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sheril.bsky.social
CFR fellow in the U.S. Senate. Scientist. Author. Host of PBS Serving Up Science. www.sherilkirshenbaum.com
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Can’t decide if my 2024 PhD dissertation on how the U.S. government makes decisions about #science is timely or antiquated.

“The U.S. is the best place in the world to be a scientist right now & these actions will change that.” www.scientificamerican.com/article/trum... #science #uspol

If you’re not sure why the FDA is critical or doubt we need scientists monitoring our food system, read up on the 1858 scandal in NY killed 8,000 children “traced to the use of impure milk”. www.smithsonianmag.com/history/surp... #science #history #uspol

Slashing vital programs & firing experts to “save” money will undoubtedly have the opposite effect as we become far more vulnerable to disease, disasters, charlatans & geopolitical instability.

It’s not that the pieces on the board have shifted, but rather the game itself has fundamentally changed.

Everyone okay?

In Sept 2024, Hurricane Helene roared into NC. Winds, rain & floods destroyed homes, businesses, roads & forests. The area’s best writers & artists contributed to “Stronger than the Storm” & all profits benefit recovery efforts. My copy just arrived & I encourage you to order yours. a.co/d/9BeCdKn

The father of evolutionary biology, Charles Darwin, was born on this day in 1809. Happy Darwin Day!

“The 20-year move toward lower emissions will not stop just because of Mr. Trump’s bully pulpit.” - Michael E. Webber www.nytimes.com/2025/02/11/o... #energy #climate #politics

Today is the International Day of Women & Girls in Science. www.un.org/en/observanc...

Just a reminder that Executive Orders are not laws.

I see #SuperbOwl is trending. Here’s my favorite!

It’s been a tough few weeks. My 10yo daughter was diagnosed with a very rare, aggressive cancer called interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS). I’m reaching out to identify clinicians/patients who have encountered pediatric IDCS or other (non-LCH) dendritic or histiocytic sarcomas cases.

I'd prefer if this old book wasn't so timely, but it's 2025 & here we are. Climate change, vaccines, pandemic preparedness & the future of science, innovation & leadership. My thinking has evolved in the 16+ years since this was published, but so much remains regretfully relevant.

Hey scientist friends 👋 2025 is a good year to consider working in Congress. We’re needed to share expertise on critical issues. Don’t know where to start? Ask orgs & societies you’re part of - you’ll be surprised how many have paid congressional fellowships available tailored to your field.

If I wasn’t working in the Senate this year, I’d have chosen USAID. They are the helpers. And the people I’ve met there are kind, caring, and extremely experienced. #USAID represents the best of us.

Just making sure you’ve all seen the cutest, spikiest, tiniest king crab discovered in the Gulf of Mexico! 😍

“Science is more than a body of knowledge; it is a way of thinking. I have a foreboding of an America in my children’s or grandchildren’s time — when the United States is a service and information economy…” 1/4

A treat to reunite w @whysharksmatter.bsky.social today & bring my family to listen to David share stories from his terrific book, Why Sharks Matter! Spoiler: They sure do! 🦈

Science, at its core, isn't political. It serves all of us. But when politicians meddle in science, scientists will get involved in politics.

Welcome to the city Bao Li and Qing Bao! #DCPandas #NationalZoo

That time in 2009 when Donald Trump took out a full-page NYT ad with other business leaders calling on President Obama for aggressive climate action: “If we fail to act now, it is scientifically irrefutable that there will be catastrophic & irreversible consequences for humanity & our planet.”

Working in Congress during the Trump administration should be interesting.

Fewer vaccinations = Greater risk of outbreaks 🦠

The number of #books banned at the school district level. via NYT & Pen America📚

Billion dollar disasters are becoming more common. #ClimateChange

Thinking of everyone in CA affected by the fires. I am so sorry. Stay safe.

What's the best meat for our bodies & the environment? It's complicated, but here's what to consider: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pa6S... #food #science

The best day of Capricorn’s life ❄️

Alcohol consumption is the 3rd leading preventable cause of cancer. Risk communication scientists have been talking about this for a long time, but it’s v interesting to see this as the top headline at NYT. It’s about time. www.nytimes.com/2025/01/03/h...

Whenever I find myself feeling concerned about the future of life on Earth, I’m comforted thinking of the humble tardigrade. Sure, humans may not be here long in the grand scheme of things, but water bears will certainly persevere for millions of years after we’re gone.

Redwoods

No one should be homeless in the U.S.

‘Tis the season to remember all of Santa’s reindeer are female.
 Males drop their antlers after the Autumn mating season, so since Ol’ Saint Nick’s reindeer are always depicted with spectacular antlers, we must assume that entire intrepid team - including Rudolph - are female. #science #Christmas

Today I visited the White House. It was beautifully decorated for the holidays.

As @globalecoguy.bsky.social & @projectdrawdown.bsky.social have been explaining, the #food system is one of the most meaningful places to address #ClimateChange. My new ep of Serving Up Science is all about the switch to #induction cooking. youtu.be/JyTvHQnHq14 #energy #environment

For the first time since 2006, there will be no women leading House committees. 🤔 #politics abcnews.go.com/Politics/rep...

Make America Sick Again?

This is my favorite #scicomm project! It’s an interdisciplinary collaboration between teachers in Flint & Detroit, artists, social scientists, biologists & writers. And best of all, the beautifully illustrated comic book they created about evolution & genetics is freely available to download!

I don’t watch the news, but I know what’s visible on Capitol Hill tends to appear dismal. And yes, things will be different in the weeks to come. But most days I leave my Senate office feeling grateful for the opportunity to work on issues I care deeply about & for the thoughtful ppl I work with.