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
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
Remember back in the fall when RFKjr was looking for an autism cause and he came up with folate deficiency based on one study, and THEN the FDA then reissued a drug approval for leucovorin despite the fact there was no market for it?
About that Indian study...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
About that Indian study...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
February 11, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Remember back in the fall when RFKjr was looking for an autism cause and he came up with folate deficiency based on one study, and THEN the FDA then reissued a drug approval for leucovorin despite the fact there was no market for it?
About that Indian study...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
About that Indian study...
link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Patient Information: Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder
This JAMA Patient Page describes medications used to treat opioid use disorder, opioid withdrawal, and opioid overdose.
jamanetwork.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
CALL FOR CHAPTERS!
Me and @grahammacklin.bsky.social are putting together an edited collection looking at the use of pseudoscientific ideas by extremist movements. If you are interested, please send us your abstracts at this link: forms.gle/mAUtpDGNEj9i...
Me and @grahammacklin.bsky.social are putting together an edited collection looking at the use of pseudoscientific ideas by extremist movements. If you are interested, please send us your abstracts at this link: forms.gle/mAUtpDGNEj9i...
February 10, 2026 at 7:38 PM
CALL FOR CHAPTERS!
Me and @grahammacklin.bsky.social are putting together an edited collection looking at the use of pseudoscientific ideas by extremist movements. If you are interested, please send us your abstracts at this link: forms.gle/mAUtpDGNEj9i...
Me and @grahammacklin.bsky.social are putting together an edited collection looking at the use of pseudoscientific ideas by extremist movements. If you are interested, please send us your abstracts at this link: forms.gle/mAUtpDGNEj9i...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
#PedSky #MedSky #EpiSky #policysky #polisky #neuroskyence #neurosci 🧪🛟 💊
In September 25 FDA approved leucovorin suggesting it can treat autism. Now, the biggest clinical trial cited in that decision was retracted.
In September 25 FDA approved leucovorin suggesting it can treat autism. Now, the biggest clinical trial cited in that decision was retracted.
Retraction Note: Efficacy of oral folinic acid supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial - European Journal of Pediatrics
European Journal of Pediatrics -
link.springer.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:51 AM
#PedSky #MedSky #EpiSky #policysky #polisky #neuroskyence #neurosci 🧪🛟 💊
In September 25 FDA approved leucovorin suggesting it can treat autism. Now, the biggest clinical trial cited in that decision was retracted.
In September 25 FDA approved leucovorin suggesting it can treat autism. Now, the biggest clinical trial cited in that decision was retracted.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Dr Oz invited Jeffrey Epstein to his Valentines Day party in 2016:
February 11, 2026 at 8:24 PM
Dr Oz invited Jeffrey Epstein to his Valentines Day party in 2016:
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Breaking on MSNOW right now: the DOJ is tracking the search histories of Congresspeople in the unredacted Epstein files, and Pam Bondi is using those search histories in her Burn Book today.
This is surveillance of Democratic lawmakers as the review the Epstein files, and it is chilling.
This is surveillance of Democratic lawmakers as the review the Epstein files, and it is chilling.
February 11, 2026 at 8:21 PM
Breaking on MSNOW right now: the DOJ is tracking the search histories of Congresspeople in the unredacted Epstein files, and Pam Bondi is using those search histories in her Burn Book today.
This is surveillance of Democratic lawmakers as the review the Epstein files, and it is chilling.
This is surveillance of Democratic lawmakers as the review the Epstein files, and it is chilling.
The suspicion of course is that Prasad/RFKjr/Trump are ideologically opposed to mRNA technology and/or vaccination altogether...
This decision has nothing to do with the choice of control arms in the study.
Under Trump, why would pharma firms bother marketing modern vaccines in the US at all?
This decision has nothing to do with the choice of control arms in the study.
Under Trump, why would pharma firms bother marketing modern vaccines in the US at all?
The FDA has refused to accept an application from Moderna to review its first mRNA seasonal flu vaccine, the company said, in another setback for the technology that’s been a target of some Trump administration health officials. https://cnn.it/4kt8iyn
February 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The suspicion of course is that Prasad/RFKjr/Trump are ideologically opposed to mRNA technology and/or vaccination altogether...
This decision has nothing to do with the choice of control arms in the study.
Under Trump, why would pharma firms bother marketing modern vaccines in the US at all?
This decision has nothing to do with the choice of control arms in the study.
Under Trump, why would pharma firms bother marketing modern vaccines in the US at all?
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Arizona state Senator seems to envy Utah's recent law and aspires to make her state follow suit.
🛟😷 medsky polisky health policy
🛟😷 medsky polisky health policy
Arizona Senate Bill targets fluoride in Tucson's water systems
TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) - A significant move by the Senate Committee on Government is shaking up Arizona's public water systems. The committee has passed Senate Bill 1019, a bill aiming
www.kvoa.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:24 AM
Arizona state Senator seems to envy Utah's recent law and aspires to make her state follow suit.
🛟😷 medsky polisky health policy
🛟😷 medsky polisky health policy
Reposted by Bénédicte C
We can't fund health disparities research, but this gets the green light...
The National Cancer Institute is using federal funds to study ivermectin as a cancer treatment. Internal researchers describe the move as nonscientific.
The National Cancer Institute is using federal funds to study ivermectin as a cancer treatment. Internal researchers describe the move as nonscientific.
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 11, 2026 at 4:30 PM
We can't fund health disparities research, but this gets the green light...
The National Cancer Institute is using federal funds to study ivermectin as a cancer treatment. Internal researchers describe the move as nonscientific.
The National Cancer Institute is using federal funds to study ivermectin as a cancer treatment. Internal researchers describe the move as nonscientific.
US CDC funding unethical clinical trial in Guinea Bissau according to the WHO's Director General.
The director-general of the WHO said a U.S.-funded study of the hepatitis B vaccine in Guinea-Bissau would be “unethical” if it proceeds as planned. www.statnews.com/2026/02/11/h...
WHO director-general calls plans for U.S.-funded vaccine trial ‘unethical’
The director-general of the WHO said a U.S.-funded study of the hepatitis B vaccine in Guinea-Bissau would be “unethical” if it proceeds as planned.
www.statnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:44 PM
US CDC funding unethical clinical trial in Guinea Bissau according to the WHO's Director General.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Fière d'étudier à l'UQAM et sincèrement honorée d'être nommée aux côtés de ces brillantes scientifiques! 👩🔬🙌 #FemmesEnSciences #WomeninSTEM
👩🔬 En ce 11 février, nous vous présentons les boursières 2026 du Fonds pour les femmes en science de l'@uqam.ca
✨ Félicitations à Émilie Folie-Boivin, Sooa Song, Laura Jeanne Raymond-Leonard, Amélie Allard et Laurianne Ladouceur.
youtube.com/shorts/Wl_lJ...
@amelieallard.bsky.social
✨ Félicitations à Émilie Folie-Boivin, Sooa Song, Laura Jeanne Raymond-Leonard, Amélie Allard et Laurianne Ladouceur.
youtube.com/shorts/Wl_lJ...
@amelieallard.bsky.social
Femmes en science : les boursières 2026 #femmesenscience #science #uqam
YouTube video by UQAM Faculté des sciences
youtube.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Fière d'étudier à l'UQAM et sincèrement honorée d'être nommée aux côtés de ces brillantes scientifiques! 👩🔬🙌 #FemmesEnSciences #WomeninSTEM
Reposted by Bénédicte C
TAG condemns the White House’s proposed retroactive $600 million cuts to CDC programs in four states. Because Congress already appropriated these funds, the cuts are illegal and unconstitutional, threatening HIV and public health programs nationwide.
February 11, 2026 at 4:48 PM
TAG condemns the White House’s proposed retroactive $600 million cuts to CDC programs in four states. Because Congress already appropriated these funds, the cuts are illegal and unconstitutional, threatening HIV and public health programs nationwide.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
This is the aftermath of an ICE kidnapping a few blocks from my home in St. Paul—an hour ago. A quiet street full of broken glass and at least three wrecked cars. The target of the kidnapping was taken away by ambulance. He was on a stretcher and covered by a sheet, though a cop said he was alive.
February 11, 2026 at 4:46 PM
This is the aftermath of an ICE kidnapping a few blocks from my home in St. Paul—an hour ago. A quiet street full of broken glass and at least three wrecked cars. The target of the kidnapping was taken away by ambulance. He was on a stretcher and covered by a sheet, though a cop said he was alive.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
“Success in US science has come from sustained funding and welcoming the best talent from around the world, yet both of these advantages are in decline”
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
China turns the tables in biotech
For at least a century, major scientific research initiatives have reliably occurred in the United States, usually in response to geopolitical competition. This helped establish the country’s status a...
www.science.org
February 11, 2026 at 12:03 PM
“Success in US science has come from sustained funding and welcoming the best talent from around the world, yet both of these advantages are in decline”
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
So the feds ARE NOT considering an mRNA vaccine for the flu, which could save countless lives, but ARE backing research into whether horse dewormer can cure cancer, because the right views vaccines as elite and ivermectin as populist.
Cool.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Cool.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
FDA won’t review Moderna application for first mRNA-based flu vaccine
The decision, which shocked company officials, comes as the FDA says it will take a stricter approach to federal vaccine approvals.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 11, 2026 at 2:24 AM
So the feds ARE NOT considering an mRNA vaccine for the flu, which could save countless lives, but ARE backing research into whether horse dewormer can cure cancer, because the right views vaccines as elite and ivermectin as populist.
Cool.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Cool.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Reposted by Bénédicte C
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...
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
February 11, 2026 at 12:26 PM
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...
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...
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
February 11, 2026 at 12:26 PM
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...
Immigrants save lives, literally.
THE EFFECT OF IMMIGRATION ON
OLDER ADULT MORTALITY IN THE UNITED STATES
David C. Grabowski
Jonathan Gruber
Brian E. McGarry
www.nber.org/system/files...
THE EFFECT OF IMMIGRATION ON
OLDER ADULT MORTALITY IN THE UNITED STATES
David C. Grabowski
Jonathan Gruber
Brian E. McGarry
www.nber.org/system/files...
www.nber.org
February 11, 2026 at 12:23 PM
Immigrants save lives, literally.
THE EFFECT OF IMMIGRATION ON
OLDER ADULT MORTALITY IN THE UNITED STATES
David C. Grabowski
Jonathan Gruber
Brian E. McGarry
www.nber.org/system/files...
THE EFFECT OF IMMIGRATION ON
OLDER ADULT MORTALITY IN THE UNITED STATES
David C. Grabowski
Jonathan Gruber
Brian E. McGarry
www.nber.org/system/files...
The Trump administration plans to terminate $600 million in CDC grants to California, Minnesota, Colorado, and Illinois, as reported by the New York Times, the New York Post, and The Hill. A list of these grants has been circulated to Congress. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/h...
Trump Administration to Cut $600 Million in Health Funding From Four States
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:13 PM
The Trump administration plans to terminate $600 million in CDC grants to California, Minnesota, Colorado, and Illinois, as reported by the New York Times, the New York Post, and The Hill. A list of these grants has been circulated to Congress. www.nytimes.com/2026/02/09/h...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
“They are refusing to review a new vaccine with a more flexible technology, while creating a real risk we will not have traditional vaccines for next year," @doritreiss.bsky.social said.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
FDA declines to review Moderna application for new flu vaccine
Moderna requests meeting to discuss refusal as decision could have implications for all new and updated vaccines
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 12:08 AM
“They are refusing to review a new vaccine with a more flexible technology, while creating a real risk we will not have traditional vaccines for next year," @doritreiss.bsky.social said.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
NEW: The FDA just shot down Moderna's new flu shot. From me:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
FDA declines to review Moderna application for new flu vaccine
Moderna requests meeting to discuss refusal as decision could have implications for all new and updated vaccines
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 11:52 PM
NEW: The FDA just shot down Moderna's new flu shot. From me:
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
'Tumours boost their own growth by attracting & commandeering nearby sensory nerves (...) By ‘plugging into’ tumour cells, these nerves can send a signal to the brain that subdues the protective activity of immune cells at the tumour site — allowing the cancerous cells to proliferate unchecked'
How tumours trick the brain into shutting down cancer-fighting cells
Lung cancer in mice hijacks neurons to send a signal that subdues the immune system, study finds.
www.nature.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:37 AM
'Tumours boost their own growth by attracting & commandeering nearby sensory nerves (...) By ‘plugging into’ tumour cells, these nerves can send a signal to the brain that subdues the protective activity of immune cells at the tumour site — allowing the cancerous cells to proliferate unchecked'