Holly Dunsworth
@dunsworth.bsky.social
Human evolution-obsessed anthropology professor, book coming 2027, southern Rhode Islander; https://ecodevoevo.blogspot.com/2025/06/fossil-men-indeed-book-review.html
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
How and for whom can genetics education reduce beliefs in genetic essentialism? pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41267401/
"We also find that the 3 intervention curricula are highly effective across sociodemographic group characteristics [...] we offer evidence-based strategies for curriculum development"
"We also find that the 3 intervention curricula are highly effective across sociodemographic group characteristics [...] we offer evidence-based strategies for curriculum development"
November 24, 2025 at 2:57 PM
How and for whom can genetics education reduce beliefs in genetic essentialism? pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41267401/
"We also find that the 3 intervention curricula are highly effective across sociodemographic group characteristics [...] we offer evidence-based strategies for curriculum development"
"We also find that the 3 intervention curricula are highly effective across sociodemographic group characteristics [...] we offer evidence-based strategies for curriculum development"
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
Feeling very old...
November 21, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Feeling very old...
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
A health care industry rag featured a story on how hospitals want to use AI for nursing the day after the administration declares nursing degrees will no longer be considered professional degrees. So there’s the endgame folks.
Same for public education.
Same for public education.
November 21, 2025 at 8:05 PM
A health care industry rag featured a story on how hospitals want to use AI for nursing the day after the administration declares nursing degrees will no longer be considered professional degrees. So there’s the endgame folks.
Same for public education.
Same for public education.
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
New from me: I talked to CDC staffers about the new vaccines and autism page. They said things like:
“The best way I can put it is it feels like we’re on a hijacked airplane.”
“I think people are starting to see that we can’t fulfill our mission here.”
“The best way I can put it is it feels like we’re on a hijacked airplane.”
“I think people are starting to see that we can’t fulfill our mission here.”
“Embarrassing” and “horrifying”: CDC workers describe the new vaccines and autism page
"The best way I can put it is it feels like we're on a hijacked airplane."
www.motherjones.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:41 PM
New from me: I talked to CDC staffers about the new vaccines and autism page. They said things like:
“The best way I can put it is it feels like we’re on a hijacked airplane.”
“I think people are starting to see that we can’t fulfill our mission here.”
“The best way I can put it is it feels like we’re on a hijacked airplane.”
“I think people are starting to see that we can’t fulfill our mission here.”
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
“History shows us that the right to literacy came at a heavy cost…those oppressed recognized that literacy is liberation. To my students & to anyone who might listen, I say: Don’t surrender to AI your ability to read, write & think when others once risked their lives & died for the freedom to do so”
I Set A Trap To Catch My Students Cheating With AI. The Results Were Shocking.
"Students are not just undermining their ability to learn, but to someday lead."
www.huffpost.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:26 AM
“History shows us that the right to literacy came at a heavy cost…those oppressed recognized that literacy is liberation. To my students & to anyone who might listen, I say: Don’t surrender to AI your ability to read, write & think when others once risked their lives & died for the freedom to do so”
I’ve recently finished writing a book, so negative book reviews elicit peak empathy from me at the moment. Except this one. This is a riot.
Episode 46: Sapiens
It's an ambitious goal to write the entire history of humanity in just 400 pages. It's even more ambitious to do it without reading any research.
It's an ambitious goal to write the entire history of humanity in just 400 pages. It's even more ambitious to do it without reading any research.
Sapiens
Podcast Episode · If Books Could Kill · 11/20/2025 · 1h 38m
podcasts.apple.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:34 PM
I’ve recently finished writing a book, so negative book reviews elicit peak empathy from me at the moment. Except this one. This is a riot.
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
Randall Munroe, welcome to The War on Cars.
![4-panel vertical comic. (1) 100 Years Ago [two people standing next to bicycle with small car nearby] PERSON 1: It’s too dangerous riding a bike with these cars around. I should get a car, too. (2) 50 Years Ago [two people between smaller car and bigger car] PERSON 2 with short hair: Small cars are less safe in collisions with larger vehicles, so I should get a bigger one. (3) Today [two people between big car and even bigger car] PERSON 1: Everyone has huge SUVs now. If I don’t get the biggest one, I’m putting my family at risk. (4) Soon [two people next to large armored car with spiked clubs attached] PERSON 2: If I don’t install more whirling spike clubs, I’ll be destroyed by all the other drivers who...](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreiby6can6k76yzfmv2czxs4pu2l7zie7bqbrpswi7h3ifmiadkuqvu@jpeg)
November 14, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Randall Munroe, welcome to The War on Cars.
Going against my personal rules to post this, but …
Veep is telling us that he likes Grok bc it is most pseudoscientific.
ANTHROPOLOGISTS!
if you can hear me (and you don’t know this already), Grok will come at you with Phillipe Rushton papers to say you’re wrong about genetics and race.
Veep is telling us that he likes Grok bc it is most pseudoscientific.
ANTHROPOLOGISTS!
if you can hear me (and you don’t know this already), Grok will come at you with Phillipe Rushton papers to say you’re wrong about genetics and race.
JD Vance: "I'm a Grok guy. I think it's the best. It's also the least woke."
November 14, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Going against my personal rules to post this, but …
Veep is telling us that he likes Grok bc it is most pseudoscientific.
ANTHROPOLOGISTS!
if you can hear me (and you don’t know this already), Grok will come at you with Phillipe Rushton papers to say you’re wrong about genetics and race.
Veep is telling us that he likes Grok bc it is most pseudoscientific.
ANTHROPOLOGISTS!
if you can hear me (and you don’t know this already), Grok will come at you with Phillipe Rushton papers to say you’re wrong about genetics and race.
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
I am trying to process a college professor saying she uses AI to figure out how to explain ("dumb down" in her words) complex concepts because she doesn't otherwise know how to teach them to her students
"Does ChatGPT every give you a little like, 'Isn't that YOUR job?'" 😂
"Does ChatGPT every give you a little like, 'Isn't that YOUR job?'" 😂
November 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM
I am trying to process a college professor saying she uses AI to figure out how to explain ("dumb down" in her words) complex concepts because she doesn't otherwise know how to teach them to her students
"Does ChatGPT every give you a little like, 'Isn't that YOUR job?'" 😂
"Does ChatGPT every give you a little like, 'Isn't that YOUR job?'" 😂
In case your loved ones are spending their afternoons arguing with racists defending James Watson on Twitter…
Here’s a book they can and should link in their replies which is one of the best ways in to understanding what DNA is but especially what it is not!
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
Here’s a book they can and should link in their replies which is one of the best ways in to understanding what DNA is but especially what it is not!
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
How Life Works
“Bold and intriguing.”—Wall Street Journal • “Penetrating. . . . Provocative and profound.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review) • “Offers plenty of food for thought.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “...
press.uchicago.edu
November 8, 2025 at 3:57 PM
In case your loved ones are spending their afternoons arguing with racists defending James Watson on Twitter…
Here’s a book they can and should link in their replies which is one of the best ways in to understanding what DNA is but especially what it is not!
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
Here’s a book they can and should link in their replies which is one of the best ways in to understanding what DNA is but especially what it is not!
press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...
MAGA or Evolutionist?
need to feel special (no god? just make evolution one)
need enemies (creationists)
need simple answers to complex problems (evolution is one such)
confuse being loud with being right (h-index or podcast)
think that admitting uncertainty is weakness (then creationists win!)
need to feel special (no god? just make evolution one)
need enemies (creationists)
need simple answers to complex problems (evolution is one such)
confuse being loud with being right (h-index or podcast)
think that admitting uncertainty is weakness (then creationists win!)
Update on "Who Goes Nazi"
"MAGA appeals to people who need to feel special, who need enemies to blame, who need simple answers to complex problems. It attracts those who mistake confidence for competence, who confuse being loud with being right, who think that admitting uncertainty is weakness."
"MAGA appeals to people who need to feel special, who need enemies to blame, who need simple answers to complex problems. It attracts those who mistake confidence for competence, who confuse being loud with being right, who think that admitting uncertainty is weakness."
November 8, 2025 at 12:50 PM
MAGA or Evolutionist?
need to feel special (no god? just make evolution one)
need enemies (creationists)
need simple answers to complex problems (evolution is one such)
confuse being loud with being right (h-index or podcast)
think that admitting uncertainty is weakness (then creationists win!)
need to feel special (no god? just make evolution one)
need enemies (creationists)
need simple answers to complex problems (evolution is one such)
confuse being loud with being right (h-index or podcast)
think that admitting uncertainty is weakness (then creationists win!)
"I'm gonna need you to post a link to a genetic study demonstrating that white people are *not* the superior race."
Sums up how people are defending James Watson.
They are living proof that what a geneticist believes about human nature is as powerful as their discoveries about molecules.
Sums up how people are defending James Watson.
They are living proof that what a geneticist believes about human nature is as powerful as their discoveries about molecules.
November 8, 2025 at 12:39 PM
"I'm gonna need you to post a link to a genetic study demonstrating that white people are *not* the superior race."
Sums up how people are defending James Watson.
They are living proof that what a geneticist believes about human nature is as powerful as their discoveries about molecules.
Sums up how people are defending James Watson.
They are living proof that what a geneticist believes about human nature is as powerful as their discoveries about molecules.
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
fucking hell
do actual academics think we need evidence that a statistical probability model is a statistical probability model and not a sentient being who understands meaning?
next research question: is my kettle powered by electricity or a tiny fire spewing dragon who lives in there?
do actual academics think we need evidence that a statistical probability model is a statistical probability model and not a sentient being who understands meaning?
next research question: is my kettle powered by electricity or a tiny fire spewing dragon who lives in there?
October 17, 2025 at 9:04 PM
fucking hell
do actual academics think we need evidence that a statistical probability model is a statistical probability model and not a sentient being who understands meaning?
next research question: is my kettle powered by electricity or a tiny fire spewing dragon who lives in there?
do actual academics think we need evidence that a statistical probability model is a statistical probability model and not a sentient being who understands meaning?
next research question: is my kettle powered by electricity or a tiny fire spewing dragon who lives in there?
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
October 5, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Dr. Jane Goodall filmed an interview with Netflix in March 2025 that she understood would only be released after her death.
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
Update on "Who Goes Nazi"
"MAGA appeals to people who need to feel special, who need enemies to blame, who need simple answers to complex problems. It attracts those who mistake confidence for competence, who confuse being loud with being right, who think that admitting uncertainty is weakness."
"MAGA appeals to people who need to feel special, who need enemies to blame, who need simple answers to complex problems. It attracts those who mistake confidence for competence, who confuse being loud with being right, who think that admitting uncertainty is weakness."
October 2, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Update on "Who Goes Nazi"
"MAGA appeals to people who need to feel special, who need enemies to blame, who need simple answers to complex problems. It attracts those who mistake confidence for competence, who confuse being loud with being right, who think that admitting uncertainty is weakness."
"MAGA appeals to people who need to feel special, who need enemies to blame, who need simple answers to complex problems. It attracts those who mistake confidence for competence, who confuse being loud with being right, who think that admitting uncertainty is weakness."
—His body is vigorous. His mind is childish. His soul has been almost completely neglected.—
Every few months now I re-read this "Who Goes Nazi?" piece from 1941 and am blown away by how it captures the people we are dealing with 80 years later.
harpers.org/archive/1941...
harpers.org/archive/1941...
Who Goes Nazi?, by Dorothy Thompson
harpers.org
October 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM
—His body is vigorous. His mind is childish. His soul has been almost completely neglected.—
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
Trump's higher ed ransom note is here - everyone would have to acquiesce to their unprecedented demands or not be "given priority for grants," plus they can demand "reimbursement" for "violations" www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
October 2, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Trump's higher ed ransom note is here - everyone would have to acquiesce to their unprecedented demands or not be "given priority for grants," plus they can demand "reimbursement" for "violations" www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
What a life. What a loss. 💔
I'm just lucky I got to provision her, once. Yes, with bananas, but also chocolate.
I'm just lucky I got to provision her, once. Yes, with bananas, but also chocolate.
JUST IN: Jane Goodall, primatologist who transformed our understanding of the lives of apes, has died, according to an announcement from the Jane Goodall Institute.
Jane Goodall, legendary primatologist, has died at age 91
Jane Goodall, primatologist who transformed our understanding of the lives of apes, has died, according to an announcement from the Jane Goodall Institute.
n.pr
October 1, 2025 at 7:12 PM
What a life. What a loss. 💔
I'm just lucky I got to provision her, once. Yes, with bananas, but also chocolate.
I'm just lucky I got to provision her, once. Yes, with bananas, but also chocolate.
In your field, if you wrote a sole-author paper that argued something. Would you expect to be asked to peer review a paper that argues against your paper? I ask bc this paper /n
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1...
Empirical Test of the Relationship Between Pelvic Organs and Pelvic Cavity Dimensions as an Explanation for Female‐Biased Pelvic Sex Differences
Objectives Growing evidence obfuscates the role obstetrics is thought to have played in the evolution of female-biased pelvic dimorphism. An alternative explanation is offered by the “Virile, Active...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
September 27, 2025 at 7:21 PM
In your field, if you wrote a sole-author paper that argued something. Would you expect to be asked to peer review a paper that argues against your paper? I ask bc this paper /n
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1...
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
Standing up for science is one way to push back against political attacks on the university sector 👇 Experts in biology and anthropology have put together this statement to counter misinformation about race. Please consider signing and sharing
Trump's very first example of the Smithsonian's "corrosive ideology" was an exhibit that correctly stated "Race is a human invention." How is scientific consensus (that biological races don't exist in humans) corrosive? We are asking scientists to co-sign our statement: forms.gle/kqKQF9CZ3jPB...
September 27, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Standing up for science is one way to push back against political attacks on the university sector 👇 Experts in biology and anthropology have put together this statement to counter misinformation about race. Please consider signing and sharing
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
In reporting this piece on the new trial for a Huntington's treatment, I was struck by one thing in particular:
The joy.
One of my sources wept for joy. He has spent his entire career studying this disease, he said it was the happiest day. www.sciencenews.org/article/hunt...
The joy.
One of my sources wept for joy. He has spent his entire career studying this disease, he said it was the happiest day. www.sciencenews.org/article/hunt...
Huntington's progression slowed by experimental gene therapy
An experimental gene therapy slowed Huntington’s by up to 75 percent in a small clinical trial. While not a cure, it may give patients longer lives.
www.sciencenews.org
September 26, 2025 at 5:58 PM
In reporting this piece on the new trial for a Huntington's treatment, I was struck by one thing in particular:
The joy.
One of my sources wept for joy. He has spent his entire career studying this disease, he said it was the happiest day. www.sciencenews.org/article/hunt...
The joy.
One of my sources wept for joy. He has spent his entire career studying this disease, he said it was the happiest day. www.sciencenews.org/article/hunt...
Reposted by Holly Dunsworth
The influence of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program really cannot be overstated. The fact that there is still no solicitation for this year is unfair to students and risks damaging the future of American science. Please take 30 seconds to sign the open letter to US STEM Leadership 🧪🌎
Please share with anyone who cares about NSF support for graduate students and take 30 seconds to sign and leave a comment.
The deadline for the 2025 Graduate Research Fellowship Program is about one month away and literally no one can apply. #NSFGRFP
jasonjwilliamsny.github.io/grfp2025/
The deadline for the 2025 Graduate Research Fellowship Program is about one month away and literally no one can apply. #NSFGRFP
jasonjwilliamsny.github.io/grfp2025/
An Open Letter to U.S. STEM Leadership on the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
An Open Letter to U.S. STEM Leadership on the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program
jasonjwilliamsny.github.io
September 26, 2025 at 12:14 AM
The influence of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program really cannot be overstated. The fact that there is still no solicitation for this year is unfair to students and risks damaging the future of American science. Please take 30 seconds to sign the open letter to US STEM Leadership 🧪🌎