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...
Philadelphia Inquirer has good article on FIRE which is based in Philly.
It delves into the role this libertarian group played in the rise of the authoritarian right… a role FIRE 🔥 denies.
www.inquirer.com/news/a/fire-...
It delves into the role this libertarian group played in the rise of the authoritarian right… a role FIRE 🔥 denies.
www.inquirer.com/news/a/fire-...
How FIRE, a Philly-based free-speech group, went from ‘cancel culture’ watchdog to Trump antagonist
FIRE built its reputation policing cancel culture. Now the free-speech group is confronting the Trump administration.
www.inquirer.com
February 15, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Philadelphia Inquirer has good article on FIRE which is based in Philly.
It delves into the role this libertarian group played in the rise of the authoritarian right… a role FIRE 🔥 denies.
www.inquirer.com/news/a/fire-...
It delves into the role this libertarian group played in the rise of the authoritarian right… a role FIRE 🔥 denies.
www.inquirer.com/news/a/fire-...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Bloodsucking prison companies rake-in profits--
While innocent immigrants suffer.
Welcome to America...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/b...
While innocent immigrants suffer.
Welcome to America...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/b...
Sick Detainees Describe Poor Care at Facilities Run by ICE Contractor
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Bloodsucking prison companies rake-in profits--
While innocent immigrants suffer.
Welcome to America...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/b...
While innocent immigrants suffer.
Welcome to America...
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/14/b...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Reposted by Bénédicte C
A federal research lab formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory laid off 134 employees this week.
February 14, 2026 at 9:02 PM
A federal research lab formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory laid off 134 employees this week.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Measles is a bellwether. Because it’s the most contagious vaccine-preventable disease, when vaccination rates drop, it’s the first to start spreading.
Now we’ve got mumps rolling up.
Expect more.
This is just the beginning of RFK Jr.’s successful infectious disease reintroduction plan.
Now we’ve got mumps rolling up.
Expect more.
This is just the beginning of RFK Jr.’s successful infectious disease reintroduction plan.
Maryland health officials warn providers about an upsurge in mumps cases
Maryland health officials are warning about an uptick in cases of mumps.
www.thebanner.com
February 14, 2026 at 11:34 PM
Measles is a bellwether. Because it’s the most contagious vaccine-preventable disease, when vaccination rates drop, it’s the first to start spreading.
Now we’ve got mumps rolling up.
Expect more.
This is just the beginning of RFK Jr.’s successful infectious disease reintroduction plan.
Now we’ve got mumps rolling up.
Expect more.
This is just the beginning of RFK Jr.’s successful infectious disease reintroduction plan.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
February 15, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Reposted by Bénédicte C
#TobRegSky #PedSky #MedSky #Pulmsky #EpiSky #addictionsci 🛟 🫁💊
Germany's drug commissioner @hendrikstreeck.bsky.social calls for a ban of sweet and cooling flavors in e-cigarettes, citing analysis from @bfrde.bsky.social that references our papers. Great to have some impact in the old country !
Germany's drug commissioner @hendrikstreeck.bsky.social calls for a ban of sweet and cooling flavors in e-cigarettes, citing analysis from @bfrde.bsky.social that references our papers. Great to have some impact in the old country !
February 14, 2026 at 9:06 PM
#TobRegSky #PedSky #MedSky #Pulmsky #EpiSky #addictionsci 🛟 🫁💊
Germany's drug commissioner @hendrikstreeck.bsky.social calls for a ban of sweet and cooling flavors in e-cigarettes, citing analysis from @bfrde.bsky.social that references our papers. Great to have some impact in the old country !
Germany's drug commissioner @hendrikstreeck.bsky.social calls for a ban of sweet and cooling flavors in e-cigarettes, citing analysis from @bfrde.bsky.social that references our papers. Great to have some impact in the old country !
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Stephen Miller is never gonna be able to solve his average-guy-from-Camden-New-Jersey-who-has-never-protested-but-just-saw-ICE-hurt-children problem. That's not solvable for him
February 14, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Stephen Miller is never gonna be able to solve his average-guy-from-Camden-New-Jersey-who-has-never-protested-but-just-saw-ICE-hurt-children problem. That's not solvable for him
Reposted by Bénédicte C
ICE is still in my Minneapolis neighborhood today.
February 14, 2026 at 7:44 PM
ICE is still in my Minneapolis neighborhood today.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Yesterday morning kids were sent running from their bus stop in panic because ICE showed up. This guy at today’s ICE Out of Lindenwold protest is a must watch 😭. @maddow.bsky.social
February 14, 2026 at 2:37 AM
Yesterday morning kids were sent running from their bus stop in panic because ICE showed up. This guy at today’s ICE Out of Lindenwold protest is a must watch 😭. @maddow.bsky.social
Reposted by Bénédicte C
The Gun Violence Data Hub, an initiative of The Trace, provides support, resources, and reliable data to newsrooms, researchers, and the public.
The Gun Violence Data Hub — An initiative of The Trace
The Gun Violence Data Hub, an initiative of The Trace, provides support, resources, and reliable data to newsrooms, researchers, and the public.
datahub.thetrace.org
February 14, 2026 at 9:11 PM
The Gun Violence Data Hub, an initiative of The Trace, provides support, resources, and reliable data to newsrooms, researchers, and the public.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
CDC reports 6 more child deaths from flu, as virus levels stay moderate to high. www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-ge... These deaths are on RFK Jr's head, since he cut the flu vaccine for children. Impeach the idiot already.
CDC reports 6 more child deaths from flu, as virus levels stay moderate to high
www.cidrap.umn.edu
February 14, 2026 at 9:07 PM
CDC reports 6 more child deaths from flu, as virus levels stay moderate to high. www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-ge... These deaths are on RFK Jr's head, since he cut the flu vaccine for children. Impeach the idiot already.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
📣 Dems have overperformed 13 pts on avg across 87 Special Elections so far!
📣 NEXT:
02/17: GA SD-18 (R+25) LeMario Brown
02/24: ME HD-094 (D+12): Scott Harriman
02/24: PA HD-022 (D+42): Ana Tiburcio
02/24: PA HD-042 (D+27): Jen Mazzocco
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
📣 NEXT:
02/17: GA SD-18 (R+25) LeMario Brown
02/24: ME HD-094 (D+12): Scott Harriman
02/24: PA HD-022 (D+42): Ana Tiburcio
02/24: PA HD-042 (D+27): Jen Mazzocco
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
Chip in!
Show your support with a contribution.
secure.actblue.com
February 14, 2026 at 5:35 PM
📣 Dems have overperformed 13 pts on avg across 87 Special Elections so far!
📣 NEXT:
02/17: GA SD-18 (R+25) LeMario Brown
02/24: ME HD-094 (D+12): Scott Harriman
02/24: PA HD-022 (D+42): Ana Tiburcio
02/24: PA HD-042 (D+27): Jen Mazzocco
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
📣 NEXT:
02/17: GA SD-18 (R+25) LeMario Brown
02/24: ME HD-094 (D+12): Scott Harriman
02/24: PA HD-022 (D+42): Ana Tiburcio
02/24: PA HD-042 (D+27): Jen Mazzocco
Donate today! #Blue26
secure.actblue.com/donate/speci...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
FIRE is a right-wing organisation funded by Charles Koch and a host of other hard-line conservatives. It’s sought to sand off the sharpest edges of its right-wing reputation but its positions are still hard core: It supports conversion therapy and defends anti-trans groups.
February 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM
FIRE is a right-wing organisation funded by Charles Koch and a host of other hard-line conservatives. It’s sought to sand off the sharpest edges of its right-wing reputation but its positions are still hard core: It supports conversion therapy and defends anti-trans groups.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
This story and interview are hard to read, but this woman is probably among the toughest humans who has ever lived. Few can say they would have the courage and bravery to talk so openly about what she endured. GIFT LINK. (and content warning, of course)
‘They All Tried to Break Me’: Gisèle Pelicot Shares Her Story
www.nytimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 12:33 AM
This story and interview are hard to read, but this woman is probably among the toughest humans who has ever lived. Few can say they would have the courage and bravery to talk so openly about what she endured. GIFT LINK. (and content warning, of course)
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Remember: In the prevaccine era, measles would peak in late winter- early spring. Don’t be surprised if in the next few weeks we see a surge
www.aol.com/articles/us-...
www.aol.com/articles/us-...
4 times as many measles cases in few weeks than US typically averages in year: CDC
There have been 733 cases so far this year, a CDC report said.
www.aol.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Remember: In the prevaccine era, measles would peak in late winter- early spring. Don’t be surprised if in the next few weeks we see a surge
www.aol.com/articles/us-...
www.aol.com/articles/us-...
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Fight. Win. Repeat.
NEW: The Trump administration has dropped its appeal of a federal court order blocking its $1.2-billion settlement demand to UCLA over alleged campus civil rights violations: www.latimes.com/california/s...
Trump administration drops its appeal of court order blocking $1.2-billion UCLA settlement
The Trump administration dropped its appeal of a major higher education case in which a federal judge blocked its $1.2-billion settlement proposal to UCLA over alleged civil rights violations. But it ...
www.latimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:30 AM
Fight. Win. Repeat.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Reposted by Bénédicte C
“Federal Judge Blocks Trump Plan to Cut $600 Million in Health Funds -
It is the latest court ruling staving off deep cuts to social services that Democratic-led states say are politically motivated and would harm hundreds of thousands of people.”
It is the latest court ruling staving off deep cuts to social services that Democratic-led states say are politically motivated and would harm hundreds of thousands of people.”
Federal Judge Blocks Trump Plan to Cut $600 Million in Health Funds
www.nytimes.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:02 AM
“Federal Judge Blocks Trump Plan to Cut $600 Million in Health Funds -
It is the latest court ruling staving off deep cuts to social services that Democratic-led states say are politically motivated and would harm hundreds of thousands of people.”
It is the latest court ruling staving off deep cuts to social services that Democratic-led states say are politically motivated and would harm hundreds of thousands of people.”
I am begining to wonder whether JB is not just stupid, not just ideological, but actually compromised.
Dismantling pandemic response capabilities is something that benefits an adversary.
Dismantling pandemic response capabilities is something that benefits an adversary.
Right wing chaos agent Jay Bhattacharya strikes again—making the US less prepared for the next pandemic
One of the most important national centers for studying infectious diseases, based at the NIH, is no longer allowed to study pandemic preparedness or bio defense😨
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
One of the most important national centers for studying infectious diseases, based at the NIH, is no longer allowed to study pandemic preparedness or bio defense😨
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Exclusive: Key US infectious-diseases centre to drop pandemic preparation
Staff members have been instructed to scrub this topic and ‘biodefense’ from the agency’s website.
www.nature.com
February 14, 2026 at 2:32 AM
I am begining to wonder whether JB is not just stupid, not just ideological, but actually compromised.
Dismantling pandemic response capabilities is something that benefits an adversary.
Dismantling pandemic response capabilities is something that benefits an adversary.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Scoop: The NIH infectious-diseases institute (NIAID) will soon scrub “pandemic preparedness” and “biodefense” from its web pages, according to e-mails I obtained.
The directive is the start of a broader shake-up at NIAID, which has long been attacked by Republicans.
The directive is the start of a broader shake-up at NIAID, which has long been attacked by Republicans.
Exclusive: Key US infectious-diseases centre to drop pandemic preparation
Staff members have been instructed to scrub this topic and ‘biodefense’ from the agency’s website.
www.nature.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Scoop: The NIH infectious-diseases institute (NIAID) will soon scrub “pandemic preparedness” and “biodefense” from its web pages, according to e-mails I obtained.
The directive is the start of a broader shake-up at NIAID, which has long been attacked by Republicans.
The directive is the start of a broader shake-up at NIAID, which has long been attacked by Republicans.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
... while moving away from the germ theory of disease, as per NIAID head Taubenberger
"[O]ne way for people to be prepared is to be healthier, eat better and exercise, so you’re less likely to get sick or have a poor outcome"
Get him on the record for specific diseases.
Ask him, publicly.
"[O]ne way for people to be prepared is to be healthier, eat better and exercise, so you’re less likely to get sick or have a poor outcome"
Get him on the record for specific diseases.
Ask him, publicly.
February 13, 2026 at 9:30 PM
... while moving away from the germ theory of disease, as per NIAID head Taubenberger
"[O]ne way for people to be prepared is to be healthier, eat better and exercise, so you’re less likely to get sick or have a poor outcome"
Get him on the record for specific diseases.
Ask him, publicly.
"[O]ne way for people to be prepared is to be healthier, eat better and exercise, so you’re less likely to get sick or have a poor outcome"
Get him on the record for specific diseases.
Ask him, publicly.
This is becoming a national biosecurity problem.
New reporting shows how NIH will go from "vision"
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
to reality: weakening national capacity for pandemic preparedness and next-generation discoveries to confront infectious disease...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
to reality: weakening national capacity for pandemic preparedness and next-generation discoveries to confront infectious disease...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Exclusive: Key US infectious-diseases centre to drop pandemic preparation
Staff members have been instructed to scrub this topic and ‘biodefense’ from the agency’s website.
www.nature.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:29 PM
This is becoming a national biosecurity problem.
Reposted by Bénédicte C
Whether or not the story is apocryphal, I fear many of my colleagues who work in DC and are advocates for biomedical research and public health, do not get the nature of the "inside-outside" strategy. 1/ dissentmagazine.org/online_artic...
The “Make Me Do It” Myth - Dissent Magazine
Politicians fear the disruptive power of a mobilized base, even when it helps them succeed.
dissentmagazine.org
February 13, 2026 at 11:56 AM
Whether or not the story is apocryphal, I fear many of my colleagues who work in DC and are advocates for biomedical research and public health, do not get the nature of the "inside-outside" strategy. 1/ dissentmagazine.org/online_artic...