Melissa Kane PhD
@cornymel.bsky.social
www.kanelab.org
Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh
Retroviruses, genetics, immunology, and cell biology
Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh
Retroviruses, genetics, immunology, and cell biology
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
For those of you who’ve never experienced -20° winds, let me just say it can be painful at times — on the skin, in the eyes and ears, and even when trying to speak.
Those Minnesotans are American heroes.
Those Minnesotans are American heroes.
January 24, 2026 at 2:25 AM
For those of you who’ve never experienced -20° winds, let me just say it can be painful at times — on the skin, in the eyes and ears, and even when trying to speak.
Those Minnesotans are American heroes.
Those Minnesotans are American heroes.
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
Two women trained as first responders were abducted by three ICE agents. One of the agents starts seizing. The other two don’t know what to do. The women jump into action and save the agent’s life, only to be re-handcuffed and processed.
www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
Detained by ICE, two women became first responders during agent’s seizure
The women say they guided agents through the emergency, later raising concerns about medical protocols, weapons safety and accountability.
www.startribune.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:47 PM
Two women trained as first responders were abducted by three ICE agents. One of the agents starts seizing. The other two don’t know what to do. The women jump into action and save the agent’s life, only to be re-handcuffed and processed.
www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
www.startribune.com/detained-by-...
Well this is bad.
🚨 New from me: Grant review at more than half of NIH's institutes could be frozen by the end of the year.
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
Exclusive: key NIH review panels due to lose all members by the end of 2026
Thirteen of the agency’s advisory councils, which must review grant applications before funding is awarded, are on track to have no voting members.
www.nature.com
January 22, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Well this is bad.
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
Davos, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum.
January 20, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Davos, Switzerland, the World Economic Forum.
Gutting
This is the most astonishing graph of what the Trump regime has done to US science. They have destroyed the federal science workforce across the board. The negative impacts on Americans will be felt for generations, and the US might never be the same again.
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
January 21, 2026 at 6:35 AM
Gutting
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
If cbs has any guts, they would not air any of it and explain why…. But of course now the newsroom is run by MAGA conspiracist Bari Weiss they will just roll over for their master.
If cbs has any guts, they would not air any of it and explain why…. But of course now the newsroom is run by MAGA conspiracist Bari Weiss they will just roll over for their master.
White House press secretary tells CBS ‘we’ll sue your ass off’ if it edits Trump interview
Karoline Leavitt was recorded warning network to broadcast new interview with president in full and without edits
www.theguardian.com
January 18, 2026 at 7:25 PM
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
If cbs has any guts, they would not air any of it and explain why…. But of course now the newsroom is run by MAGA conspiracist Bari Weiss they will just roll over for their master.
If cbs has any guts, they would not air any of it and explain why…. But of course now the newsroom is run by MAGA conspiracist Bari Weiss they will just roll over for their master.
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
84% of Americans say government investments in scientific research aimed at advancing knowledge are worthwhile.
Yet a large and increasing share of Americans from both parties say we are losing ground.
So, let's elect reps who support science!
www.pewresearch.org/science/2026...
Yet a large and increasing share of Americans from both parties say we are losing ground.
So, let's elect reps who support science!
www.pewresearch.org/science/2026...
Do Americans Think the Country Is Losing or Gaining Ground in Science?
Republicans and Democrats agree that it’s important the U.S. is a world leader in science, but sharply diverge on how the U.S. is faring.
www.pewresearch.org
January 16, 2026 at 4:19 PM
84% of Americans say government investments in scientific research aimed at advancing knowledge are worthwhile.
Yet a large and increasing share of Americans from both parties say we are losing ground.
So, let's elect reps who support science!
www.pewresearch.org/science/2026...
Yet a large and increasing share of Americans from both parties say we are losing ground.
So, let's elect reps who support science!
www.pewresearch.org/science/2026...
A beautiful poem by the woman murdered by ICE. I feel rage and aching and horror. It isn’t more awful because she wrote this, but it is heartbreaking and tragic in an almost tangible way to read her poetry.
poets.org/2020-on-lear...
poets.org/2020-on-lear...
2020 Academy of American Poets Prize
On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs by Renée Nicole Macklin
poets.org
January 8, 2026 at 6:28 AM
A beautiful poem by the woman murdered by ICE. I feel rage and aching and horror. It isn’t more awful because she wrote this, but it is heartbreaking and tragic in an almost tangible way to read her poetry.
poets.org/2020-on-lear...
poets.org/2020-on-lear...
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
"A corrupt authoritarian president has been destroying his country for over a decade—and as of this weekend, he decided to invade Venezuela. But who is this political criminal?"
This Corrupt Dictator Has Been Running His Country into the Ground for Years, and Now He’s Invading Venezuela
As you’ve probably heard, a corrupt authoritarian president has been destroying his country for over a decade—and as of this weekend, he decided to...
buff.ly
January 5, 2026 at 4:24 PM
"A corrupt authoritarian president has been destroying his country for over a decade—and as of this weekend, he decided to invade Venezuela. But who is this political criminal?"
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
Many don't realize that the most vulnerable or immune compromised depend on the rest getting vaccinated properly to keep diseases from spreading out of control. It's not just “my body, my choice” when it comes to saving lives.
January 2, 2026 at 10:12 PM
Many don't realize that the most vulnerable or immune compromised depend on the rest getting vaccinated properly to keep diseases from spreading out of control. It's not just “my body, my choice” when it comes to saving lives.
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
“Your generation screwed us over” appears to be the most universal truth today wapo.st/45qqLoP (gift)
Iranian protests sparked by economic woes quickly spread across country
The demonstrations, triggered by a collapse in Iran’s currency, started with shopkeepers and phone vendors before drawing in students, workers and others.
wapo.st
December 31, 2025 at 2:44 PM
“Your generation screwed us over” appears to be the most universal truth today wapo.st/45qqLoP (gift)
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
this seems specifically designed to break mail-in voting (where deadlines are defined by postmark)
As of 12/24/25, USPS changed policy on when they postmark mail. Mail dropped off is no longer guaranteed a same-day postmark. Tax returns & other time-sensitive items are now stamped when they reach a regional processing center, which may be days later. Plan deadlines accordingly to avoid penalties.
USPS Announces Changes to the Postmark Date System
The United States Postal Service (USPS) has adopted a final rule (FR Doc.
share.google
December 29, 2025 at 9:51 PM
this seems specifically designed to break mail-in voting (where deadlines are defined by postmark)
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
NIH has for decades used a rigorous recruitment process to hire its top scientists, the institute directors.
The Trump NIH is changing that. They’ve already installed one political hire this way, reportedly a friend of JD Vance.
This post describes the process. Demand the Trump people follow it.
The Trump NIH is changing that. They’ve already installed one political hire this way, reportedly a friend of JD Vance.
This post describes the process. Demand the Trump people follow it.
Demand that NIH Maintain the Scientific Credibility of its Institute Directors
The institute directors at NIH are top scientific leaders who in principle can redirect grant money as they please. The Trump NIH must not install new directors without a real hiring process.
scienceandfreedomalliance.substack.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:38 PM
NIH has for decades used a rigorous recruitment process to hire its top scientists, the institute directors.
The Trump NIH is changing that. They’ve already installed one political hire this way, reportedly a friend of JD Vance.
This post describes the process. Demand the Trump people follow it.
The Trump NIH is changing that. They’ve already installed one political hire this way, reportedly a friend of JD Vance.
This post describes the process. Demand the Trump people follow it.
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
December 2, 2025 at 6:55 PM
It’s so insane that this is even a thing…
Phone calls to outside legal counsel for military members are rising. It's a sign that US troops are struggling with the administration's orders. Reminding them of the law is not sedition. Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
The Military Is in a Bind Created by Its Commander in Chief
When President Donald Trump claimed that members of Congress deserved the death penalty this week, he showed yet again that he doesn’t respect the rule of law.The president turned to social media Thur...
www.bloomberg.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:46 PM
It’s so insane that this is even a thing…
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
Phone calls to outside legal counsel for military members are rising. It's a sign that US troops are struggling with the administration's orders. Reminding them of the law is not sedition. Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
The Military Is in a Bind Created by Its Commander in Chief
When President Donald Trump claimed that members of Congress deserved the death penalty this week, he showed yet again that he doesn’t respect the rule of law.The president turned to social media Thur...
www.bloomberg.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Phone calls to outside legal counsel for military members are rising. It's a sign that US troops are struggling with the administration's orders. Reminding them of the law is not sedition. Gift link: www.bloomberg.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
I don't understand why this isn't the only story and why he isn't giving his resignation.
I mean, I do. But still.
How can the president. THE PRESIDENT. Of the United States of America. The. President.
I mean, I do. But still.
How can the president. THE PRESIDENT. Of the United States of America. The. President.
Donald Trump Snaps at Female Reporter Who Asks About Epstein Files: 'Quiet Piggy'
Donald Trump Says 'Quiet Piggy' to Female Reporter Asking About Epstein Files
people.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:18 AM
I don't understand why this isn't the only story and why he isn't giving his resignation.
I mean, I do. But still.
How can the president. THE PRESIDENT. Of the United States of America. The. President.
I mean, I do. But still.
How can the president. THE PRESIDENT. Of the United States of America. The. President.
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
John Fetterman survived a stroke in 2022, which would be considered a pre existing condition.
He has a defibrillator for vfib, which can cost $34,000 to over $51,000.
He was one of 8 Dems who voted to gut the ACA and reopen the government.
He doesn’t have to worry, he has healthcare for life
He has a defibrillator for vfib, which can cost $34,000 to over $51,000.
He was one of 8 Dems who voted to gut the ACA and reopen the government.
He doesn’t have to worry, he has healthcare for life
November 15, 2025 at 4:54 AM
John Fetterman survived a stroke in 2022, which would be considered a pre existing condition.
He has a defibrillator for vfib, which can cost $34,000 to over $51,000.
He was one of 8 Dems who voted to gut the ACA and reopen the government.
He doesn’t have to worry, he has healthcare for life
He has a defibrillator for vfib, which can cost $34,000 to over $51,000.
He was one of 8 Dems who voted to gut the ACA and reopen the government.
He doesn’t have to worry, he has healthcare for life
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
Yet another mechanism to hurt scientific research progress in the U.S.
The eds-and-meds economy that reshaped Pittsburgh after the collapse of steelmaking relies on skilled H-1B visa holders.
The administration’s disruption of these visas pose challenges for Pitt, the area’s largest employer of H-1B workers, and many others
www.publicsource.org/h1b-visa-app...
The administration’s disruption of these visas pose challenges for Pitt, the area’s largest employer of H-1B workers, and many others
www.publicsource.org/h1b-visa-app...
Trump change in visa fee could curb hiring by Pitt, BNY, UPMC and others
A new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications may deter hires of international talent, and could discourage skilled foreign workers from staying here.
www.publicsource.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Yet another mechanism to hurt scientific research progress in the U.S.
Cool cool cool. It’s not too late to do the right thing, bruv.
In an emotional excerpt from his new book, Sen. John Fetterman said he should have dropped out of his 2022 senatorial race while severely battling depression after his stroke.
John Fetterman said he ‘should have quit’ Senate bid in an excerpt from his new book
John Fetterman gave an emotional look into his struggle with depression in an excerpt of his new book Unfettered.
www.inquirer.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Cool cool cool. It’s not too late to do the right thing, bruv.
I am furious. I am furious on behalf of everyone who genuinely suffered due to the shutdown and everyone else who will suffer because they f*cking caved for NOTHING.
In response to this claim that the "strategy didn't work."
The people were on our side. We were building momentum to help save our democracy. We could have won - the premium increase notices were just starting.
And giving in now will embolden him. Things will likely get worse.
The people were on our side. We were building momentum to help save our democracy. We could have won - the premium increase notices were just starting.
And giving in now will embolden him. Things will likely get worse.
November 10, 2025 at 8:44 PM
I am furious. I am furious on behalf of everyone who genuinely suffered due to the shutdown and everyone else who will suffer because they f*cking caved for NOTHING.
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
Applications are open for the NIH-sponsored undergraduate Research Opportunities HIV RNA (ROHR) program for Summer 2026. Successful applicants will get to carry out a research project at a major university and attend a conference at the NIH. Please spread the word!
sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/...
sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/...
November 10, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Applications are open for the NIH-sponsored undergraduate Research Opportunities HIV RNA (ROHR) program for Summer 2026. Successful applicants will get to carry out a research project at a major university and attend a conference at the NIH. Please spread the word!
sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/...
sites.google.com/a/umich.edu/...
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
"By doing things voters wanted, he set unrealistic expectations. Soon, voters will expect ALL politicians to represent their interests. Then where will we be?"
Yeah, He Won, but He Was Up Against a Deeply Flawed Candidate
“I’m skeptical. The odds are that Mamdani’s victory is actually less significant than you think.” — Ross Douthat, New York Times - - -I was as surp...
buff.ly
November 7, 2025 at 2:40 AM
"By doing things voters wanted, he set unrealistic expectations. Soon, voters will expect ALL politicians to represent their interests. Then where will we be?"
Reposted by Melissa Kane PhD
Great article from @virginiagewin.bsky.social showing that across the Federal science ecosystem, research that benefits the American public is being delayed or completely halted, and remaining programs are being consolidated under close partisan political control. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Dismantling of US federal agencies will ‘destroy science’
From NASA to the National Institutes of Health, federal agencies conduct research that universities cannot. Agency scientists speak out about the irreplaceable facilities, institutional knowledge and ...
www.nature.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Great article from @virginiagewin.bsky.social showing that across the Federal science ecosystem, research that benefits the American public is being delayed or completely halted, and remaining programs are being consolidated under close partisan political control. www.nature.com/articles/d41...