a big help for kids who need scans:

"more than 1 million children globally have used the sets to help them prepare...96% of healthcare professionals said the model helps to reduce children's anxiety, and 46% reported a lesser need to use sedation"
How Lego MRI scanner sets are reducing anxiety in children undergoing medical treatment
Lego's MRI scanner play sets, which launched in 2023, are significantly reducing anxiety and the use of sedation in children, according to new research.
www.cnbc.com
October 20, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
mirandayaver.bsky.social
I am here for the region-specific insults. No Kings Pittsburgh.
October 18, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
angus.bsky.social
My sign.
“Woody Guthrie’s New Years Resolutions for 1943: Don’t get lonesome. Beat fascism. Love everybody. Wake up and fight.”
October 18, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
turntexasblue.bsky.social
No Kings-Austin,TX
October 18, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
mirandayaver.bsky.social
Hell yes, Pittsburgh. Love Yinz. No Kings.
October 18, 2025 at 8:22 PM
popneurosci.bsky.social
The local PGH flavor today included a «Won’t You Be My Neighbor » singalong #NoKings
October 18, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
aniloza.bsky.social
Things are at a standstill with the govt shutdown, the year has been one of 'constant chaos' at the NIH — & the worst may be yet to come folks said on my panel

Read a recap of our talk w/ @jeremymberg.bsky.social @malar0ne.bsky.social & Eric Green here

www.statnews.com/2025/10/16/f...
Former NIH leaders lament ‘constant chaos’ at the agency, and caution it’s not over
“It's been like living in a washing machine, it's been constant chaos,” former NIH official Jeremy Berg said at the #STATSummit
www.statnews.com
October 16, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
jeremymberg.bsky.social
I have been trying to get this published as an op-ed, but I am going to post it here since I think it is timely in light of the "consent" extortion events.

Deafening Quiet from the Scientific Establishment

jeremymberg.github.io/jeremyberg.g...

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jeremymberg.github.io
October 6, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
sciencevs.bsky.social
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...
October 1, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
jeremymberg.bsky.social
One of the important consequences of early detection of cancer...

(From this past weekend, 11 years and 3 months after her breast cancer detection)
A couple sitting on the grass with their three dogs.
September 24, 2025 at 7:24 PM
popneurosci.bsky.social
Check out this great article from @sciam.bsky.social on racial disparities in Alzheimer's disease.

Researchers should include historically minoritized communities in studies of these new frontiers in dementia diagnosis and treatment, says epidemiologist Beth Shaaban of the University of Pittsburgh.
September 17, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
jeremymberg.bsky.social
So... I did some analysis of grants that did receive noncompetitive renewals.

In particular, I looked a those award where the title of the grant changed.

Warning: The results are just what I expected, but oooph...

1/4
a man with his eyes closed is wearing a plaid shirt and a blue jacket .
ALT: a man with his eyes closed is wearing a plaid shirt and a blue jacket .
media.tenor.com
September 9, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
donmoyn.bsky.social
Full resignation letter from Demetre C. Daskalakis, a CDC leader, does not hold back.
"The recent shooting at CDC is not why I am resigning. My grandfather, who I am named after, stood up to fascist forces in Greece and lost his life doing so. I am resigning to make him and his legacy proud."
My resignation letter from CDC. Dear Dr. Houry, I am writing to formally resign from my position as Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), effective August 28, 2025, close of business. I am happy to stay on for two weeks to provide transition, if requested. This decision has not come easily, as I deeply value the work that the CDC does in safeguarding public health and am proud of my contributions to that critical mission. However, after much contemplation and reflection on recent developments and perspectives brought to light by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., I find that the views he and his staff have shared challenge my ability to continue in my current role at the agency and in the service of the health of the American people. Enough is enough. While I hold immense respect for the institution and my colleagues, I believe that it is imperative to align my professional responsibilities to my system of ethics and my understanding of the science of infectious disease, immunology, and my promise to serve the American people. This step is necessary to ensure that I can contribute effectively in a capacity that allows me to remain true to my principles. The recent change in the adult and children’s immunization schedule threaten the lives of the youngest Americans and pregnant people. The data analyses that supported this decision have never been shared with CDC despite my respectful requests to HHS and other leadership. This lack of meaningful engagement was further compounded by a “frequently asked questions” document written to support the Secretary’s directive that was circulated by HHS without input from CDC subject matter experts and that cited studies that did not support the conclusions that were attributed to these authors. Having worked in local and national public health for years, I have never experienced such radical non-transparency, nor have I seen such unskilled manipulation of data to achieve a political end rather than the good of the American people. It is untenable to serve in an organization that is not afforded the opportunity to discuss decisions of scientific and public health importance released under the moniker of CDC. The lack of communication by HHS and other CDC political leadership that culminates in social media posts announcing major policy changes without prior notice demonstrate a disregard of normal communication channels and common sense. Having to retrofit analyses and policy actions to match inadequately thought-out announcements in poorly scripted videos or page long X posts should not be how organizations responsible for the health of people should function. Some examples include the announcement of the change in the COVID-19 recommendations for children and pregnant people, the firing of scientists from ACIP by X post and an op-ed rather than direct communication with these valuable experts, the announcement of new ACIP members by X before onboarding and vetting have completed, and the release of term of reference for an ACIP workgroup that ignored all feedback from career staff at CDC. Their desire to please a political base will result in death and disability of vulnerable children and adults. Their base should be the people they serve not a political voting bloc. I have always been first to challenge scientific and public health dogma in my career and was excited by the opportunity to do so again. I was optimistic that there would be an opportunity to brief the Secretary about key topics such as measles, avian influenza, and the highly coordinated approach to the respiratory virus season. Such briefings would allow exchange of ideas and a shared path to support the vision of “Making America Healthy Again.” We are seven months into the new administration, and no CDC subject matter expert from my Center has ever briefed the Secretary. I am not sure who the Secretary is listening to, but it is quite certainly not to us. Unvetted and conflicted outside organizations seem to be the sources HHS use over the gold standard science of CDC and other reputable sources. At a hearing, Secretary Kennedy said that Americans should not take medical advice from him. To the contrary, an appropriately briefed and inquisitive Secretary should be a source of health information for the people he serves. As it stands now, I must agree with him, that he should not be considered a source of accurate information. The intentional eroding of trust in low-risk vaccines favoring natural infection and unproven remedies will bring us to a pre-vaccine era where only the strong will survive and many if not all will suffer. I believe in nutrition and exercise. I believe in making our food supply healthier, and I also believe in using vaccines to prevent death and disability. Eugenics plays prominently in the rhetoric being generated and is derivative of a legacy that good medicine and science should continue to shun. The recent shooting at CDC is not why I am resigning. My grandfather, who I am named after, stood up to fascist forces in Greece and lost his life doing so. I am resigning to make him and his legacy proud. I am resigning because of the cowardice of a leader that cannot admit that HIS and his minions’ words over decades created an environment where violence like this can occur. I reject his and his colleagues’ thoughts and prayers, and advise they direct those to people that they have not actively harmed. For decades, I have been a trusted voice for the LGBTQ community when it comes to critical health topics. I must also cite the recklessness of the administration in their efforts to erase transgender populations, cease critical domestic and international HIV programming, and terminate key research to support equity as part of my decision. Public health is not merely about the health of the individual, but it is about the health of the community, the nation, the world. The nation’s health security is at risk and is in the hands of people focusing on ideological self-interest. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration that I have been afforded during my time at the CDC. It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated professionals who are committed to improving the health and well-being of communities across the nation even when under attack from within both physically and psychologically. Thank you once again for the support and guidance I have received from you and previous CDC leadership throughout my tenure. I wish the CDC continued success in its vital mission and that HHS reverse its dangerous course to dismantle public health as a practice and as an institution. If they continue the current path, they risk our personal well-being and the security of the United States.
August 28, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
alzdemjournals.bsky.social
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Call for Papers: Waking Up to the Importance of Sleep in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

✦ Mechanisms of circadian disruption
✦ Digital sleep biomarkers and more
#ALZResearch

⏰Deadline: Oct. 31, 2025

alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/...
Alzheimer's & Dementia Call for Papers: Waking Up to the Importance of Sleep in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Submissions open June 1, 2025. Submission deadline October 31, 2025. All papers will undergo peer review and are subject to the standard author guidelines.
alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
August 26, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
alzdemjournals.bsky.social
Call For Papers! Alzheimer's & Dementia Special Issue: Neuromodulatory Subcortical Systems in Alzheimer's Disease

Research on the intersection of the Neuromodulatory Subcortical Systems and AD are welcome! #AlzResearch
⏰Deadline: Aug. 30, 2025

alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/...
Alzheimer's & Dementia
alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
August 25, 2025 at 10:12 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
amaclullich.bsky.social
Emergency Department (ED) staff: screen ALL patients over 65 for delirium.

Emergency departments are where it's most missed and most dangerous.

Make it as routine as checking blood pressure.
August 14, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
jeremymberg.bsky.social
Here is the Science story on the "priorities" memo...

www.science.org/content/arti...
NIH director orders new review of grants in outline of top research priorities
Many topics on Bhattacharya’s list are familiar, but order to re-evaluate grants draws concerns
www.science.org
August 15, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
jeremymberg.bsky.social
New Guardian article about the Bhattacharya op-ed

www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

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Experts condemn NIH director’s defense of cut to vaccine research
Critics say Jay Bhattacharya’s comments on so-called failure of mRNA vaccines to ‘earn public trust’ are ‘astounding’
www.theguardian.com
August 15, 2025 at 12:00 PM
popneurosci.bsky.social
This is a great annotated thread of the new EO to help understand what it is attempting to do.
kgandersen.bsky.social Kristian G. Andersen @kgandersen.bsky.social · Aug 7
Just to give the TL;DR on this one:

*The* main purpose of the EO is to move funding priorities and decisions away from experts and career professionals over to political appointees. With the ultimate power held by Vought / OMB.
kgandersen.bsky.social Kristian G. Andersen @kgandersen.bsky.social · Aug 7
This is literally some of the craziest shit I have ever read.

And that's saying a lot.

www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
August 8, 2025 at 2:38 PM
popneurosci.bsky.social
www.einpresswire.com/article/8380...
New Executive Order Corrupts Federal Grants With Political Appointee Oversight and Interference
New Executive Order hands control of all federally funded research to political appointees with no scientific or subject matter expertise.
www.einpresswire.com
August 8, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
donmoyn.bsky.social
One more effort to politicize federal grantmaking.
*Grants must by approved by a political appointee, working with OMB.
*"Discretionary awards must, where applicable, demonstrably advance the President’s policy priorities."
*Cannot "promote anti-American values"
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to improve the process of Federal
www.whitehouse.gov
August 7, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Reposted by Beth Shaaban
jeremymberg.bsky.social
Well, this is a huge Executive Order power grab...

www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...

1/3
Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and to improve the process of Federal
www.whitehouse.gov
August 7, 2025 at 8:43 PM