Scientist. Author. Host of PBS Serving Up Science. #HistoryRemix for stories of diverse trailblazers in science & the arts. #SharedPlanet to explore biodiversity
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2026-07-15T04:59:59+02:00 Event JSON
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Last Notes npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Wow. Did OpenAI really just name their new biology LLM after Rosalind Franklin… to support other people’s research? 🙄 https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/419/945/074/509/824/original/04a47e7e74bc54f1.png npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum In a first last month, renewables supplied more power to the U.S. than natural gas, a milestone in the shift to clean energy. https://e360.yale.edu/digest/us-renewables-natural-gas-coal?x-craft-preview=a09812a6e2e9e7d28862011a5e524ea3825e4eb19935e5d62bd015bf8aad5b17jlgvmkmfep&token=ab6uY3d0bvQLOfY03Aj2W99kZSP_e9zG #climate npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Brought my son to see Rent & the story is still as incredible & timely as ever. It’s interesting to consider the parallel between the changing media environment of the 90s spurred by the Internet with today’s AI transition. As a native New Yorker & teen when it first debuted, I’ve always felt a special connection with this one. Glad my 13yo could experience it too. Sparked good conversations. Angel was ahead of her time. #art npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I built this Paper Theater today after work. Quite charming, isn’t it? #anime #art https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/382/708/248/163/813/original/063cca1babd457ce.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum A beautiful visitor at Kiyomizu-dera Temple #CatsOfMastodon https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/375/248/594/227/010/original/9211e708e70e3228.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum This map shows the cost of charging an EV at home across the U.S. Home-charging is significantly cheaper in all 50 states than fueling a car with gasoline. Source: Yale https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2026/04/whats-cheaper-fueling-your-car-with-gas-or-electricity/ #energy #uspol https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/355/124/029/712/259/original/b07922892436cb91.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum M aybe we should be a bit less reliant on fossil fuels… 🤔 npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum In my new op-ed at The Hill, I describe a shift in how staffers & citizens perceive American democracy through the concept of “shifting baselines.” https://thehill.com/opinion/congress-blog/5802964-shifting-baselines-american-democracy/ This term from ecology illustrates how each generation tends to view the environment of their youth as normal, regardless of how degraded the system may be. I wonder whether future generations will recognize when it’s necessary to push back if their firsthand memories are only of political upheaval. #uspol #science npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Spring in Kyoto, Japan #SilentSunday #nature https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/312/802/758/542/229/original/8b5122bf1935fe8f.jpeg https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/312/802/958/309/505/original/226c5c1286f2fd32.jpeg https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/312/803/104/588/107/original/303a8a49ae75e7c1.jpeg https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/312/803/852/636/964/original/764ed4aa649523b4.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum See which jobs are most threatened by #AI and who may be able to adapt 🤔 https://wapo.st/4uvCpcY https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/247/033/420/231/045/original/3db567a7c5d7d5cd.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum “This is the systematic elimination of scientific stewardship at the world’s largest biomedical research funder.” https://open.substack.com/pub/elizabethginexi/p/i-wrote-research-funding-announcements?r=1j872&utm_medium=ios #science #health #uspol npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I cannot agree more! “Why we should look beyond grades to spot potential in STEM” https://www.science.org/content/article/why-we-should-look-beyond-grades-spot-potential-stem?utm_campaign=Science+Magazine&utm_medium=ownedSocial&utm_source=linkedin #science npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum "Do you think it's inappropriate in any way that someone w/ no experience w/ grants for the federal government was making personal judgment calls about what grants to cancel?" an attorney asked. "Um, no. I don't think it's inappropriate," Cavanaugh said, arguing that he did not need formal education or experience to make informed judgments. 🤔 https://abcnews.com/Politics/2-doge-staffers-regrets-people-losing-income-reduce/story?id=131050170 #science #uspol npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Before 1993, women weren’t allowed to wear pants on the Senate floor. That changed when Sen. Moseley Braun (D-IL), & Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) wore trousers - shocking the male-dominated Senate. This eventually led to the dress code being clarified to allow women to wear pants. Credit: Liberal Jane Illustration https://www.liberaljane.com #history #uspol https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/166/123/016/036/319/original/4a94868986be7bbd.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/157/103/843/873/455/original/46eea3f15f9611ca.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Is anyone able to help me understand #roblox? My children enjoy playing, but both of their accounts were suddenly banned (or deleted?) today and we don’t know why. I sent an appeal but I have two sad kiddos. I don’t play and I’m not familiar with how it works, but I’d appreciate any insight on this or suggestions about how to get it working again. #gaming npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum #SuperbOwl you say? Well okay then! https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/038/428/492/125/414/original/5a4df53f127c6a64.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I just finished #Pluribus and found it a very thoughtful exploration of humanity, loneliness, love, and individualism vs a collective hive mind. The series asks its audience to consider questions in ways I rarely experience at a time when so many programs feel like more of the same. I recommend watching and am interested to hear what others think. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I wanted to love "Beautyland" by Marie-Helene Bertino - a neurodiverse protagonist who loves science(!) - but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. But now I'm 11 chapters into "Circe" by Madeline Miller, which has been a wonderful journey so far. Miller knows her Classics! Highly recommend 📚 #books https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/116/002/845/968/658/433/original/8d71c8525c9da7c2.webp npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum “Don't worry, I've got you” ‘For Alex’ Alex Jeffrey Pretti 1988 - 2026 RIP by illustrator MJ.Hiblen Source: https://www.instagram.com/mjhiblenart?igsh=MTRkeTk4NmtnNjY2MQ== https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/965/138/805/608/004/original/9c7a5e02d2930ea5.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum “Fear not the those without papers, but those without conscience.” - Amanda Gorman, For Alex Jeffrey Pretti, Murdered by I.C.E January 24, 2026 https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/957/510/588/984/400/original/e54da564b9f66b40.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Most ppl know me for work in science & policy, but in college, my other major was classical #history & literature. I view the present moment through this lens, understanding that the world map has always been dynamic. Borders shift, empires rise and fall, societies transform. Only by studying the humanities - the disciplines so many ppl in power now regularly dismiss - can we hope to learn from the past & chart a more hopeful future. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has voted to dissolve after Republicans rescinded $1.1B at President Trump’s behest. This ends the 58-year-old agency that distributed federal funds to NPR, PBS and more than 1,500 local public radio & television stations. https://apple.news/AXdo2-zPuRCiJSiIVd3DXSg #uspol #news npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum May we find peace, health, and change in 2026 ✨ https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/810/556/401/563/802/original/957ab31ea8f11c34.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum It didn’t have to be this way. #science #uspol https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/715/684/416/769/875/original/461429ca3ff5b56a.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum The History of Earth as a 24 hr clock. Humans have only just arrived. Note: I first came across this image through UW-Madison geology. #science #history https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/706/780/457/520/923/original/e6176b4c2d812b6f.png npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Evolution doesn’t look how it’s depicted in pop culture. We often picture the famous “March of Progress” illustration where a series of apes stand in line leading to a modern human. But evolution is not linear. It branches and branches. Divides in some places and recombines in others. #science Image: @keesey https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/604/911/384/372/103/original/05ae380e3a27c72e.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Halted NIH Clinical Trials List Reveals Slashed Treatments for Cancer, COVID and Minority Health https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/halted-nih-clinical-trials-list-reveals-slashed-treatments-for-cancer-covid/ #uspol #health npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum If it were up to me, we’d have better food distribution & more public libraries. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum My thoughts are with the people in Hurricane Melissa’s path. #ClimateChange makes the ocean warmer, fueling stronger, more intense storms. It’s not about politics. I hope we can come together to help the communities impacted by this extremely dangerous Category 5 #hurricane. #science https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/446/898/080/524/289/original/ece77454635b2120.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum We lost sweet Kiwi tonight. He was a most spectacular bird. I am sad. https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/415/054/223/165/780/original/3d47f31258945f4f.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Jane Goodall, one of my greatest heroes, has passed away. How lucky we were to read her books and learn from her wisdom about our place on Earth. She was an inspiration to me and countless others. And her memory is a blessing. https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/300/294/682/375/559/original/3d2c7a27e0fab76f.jpg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Ebola outbreak in DR Congo rages, with 61% death rate & funding running dry “In the past, the US Agency for International Development, USAID, has provided critical support to respond to such outbreaks. But, with funding cuts and a dismantling of the agency.. health officials fear it will be difficult to compensate for the loss.” https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/09/ebola-outbreak-in-dr-congo-rages-with-61-death-rate-and-funding-running-dry/ npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum "Amid massive cuts to US scientific research, the Science Foundation will raise public funds for transdisciplinary, discovery-based research!" https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02931-x #science #uspol Congratulations to Maren Friesen, Venkatesh Srinivas & The Science Foundation team! Donate at https://science-foundation.org/donate/ npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum “One of the best-known anchors on Fox News has suggested killing people as a way to end the country’s homelessness crisis.” 👀 https://www.thedailybeast.com/fox-news-host-brian-kimeade-offers-bloodthirsty-fix-to-homeless-crisis-just-kill-them/ #uspol npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum ‘Surrender Catwoman’ by Karl Stevens #art #cats https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/191/168/109/366/265/original/6b58873a9b037205.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Good. Details at: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02682-9?utm_source=Iterable&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=campaign_14701761_nl_Daily-Briefing_date_20250825&fbclid=IwZnRzaAMdPp1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgKEBxQJwnwRaYyHcnPEbbZTES0hIC6DfFQM0AudUWIwqvgYDSlpgb07dlc3_aem_Z09S2WyuydQEL_BUQpwIzw #science #uspol #health https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/106/731/093/600/658/original/4e7df16031dd5bcb.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Pretty sure the vast majority of people don’t want to get sick regardless of their party affiliation. 🤔 #health #news https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/100/544/988/733/453/original/0cf8ee70b29741d3.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Despite political uncertainty, I leave D.C. hopeful knowing that so many caring and dedicated colleagues will continue this important work, and I look forward to carrying all I’ve learned into the next chapter of my career. 2/2 https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/092/502/963/019/226/original/ef3ff4e940185d0c.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum As I conclude my Senate fellowship, I’m deeply grateful to Senator Gary Peters of Michigan and his brilliant, thoughtful team. I will miss working with them tremendously. Thanks as well to the Council on Foreign Relations for the chance to serve during such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. It has been a transformative year, for me personally and for democracy. 1/2 https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/115/092/500/892/010/137/original/71ecd517fcb71057.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Even amid difficult headlines, I take comfort in the resilience of nature. Trees keep growing. Fungi keep breaking things down. And the world keeps changing. Our species is just one character in a far older story. I hope we have the wisdom (and data) to remain part of it a little longer. https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/940/286/738/659/679/original/7ff4589fe284488d.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum In every part of the world, “child” and “hunger” should never be part of the same sentence. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum On one hand, good. On another, we shouldn’t need the UN to declare #climatechange is an existential threat at this point. It’s here. It’s now. https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/904/172/673/450/128/original/9366d62edf15c6c7.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Not sure who needs to hear this, but #science cuts don’t just affect researchers. They ripple out to the food we eat, the air we breathe, the safety of our water, and our health. This is personal for you. Me. All of us. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Hi 👋 I was the host of Serving Up Science, a PBS show created by WKAR with some of the kindest people in public media. We focused on the #science of #food. Not politics, not controversy. Now, half the team has been laid off. It’s a quiet unraveling of something deeply valuable. #uspol npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Short coat. Long ears. #dogsofmastodon https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/866/141/183/568/288/original/aa057581801aa18b.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum To my colleagues and friends impacted: Thank you. Your integrity and service have shaped this country’s history, security, and prosperity in ways few will ever fully understand. You deserved better. /3 npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum A strong and independent civil service has been one of our country’s greatest strengths. It ensures continuity, stability, and professionalism even as elected leaders and policies change. Undermining that foundation comes at a real cost to our global credibility, our national security, and the trust we place in government institutions. /2 npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Friday’s mass layoffs at the State Department are not just about jobs lost, but a disruption to the institutional memory, relationships, and expertise that underpin meaningful diplomacy. These career professionals have served under both Republican and Democratic administrations, often in extremely challenging posts around the world, with little recognition and immense dedication. 1/ npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/837/316/233/386/837/original/5cde6ed78c82184f.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Over the past several months, I’ve watched too many brilliant, dedicated friends lose their jobs across government, academia, and public media. It’s heartbreaking. These losses reflect the broader erosion of the institutions that uphold our democracy, generate knowledge, and strengthen civic life. And we will continue to feel their absence in unexpected and lasting ways. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I’m deeply saddened that WKAR - the wonderful PBS station I work with - has had to lay off several incredibly talented, dedicated, and kind colleagues due to federal funding cuts driven by the Trump administration’s push to defund public media. Stations like WKAR are the backbone of local communities, offering trusted news, diverse voices, and educational content that enriches our lives and strengthens society. 1/ npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum From climate to AI to public health, the need for evidence-based policy has never been more urgent. Better outcomes require more meaningful & informed engagement w the people & institutions that govern us. This is the moment to reimagine the role of science in democracy. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum #SilentSunday https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/728/035/438/538/476/original/9cccfda086d48e33.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/724/608/933/169/663/original/8abfdebf64859631.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum It’s hard to focus on #climate when every day brings a new political crisis. So much chaos at home & abroad has buried it in the news. But the climate crisis hasn’t paused - even when our collective attention has. I hope we act before it takes the next disaster to remind us what’s at stake. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Science is a process - a method for pursuing deeper understanding, not for validating fringe theories. When disinformation is labeled as science to manipulate and mislead the public, it erodes trust and hinders progress. In this political moment, it’s vital that we work together to demand evidence over ideology. Science will only continue to serve the public if we defend its principles. /2 npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum When you cherry-pick data to support findings that serve your political goals, it’s no longer science. It’s propaganda. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum This. https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/644/194/724/246/974/original/097e509ea61a73da.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum If true, this is cruel & absolutely unacceptable. /2 Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/opinion/celebrity-feminism-blue-origin.html?unlocked_article_code=1.MU8.UOFT.yMLqPbhMEeOX&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum “In 2017, ‘a confidential doc is leaked that reveals Facebook offering advertisers the opportunity to target 13-to-17yos across platforms during moments of psychological vulnerability when they feel ‘worthless,’ ‘insecure,’ ‘stressed,’ ‘defeated,’ ‘anxious,’ ‘stupid,’ ‘useless’ & ‘like a failure.’ Or target them when worried about their bodies & thinking of losing weight.’ They knew when a teen deleted a selfie & would bombard her w beauty ads, assuming she deleted it bc she felt ugly.” /1 npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Beautiful work by a creative city spider https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/605/809/015/605/241/original/013b94b534d48813.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Game-changing innovation generally happens when we create space for ideas that seem impossible today. When we fund research without demanding immediate returns. And when we recognize that breakthrough discoveries can come from places and people we might not expect. History teaches us that our nation wins when we bet on human curiosity before we know where it leads. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Every underfunded scientific lab and institution may become a future industry we're giving away to competitors. Each PhD student who leaves for better opportunities abroad takes tomorrow's breakthroughs with them. America built its booming economy by betting on science before we knew where it would lead. Basic research feels expensive until it creates trillion-dollar industries. #uspol /2 npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum The jobs of 2035 don't exist yet—but the #science that will foster them is being discovered today. Think about it: Data scientists didn't exist when we invented the internet. Genetic counseling wasn’t a career when we first discovered DNA's structure. Solar panel installers weren't needed before we figured out how to harness sunlight efficiently. 1/ npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Where to go for a PhD? Change of interest from non-US students. Source: Economist, 2025 https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2025/05/21/america-is-in-danger-of-experiencing-an-academic-brain-drain #science #uspol https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/557/612/262/968/614/original/5f56e17a201fdb2b.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Science thrives at the edge of persistence and possibility. Breakthroughs rarely follow straight lines—they come from setbacks, questions, and showing up. In a fractured world, connecting #science to society has always been challenging—but also essential. This moment is no different. https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/543/168/774/706/429/original/3e1c14573cbef8b6.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Bottom line: the proposed NIH & NSF cuts alone would eventually strip at least $10 billion per year from U.S. output. https://www.forbes.com/sites/johndrake/2025/05/19/trumps-nih-and-nsf-cuts-could-cost-the-us-economy-10-billion-annually/ #uspol #science npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum “We are the music makers, And we are the dreamers of dreams” - Arthur O'Shaughnessy, "Ode" #art #science npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I am honored to share that I’ve been nominated for an Emmy as host of PBS’s Serving Up Science - a series funded by the National Science Foundation. This recognition is a testament to what federal science funding & public media can achieve when we invest in #science, education & evidence-based storytelling. And it’s a reminder that curiosity matters & there is value in making science understandable & available to all. If this resonates with you, I hope you’ll support science agencies & PBS. https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/514/029/434/719/329/original/a463f21134a9ddcc.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum A few takeaways from my research: 1 - Not one staffer said they’d turn to scientists first when facing a science-related question. 2 - Party leadership, lobbyists, and trusted friends-of-friends often have more influence than peer-reviewed studies. 3 - Scientists are unintentionally sidelining themselves by only engaging with one side of the aisle. https://sheril.substack.com/p/what-scientists-get-wrong-about-congress #science #politics #uspol npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Striking to read headlines about three fighter jets—$180M worth—falling off the USS Harry S. Truman as so many brilliant scientists I know are crowdfunding just to keep their research and lab members afloat. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum “I listened to NSF staff say DOGE had the authority to give thumbs up or down to grant applications which had been systematically vetted by layers of subject matter experts. Our closed-to-the-public deliberations were observed by Zachary Terrell from the DOGE team. Through his Zoom screen, he showed more interest in his water bottle & his cuticles than the discussion. Terrell..accessed the NSF awards system to block the dispersal of approved grants.“ https://time.com/7285045/resigning-national-science-foundation-library-congress/ #science #uspol npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum It’s hard to put this moment into words, especially as scientists. Watching agencies dismantled, colleagues dismissed & data erased is heartbreaking. The disruption ripples far beyond #science. But we will carry our work, passion & knowledge forward, prepared to rebuild stronger together. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Happy birthday to Dr. Cecilia Payne! Her 1925 PhD thesis has been described as “the most brilliant ever written in astronomy.” At a time when few women entered academia, Payne discovered what the universe is made of. Her work began a revolution in astrophysics & more should know her name. #science #history https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/486/844/102/740/829/original/9c92db2a058be6f2.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum The NSF Is Being Dismantled — With Broad Implications For The American Economy “This isn’t about merit or budgets because NSF has a tiny imprint on the federal budget. This is all about controlling information and knowledge.” https://www.forbes.com/sites/johndrake/2025/05/09/the-national-science-foundation-is-being-dismantled-what-the-economy-needs-is-more-investment/ #uspol US is choosing to cede leadership in #science and innovation. On purpose. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I chuckled. #science #comic https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/468/384/165/115/965/original/fdbda5b060299e63.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Kiwi is helping with spelling words this morning. #birds https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/466/297/490/440/767/original/948359c1e02c5e25.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I will never understand how this wealthy nation allows so many children to go hungry. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Beatrix Potter is best remembered for her charming tales of Peter Rabbit, but did you know she also studied #science? Potter collected & examined beetles, butterflies, plants, bird eggs, shells, rocks, fossils & especially fungi. She conducted experiments & wrote a scientific paper with her own illustrations, presented at the Linnean Society of London. However, as a woman in the Victorian era, she couldn’t even attend the meeting.#history #art #books https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/457/165/039/269/983/original/acf8d9e44a013362.png https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/457/166/773/197/929/original/c69e47e982e08275.png npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum #SilentSunday https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/450/123/459/819/765/original/0f0f024d0a7fb6ff.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum This is a good weekend to show your local public media station support! 🌈 https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/441/533/321/102/538/original/26e5c231cbe01a20.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum There are currently over 8 billion people on Earth. Yes, that’s a lot BUT there are about 1.4 billion insects for every human. Combined, they weigh about 70x more than all of us. And insects have been around for over 350 million years. That's longer than the dinosaurs. Modern humans only showed up between 200-300,000 years ago. We need insects to survive. They don't need us. This is their world. #science #history https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/412/883/939/839/518/original/e755ccf4f68660c6.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Given the White House wants U.S. women to have more babies, my talk “Rethinking Population” from 2014 seems particularly relevant. The key theme is that all around the world, women with an education, the ability to enter the workforce & access to healthcare & medicine choose to have fewer children. https://youtu.be/JtyAQ2JK6E8?si=PmQz483ew4wWrgxm Where do fertility rates remain high? In places where child mortality is high, health conditions are poor & women don’t have as much autonomy & opportunity. #uspol #Trump npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I find #birds really enhance a timeline. https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/371/729/313/795/637/original/de929babac97f037.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Perhaps one day we’ll have a scientist-president. But in the meantime, I hope more scientists enter politics. Not just as elected officials, but as staffers - the key people making decisions & crafting legislation behind the scenes. #uspol #science npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I’m so grateful for PBS & NPR. 🌈 If the programs & people of public media have also enriched your lives, *now* is the time to show your support. https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/345/364/512/232/606/original/f40fb274221d00d1.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum The history of Earth as the length of a human’s outstretched arm - representing 4.5 billion years of time. At this scale, humans emerged so recently that we could be filed off from a microscopic slice at the very tip of a fingernail. Infographic by Katie Scott. #science #history https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/333/264/709/093/547/original/9dfee4160c3d472b.png npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Born in 1914, Hedy Lamarr was a famous American actress who pioneered the technology that would lead to WiFi, GPS, cell phones & Bluetooth communication. Lamarr was brilliant. Among many fascinating inventions, she developed a new communication system with composer George Antheil that used “frequency hopping” among radio waves. Once called the “most beautiful woman in the world," Lamarr is now remembered as "the mother of Wi-Fi." https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/thank-world-war-ii-era-film-star-your-wi-fi-180971584/ #science #history https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/327/295/815/916/456/original/82ce8e4c249fbf33.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I helped the 8yo with his 2nd grade project. Choose your player! https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/321/949/139/014/540/original/8a68e146f0be4d5f.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum About 250M years ago, 90% of species on Earth died during the Permian extinction. All of that loss created a lot of vacant niches to fill. And not long after, the first mammals, our ancestors, appeared. Life on this pale blue dot will be resilient - whether we’re part of it or not. #science #nature #history https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/296/614/101/890/465/original/0f3cba3d14e1f1d8.png npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/292/714/839/071/099/original/596674553f5e6db0.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Back up everything friends! https://www.axios.com/2025/04/04/noaa-research-websites-go-dark-saturday-night #science #uspol npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum 👀 https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/266/081/352/519/491/original/aa8ce8a2f7b5c5ac.png npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I’m with Cory Booker npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Evening magnolias #nature https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/114/260/267/253/294/128/original/8a2c0f2bf058e462.jpeg npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Diversity ensures resilience in systems. That’s not a partisan talking point. It’s #science. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum I haven’t worked for #PBS or #NPR, but I’ve collaborated with both to share #science stories. The talented people there are always thoughtful, curious & kind. They’ve gifted us Mister Rogers, Carl Sagan, Julia Child, LeVar Burton & Elmo. 🌈 It’s appalling to see members of Congress attack them for political points. npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum Anthropic’s Dario Amodei predicts that #AI could be writing 90% of code in the next 3-6 months & potentially all of it within a year. While human programmers will remain essential for now, AI may soon replace them across industries. How should we prepare for the impact on the workforce? npub1k3yrx0c698vuvcnl9xun6e7htv4xscxr97ger2qdq069sz287epqwt09rz Sheril Kirshenbaum A desire for clean air, safe drinking water, access to health care & equal rights shouldn’t be partisan.