Dr Kat Day (she/her)
@chronicleflask.katday.com
Science & Fiction editor/writer. Chemistry PhD ⚛️ Co-Editor at PseudoPod 🦑 Writer: The Crash Course Organic Chemistry & various DK science books 🧪 Short fiction https://thefictionphial.wordpress.com 🖊️🐢
Pinned
Maybe I STARTED OUT made of sugar and spice and all things nice, but now I’m made of coffee, capsicum, obstreperousness and dark stories.
“it said had not considered that some human tissue can produce measurements easily confused with the signal given by common plastics.”
You mean the fact that –CH₂– groups occur in plastics but also in fats? I feel like that really *should* have been considered earlier…
You mean the fact that –CH₂– groups occur in plastics but also in fats? I feel like that really *should* have been considered earlier…
January 13, 2026 at 7:57 PM
“it said had not considered that some human tissue can produce measurements easily confused with the signal given by common plastics.”
You mean the fact that –CH₂– groups occur in plastics but also in fats? I feel like that really *should* have been considered earlier…
You mean the fact that –CH₂– groups occur in plastics but also in fats? I feel like that really *should* have been considered earlier…
This is not remotely surprising 😆
It seems that the evidence for the presence of high levels of microplastics in the human body may have been overstated: www.theguardian.com/environment/...
‘A bombshell’: doubt cast on discovery of microplastics throughout human body
Exclusive: Some scientists say many detections are most likely error, with one high-profile study called a ‘joke’
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:55 PM
This is not remotely surprising 😆
My problem is compounded by slightly thinning hair (yay, menopause) coupled with even thinner hair at the front due to minor surgery nuking a few hair follicles. This style hides all that perfectly, which I knew, but I had this bright idea that maybe I’d try again just to see 😆
January 13, 2026 at 7:48 PM
My problem is compounded by slightly thinning hair (yay, menopause) coupled with even thinner hair at the front due to minor surgery nuking a few hair follicles. This style hides all that perfectly, which I knew, but I had this bright idea that maybe I’d try again just to see 😆
It’s more targeted than mute, and less sledgehammer than turning off reposts from everyone (though that is another useful setting).
January 13, 2026 at 6:56 PM
It’s more targeted than mute, and less sledgehammer than turning off reposts from everyone (though that is another useful setting).
Another useful Bluesky function: if you’re seeing the same post over and over, try the “hide post for me” function (in the three dots menu).
This hides that post from feeds and searches, but if you really want to you can still see it if you go directly to the original poster’s feed.
This hides that post from feeds and searches, but if you really want to you can still see it if you go directly to the original poster’s feed.
January 13, 2026 at 6:56 PM
Another useful Bluesky function: if you’re seeing the same post over and over, try the “hide post for me” function (in the three dots menu).
This hides that post from feeds and searches, but if you really want to you can still see it if you go directly to the original poster’s feed.
This hides that post from feeds and searches, but if you really want to you can still see it if you go directly to the original poster’s feed.
January: new year, new hair!
January 13, 2026 at 4:57 PM
January: new year, new hair!
Thank you! I feel so much better 😄
January 13, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Thank you! I feel so much better 😄
A few months ago I had the bright idea of growing out my hair. Ridiculous. What was I thinking. Anyway, back to short today 😄
January 13, 2026 at 3:33 PM
A few months ago I had the bright idea of growing out my hair. Ridiculous. What was I thinking. Anyway, back to short today 😄
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
Rubber ducks – made from rubber, right? Wrong!
On #NationalRubberDuckyDay, this infographic unmasks the rubber duck's true chemical identity: wp.me/p4aPLT-8Uo
#ChemSky 🧪
On #NationalRubberDuckyDay, this infographic unmasks the rubber duck's true chemical identity: wp.me/p4aPLT-8Uo
#ChemSky 🧪
January 13, 2026 at 1:05 PM
Rubber ducks – made from rubber, right? Wrong!
On #NationalRubberDuckyDay, this infographic unmasks the rubber duck's true chemical identity: wp.me/p4aPLT-8Uo
#ChemSky 🧪
On #NationalRubberDuckyDay, this infographic unmasks the rubber duck's true chemical identity: wp.me/p4aPLT-8Uo
#ChemSky 🧪
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
Thank you for sharing @pinknews.bsky.social. This isn’t sentient tech gone rogue, it’s a designed feature that allows users to perpetuate harm, backed up by the platform policy. We are calling for a focus on the real threats to women and girls. This is a clear example
Grok controversy the ‘real threat’ to women, not trans people, cisgender women argue
https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/01/12/grok-trans-not-in-our-name-nion/?utm_content=1768233640&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky
https://www.thepinknews.com/2026/01/12/grok-trans-not-in-our-name-nion/?utm_content=1768233640&utm_medium=social&utm_source=bluesky
Grok is the 'real threat' to women, not trans people, cisgender women argue
A collective of over 75,000 cisgender women has said the controversy around Grok is the 'real threat' to women, not trans people.
www.thepinknews.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:27 AM
Thank you for sharing @pinknews.bsky.social. This isn’t sentient tech gone rogue, it’s a designed feature that allows users to perpetuate harm, backed up by the platform policy. We are calling for a focus on the real threats to women and girls. This is a clear example
Someone please explain to them that being “the opposition” doesn’t mean they have to find ways to argue against absolutely everything. This isn’t a school debating society.
Shad Tech Sec, Julia Lopez MP, despite (apparently) agreeing with gov't online portection aim, started a BIZARRE apologia/whatabout over X that equated Grok to "crude drawings", drew in Iran, rape gangs, immigration, trans rights, and even blamed children for "sharing their images too freely". 👀 ~AA
January 13, 2026 at 11:04 AM
Someone please explain to them that being “the opposition” doesn’t mean they have to find ways to argue against absolutely everything. This isn’t a school debating society.
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
"The idea of a Universe didn't fit into their world picture, so to speak. They simply couldn't cope with it. And so, charmingly, delightfully, intelligently, whimsically if you like, they decided to destroy it."
January 13, 2026 at 10:47 AM
"The idea of a Universe didn't fit into their world picture, so to speak. They simply couldn't cope with it. And so, charmingly, delightfully, intelligently, whimsically if you like, they decided to destroy it."
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
Liza Adamczewski (aka the Accidental Ecologist), contemporary fine artist living on a re-wilding farm in Wales who has created a series of 'Garden Icons' - inspired by local wildlife #WomensArt
January 13, 2026 at 5:00 AM
Liza Adamczewski (aka the Accidental Ecologist), contemporary fine artist living on a re-wilding farm in Wales who has created a series of 'Garden Icons' - inspired by local wildlife #WomensArt
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
This is actually the Heaven and Hell that God promised.
COMIC ◆ www.smbc-comics.com/comic/after-3
PATREON ◆ www.patreon.com/ZachWeinersm...
STORE ◆ smbc-store.myshopify.com
COMIC ◆ www.smbc-comics.com/comic/after-3
PATREON ◆ www.patreon.com/ZachWeinersm...
STORE ◆ smbc-store.myshopify.com
January 12, 2026 at 11:30 PM
This is actually the Heaven and Hell that God promised.
COMIC ◆ www.smbc-comics.com/comic/after-3
PATREON ◆ www.patreon.com/ZachWeinersm...
STORE ◆ smbc-store.myshopify.com
COMIC ◆ www.smbc-comics.com/comic/after-3
PATREON ◆ www.patreon.com/ZachWeinersm...
STORE ◆ smbc-store.myshopify.com
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
Alice Vickery died #OTD in 1829. She was an English physician, campaigner for women's rights, and the first British woman to qualify as a chemist and pharmacist. #WomenInSTEM
She actively supported a number of causes, including free love, birth control, and the destigmatization of illegitimacy.
She actively supported a number of causes, including free love, birth control, and the destigmatization of illegitimacy.
January 12, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Alice Vickery died #OTD in 1829. She was an English physician, campaigner for women's rights, and the first British woman to qualify as a chemist and pharmacist. #WomenInSTEM
She actively supported a number of causes, including free love, birth control, and the destigmatization of illegitimacy.
She actively supported a number of causes, including free love, birth control, and the destigmatization of illegitimacy.
Arghhhh 😆
Minute Cryptic - 12 January, 2026
"7-Eleven uniform among ugliest uniforms" (5,4)
⚪️⚪️⚪️🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣
🏆 3 hints – 2 under the community par (121,440 solvers so far).
www.minutecryptic.com?utm_source=s...
Minute Cryptic - 12 January, 2026
"7-Eleven uniform among ugliest uniforms" (5,4)
⚪️⚪️⚪️🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣
🏆 3 hints – 2 under the community par (121,440 solvers so far).
www.minutecryptic.com?utm_source=s...
Minute Cryptic
Solve a clue with a hidden meaning
www.minutecryptic.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Arghhhh 😆
Minute Cryptic - 12 January, 2026
"7-Eleven uniform among ugliest uniforms" (5,4)
⚪️⚪️⚪️🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣
🏆 3 hints – 2 under the community par (121,440 solvers so far).
www.minutecryptic.com?utm_source=s...
Minute Cryptic - 12 January, 2026
"7-Eleven uniform among ugliest uniforms" (5,4)
⚪️⚪️⚪️🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣🟣
🏆 3 hints – 2 under the community par (121,440 solvers so far).
www.minutecryptic.com?utm_source=s...
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
Am reflecting on A Thing that happened today. I had reason to ask for advice on someone else's behalf. I asked a Whatsapp I'm in, which only has autistic members. People got back to me immediately with very good, practical knowledge-based suggestions. It was hugely helpful...
January 12, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Am reflecting on A Thing that happened today. I had reason to ask for advice on someone else's behalf. I asked a Whatsapp I'm in, which only has autistic members. People got back to me immediately with very good, practical knowledge-based suggestions. It was hugely helpful...
She has said it’s illegal, she’s said creating and sharing these images is a criminal offence. She has said people will be prosecuted. I know people wanted this instantly, but in government terms, this IS instantaneous 😆 It’s impressive in terms of speed and strength of action.
Here are parts of the Secretary of State's statement (@lizforleicester.bsky.social ) on X / Grok.
She is CLEAR that creating the images are illegal - for both the people and the platform.
She supports Ofcom using the full force of the law to tackle it.
Part 1
1/3
She is CLEAR that creating the images are illegal - for both the people and the platform.
She supports Ofcom using the full force of the law to tackle it.
Part 1
1/3
January 12, 2026 at 5:25 PM
She has said it’s illegal, she’s said creating and sharing these images is a criminal offence. She has said people will be prosecuted. I know people wanted this instantly, but in government terms, this IS instantaneous 😆 It’s impressive in terms of speed and strength of action.
It wasn’t. This one has a built-in pop screen, which should’ve been a clue 😆 but it had got turned around during setup.
January 12, 2026 at 3:45 PM
It wasn’t. This one has a built-in pop screen, which should’ve been a clue 😆 but it had got turned around during setup.
Yes there was a logo, but there’s ALSO a logo the back. Smaller, admittedly, but still. It was looking at the picture on the box that clued me in 😆
January 12, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Yes there was a logo, but there’s ALSO a logo the back. Smaller, admittedly, but still. It was looking at the picture on the box that clued me in 😆
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
Plough Monday, and the fields are waiting for us.
Whatever tasks call you today, may you have the energy, focus, and resources to tackle them and prevail.
Whatever tasks call you today, may you have the energy, focus, and resources to tackle them and prevail.
January 12, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Plough Monday, and the fields are waiting for us.
Whatever tasks call you today, may you have the energy, focus, and resources to tackle them and prevail.
Whatever tasks call you today, may you have the energy, focus, and resources to tackle them and prevail.
I SWEAR this wasn’t obvious 😆
January 12, 2026 at 12:51 PM
I SWEAR this wasn’t obvious 😆
Me: I’ll buy this mic a friend has recommended
Also me: why is the signal so weak? Why does it sound muffled? What am I doing wrong with these settings?
Also me: …
I’m… speaking into the back of it aren’t I
Also me: why is the signal so weak? Why does it sound muffled? What am I doing wrong with these settings?
Also me: …
I’m… speaking into the back of it aren’t I
January 12, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Me: I’ll buy this mic a friend has recommended
Also me: why is the signal so weak? Why does it sound muffled? What am I doing wrong with these settings?
Also me: …
I’m… speaking into the back of it aren’t I
Also me: why is the signal so weak? Why does it sound muffled? What am I doing wrong with these settings?
Also me: …
I’m… speaking into the back of it aren’t I
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
Why does scum sometimes form on the surface of a cup of tea, and how does tea's stimulant effect differ from that of coffee? On #NationalHotTeaDay here are the chemical explanations! www.compoundchem.com/2023/04/21/tea
#ChemSky 🧪
#ChemSky 🧪
January 12, 2026 at 12:35 PM
Why does scum sometimes form on the surface of a cup of tea, and how does tea's stimulant effect differ from that of coffee? On #NationalHotTeaDay here are the chemical explanations! www.compoundchem.com/2023/04/21/tea
#ChemSky 🧪
#ChemSky 🧪
Reposted by Dr Kat Day (she/her)
Ofcom has launched an inquiry into X over sexualised imagery on Grok. It is not currently clear whether or how this will link to Ofcom's need to investigate X over other breaches of its legal duties under the Online Safety Act
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
Ofcom launches investigation into X over Grok sexualised imagery
Ofcom has today opened a formal investigation into X under the UK’s Online Safety Act, to determine whether it has complied with its duties to protect people in the UK from content that is illegal in ...
www.ofcom.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Ofcom has launched an inquiry into X over sexualised imagery on Grok. It is not currently clear whether or how this will link to Ofcom's need to investigate X over other breaches of its legal duties under the Online Safety Act
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...
www.ofcom.org.uk/online-safet...