Usha Lee McFarling
@usha.bsky.social
I direct the Knight Science Journalism Program at MIT. Working hard to advance science journalism and support its practitioners at a time they are needed more than ever.
Many causes for Black maternal mortality crisis, but depression is one factor and not being able to afford diapers can contribute to depression. 💔 Dr. Wendy Wilcox of @nychealthsystem.bsky.social says NYC is handing out "baby boxes" to help. Solutions can be so simple. And so cheap. #ACHJSummit
November 13, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Many causes for Black maternal mortality crisis, but depression is one factor and not being able to afford diapers can contribute to depression. 💔 Dr. Wendy Wilcox of @nychealthsystem.bsky.social says NYC is handing out "baby boxes" to help. Solutions can be so simple. And so cheap. #ACHJSummit
Hearing about improving health care from Terence Muhammad of the Greensboro Disparities Collaborative which is doing amazing anti-racism work in medicine. He urges journalists to include community members in stories. “If you don’t listen you won’t be able to get the story right.” #AHCJSummit
November 13, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Hearing about improving health care from Terence Muhammad of the Greensboro Disparities Collaborative which is doing amazing anti-racism work in medicine. He urges journalists to include community members in stories. “If you don’t listen you won’t be able to get the story right.” #AHCJSummit
When I say we need to take care of science writers I mean it. @ksjatmit.bsky.social cookies from Levain bakery for #SciWri25 attendees. 😍
November 9, 2025 at 11:19 PM
When I say we need to take care of science writers I mean it. @ksjatmit.bsky.social cookies from Levain bakery for #SciWri25 attendees. 😍
I know we’re all political reporters now 😢but incredible to hear Nobelist and UChicago chemist Jack Szostak tell us about the rna world and origin of life at #SciWri25. Remember to nerd out. 🤓🤓🤓
November 9, 2025 at 5:25 PM
I know we’re all political reporters now 😢but incredible to hear Nobelist and UChicago chemist Jack Szostak tell us about the rna world and origin of life at #SciWri25. Remember to nerd out. 🤓🤓🤓
How are science writers coping with the unprecedented assault on science and what is the path ahead? Was honored to discuss this at #SciWri25 plenary with @shiplives.bsky.social @jeanna.bsky.social and Erin Podolak. Missed @michellejewell.bsky.social who still contributed much from afar.
November 9, 2025 at 4:56 PM
How are science writers coping with the unprecedented assault on science and what is the path ahead? Was honored to discuss this at #SciWri25 plenary with @shiplives.bsky.social @jeanna.bsky.social and Erin Podolak. Missed @michellejewell.bsky.social who still contributed much from afar.
This graphic from the story says it all:
October 29, 2025 at 1:35 PM
This graphic from the story says it all:
Let's talk about how science journalism and writing can keep us sane and in the ✨ light ✨right now. I'm excited to have this conversation with @ferrisjabr.bsky.social whose writing I have long admired. We need these conversations rnow more than ever. Please join us. Register👇
October 29, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Let's talk about how science journalism and writing can keep us sane and in the ✨ light ✨right now. I'm excited to have this conversation with @ferrisjabr.bsky.social whose writing I have long admired. We need these conversations rnow more than ever. Please join us. Register👇
So happy to be back with former colleagues at #STATSummit. First session on CRISPR gene editing featured adorable Baby KJ who received life saving treatment in Pennsylvania.
October 15, 2025 at 1:31 PM
So happy to be back with former colleagues at #STATSummit. First session on CRISPR gene editing featured adorable Baby KJ who received life saving treatment in Pennsylvania.
My first post as head of KSJ! Our first public event. This Thursday. Cambridge. Science journalism in a time of crisis. It's going to be 🔥. Join me and @katherinejwu.com @aniloza.bsky.social @sarareardon.bsky.social @akuchment.bsky.social @jeremyfaust.bsky.social and @edenmedina.bsky.social
October 7, 2025 at 12:09 PM
My first post as head of KSJ! Our first public event. This Thursday. Cambridge. Science journalism in a time of crisis. It's going to be 🔥. Join me and @katherinejwu.com @aniloza.bsky.social @sarareardon.bsky.social @akuchment.bsky.social @jeremyfaust.bsky.social and @edenmedina.bsky.social
Had an amazing time at the incredible NMF gala with absolute legends @mclemoremr.bsky.social @ucheblackstockmd.bsky.social @joelbervell.bsky.social Aletha Maybank Nick St. Fleur Micheleen Davis and fellow awardee Toyin Ajayi. So inspired by your work. Thank you for recognizing mine. ♥️
October 5, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Had an amazing time at the incredible NMF gala with absolute legends @mclemoremr.bsky.social @ucheblackstockmd.bsky.social @joelbervell.bsky.social Aletha Maybank Nick St. Fleur Micheleen Davis and fellow awardee Toyin Ajayi. So inspired by your work. Thank you for recognizing mine. ♥️
I'm truly humbled to be honored tonight by @nmfonline.bsky.social with the Truth to Power Award for amplifying marginalized voices and exposing inequality through storytelling. Other incredible honorees include @richbesser.bsky.social @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social and -- not lying -- Ben Vereen.
October 3, 2025 at 7:44 PM
I'm truly humbled to be honored tonight by @nmfonline.bsky.social with the Truth to Power Award for amplifying marginalized voices and exposing inequality through storytelling. Other incredible honorees include @richbesser.bsky.social @jbetancourtpr.bsky.social and -- not lying -- Ben Vereen.
Elementary school principals going where university presidents fear to tread...
April 5, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Elementary school principals going where university presidents fear to tread...
impossibly round! photo from GattGatt
March 2, 2025 at 12:08 AM
impossibly round! photo from GattGatt
APOD (animal photo of day) courtesy Memphis Zoo.
February 9, 2025 at 6:07 PM
APOD (animal photo of day) courtesy Memphis Zoo.
Science journalists waiting for MMWR tomorrow
February 6, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Science journalists waiting for MMWR tomorrow
So @holdenthorp.bsky.social thinking this was some eerie good timing on your cover choice.
January 30, 2025 at 5:55 PM
So @holdenthorp.bsky.social thinking this was some eerie good timing on your cover choice.
Regarding the new executive orders, I have been told the lawyers have entered the room. Stay tuned to @statnews.com for more coverage as this unfolds.
January 28, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Regarding the new executive orders, I have been told the lawyers have entered the room. Stay tuned to @statnews.com for more coverage as this unfolds.
The LA Fires continue to be devastating and heartbreaking, especially the pieces of people's lives and homes still drifting through the air, like this charred page of a medical textbook.
January 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
The LA Fires continue to be devastating and heartbreaking, especially the pieces of people's lives and homes still drifting through the air, like this charred page of a medical textbook.
Last night’s eerie smoky sunset in Pasadena. Please keep everyone here in your thoughts. #eatonfire
January 9, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Last night’s eerie smoky sunset in Pasadena. Please keep everyone here in your thoughts. #eatonfire
@kevinmgill.bsky.social Is this true? I hope not. This is the latest fire map. It shows the fire is still quite far from JPL. I would think @latimes.com @sherlyholmes.bsky.social @nohaggerty.bsky.social who are doing incredible work with their coverage would be on top of this if true.
January 9, 2025 at 8:28 PM
@kevinmgill.bsky.social Is this true? I hope not. This is the latest fire map. It shows the fire is still quite far from JPL. I would think @latimes.com @sherlyholmes.bsky.social @nohaggerty.bsky.social who are doing incredible work with their coverage would be on top of this if true.
This chart by @jaspar.bsky.social shows just how much of an outlier the U.S. is when it comes to per capita spending on health care. And how little bang we get for our buck.
December 10, 2024 at 4:54 PM
This chart by @jaspar.bsky.social shows just how much of an outlier the U.S. is when it comes to per capita spending on health care. And how little bang we get for our buck.