Bénédicte C
@benecal.bsky.social
Biosciences & Tech policy
Post about research, innovation, public health, politics & policy making, regulation, disinfo
She/Her/Antifacist
Post about research, innovation, public health, politics & policy making, regulation, disinfo
She/Her/Antifacist
Pinned
Whopper of the Week: RFK Jr’s Bogus Attacks on Mifepristone Threaten Abortion Access | Defend Public Health
Secretary Kennedy has repeatedly challenged the safety of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in most abortions. Hundreds of studies using decades of data have conclusively shown that mifepristone is ...
www.defendpublichealth.org
Whopper of the Week: RFK Jr’s Bogus Attacks on Mifepristone Threaten Abortion Access
RFK Jr is not waiting for the FDA study of Mifepristone to come out to cast doubt on its safety. Trump administration is already restricting access to it.
www.defendpublichealth.org/opinion/whop...
RFK Jr is not waiting for the FDA study of Mifepristone to come out to cast doubt on its safety. Trump administration is already restricting access to it.
www.defendpublichealth.org/opinion/whop...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
RFK Jr. Says There’s a ‘War on Protein.’ His New Food Website Disagrees #Science #HealthandMedicine #Nutrition #NutritionFacts #FoodScience #HealthPolicy
https://www.wired.com/story/rfk-jr-says-americans-need-more-protein-his-grok-powered-food-website-disagrees/
https://www.wired.com/story/rfk-jr-says-americans-need-more-protein-his-grok-powered-food-website-disagrees/
RFK Jr. Says Americans Need More Protein. His Grok-Powered Food Website Disagrees
The site Realfood.gov uses Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot to dispense nutrition information—some of which contradicts the government’s new guidelines.
www.wired.com
February 10, 2026 at 8:59 PM
RFK Jr. Says There’s a ‘War on Protein.’ His New Food Website Disagrees #Science #HealthandMedicine #Nutrition #NutritionFacts #FoodScience #HealthPolicy
https://www.wired.com/story/rfk-jr-says-americans-need-more-protein-his-grok-powered-food-website-disagrees/
https://www.wired.com/story/rfk-jr-says-americans-need-more-protein-his-grok-powered-food-website-disagrees/
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Even as measles cases rise in the states, the trust in the mmr vaccine is falling. So much disinformation been given about this and other vaccines by Kennedy and his team that one can’t help but wonder if he his denting vaccine confidence… #MMR #HealthPolicy
Annenberg poll shows drop in perceived safety of vaccines
www.cidrap.umn.edu
February 12, 2026 at 6:49 AM
Even as measles cases rise in the states, the trust in the mmr vaccine is falling. So much disinformation been given about this and other vaccines by Kennedy and his team that one can’t help but wonder if he his denting vaccine confidence… #MMR #HealthPolicy
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Missouri lawmakers are raising alarms over proposed budget cuts that threaten crucial tobacco prevention programs and a vital statewide review for fetal and infant mortality.
Read the full story
#MO #MissouriPublicHealth #TobaccoPrevention #CitizenPortal #HealthPolicy
Read the full story
#MO #MissouriPublicHealth #TobaccoPrevention #CitizenPortal #HealthPolicy
Committee weighs cuts to tobacco prevention, local public‑health support and a statewide infant‑mortality review
Lawmakers questioned cuts to youth tobacco prevention and local public health support lines and heard that proposed reductions could prevent a statewide fetal and infant mortality review started in January 2026 from operating statewide.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 10:56 AM
Missouri lawmakers are raising alarms over proposed budget cuts that threaten crucial tobacco prevention programs and a vital statewide review for fetal and infant mortality.
Read the full story
#MO #MissouriPublicHealth #TobaccoPrevention #CitizenPortal #HealthPolicy
Read the full story
#MO #MissouriPublicHealth #TobaccoPrevention #CitizenPortal #HealthPolicy
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Time Magazine loses credibility when it platforms RFK Jr., Dr. Oz, and Marty Makary—individuals who have pushed misinformation, weakened public health, and backed policies that cost lives.
This isn’t recognition.
It’s normalization of harm
time.com/7373386/time...
This isn’t recognition.
It’s normalization of harm
time.com/7373386/time...
TIME Reveals the 2026 TIME100 Health List of the World’s Most Influential Leaders in Health
TIME reveals the third annual TIME100 Health list, recognizing the 100 most influential individuals in health.
time.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:24 AM
Time Magazine loses credibility when it platforms RFK Jr., Dr. Oz, and Marty Makary—individuals who have pushed misinformation, weakened public health, and backed policies that cost lives.
This isn’t recognition.
It’s normalization of harm
time.com/7373386/time...
This isn’t recognition.
It’s normalization of harm
time.com/7373386/time...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Lemme know when major US media outlets grow a pair to start calling this fascism.
"It is totally inappropriate and against the separations of powers for the DOJ to surveil us as we search the Epstein files. (US Attorney General) Bondi showed up today with a burn book that held a printed search history of exactly what emails I searched." - Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).
February 12, 2026 at 3:57 AM
Lemme know when major US media outlets grow a pair to start calling this fascism.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
I've written two @nature.com stories this week looking at whether EU efforts to lure US scientists are working 🧪
They are: the number of US applicants wanting to take up ERC grants has doubled. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
They are: the number of US applicants wanting to take up ERC grants has doubled. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
US applications for prestigious European research grants surge
Rush for funds to relocate laboratories to Europe is latest sign of a US brain drain.
www.nature.com
February 12, 2026 at 10:04 AM
I've written two @nature.com stories this week looking at whether EU efforts to lure US scientists are working 🧪
They are: the number of US applicants wanting to take up ERC grants has doubled. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
They are: the number of US applicants wanting to take up ERC grants has doubled. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
NEW ANALYSIS: China's CO2 has now been 'flat or falling' for 21 months
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
February 12, 2026 at 7:38 AM
NEW ANALYSIS: China's CO2 has now been 'flat or falling' for 21 months
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
* Down in 2025
* Still below Mar 2024
* Clean energy wave a key factor
If this is China's peak (TBC) it's the climate story of the century so far…
www.carbonbrief.org/...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
mRNA flu vaccines have better immunogenicity and better efficacy than traditional flu jab, and can be developed, manufactured and updated faster.
By denying US market, Prasad has essentially killed any prospect of a realistic mRNA flu vaccine in any market.
This guy and his RFK army are ghouls.
By denying US market, Prasad has essentially killed any prospect of a realistic mRNA flu vaccine in any market.
This guy and his RFK army are ghouls.
February 11, 2026 at 3:55 PM
mRNA flu vaccines have better immunogenicity and better efficacy than traditional flu jab, and can be developed, manufactured and updated faster.
By denying US market, Prasad has essentially killed any prospect of a realistic mRNA flu vaccine in any market.
This guy and his RFK army are ghouls.
By denying US market, Prasad has essentially killed any prospect of a realistic mRNA flu vaccine in any market.
This guy and his RFK army are ghouls.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
First a trickle, then a flood...like Germany in the 1930s. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Dozens of researchers will move to France from US following high-profile bid to lure talent
Large proportion worked at Columbia University, which had its grants cut and frozen by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
www.nature.com
February 11, 2026 at 9:19 AM
First a trickle, then a flood...like Germany in the 1930s. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Opinion | A New Jersey Primary Shows the Depth of Democratic Fury
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Reposted by Bénédicte C
🚨 I asked Mastercard about its sponsorship of Trump-branded Freedom 250, the WH's alt birthday celebration
NYT reported Sunday: "While America250 is a stand-alone congressionally authorized nonprofit group, Freedom 250 utilizes opaque corporate structures"
Gift link www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/u...
NYT reported Sunday: "While America250 is a stand-alone congressionally authorized nonprofit group, Freedom 250 utilizes opaque corporate structures"
Gift link www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/u...
February 11, 2026 at 4:31 PM
🚨 I asked Mastercard about its sponsorship of Trump-branded Freedom 250, the WH's alt birthday celebration
NYT reported Sunday: "While America250 is a stand-alone congressionally authorized nonprofit group, Freedom 250 utilizes opaque corporate structures"
Gift link www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/u...
NYT reported Sunday: "While America250 is a stand-alone congressionally authorized nonprofit group, Freedom 250 utilizes opaque corporate structures"
Gift link www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/u...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
We don't know what's happening, but there's no good news here. As long as we keep burning fossil fuels, the world will continue to become more dangerous and chaotic.
Scientists thought they understood global warming. Then the past three years happened.
The fastest warming period since 1880 occurred in the past 30 years, according to a Washington Post analysis of NASA data.
wapo.st
February 11, 2026 at 4:41 PM
We don't know what's happening, but there's no good news here. As long as we keep burning fossil fuels, the world will continue to become more dangerous and chaotic.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
And more reporting on a historic program that is increasingly unsettled, with late-breaking changes to criteria, fewer awards, applications returned without review, and more:
via @jonathanwosen.bsky.social for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2026/02/11/n...
via @jonathanwosen.bsky.social for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2026/02/11/n...
February 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
And more reporting on a historic program that is increasingly unsettled, with late-breaking changes to criteria, fewer awards, applications returned without review, and more:
via @jonathanwosen.bsky.social for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2026/02/11/n...
via @jonathanwosen.bsky.social for @statnews.com
www.statnews.com/2026/02/11/n...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Fact Check: Face masks can help reduce transmission of influenza, contrary to online posts www.reuters.com/fact-check/f...
Fact Check: Face masks can help reduce transmission of influenza, contrary to online posts
Face masks can help to reduce transmission of respiratory viruses such as influenza, according to experts and medical evidence, but their effectiveness depends on the type of mask used.
www.reuters.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:05 AM
Fact Check: Face masks can help reduce transmission of influenza, contrary to online posts www.reuters.com/fact-check/f...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
WSJ editorial board hits FDA: It’s hard to recall a regulator who has done as much damage to medical innovation in as little time as Vinay Prasad who rejected Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine without even a cursory review.
www.wsj.com/opinion/vina...
www.wsj.com/opinion/vina...
Opinion | Vinay Prasad’s Vaccine Kill Shot
Does the White House know the harm he’s doing to public health?
www.wsj.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:49 AM
WSJ editorial board hits FDA: It’s hard to recall a regulator who has done as much damage to medical innovation in as little time as Vinay Prasad who rejected Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine without even a cursory review.
www.wsj.com/opinion/vina...
www.wsj.com/opinion/vina...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
The revised Schedule F policy, finalized last week, will kick in next month. It could reclassify career government scientists—potentially those involved in grantmaking at agencies like NIH and NSF—into at-will employees, and would strip them of whistleblower protections.
Trump team’s new rule could make firing government scientists easier
Although the government says the move will depoliticize US science, some researchers say it will do the opposite.
www.nature.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:45 PM
The revised Schedule F policy, finalized last week, will kick in next month. It could reclassify career government scientists—potentially those involved in grantmaking at agencies like NIH and NSF—into at-will employees, and would strip them of whistleblower protections.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Donald Trump is stripping critical public health funding with one goal in mind: harming states he doesn’t like.
It’s a slap in the face to Illinoisans.
We will not stand by idly as Trump illegally cancels the Congressionally-allocated funding we are owed.
It’s a slap in the face to Illinoisans.
We will not stand by idly as Trump illegally cancels the Congressionally-allocated funding we are owed.
Illinois AG sues to prevent Trump admin. from cutting $600M in public health funds from 4 states
Illinois' attorney general is suing to block the Trump administration from cutting public health funding. Among the $600 million in cuts would be a $5.2 million program at Lurie Children's Hospital.
abc7chicago.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:56 AM
Donald Trump is stripping critical public health funding with one goal in mind: harming states he doesn’t like.
It’s a slap in the face to Illinoisans.
We will not stand by idly as Trump illegally cancels the Congressionally-allocated funding we are owed.
It’s a slap in the face to Illinoisans.
We will not stand by idly as Trump illegally cancels the Congressionally-allocated funding we are owed.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
You know who spays the 1.8 billion helping deport people? The taxpayers. We’re all paying an evil billionaire to deport hard-working people who actually contribute to society 🤬🤬🤬
February 12, 2026 at 3:10 AM
You know who spays the 1.8 billion helping deport people? The taxpayers. We’re all paying an evil billionaire to deport hard-working people who actually contribute to society 🤬🤬🤬
Reposted by Bénédicte C
There are humans behind the concentration camps, like CoreCivic CEO Damon T. Hininger and board chair Mark A. Emkes.
One of the most important things Dems like @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social can do now is name the people running CoreCivic and promise prison time for any known crimes.
One of the most important things Dems like @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social can do now is name the people running CoreCivic and promise prison time for any known crimes.
Congressmember @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social Slams ICE “Prison” Where Children as Young as 2 Months Old Are Held
Rep. Joaquin Castro Slams ICE “Prison” Where Children as Young as 2 Months Old Are Held
Senate Democrats have reportedly begun tentative negotiations with the White House just days before funding for the Homeland Security Department is set to expire at midnight on Friday, threatening ano...
www.democracynow.org
February 10, 2026 at 5:15 PM
There are humans behind the concentration camps, like CoreCivic CEO Damon T. Hininger and board chair Mark A. Emkes.
One of the most important things Dems like @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social can do now is name the people running CoreCivic and promise prison time for any known crimes.
One of the most important things Dems like @joaquincastrotx.bsky.social can do now is name the people running CoreCivic and promise prison time for any known crimes.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Proud to earn the endorsement of @afscme.bsky.social — the nation’s largest union of public service workers and my union.
February 12, 2026 at 2:53 AM
Proud to earn the endorsement of @afscme.bsky.social — the nation’s largest union of public service workers and my union.
Did NCI fund a preclinical study of ivermectin's anti-cancer properties bc Mel Gibson went on Joe Rogan and said 4 of his friends had used and had "stage IV cancer" cured?
NCI Director Letai announced the study at a MAHA event & raised ppl's "personal experiences".
arstechnica.com/health/2026/...
NCI Director Letai announced the study at a MAHA event & raised ppl's "personal experiences".
arstechnica.com/health/2026/...
Dewormer ivermectin as cancer cure? RFK Jr.'s NIH funds "absurd" study.
There's no reason to think ivermectin cures cancer, but RFK Jr's NIH is on it anyway.
arstechnica.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:27 AM
Did NCI fund a preclinical study of ivermectin's anti-cancer properties bc Mel Gibson went on Joe Rogan and said 4 of his friends had used and had "stage IV cancer" cured?
NCI Director Letai announced the study at a MAHA event & raised ppl's "personal experiences".
arstechnica.com/health/2026/...
NCI Director Letai announced the study at a MAHA event & raised ppl's "personal experiences".
arstechnica.com/health/2026/...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
When I talk to relatives now, they say, "But it's getting better, right?"
No, I say.
"But it will be okay?" they ask.
I tell them I don't know. I tell them I have no indication it will other than a vague reference to the curve of history.
No, I say.
"But it will be okay?" they ask.
I tell them I don't know. I tell them I have no indication it will other than a vague reference to the curve of history.
February 11, 2026 at 6:26 PM
When I talk to relatives now, they say, "But it's getting better, right?"
No, I say.
"But it will be okay?" they ask.
I tell them I don't know. I tell them I have no indication it will other than a vague reference to the curve of history.
No, I say.
"But it will be okay?" they ask.
I tell them I don't know. I tell them I have no indication it will other than a vague reference to the curve of history.
My entire adult life Republicans were adamantly against national ID papers... it never dawned on me it was because IDs might make it harder for them to throw people into concentration camps.
February 11, 2026 at 11:54 PM
My entire adult life Republicans were adamantly against national ID papers... it never dawned on me it was because IDs might make it harder for them to throw people into concentration camps.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Five years after the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines started, it seems the mystery of why the Astra-Zeneca and J&J vaccines led to a rare but deadly side effect of unusual blood clots and bleeding has finally been solved.
It's a fascinating case of molecular mimicry that may help make vaccine safer.🧪
It's a fascinating case of molecular mimicry that may help make vaccine safer.🧪
Rare, dangerous side effects of some COVID-19 vaccines explained
“Groundbreaking” study uncovers why adenovirus-based shots caused life-threatening blood clots and bleeding in some people
www.science.org
February 11, 2026 at 10:10 PM
Five years after the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines started, it seems the mystery of why the Astra-Zeneca and J&J vaccines led to a rare but deadly side effect of unusual blood clots and bleeding has finally been solved.
It's a fascinating case of molecular mimicry that may help make vaccine safer.🧪
It's a fascinating case of molecular mimicry that may help make vaccine safer.🧪
Reposted by Bénédicte C
We have received numerous credible reports of torture, killing, and inhumane treatment of detained individuals at the Camp East Montana migrant detention facility, located within Fort Bliss. #txlege
February 10, 2026 at 6:47 PM
We have received numerous credible reports of torture, killing, and inhumane treatment of detained individuals at the Camp East Montana migrant detention facility, located within Fort Bliss. #txlege