Science Sam
@samanthayammine.com
Science Communicator with a PhD in cell & molecular biology + neuroscience.
🎙️ Host of Curiosity Weekly for Discovery
📺 Science Expert on CTV’s The Good Stuff
🌈 she/her/هي
bit.ly/CuriosityWeekly
instagram.com/science.sam
samanthayammine.com
🎙️ Host of Curiosity Weekly for Discovery
📺 Science Expert on CTV’s The Good Stuff
🌈 she/her/هي
bit.ly/CuriosityWeekly
instagram.com/science.sam
samanthayammine.com
Watch the journey of AI models trying to describe a video someone was watching -- going off nothing but their brain activity.
Over 100 iterations, it went from "Given these principles" ... to "A circular and rotating shape is formed with subtly moving sections."
Pretty impressive???!
Over 100 iterations, it went from "Given these principles" ... to "A circular and rotating shape is formed with subtly moving sections."
Pretty impressive???!
November 6, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Watch the journey of AI models trying to describe a video someone was watching -- going off nothing but their brain activity.
Over 100 iterations, it went from "Given these principles" ... to "A circular and rotating shape is formed with subtly moving sections."
Pretty impressive???!
Over 100 iterations, it went from "Given these principles" ... to "A circular and rotating shape is formed with subtly moving sections."
Pretty impressive???!
The winners for the largest photo microscopy competition were just announced and they do NOT disappoint!!
[Photos shared with permission courtesy of the 2025 Nikon Small World Photo Competition] 🧪🔬
[Photos shared with permission courtesy of the 2025 Nikon Small World Photo Competition] 🧪🔬
October 15, 2025 at 3:49 PM
The winners for the largest photo microscopy competition were just announced and they do NOT disappoint!!
[Photos shared with permission courtesy of the 2025 Nikon Small World Photo Competition] 🧪🔬
[Photos shared with permission courtesy of the 2025 Nikon Small World Photo Competition] 🧪🔬
🗣️ Let Palestinians lead
“Researchers who study post-war reconstruction have told @nature.com that the recovery of public health, environment, higher education & research in Gaza will not succeed unless it is led by experts from the Palestinian territory*”
*Palestine
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Researchers who study post-war reconstruction have told @nature.com that the recovery of public health, environment, higher education & research in Gaza will not succeed unless it is led by experts from the Palestinian territory*”
*Palestine
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Rebuilding Gaza: don’t sideline Palestinian scientists, say experts
Researchers warn against ‘top down’ solutions as ceasefire is agreed in the first phase of a peace deal.
www.nature.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:08 PM
🗣️ Let Palestinians lead
“Researchers who study post-war reconstruction have told @nature.com that the recovery of public health, environment, higher education & research in Gaza will not succeed unless it is led by experts from the Palestinian territory*”
*Palestine
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Researchers who study post-war reconstruction have told @nature.com that the recovery of public health, environment, higher education & research in Gaza will not succeed unless it is led by experts from the Palestinian territory*”
*Palestine
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
I got to be a source for a 15-year-old journalist covering the science of studying and it was the sweetest media interview ever 😭😭
Catch the segment led by Jonnakae Hoskins -- definitely a talent to watch! 🧪
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOn_...
Catch the segment led by Jonnakae Hoskins -- definitely a talent to watch! 🧪
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOn_...
Studytok? AI? Experts share some surprising ways to study effectively| CBC Kids News
YouTube video by CBC Kids News
www.youtube.com
October 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I got to be a source for a 15-year-old journalist covering the science of studying and it was the sweetest media interview ever 😭😭
Catch the segment led by Jonnakae Hoskins -- definitely a talent to watch! 🧪
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOn_...
Catch the segment led by Jonnakae Hoskins -- definitely a talent to watch! 🧪
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOn_...
Dear friends with access to microscopes,
If you would ever permit me to share your microscopy videos, I can’t promise I’ll pronounce things properly but I absolutely will find the perfect song that captures the biology (wait for it). 🧪
If you would ever permit me to share your microscopy videos, I can’t promise I’ll pronounce things properly but I absolutely will find the perfect song that captures the biology (wait for it). 🧪
September 25, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Dear friends with access to microscopes,
If you would ever permit me to share your microscopy videos, I can’t promise I’ll pronounce things properly but I absolutely will find the perfect song that captures the biology (wait for it). 🧪
If you would ever permit me to share your microscopy videos, I can’t promise I’ll pronounce things properly but I absolutely will find the perfect song that captures the biology (wait for it). 🧪
The beauty of microscopic life 🔬🧪✨
The winners of the 2025 Nikon Small World in Motion competition are in and they are all GORGEOUS!!!
The winners of the 2025 Nikon Small World in Motion competition are in and they are all GORGEOUS!!!
September 24, 2025 at 2:25 PM
The beauty of microscopic life 🔬🧪✨
The winners of the 2025 Nikon Small World in Motion competition are in and they are all GORGEOUS!!!
The winners of the 2025 Nikon Small World in Motion competition are in and they are all GORGEOUS!!!
Any microplastics researchers who would be interested in talking to me about some of the critiques surrounding this paper www.nature.com/articles/s41...?
I'm most interested in the contamination and methodology critiques, but also general insights into the challenges/limitations in the field
🧪
I'm most interested in the contamination and methodology critiques, but also general insights into the challenges/limitations in the field
🧪
Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains - Nature Medicine
Pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry reveals the presence of microplastics and nanoplastics in human kidney, liver and brain tissue samples from 2016 and 2024, with higher proportions found ...
www.nature.com
September 22, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Any microplastics researchers who would be interested in talking to me about some of the critiques surrounding this paper www.nature.com/articles/s41...?
I'm most interested in the contamination and methodology critiques, but also general insights into the challenges/limitations in the field
🧪
I'm most interested in the contamination and methodology critiques, but also general insights into the challenges/limitations in the field
🧪
Reposted by Science Sam
It's the white whale of neuroscience - completely mapping the brain and its activity.
Forrest Collman sat down with @samanthayammine.com from the Curiosity Weekly podcast and shared how we are taking on this "impossible" task and the surprising role YouTube videos play.
🧠📈 #OpenScienceWeek
Forrest Collman sat down with @samanthayammine.com from the Curiosity Weekly podcast and shared how we are taking on this "impossible" task and the surprising role YouTube videos play.
🧠📈 #OpenScienceWeek
September 17, 2025 at 9:13 PM
It's the white whale of neuroscience - completely mapping the brain and its activity.
Forrest Collman sat down with @samanthayammine.com from the Curiosity Weekly podcast and shared how we are taking on this "impossible" task and the surprising role YouTube videos play.
🧠📈 #OpenScienceWeek
Forrest Collman sat down with @samanthayammine.com from the Curiosity Weekly podcast and shared how we are taking on this "impossible" task and the surprising role YouTube videos play.
🧠📈 #OpenScienceWeek
The EU recently banned a popular ingredient in gel nail polish. But you'll still find it in salons around the world.
Colour me (and my nails!) intrigued... but not panicked. 🧪
I explain why for CTV news: www.ctvnews.ca/health/artic...
Colour me (and my nails!) intrigued... but not panicked. 🧪
I explain why for CTV news: www.ctvnews.ca/health/artic...
The EU banned some gel nail polish. Here’s why it’s legal in Canada
A key ingredient commonly used in gel manicures has been banned in the Europena Union, but remains legal in Canada, raising questions about how regulators weigh cosmetic safety.
www.ctvnews.ca
September 9, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The EU recently banned a popular ingredient in gel nail polish. But you'll still find it in salons around the world.
Colour me (and my nails!) intrigued... but not panicked. 🧪
I explain why for CTV news: www.ctvnews.ca/health/artic...
Colour me (and my nails!) intrigued... but not panicked. 🧪
I explain why for CTV news: www.ctvnews.ca/health/artic...
Two headlines in my inbox on the exact same day. 🧪
August 6, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Two headlines in my inbox on the exact same day. 🧪
Are you wearing enough sunscreen??!
@labmuffin.com spills the chemisTEA behind SPF, sunscreen policy & more on the latest episode of the Curiosity Weekly pod 🧪
Listen & lmk if you can tell I’m fangirling the entire time 🙂↕️ podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
@labmuffin.com spills the chemisTEA behind SPF, sunscreen policy & more on the latest episode of the Curiosity Weekly pod 🧪
Listen & lmk if you can tell I’m fangirling the entire time 🙂↕️ podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
July 3, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Are you wearing enough sunscreen??!
@labmuffin.com spills the chemisTEA behind SPF, sunscreen policy & more on the latest episode of the Curiosity Weekly pod 🧪
Listen & lmk if you can tell I’m fangirling the entire time 🙂↕️ podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
@labmuffin.com spills the chemisTEA behind SPF, sunscreen policy & more on the latest episode of the Curiosity Weekly pod 🧪
Listen & lmk if you can tell I’m fangirling the entire time 🙂↕️ podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
I was interviewed for a @wired.com article by the fabulous @evystadium.bsky.social about trolling because being a scientist has (somehow!!!?) made me an expert 🫠
WHAT TIMELINE IS THIS???? Annnnyyyway it’s a great informative & entertaining read, as usual from Evy: www.wired.com/story/how-to... 🧪
WHAT TIMELINE IS THIS???? Annnnyyyway it’s a great informative & entertaining read, as usual from Evy: www.wired.com/story/how-to... 🧪
How to Out-Troll the Trolls, as Told by the Internet’s Foremost Posters
No one wants to get into it with a Reply Guy, let alone lose to one. WIRED spoke to four of social media’s best shit-talkers for tips on how to emerge victorious from an online skirmish.
www.wired.com
June 17, 2025 at 9:57 PM
I was interviewed for a @wired.com article by the fabulous @evystadium.bsky.social about trolling because being a scientist has (somehow!!!?) made me an expert 🫠
WHAT TIMELINE IS THIS???? Annnnyyyway it’s a great informative & entertaining read, as usual from Evy: www.wired.com/story/how-to... 🧪
WHAT TIMELINE IS THIS???? Annnnyyyway it’s a great informative & entertaining read, as usual from Evy: www.wired.com/story/how-to... 🧪
If you're attending a protest anywhere in the world, @eff.org has this really handy guide for how to protect your digital information so your tech can't be used against you: ssd.eff.org/module/atten...
Attending a Protest
For quick reference, we've created a handy guide designed to be printed, folded, and carried in your pocket (PDF download).
Now, more than ever, citizens must be able to hold those in power accountab...
ssd.eff.org
June 10, 2025 at 6:58 PM
If you're attending a protest anywhere in the world, @eff.org has this really handy guide for how to protect your digital information so your tech can't be used against you: ssd.eff.org/module/atten...
"Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell" NO MORE?
Scientific American, who coined the phrase in 1957, says it's time to retire it given all we've learned about the bean-shaped organelles.
Instead, they suggest the MOTHERBOARD of the cell. wdu think?🧪
www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-...
Scientific American, who coined the phrase in 1957, says it's time to retire it given all we've learned about the bean-shaped organelles.
Instead, they suggest the MOTHERBOARD of the cell. wdu think?🧪
www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-...
The Hidden Social Lives of Mitochondria
When these energy-giving organelles thrive, so do we
www.scientificamerican.com
May 22, 2025 at 3:36 AM
"Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell" NO MORE?
Scientific American, who coined the phrase in 1957, says it's time to retire it given all we've learned about the bean-shaped organelles.
Instead, they suggest the MOTHERBOARD of the cell. wdu think?🧪
www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-...
Scientific American, who coined the phrase in 1957, says it's time to retire it given all we've learned about the bean-shaped organelles.
Instead, they suggest the MOTHERBOARD of the cell. wdu think?🧪
www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-...
How do you make your coffee? ☕️
A group of physicists might've convinced me to start my pour over era.
They used a laser + high-speed camera to find a more efficient coffee extraction technique. Save beans + $$!
Their scientific method: pour high AND slow, while keeping a smooth stream of water 🧪
A group of physicists might've convinced me to start my pour over era.
They used a laser + high-speed camera to find a more efficient coffee extraction technique. Save beans + $$!
Their scientific method: pour high AND slow, while keeping a smooth stream of water 🧪
May 21, 2025 at 10:09 PM
How do you make your coffee? ☕️
A group of physicists might've convinced me to start my pour over era.
They used a laser + high-speed camera to find a more efficient coffee extraction technique. Save beans + $$!
Their scientific method: pour high AND slow, while keeping a smooth stream of water 🧪
A group of physicists might've convinced me to start my pour over era.
They used a laser + high-speed camera to find a more efficient coffee extraction technique. Save beans + $$!
Their scientific method: pour high AND slow, while keeping a smooth stream of water 🧪
“With the climate crisis, it's really a relational question of how are people's deep, intimate relationships with the natural world being impacted.”
- @jahwaiian.bsky.social, expert guest on the latest ep of Curiosity Weekly
An insightful & timely conversation 🌊🧪 podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
- @jahwaiian.bsky.social, expert guest on the latest ep of Curiosity Weekly
An insightful & timely conversation 🌊🧪 podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
Climate Change in the Pacific Islands
Podcast Episode · Curiosity Weekly · 2025-05-14 · 31m
podcasts.apple.com
May 14, 2025 at 10:43 PM
“With the climate crisis, it's really a relational question of how are people's deep, intimate relationships with the natural world being impacted.”
- @jahwaiian.bsky.social, expert guest on the latest ep of Curiosity Weekly
An insightful & timely conversation 🌊🧪 podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
- @jahwaiian.bsky.social, expert guest on the latest ep of Curiosity Weekly
An insightful & timely conversation 🌊🧪 podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/c...
There are 2 types of people in this world:
1) those who LOVE the Merlin Bird ID app, and 2) those who are about to fall in love with it thanks to @corinanewsome.bsky.social. 🧪
Which one are you? 🤭
1) those who LOVE the Merlin Bird ID app, and 2) those who are about to fall in love with it thanks to @corinanewsome.bsky.social. 🧪
Which one are you? 🤭
May 13, 2025 at 4:20 PM
There are 2 types of people in this world:
1) those who LOVE the Merlin Bird ID app, and 2) those who are about to fall in love with it thanks to @corinanewsome.bsky.social. 🧪
Which one are you? 🤭
1) those who LOVE the Merlin Bird ID app, and 2) those who are about to fall in love with it thanks to @corinanewsome.bsky.social. 🧪
Which one are you? 🤭
Can AI out-science scientists?? 🧪
Look, there are enough threats to scientists' jobs already so let's be clear: NO.
But Dr. James Zou is building REALLY COOL "AI researchers" to work alongside scientists to accelerate discovery. Ofc I had to have him on the pod!! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
Look, there are enough threats to scientists' jobs already so let's be clear: NO.
But Dr. James Zou is building REALLY COOL "AI researchers" to work alongside scientists to accelerate discovery. Ofc I had to have him on the pod!! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
Will AI Replace Scientists?
Podcast Episode · Curiosity Weekly · 04/30/2025 · 22m
podcasts.apple.com
April 30, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Can AI out-science scientists?? 🧪
Look, there are enough threats to scientists' jobs already so let's be clear: NO.
But Dr. James Zou is building REALLY COOL "AI researchers" to work alongside scientists to accelerate discovery. Ofc I had to have him on the pod!! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
Look, there are enough threats to scientists' jobs already so let's be clear: NO.
But Dr. James Zou is building REALLY COOL "AI researchers" to work alongside scientists to accelerate discovery. Ofc I had to have him on the pod!! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/w...
ok science pals 🧪 I need your help! I am finally working on a scicomm piece about ozempic. WHEW. what a topic.
Who's an expert you think the world needs to hear more from on this topic? Ideally an endocrinology expert who's, you know, not fatphobic? so we can actually get into the science & risks
Who's an expert you think the world needs to hear more from on this topic? Ideally an endocrinology expert who's, you know, not fatphobic? so we can actually get into the science & risks
April 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
ok science pals 🧪 I need your help! I am finally working on a scicomm piece about ozempic. WHEW. what a topic.
Who's an expert you think the world needs to hear more from on this topic? Ideally an endocrinology expert who's, you know, not fatphobic? so we can actually get into the science & risks
Who's an expert you think the world needs to hear more from on this topic? Ideally an endocrinology expert who's, you know, not fatphobic? so we can actually get into the science & risks
I repeat: weaponizing ableism about neurodivergence to fear monger vaccines is not going to make anyone healthier.
April 17, 2025 at 2:06 PM
I repeat: weaponizing ableism about neurodivergence to fear monger vaccines is not going to make anyone healthier.
Reposted by Science Sam
In my opinion, de-extinction faces too much of a scale problem to be useful as a conservation exercise unless we're talking about species that are extinct in the wild but could be brought back from captivity, including with hybridization (as was done with bison, many of which interbred with cows).
April 13, 2025 at 3:31 PM
In my opinion, de-extinction faces too much of a scale problem to be useful as a conservation exercise unless we're talking about species that are extinct in the wild but could be brought back from captivity, including with hybridization (as was done with bison, many of which interbred with cows).
I’m chair & a co-founder of Science is a Drag, the award-winning and longest running fully science-themed drag show 🧪🧬💄🌈
Tickets to our flagship show in Toronto go on sale Monday at noon - they sell fast so don’t miss out! scienceisadrag.com/tickets
(Not in Toronto? DM me to book us in your city!)
Tickets to our flagship show in Toronto go on sale Monday at noon - they sell fast so don’t miss out! scienceisadrag.com/tickets
(Not in Toronto? DM me to book us in your city!)
Tickets — Science is a Drag
scienceisadrag.com
April 13, 2025 at 9:44 PM
I’m chair & a co-founder of Science is a Drag, the award-winning and longest running fully science-themed drag show 🧪🧬💄🌈
Tickets to our flagship show in Toronto go on sale Monday at noon - they sell fast so don’t miss out! scienceisadrag.com/tickets
(Not in Toronto? DM me to book us in your city!)
Tickets to our flagship show in Toronto go on sale Monday at noon - they sell fast so don’t miss out! scienceisadrag.com/tickets
(Not in Toronto? DM me to book us in your city!)
Scientists love to debate and argue, but if there are 3 things every scientist absolutely agrees on, it's that:
1. Climate change is real
2. Vaccines work
3. Those are NOT dire wolves 😤
🧪
1. Climate change is real
2. Vaccines work
3. Those are NOT dire wolves 😤
🧪
April 8, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Scientists love to debate and argue, but if there are 3 things every scientist absolutely agrees on, it's that:
1. Climate change is real
2. Vaccines work
3. Those are NOT dire wolves 😤
🧪
1. Climate change is real
2. Vaccines work
3. Those are NOT dire wolves 😤
🧪
Tomorrow (Wed April 9) at 1pm ET, I'll be live in conversation talking about the importance of gender equity & safety in STEM. I’m very passionate about this topic and there’s a LOT to say!!
It’s free & we'll do a live audience q&a, so hope to see ya there! www.couragetoact.ca/blog/launchi... 🧪
It’s free & we'll do a live audience q&a, so hope to see ya there! www.couragetoact.ca/blog/launchi... 🧪
Catalyzing Safer STEM Learning Spaces — Courage to Act
Join Science Sam & Courage to Act on April 9 for a powerful talk on advancing gender equity in STEM through education, advocacy & inclusive learning spaces.
www.couragetoact.ca
April 8, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Tomorrow (Wed April 9) at 1pm ET, I'll be live in conversation talking about the importance of gender equity & safety in STEM. I’m very passionate about this topic and there’s a LOT to say!!
It’s free & we'll do a live audience q&a, so hope to see ya there! www.couragetoact.ca/blog/launchi... 🧪
It’s free & we'll do a live audience q&a, so hope to see ya there! www.couragetoact.ca/blog/launchi... 🧪
"We've lost the plot a bit on what it means to be healthy."
@jessicamalaty.bsky.social dropped SO MANY GEMS as a guest expert on our latest episode of the Curiosity Weekly podcast.
We talked all about the measles outbreaks in the U.S. & the MMR vaccine. Don't miss it: bit.ly/CuriosityWeekly 🧪
@jessicamalaty.bsky.social dropped SO MANY GEMS as a guest expert on our latest episode of the Curiosity Weekly podcast.
We talked all about the measles outbreaks in the U.S. & the MMR vaccine. Don't miss it: bit.ly/CuriosityWeekly 🧪
April 4, 2025 at 2:45 PM
"We've lost the plot a bit on what it means to be healthy."
@jessicamalaty.bsky.social dropped SO MANY GEMS as a guest expert on our latest episode of the Curiosity Weekly podcast.
We talked all about the measles outbreaks in the U.S. & the MMR vaccine. Don't miss it: bit.ly/CuriosityWeekly 🧪
@jessicamalaty.bsky.social dropped SO MANY GEMS as a guest expert on our latest episode of the Curiosity Weekly podcast.
We talked all about the measles outbreaks in the U.S. & the MMR vaccine. Don't miss it: bit.ly/CuriosityWeekly 🧪