Blythe Terrell
@blytheterrell.bsky.social
Science journalist & audio + science journalism instructor
Joyfully editing the podcast Science Vs
Fan of bad shark movies, horror & long or short walks in the woods
She/her
Joyfully editing the podcast Science Vs
Fan of bad shark movies, horror & long or short walks in the woods
She/her
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
From @sciencevs.bsky.social:
“So, we can't use [teargas] on enemies in wartime but cool to use it against our own people in peace time?
Yeah yep, that’s the system that we have.”
open.spotify.com/episode/0tbM...
“So, we can't use [teargas] on enemies in wartime but cool to use it against our own people in peace time?
Yeah yep, that’s the system that we have.”
open.spotify.com/episode/0tbM...
What Do Tear Gas and ICE Raids Do to People?
open.spotify.com
February 13, 2026 at 6:55 PM
From @sciencevs.bsky.social:
“So, we can't use [teargas] on enemies in wartime but cool to use it against our own people in peace time?
Yeah yep, that’s the system that we have.”
open.spotify.com/episode/0tbM...
“So, we can't use [teargas] on enemies in wartime but cool to use it against our own people in peace time?
Yeah yep, that’s the system that we have.”
open.spotify.com/episode/0tbM...
Minnesota health officials warn of sexually transmitted fungal infection outbreak
www.cidrap.umn.edu
February 12, 2026 at 10:00 PM
When Wendy and I flew to Washington to visit a site where they compost human bodies, it was sooooo wild and interesting (if I talked to you in 2021-22, I probably mentioned this).
Now you can get your body composted in NYC, so this is a great time to revisit that ep 🎉
Now you can get your body composted in NYC, so this is a great time to revisit that ep 🎉
You're gonna be able to compost your body at Green-Wood Cemetery in New York City 👀
We dug into the science of this a few years ago, and it is FASCINATING
Find our ep here — it's a fan favorite 👇🧪
gothamist.com/news/compost...
open.spotify.com/episode/6reX...
We dug into the science of this a few years ago, and it is FASCINATING
Find our ep here — it's a fan favorite 👇🧪
gothamist.com/news/compost...
open.spotify.com/episode/6reX...
Should We Compost Human Bodies?
open.spotify.com
February 12, 2026 at 6:01 PM
When Wendy and I flew to Washington to visit a site where they compost human bodies, it was sooooo wild and interesting (if I talked to you in 2021-22, I probably mentioned this).
Now you can get your body composted in NYC, so this is a great time to revisit that ep 🎉
Now you can get your body composted in NYC, so this is a great time to revisit that ep 🎉
A lot of fun stuff about relationships here — but also some serious stuff about the common signs that a relationship might become abusive
New ep out today on RELATIONSHIPS.
There's a ton of online claims about them, from lists of surefire red flags to the idea that if you don't fight well, your relationship is doomed.
So — what's legit, according to science?? 🧪
open.spotify.com/episode/3Unf...
There's a ton of online claims about them, from lists of surefire red flags to the idea that if you don't fight well, your relationship is doomed.
So — what's legit, according to science?? 🧪
open.spotify.com/episode/3Unf...
Is Your Relationship … OK?
open.spotify.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:44 PM
A lot of fun stuff about relationships here — but also some serious stuff about the common signs that a relationship might become abusive
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
NEW: ProPublica went inside the detention center for immigrant families in Dilley, Texas.
Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the United States and the fear of what comes next.
Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the United States and the fear of what comes next.
The Kids Trump Sent to ICE’s Dilley Detention Center
ProPublica went inside the immigrant detention center for families in Dilley, Texas. Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the United States and the fear of...
www.propublica.org
February 9, 2026 at 12:00 PM
NEW: ProPublica went inside the detention center for immigrant families in Dilley, Texas.
Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the United States and the fear of what comes next.
Children held there told us about the anguish of being ripped from their lives in the United States and the fear of what comes next.
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
1/ ProPublica collected handwritten letters in mid-January from children held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the same facility where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken.
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
February 9, 2026 at 12:25 PM
1/ ProPublica collected handwritten letters in mid-January from children held at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center, the same facility where 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos was taken.
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
Hundreds of kids are still detained.
We’ll let the children’s words speak for themselves. 🧵
"Emails sent by staffers at the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations provide, for the first time, an inside look at how Kennedy’s trip came about and include contemporaneous accounts suggesting his concerns about vaccine safety motivated the visit."
apnews.com/article/rfk-...
apnews.com/article/rfk-...
Newly obtained emails undermine RFK Jr.'s testimony about 2019 Samoa trip before measles outbreak
Documents obtained by The Guardian and The Associated Press undermine Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s testimony during his Senate confirmation hearings that the 2019 trip he took to Samoa before a devastating...
apnews.com
February 9, 2026 at 3:08 PM
"Emails sent by staffers at the U.S. Embassy and the United Nations provide, for the first time, an inside look at how Kennedy’s trip came about and include contemporaneous accounts suggesting his concerns about vaccine safety motivated the visit."
apnews.com/article/rfk-...
apnews.com/article/rfk-...
This is an excellent overview of where we are with vaccines.
Excited for the collab from @cidrap.bsky.social and @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social 🧪👏
www.cidrap.umn.edu/adult-non-fl...
Excited for the collab from @cidrap.bsky.social and @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social 🧪👏
www.cidrap.umn.edu/adult-non-fl...
The State of US Vaccine Policy
www.cidrap.umn.edu
February 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM
This is an excellent overview of where we are with vaccines.
Excited for the collab from @cidrap.bsky.social and @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social 🧪👏
www.cidrap.umn.edu/adult-non-fl...
Excited for the collab from @cidrap.bsky.social and @unbiasedscipod.bsky.social 🧪👏
www.cidrap.umn.edu/adult-non-fl...
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
Our founders, though deeply flawed, understood that democracy requires an informed citizenry and a government accountable to it people. That’s why the press is the only profession protected by the Constitution. It’s also why autocrats and oligarchs seek to control and destroy it.
February 4, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Our founders, though deeply flawed, understood that democracy requires an informed citizenry and a government accountable to it people. That’s why the press is the only profession protected by the Constitution. It’s also why autocrats and oligarchs seek to control and destroy it.
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
Whatever you think of the Washington Post at this moment, here's a chance to support the dedicated, hard-working journalists who were just laid off. If you have the means, your donation is most welcome. If you don't, a kind thought and maybe spreading the word to others is support enough 💙
Donate to Washington Post 2026 layoff fund, organized by Rachel Siegel
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, The Washington Post laid off hundreds of journalists. We ar… Rachel Siegel needs your support for Washington Post 2026 layoff fund
www.gofundme.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:58 PM
Whatever you think of the Washington Post at this moment, here's a chance to support the dedicated, hard-working journalists who were just laid off. If you have the means, your donation is most welcome. If you don't, a kind thought and maybe spreading the word to others is support enough 💙
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
A bunch of incredibly talented journalists are being tossed aside and I want everyone at #WashingtonPost to know about @theopennotebook.bsky.social an incredible free resource for independent journalists. Provides databases of resources and connections to networks of editors and science journalists.
For a TON International Students Slack Community pitch slam, @scigat.bsky.social hosted guests @rachelcourtland.com, @wwrfd.bsky.social, and @laurenjyoung.bsky.social. He condensed their best tips into this free resource, edited by @laurahelmuth.bsky.social, to help everyone pitch with success. 🧪
Twelve Tips to Tune Up Your Next Pitch - The Open Notebook
Saugat Bolakhe Making your pitch stand out is a crucial skill for any freelancer or staff reporter. This may seem like an elusive talent, but with practice and careful attention to detail, you can lea...
www.theopennotebook.com
February 4, 2026 at 3:14 PM
A bunch of incredibly talented journalists are being tossed aside and I want everyone at #WashingtonPost to know about @theopennotebook.bsky.social an incredible free resource for independent journalists. Provides databases of resources and connections to networks of editors and science journalists.
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
"It does seem like people are generally less healthy and less safe when ICE raids happen" @sciencevs.bsky.social
First half is on the science of what tear gas does to the human body (what we know is not good)
Second half is the impact of ICE raids on communities.
TL;DR our govt is torturing us
First half is on the science of what tear gas does to the human body (what we know is not good)
Second half is the impact of ICE raids on communities.
TL;DR our govt is torturing us
What Do Tear Gas and ICE Raids Do to People?
Podcast Episode · Science Vs · 01/29/2026 · 41m
podcasts.apple.com
February 2, 2026 at 10:03 PM
"It does seem like people are generally less healthy and less safe when ICE raids happen" @sciencevs.bsky.social
First half is on the science of what tear gas does to the human body (what we know is not good)
Second half is the impact of ICE raids on communities.
TL;DR our govt is torturing us
First half is on the science of what tear gas does to the human body (what we know is not good)
Second half is the impact of ICE raids on communities.
TL;DR our govt is torturing us
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
Here's my post: notadoctor.news/2026/02/01/w...
Will states end vaccine mandates?
Some might try — but ending school vaccine requirements is complicated and extremely unpopular. Photo: Ivan Radic In September, Florida sent shockwaves through the nation when leaders announc…
notadoctor.news
February 1, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Here's my post: notadoctor.news/2026/02/01/w...
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
More details from CNN, including a link to their indictment www.cnn.com/2026/01/30/p...
January 30, 2026 at 9:26 PM
More details from CNN, including a link to their indictment www.cnn.com/2026/01/30/p...
😕
January 30, 2026 at 6:27 PM
😕
Very appreciative of all the folks who spoke to us for this one
New ep on tear gas and immigration raids🧪
We look at the health impacts of tear gas — including some possible long-term effects that caught us by surprise.
We also look at immigration raids: What do they do to the mental and physical health of communities?
open.spotify.com/episode/0tbM...
We look at the health impacts of tear gas — including some possible long-term effects that caught us by surprise.
We also look at immigration raids: What do they do to the mental and physical health of communities?
open.spotify.com/episode/0tbM...
What Do Tear Gas and ICE Raids Do to People?
open.spotify.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Very appreciative of all the folks who spoke to us for this one
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
We're working on an episode about safety during protests, both digital (e.g., your phone and tracking) as well as physical (with a focus on tear gas).
We're looking for folks in Minneapolis who are up for talking to us about what they're experiencing. DM or email [email protected].
We're looking for folks in Minneapolis who are up for talking to us about what they're experiencing. DM or email [email protected].
January 24, 2026 at 8:30 PM
We're working on an episode about safety during protests, both digital (e.g., your phone and tracking) as well as physical (with a focus on tear gas).
We're looking for folks in Minneapolis who are up for talking to us about what they're experiencing. DM or email [email protected].
We're looking for folks in Minneapolis who are up for talking to us about what they're experiencing. DM or email [email protected].
Quite the account of folks in Minneapolis throwing snowballs at ICE as they hold down a pregnant woman and kneel on her back
It's from this lawsuit: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
It's from this lawsuit: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
January 23, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Quite the account of folks in Minneapolis throwing snowballs at ICE as they hold down a pregnant woman and kneel on her back
It's from this lawsuit: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
It's from this lawsuit: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
The feds have arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong, who led the protest in a Minnesota church over the weekend.
apnews.com/article/just...
apnews.com/article/just...
A woman who led a protest that disrupted a Minnesota church service has been arrested
Attorney General Pam Bondi says a woman who led an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church has been arrested.
apnews.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:14 PM
The feds have arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong, who led the protest in a Minnesota church over the weekend.
apnews.com/article/just...
apnews.com/article/just...
If you would like to hear a scientist with a soothing voice talk about happiness and human connection, this episode is for you
Forget what you *think* makes you happy. The world's longest-running study on happiness has the science-approved answer 🧪
open.spotify.com/episode/2aTq...
open.spotify.com/episode/2aTq...
The Secret to Happiness?
open.spotify.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:15 PM
If you would like to hear a scientist with a soothing voice talk about happiness and human connection, this episode is for you
👇👇👇
Breaking News: Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” broke the all-time Oscar nomination record with 16 nods, including best picture and best actor. nyti.ms/3Zrgfdw
January 22, 2026 at 2:12 PM
👇👇👇
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
🚨HOLY CRAP. An ICE whistleblower just revealed a secret memo authorizing ICE officers to break into homes without a judicial warrant, which DHS's own legal training materials say is unconstitutional!
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
January 21, 2026 at 10:00 PM
🚨HOLY CRAP. An ICE whistleblower just revealed a secret memo authorizing ICE officers to break into homes without a judicial warrant, which DHS's own legal training materials say is unconstitutional!
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
ICE then hid the memo from the public, passing it along by word of mouth and private conversation.
In what once would've been a stunner — CDC Principal Deputy Director Ralph Abraham said the "United States losing its measles elimination status is the 'cost of doing business,' suggesting the loss will be due to imported measles cases from international travel."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/utah...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/utah...
Utah measles total rises to 216; CDC deputy director says losing elimination status ‘cost of doing business’
Arizona has seen 12 cases so far in 2026.
www.cidrap.umn.edu
January 21, 2026 at 11:47 PM
In what once would've been a stunner — CDC Principal Deputy Director Ralph Abraham said the "United States losing its measles elimination status is the 'cost of doing business,' suggesting the loss will be due to imported measles cases from international travel."
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/utah...
www.cidrap.umn.edu/measles/utah...
Reposted by Blythe Terrell
Heartbreaking cruelty visited upon children in our name
January 21, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Heartbreaking cruelty visited upon children in our name
This big ol' review on autism and acetaminophen use in pregnancy found no association with intellectual disability or autism in kids
A big review just looked at autism and acetaminophen (Tylenol, paracetamol) use in pregnancy: "paracetamol exposure during pregnancy was not associated with the risk of autism spectrum disorder." 🧪
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Check out our 2025 ep on this 👇
open.spotify.com/episode/0afn...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Check out our 2025 ep on this 👇
open.spotify.com/episode/0afn...
Does Tylenol Cause Autism?
open.spotify.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:09 PM
This big ol' review on autism and acetaminophen use in pregnancy found no association with intellectual disability or autism in kids