Tom Scriba
@tomscriba.bsky.social
Professor in Immunology at University of Cape Town, Deputy Director at South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative.
Views are my own.
Views are my own.
Cape Town’s fynbos plant kingdom showing off this morning
November 8, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Cape Town’s fynbos plant kingdom showing off this morning
Reposted by Tom Scriba
For children and teens, heart and blood vessel complications of Covid overshadow the very rare and short-term risk of vaccinations, a new report from nearly 14 million kids
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
November 5, 2025 at 12:48 AM
For children and teens, heart and blood vessel complications of Covid overshadow the very rare and short-term risk of vaccinations, a new report from nearly 14 million kids
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Humanity has missed the 1.5 C climate target
Our politicians, oligarchs and fossil fuel lobbyists are still denying, debating and both-siding
Our politicians, oligarchs and fossil fuel lobbyists are still denying, debating and both-siding
November 4, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Humanity has missed the 1.5 C climate target
Our politicians, oligarchs and fossil fuel lobbyists are still denying, debating and both-siding
Our politicians, oligarchs and fossil fuel lobbyists are still denying, debating and both-siding
Reposted by Tom Scriba
South Africa's become the first African country to approve the groundbreaking twice-a-year anti-HIV jab, lenacapavir (LEN). Our @miamalan.bsky.social spoke to CapeTalk to explain why the country what's next.
Click the link to listen to the full interview: omny.fm/shows/the-jo...
Click the link to listen to the full interview: omny.fm/shows/the-jo...
November 1, 2025 at 10:01 AM
South Africa's become the first African country to approve the groundbreaking twice-a-year anti-HIV jab, lenacapavir (LEN). Our @miamalan.bsky.social spoke to CapeTalk to explain why the country what's next.
Click the link to listen to the full interview: omny.fm/shows/the-jo...
Click the link to listen to the full interview: omny.fm/shows/the-jo...
Can we advance our understanding of asymptomatic TB from inflammatory biomarkers? Our latest preprint.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Inflammatory Biomarkers of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Tuberculosis
A large proportion of individuals with tuberculosis (TB) are asymptomatic. The biological and inflammatory underpinnings of asymptomatic TB are unknown and may differ from symptomatic TB. We character...
www.biorxiv.org
October 30, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Can we advance our understanding of asymptomatic TB from inflammatory biomarkers? Our latest preprint.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Tom Scriba
New comment:
Tuberculosis and undernutrition: improving estimates to reinforce the policy imperative
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Tuberculosis and undernutrition: improving estimates to reinforce the policy imperative
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Tuberculosis and undernutrition: improving estimates to reinforce the policy imperative
Undernutrition is a key driver of the global tuberculosis epidemic, increasing the
risk of people developing tuberculosis disease and of poor outcomes in those who do.1
Each year, WHO publishes estima...
www.thelancet.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:01 AM
New comment:
Tuberculosis and undernutrition: improving estimates to reinforce the policy imperative
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Tuberculosis and undernutrition: improving estimates to reinforce the policy imperative
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Nature research paper: SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint blockade
go.nature.com/477I3sj
go.nature.com/477I3sj
SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint blockade - Nature
mRNA vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 also sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
go.nature.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Nature research paper: SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint blockade
go.nature.com/477I3sj
go.nature.com/477I3sj
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Humanity has missed 1.5C climate target
And with climate change denialism peaking, I fear the worst
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
And with climate change denialism peaking, I fear the worst
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Humanity has missed 1.5C climate target
And with climate change denialism peaking, I fear the worst
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
And with climate change denialism peaking, I fear the worst
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Well, this is a brilliant #IDSky article that cuts close to the bone! 😬
Reframes #academia as an infection for which the causative organism may be less easy to define, but that can be just as insidious on affected individuals (clinical academics)!
#AcademicSky #MedSky 🧪 @cidjournal.bsky.social
Reframes #academia as an infection for which the causative organism may be less easy to define, but that can be just as insidious on affected individuals (clinical academics)!
#AcademicSky #MedSky 🧪 @cidjournal.bsky.social
Infected With the Academic Bug
It starts innocently. A paper you’re proud of, the thrill of seeing your name on PubMed. Everyone is genuinely happy for you; you’re a threat to no one. Bu
academic.oup.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Well, this is a brilliant #IDSky article that cuts close to the bone! 😬
Reframes #academia as an infection for which the causative organism may be less easy to define, but that can be just as insidious on affected individuals (clinical academics)!
#AcademicSky #MedSky 🧪 @cidjournal.bsky.social
Reframes #academia as an infection for which the causative organism may be less easy to define, but that can be just as insidious on affected individuals (clinical academics)!
#AcademicSky #MedSky 🧪 @cidjournal.bsky.social
Reposted by Tom Scriba
“Moderna is still developing the CMV vaccine for patients undergoing a bone marrow transplant.” www.statnews.com/2025/10/22/m...
Moderna says key study of its CMV vaccine, expected to be its next big win, failed
Moderna said its experimental vaccine for cytomegalovirus failed in a key trial, a significant setback for a company already facing pressure from Wall Street and Washington.
www.statnews.com
October 22, 2025 at 8:20 PM
“Moderna is still developing the CMV vaccine for patients undergoing a bone marrow transplant.” www.statnews.com/2025/10/22/m...
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Given the absolutely insane levels of disinformation and growing attacks on science and scientists, all scientists must be taught
- how to communicate effectively
- how to engage the public
- how to engage politicians and policy makers
- how to engage with the media
- how to counter misinformation
- how to communicate effectively
- how to engage the public
- how to engage politicians and policy makers
- how to engage with the media
- how to counter misinformation
October 14, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Given the absolutely insane levels of disinformation and growing attacks on science and scientists, all scientists must be taught
- how to communicate effectively
- how to engage the public
- how to engage politicians and policy makers
- how to engage with the media
- how to counter misinformation
- how to communicate effectively
- how to engage the public
- how to engage politicians and policy makers
- how to engage with the media
- how to counter misinformation
Brimstone canary on pincushion flowers this morning
October 19, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Brimstone canary on pincushion flowers this morning
Reposted by Tom Scriba
A paper in Nature Communication reports on a new method to produce strong, biodegradable plastic from bamboo. The bioplastic resembles oil-based plastics in strength, shapeability, and thermal stability but can biodegrade in soil within 50 days. go.nature.com/4h1xv0X 🧪
October 15, 2025 at 1:50 AM
A paper in Nature Communication reports on a new method to produce strong, biodegradable plastic from bamboo. The bioplastic resembles oil-based plastics in strength, shapeability, and thermal stability but can biodegrade in soil within 50 days. go.nature.com/4h1xv0X 🧪
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Understanding patterns of #TB exposure and transmission is needed for targeted prevention strategies. In our latest pre-print, @petedodd24.bsky.social and I estimated the proportion of TB exposure to and transmission from sex and age groups for 177 countries.
bit.ly/4nbV492
bit.ly/4nbV492
A global analysis of patterns of tuberculosis exposure and transmission
Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health concern and the leading infectious cause of mortality globally. The disease exhibits strong prevalence patterns by age and sex, but the implications of these...
www.medrxiv.org
October 12, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Understanding patterns of #TB exposure and transmission is needed for targeted prevention strategies. In our latest pre-print, @petedodd24.bsky.social and I estimated the proportion of TB exposure to and transmission from sex and age groups for 177 countries.
bit.ly/4nbV492
bit.ly/4nbV492
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Check out our new paper in @lancetmicrobe.bsky.social
In this IPD-MA we show that single-gene transcripts are equivalent to multi-gene signatures to Dx subclinical TB
They perform consistently across settings + show potential clinical utility to stratify therapy
#IDsky #TBsky
bit.ly/47jU7GN
In this IPD-MA we show that single-gene transcripts are equivalent to multi-gene signatures to Dx subclinical TB
They perform consistently across settings + show potential clinical utility to stratify therapy
#IDsky #TBsky
bit.ly/47jU7GN
Single-gene transcripts for subclinical tuberculosis: an individual participant data meta-analysis
Single-gene transcripts are equivalent to multi-gene signatures for detection of subclinical
tuberculosis, with consistent performance across settings. Single-gene transcripts
show potential clinical ...
bit.ly
October 14, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Check out our new paper in @lancetmicrobe.bsky.social
In this IPD-MA we show that single-gene transcripts are equivalent to multi-gene signatures to Dx subclinical TB
They perform consistently across settings + show potential clinical utility to stratify therapy
#IDsky #TBsky
bit.ly/47jU7GN
In this IPD-MA we show that single-gene transcripts are equivalent to multi-gene signatures to Dx subclinical TB
They perform consistently across settings + show potential clinical utility to stratify therapy
#IDsky #TBsky
bit.ly/47jU7GN
We are inviting applications for postdoctoral fellows in immunology of TB at the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, University of Cape Town. For more information see the attached ad:
idm.uct.ac.za/media/739223
idm.uct.ac.za/media/739223
October 9, 2025 at 11:28 AM
We are inviting applications for postdoctoral fellows in immunology of TB at the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative, University of Cape Town. For more information see the attached ad:
idm.uct.ac.za/media/739223
idm.uct.ac.za/media/739223
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Despite political obstacles, officials are on track to disburse all of the research funds allocated to the NIH
go.nature.com/46Mxycw
go.nature.com/46Mxycw
NIH races to spend its 2025 grant money — but fewer projects win funding
Despite political obstacles, officials are on track to disburse all of the research funds allocated to US biomedical behemoth.
go.nature.com
September 30, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Despite political obstacles, officials are on track to disburse all of the research funds allocated to the NIH
go.nature.com/46Mxycw
go.nature.com/46Mxycw
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Good question to reflect on, as we start the week
September 29, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Good question to reflect on, as we start the week
Reposted by Tom Scriba
$630 billion annually on bombs, tanks and missiles
But no money for universal health coverage
But no money for universal health coverage
Globally we are spending over $630bn annually on weapons of war.
@markabellis.bsky.social argues that it's time to start scrutinising the way the arms industry is telling governments, and their populations, that more weapons are the answer to more conflict.
#DSEI2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_5N...
@markabellis.bsky.social argues that it's time to start scrutinising the way the arms industry is telling governments, and their populations, that more weapons are the answer to more conflict.
#DSEI2025
www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_5N...
Arms industry - lobbying, marketing, & media manipulation
YouTube video by The BMJ
www.youtube.com
September 17, 2025 at 11:32 AM
$630 billion annually on bombs, tanks and missiles
But no money for universal health coverage
But no money for universal health coverage
Reposted by Tom Scriba
We are looking to hire post-docs to work on T cell responses to M. tuberculosis infection using murine and NHP models. If you know T cells and wanna work on the top global infectious killer check us out. BSL3 experience not required. The NIH intramural program in Bethesda MD is an amazing place!
September 17, 2025 at 5:50 PM
We are looking to hire post-docs to work on T cell responses to M. tuberculosis infection using murine and NHP models. If you know T cells and wanna work on the top global infectious killer check us out. BSL3 experience not required. The NIH intramural program in Bethesda MD is an amazing place!
Reposted by Tom Scriba
Operation Warp Speed was arguably one of the most successful policy initiatives in recent history, accelerating vaccine delivery that saved millions of lives.
It’s remarkable to see some now urging the leaders who backed it to disown the achievement.
It’s remarkable to see some now urging the leaders who backed it to disown the achievement.
September 8, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Operation Warp Speed was arguably one of the most successful policy initiatives in recent history, accelerating vaccine delivery that saved millions of lives.
It’s remarkable to see some now urging the leaders who backed it to disown the achievement.
It’s remarkable to see some now urging the leaders who backed it to disown the achievement.
Reposted by Tom Scriba
As we see ANOTHER huge drop in the cost of curing tuberculosis, I am reminded that 1. drugs are not expensive because they're made of platinum or something, and 2. the fruits of activism are often harvested over many years. Thanks to all the folks who made this happen. www.stoptb.org/news/breakin...
Breaking News: Historical Drop of DR-TB Treatment Cost Below $300 After Third Major Cut in 2025 by Stop TB’s Global Drug Facility | Stop TB Partnership
www.stoptb.org
September 3, 2025 at 4:26 PM
As we see ANOTHER huge drop in the cost of curing tuberculosis, I am reminded that 1. drugs are not expensive because they're made of platinum or something, and 2. the fruits of activism are often harvested over many years. Thanks to all the folks who made this happen. www.stoptb.org/news/breakin...
Reposted by Tom Scriba
We are hiring! The Dept of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics is looking for faculty at the Assistant or Associate professor level (tenure track). Please consider joining our vibrant microbiology and immunology community at the University of Pittsburgh School of medicine
August 20, 2025 at 7:41 PM
We are hiring! The Dept of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics is looking for faculty at the Assistant or Associate professor level (tenure track). Please consider joining our vibrant microbiology and immunology community at the University of Pittsburgh School of medicine
The Playbook Used to ‘Prove’ Vaccines Cause Autism www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Opinion | The Playbook Used to ‘Prove’ Vaccines Cause Autism
Data can easily be manipulated to show causation that doesn’t exist.
www.nytimes.com
August 19, 2025 at 8:18 PM
The Playbook Used to ‘Prove’ Vaccines Cause Autism www.nytimes.com/interactive/...