Zach Tracer
@ztracer.bsky.social
Senior Editor for Business & Policy at STAT. zachary.tracer@statnews.com
ztracer.17 on Signal
ztracer.17 on Signal
Reposted by Zach Tracer
If you aren't checking out @statnews.com today, you're missing out. Our newsroom is on fire. So many important stories to read. www.statnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 7:52 PM
If you aren't checking out @statnews.com today, you're missing out. Our newsroom is on fire. So many important stories to read. www.statnews.com
Reposted by Zach Tracer
. @lizzylawrence.bsky.social takes a look at the lead up to Vinay Prasad's abrupt departure from #FDA. The now former #CBER head "wasn’t able to outrun his firebrand persona," she writes.
www.statnews.com/2025/07/30/v...
www.statnews.com/2025/07/30/v...
Inside the fall of Vinay Prasad at the FDA
Prasad's departure followed a campaign by a right-wing activist and a controversy over a rare disease drug.
www.statnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:22 PM
. @lizzylawrence.bsky.social takes a look at the lead up to Vinay Prasad's abrupt departure from #FDA. The now former #CBER head "wasn’t able to outrun his firebrand persona," she writes.
www.statnews.com/2025/07/30/v...
www.statnews.com/2025/07/30/v...
Reposted by Zach Tracer
New video- my new @statnews.com colleague @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social and I chat about RFK Jr.'s dismissal of all the members of ACIP, CDC's vaccine advisory board. Also I'm going to be doing a video every week now so please wish me luck (and like & subscribe plz) youtu.be/brVDswDpaeQ
Did RFK Jr. break a promise he made to GOP Senator?
YouTube video by STAT
youtu.be
June 10, 2025 at 9:43 PM
New video- my new @statnews.com colleague @chelseacirruzzo.bsky.social and I chat about RFK Jr.'s dismissal of all the members of ACIP, CDC's vaccine advisory board. Also I'm going to be doing a video every week now so please wish me luck (and like & subscribe plz) youtu.be/brVDswDpaeQ
Reposted by Zach Tracer
Former FDA Commissioner @scottgottliebmd.bsky.social suggests RFK Jr.'s proposal to perhaps allow H5N1 bird flu to spread freely through flocks is unwise — for birds and for humans. www.statnews.com/2025/03/20/h...
March 20, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Former FDA Commissioner @scottgottliebmd.bsky.social suggests RFK Jr.'s proposal to perhaps allow H5N1 bird flu to spread freely through flocks is unwise — for birds and for humans. www.statnews.com/2025/03/20/h...
Reposted by Zach Tracer
Reposted by Zach Tracer
Boosting this! Please re-skeet!
Any intrepid (or highly skeptical) scientists out there using Google's AI co-scientist tool? Would love to talk to you about your experience.
✉️ brittany.trang@statnews.com
Signal: btrang.01
🧪⚗️⚛️🧬🔭🧫👩🔬 #science #chemsky #AcademicSky #AI #journorequest
Any intrepid (or highly skeptical) scientists out there using Google's AI co-scientist tool? Would love to talk to you about your experience.
✉️ brittany.trang@statnews.com
Signal: btrang.01
🧪⚗️⚛️🧬🔭🧫👩🔬 #science #chemsky #AcademicSky #AI #journorequest
Any scientists out there part of Google's Trusted Tester program (or willing to sign up) to try out the AI co-scientist tool?
I'm curious whether this could handle the multidimensional thinking my chem PhD work required. I'm now a journalist & looking to speak with people who've used it! 🧪⚛️🧬
I'm curious whether this could handle the multidimensional thinking my chem PhD work required. I'm now a journalist & looking to speak with people who've used it! 🧪⚛️🧬
Accelerating scientific breakthroughs with an AI co-scientist
research.google
February 21, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Boosting this! Please re-skeet!
Any intrepid (or highly skeptical) scientists out there using Google's AI co-scientist tool? Would love to talk to you about your experience.
✉️ brittany.trang@statnews.com
Signal: btrang.01
🧪⚗️⚛️🧬🔭🧫👩🔬 #science #chemsky #AcademicSky #AI #journorequest
Any intrepid (or highly skeptical) scientists out there using Google's AI co-scientist tool? Would love to talk to you about your experience.
✉️ brittany.trang@statnews.com
Signal: btrang.01
🧪⚗️⚛️🧬🔭🧫👩🔬 #science #chemsky #AcademicSky #AI #journorequest
The Trump-DOGE layoffs are rippling across federal health agencies, hitting medical regulators, AI experts, and people trying to improve Medicare and Medicaid. Stellar work from STAT's team on a holiday weekend.
www.statnews.com/2025/02/17/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/02/17/t...
Drug inspectors, AI experts, maternal health workers: Trump’s health agency cuts are far-reaching
In interview after interview with STAT, those who were fired from federal health and science agencies, along with officials who remain, argued the cuts would be deeply felt.
www.statnews.com
February 17, 2025 at 9:31 PM
The Trump-DOGE layoffs are rippling across federal health agencies, hitting medical regulators, AI experts, and people trying to improve Medicare and Medicaid. Stellar work from STAT's team on a holiday weekend.
www.statnews.com/2025/02/17/t...
www.statnews.com/2025/02/17/t...
Welcome to the MAHA era: statnews.com/2025/02/05/r... by @isabellacueto.bsky.social
The MAHA era is here. RFK Jr.’s troubles are only beginning
The MAHA era has begun. But to execute his promises on health, RFK Jr. faces tough challenges on vaccines, chronic disease, and big business.
statnews.com
February 13, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Welcome to the MAHA era: statnews.com/2025/02/05/r... by @isabellacueto.bsky.social
Reposted by Zach Tracer
TOMORROW
We are launching a brand new subscriber-only newsletter — AI Prognosis
Every week, have help understanding the rapidly changing nature of AI in health and medicine.
Penned by STAT's @brittanytrang.bsky.social
Subscribe now:
www.statnews.com/signup/ai-pr...
We are launching a brand new subscriber-only newsletter — AI Prognosis
Every week, have help understanding the rapidly changing nature of AI in health and medicine.
Penned by STAT's @brittanytrang.bsky.social
Subscribe now:
www.statnews.com/signup/ai-pr...
Sign up for AI Prognosis — a STAT+ newsletter from Brittany Trang
Coming this February, Brittany Trang's new weekly newsletter unpacks the intersection of AI, health, and medicine.
www.statnews.com
February 11, 2025 at 4:11 PM
TOMORROW
We are launching a brand new subscriber-only newsletter — AI Prognosis
Every week, have help understanding the rapidly changing nature of AI in health and medicine.
Penned by STAT's @brittanytrang.bsky.social
Subscribe now:
www.statnews.com/signup/ai-pr...
We are launching a brand new subscriber-only newsletter — AI Prognosis
Every week, have help understanding the rapidly changing nature of AI in health and medicine.
Penned by STAT's @brittanytrang.bsky.social
Subscribe now:
www.statnews.com/signup/ai-pr...
How Trump's buyouts and potential layoffs could undermine crucial work at the FDA: www.statnews.com/2025/02/07/f...
by @lizzylawrence.bsky.social
by @lizzylawrence.bsky.social
Experts fear disruptions at FDA as Trump offers buyouts and layoff reports swirl
The FDA is always trying to staff up, and already struggles to fulfill some duties.
www.statnews.com
February 7, 2025 at 6:06 PM
How Trump's buyouts and potential layoffs could undermine crucial work at the FDA: www.statnews.com/2025/02/07/f...
by @lizzylawrence.bsky.social
by @lizzylawrence.bsky.social
With Bill Cassidy's support, RFK Jr. is likely to become President Trump's top health official: www.statnews.com/2025/02/04/r...
RFK Jr. likely to win confirmation to top Trump health role as key GOP senator says he’ll vote yes
Nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head Health and Human Services Department wins Sen. Bill Cassidy's support.
www.statnews.com
February 4, 2025 at 6:27 PM
With Bill Cassidy's support, RFK Jr. is likely to become President Trump's top health official: www.statnews.com/2025/02/04/r...
How Trump's tariffs could increase health care costs: www.statnews.com/2025/02/02/t...
How Trump’s tariffs may raise health care costs, from medical devices to prescription drugs
Potential impacts of the tariffs include higher prices for drugs and medical supplies, and possible shortages.
www.statnews.com
February 2, 2025 at 4:05 PM
How Trump's tariffs could increase health care costs: www.statnews.com/2025/02/02/t...
Biden took steps to protect a key vaccine advisory committee ahead of Trump/RFK Jr., but it may not be enough www.statnews.com/2025/01/31/v...
With little fanfare, Biden administration stacked vaccine advisory committee with new members
With little fanfare, the Biden administration stacked a critical committee that helps set U.S. vaccination policy with new members before leaving office.
www.statnews.com
January 31, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Biden took steps to protect a key vaccine advisory committee ahead of Trump/RFK Jr., but it may not be enough www.statnews.com/2025/01/31/v...
Reposted by Zach Tracer
“If the freeze is not stopped, I might lose my house."
Some NSF-funded postdocs are having trouble paying rent and credit card bills because their salaries were paused this week, even though the federal funding freeze memo was rescinded.
www.statnews.com/2025/01/30/t...
Some NSF-funded postdocs are having trouble paying rent and credit card bills because their salaries were paused this week, even though the federal funding freeze memo was rescinded.
www.statnews.com/2025/01/30/t...
National Science Foundation suspends salary payments, leaving researchers unable to pay their bills
An NSF online payment system remained down after the federal funding freeze was lifted, leaving early-career scientists scrambling to pay bills
www.statnews.com
January 30, 2025 at 11:07 PM
“If the freeze is not stopped, I might lose my house."
Some NSF-funded postdocs are having trouble paying rent and credit card bills because their salaries were paused this week, even though the federal funding freeze memo was rescinded.
www.statnews.com/2025/01/30/t...
Some NSF-funded postdocs are having trouble paying rent and credit card bills because their salaries were paused this week, even though the federal funding freeze memo was rescinded.
www.statnews.com/2025/01/30/t...
Bernie Sanders asked RFK Jr. about his former nonprofit's anti-vaccine onesies, underscoring ongoing questions about the nominees (changed?) views on shots www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r... by @owermohle.bsky.social
RFK Jr. and the case of the onesies: Concerns about vaccine views flare at confirmation hearing
At a Senate confirmation hearing for RFK Jr. on Wednesday, there was discussion of abortion, Medicaid, and Covid-19. There was also discussion of onesies.
www.statnews.com
January 29, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Bernie Sanders asked RFK Jr. about his former nonprofit's anti-vaccine onesies, underscoring ongoing questions about the nominees (changed?) views on shots www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r... by @owermohle.bsky.social
Reposted by Zach Tracer
"Are you supportive of these onesies??" Sen. Sanders
pressed RFK Jr. on onesies sold by the Children's Health Defense, which he chaired until recently.
The onesies are inscribed with “Unvaxxed, Unafraid” and “No vax. No problem.”
www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r...
pressed RFK Jr. on onesies sold by the Children's Health Defense, which he chaired until recently.
The onesies are inscribed with “Unvaxxed, Unafraid” and “No vax. No problem.”
www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r...
RFK Jr. and the case of the onesies: Concerns about vaccine views flare at confirmation hearing
At a Senate confirmation hearing for RFK Jr. on Wednesday, there was discussion of abortion, Medicaid, and Covid-19. There was also discussion of onesies.
www.statnews.com
January 29, 2025 at 6:02 PM
"Are you supportive of these onesies??" Sen. Sanders
pressed RFK Jr. on onesies sold by the Children's Health Defense, which he chaired until recently.
The onesies are inscribed with “Unvaxxed, Unafraid” and “No vax. No problem.”
www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r...
pressed RFK Jr. on onesies sold by the Children's Health Defense, which he chaired until recently.
The onesies are inscribed with “Unvaxxed, Unafraid” and “No vax. No problem.”
www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r...
Reposted by Zach Tracer
A couple of minutes ago, RFK Jr. said
"I was called a conspiracy theorist because I said fluoride lowered IQ. Last week JAMA published a metareview of 87 studies saying there is a direct inverse correlation between IQ loss ..."
we covered that study (& why many researchers took issue w/ it)
"I was called a conspiracy theorist because I said fluoride lowered IQ. Last week JAMA published a metareview of 87 studies saying there is a direct inverse correlation between IQ loss ..."
we covered that study (& why many researchers took issue w/ it)
What to know about a controversial new study on fluoride and IQ
Critics of a new study on water fluoridation and IQ are questioning its data and methodology.
www.statnews.com
January 29, 2025 at 5:20 PM
A couple of minutes ago, RFK Jr. said
"I was called a conspiracy theorist because I said fluoride lowered IQ. Last week JAMA published a metareview of 87 studies saying there is a direct inverse correlation between IQ loss ..."
we covered that study (& why many researchers took issue w/ it)
"I was called a conspiracy theorist because I said fluoride lowered IQ. Last week JAMA published a metareview of 87 studies saying there is a direct inverse correlation between IQ loss ..."
we covered that study (& why many researchers took issue w/ it)
Reposted by Zach Tracer
RFK Jr. and the case of the onesies: Concerns about vaccine views flare at confirmation hearing. Via @owermohle.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r...
www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r...
RFK Jr. and the case of the onesies: Concerns about vaccine views flare at confirmation hearing
At a Senate confirmation hearing for RFK Jr. on Wednesday, there was discussion of abortion, Medicaid, and Covid-19. There was also discussion of onesies.
www.statnews.com
January 29, 2025 at 5:59 PM
RFK Jr. and the case of the onesies: Concerns about vaccine views flare at confirmation hearing. Via @owermohle.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r...
www.statnews.com/2025/01/29/r...
Reposted by Zach Tracer
Some very illuminating exchanges in here
#Breaking: Private emails show RFK Jr. making false claims about Covid-19 shots, linking vaccines to autism
Private emails show RFK Jr. making false claims about Covid-19 shots, linking vaccines to autism
Kennedy's niece, a NYC physician, shares private emails, says public needs to see what she calls her uncle’s misguided views and conspiracy theories.
buff.ly
January 29, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Some very illuminating exchanges in here
Reposted by Zach Tracer
If you're trying to keep up with how the Trump administration's directives are impacting Colorado, the @denverpost.com has you covered:
Trump’s federal spending freeze sends Colorado officials scrambling, with billions at stake; state AG plans to sue
www.denverpost.com/2025/01/28/d...
Trump’s federal spending freeze sends Colorado officials scrambling, with billions at stake; state AG plans to sue
www.denverpost.com/2025/01/28/d...
Trump’s federal spending freeze sends Colorado officials scrambling, with billions at stake; state AG plans to sue
A sudden freeze on federal spending by the Trump administration — set to take effect Tuesday — sent Colorado officials scrambling as they tried to figure out the extent and impact of the decision.…
www.denverpost.com
January 28, 2025 at 9:50 PM
If you're trying to keep up with how the Trump administration's directives are impacting Colorado, the @denverpost.com has you covered:
Trump’s federal spending freeze sends Colorado officials scrambling, with billions at stake; state AG plans to sue
www.denverpost.com/2025/01/28/d...
Trump’s federal spending freeze sends Colorado officials scrambling, with billions at stake; state AG plans to sue
www.denverpost.com/2025/01/28/d...
Reposted by Zach Tracer
As some Medicaid sites freeze up, White House acts to clarify pause on grants and programs www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f... via @statnews.com
As some Medicaid sites freeze up, White House acts to clarify pause on grants and programs
The White House Office of Management and Budget says its program freeze is limited, but states report widespread disruption in online Medicaid portals.
www.statnews.com
January 28, 2025 at 8:48 PM
As some Medicaid sites freeze up, White House acts to clarify pause on grants and programs www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Zach Tracer
So proud of @statnews.com team and the work done in the early days of the Trump administration to get readers answers to questions that very much affect their lives.
statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
(1/2)
statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
(1/2)
As some Medicaid sites freeze up, White House acts to clarify pause on grants and programs
The White House Office of Management and Budget says its program freeze is limited, but states report widespread disruption in online Medicaid portals.
statnews.com
January 28, 2025 at 8:34 PM
So proud of @statnews.com team and the work done in the early days of the Trump administration to get readers answers to questions that very much affect their lives.
statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
(1/2)
statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
(1/2)
Reposted by Zach Tracer
Are Medicaid payments going to be paused? More confusion as sites freeze across the country. “It’s pretty obvious they just threw a big breaker switch on the federal government.” www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
As some Medicaid sites freeze up, White House acts to clarify pause on grants and programs
The White House Office of Management and Budget says its program freeze is limited, but states report widespread disruption in online Medicaid portals.
www.statnews.com
January 28, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Are Medicaid payments going to be paused? More confusion as sites freeze across the country. “It’s pretty obvious they just threw a big breaker switch on the federal government.” www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
Reposted by Zach Tracer
Sorting through more confusion, thanks to @rachelcohrs.bsky.social, @tarabannow.bsky.social, @bobjherman.bsky.social, @levfacher.bsky.social, and @aniloza.bsky.social at @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
As some Medicaid sites freeze up, White House acts to clarify pause on grants and programs
The White House Office of Management and Budget says its program freeze is limited, but states report widespread disruption in online Medicaid portals.
www.statnews.com
January 28, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Sorting through more confusion, thanks to @rachelcohrs.bsky.social, @tarabannow.bsky.social, @bobjherman.bsky.social, @levfacher.bsky.social, and @aniloza.bsky.social at @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
Reposted by Zach Tracer
The Trump admin: Freezes federal grants, but "mandatory programs like Medicaid and SNAP will continue without pause." Meanwhile, states were locked out of their Medicaid fund accounts. Complete confusion for a program that covers 79 million people. www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...
As some Medicaid sites freeze up, White House acts to clarify pause on grants and programs
The White House Office of Management and Budget says its program freeze is limited, but states report widespread disruption in online Medicaid portals.
www.statnews.com
January 28, 2025 at 8:25 PM
The Trump admin: Freezes federal grants, but "mandatory programs like Medicaid and SNAP will continue without pause." Meanwhile, states were locked out of their Medicaid fund accounts. Complete confusion for a program that covers 79 million people. www.statnews.com/2025/01/28/f...