Ferric Fang, MD
@fangferric.bsky.social
Physician-scientist, microbiologist, infectious diseases specialist, medical school professor. Opinions expressed are my own.
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
3 infant #pertussis deaths this year in Kentucky. "Of the three infant deaths reported over the past 12 months, all three were not vaccinated, nor were their mothers."
We first tested maternal vaccination for whooping cough over 80 years ago. It's safe & effective & might have saved these babies.
We first tested maternal vaccination for whooping cough over 80 years ago. It's safe & effective & might have saved these babies.
www.wowktv.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:27 AM
3 infant #pertussis deaths this year in Kentucky. "Of the three infant deaths reported over the past 12 months, all three were not vaccinated, nor were their mothers."
We first tested maternal vaccination for whooping cough over 80 years ago. It's safe & effective & might have saved these babies.
We first tested maternal vaccination for whooping cough over 80 years ago. It's safe & effective & might have saved these babies.
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
To try to avoid the Trump administration’s ire, Duke has instructed faculty not to speak to reporters dukechronicle.com/article/duke...
Duke has sought to tighten faculty media engagement to minimize federal scrutiny
The messages reflect a broader University strategy: keeping Duke out of the national spotlight by exercising caution at the faculty level when it comes to politically sensitive topics.
dukechronicle.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:35 PM
To try to avoid the Trump administration’s ire, Duke has instructed faculty not to speak to reporters dukechronicle.com/article/duke...
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
🧪 The NIH is dropping public "paylines," ending funding based strictly on peer review. While aimed at portfolio balance, the move raises concerns about transparency and the potential for political meddling in science. #AcademicSky
NIH shake-up to grant decision-making draws concerns of political meddling
Policy drops “paylines” based on peer-review scores and requires geography and other factors to guide approvals
www.science.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:49 PM
🧪 The NIH is dropping public "paylines," ending funding based strictly on peer review. While aimed at portfolio balance, the move raises concerns about transparency and the potential for political meddling in science. #AcademicSky
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
So, let me share the NIGMS processes from my time.
1/8
1/8
I will share how things worked when I was at NIGMS back in the day.
I am confident in varies across institutes (as almost everything does).
I am confident in varies across institutes (as almost everything does).
November 25, 2025 at 3:58 PM
So, let me share the NIGMS processes from my time.
1/8
1/8
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
The euphemism “shooting yourself in the foot” doesn’t fully capture the essence of the DOGE era. People won’t fully comprehend the damage done for years to come, and I doubt they’ll fully comprehend its entire cost. May be we'll say it was performing open-heart surgery with a weed whacker.
DOGE “cut muscle, not fat”; 26K experts rehired after brutal cuts
Government brain drain will haunt US after DOGE abruptly terminated.
arstechnica.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The euphemism “shooting yourself in the foot” doesn’t fully capture the essence of the DOGE era. People won’t fully comprehend the damage done for years to come, and I doubt they’ll fully comprehend its entire cost. May be we'll say it was performing open-heart surgery with a weed whacker.
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
H3N2 preprint: there are concerns of a severe incoming influenza season due to the drifted H3N2 K clade. We at @psioxford.bsky.social analysed epi data and ran scenario models to see what we could discern about K clade transmission dynamics: zenodo.org/records/1770....
(1/18)
(1/18)
Evaluation of the epidemiological outlook of the influenza A/H3N2 clade K in England during the 2025-26 season
Key findings England is currently experiencing a high growth rate of infections caused by the influenza A/H3N2 K clade. Antigenic change from the previously dominant clade, a rapid selective sweep evi...
zenodo.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:51 PM
H3N2 preprint: there are concerns of a severe incoming influenza season due to the drifted H3N2 K clade. We at @psioxford.bsky.social analysed epi data and ran scenario models to see what we could discern about K clade transmission dynamics: zenodo.org/records/1770....
(1/18)
(1/18)
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
For those not up on vaccine schedules - the reason it is significant that the mothers weren't is because infants don't get their pertussis vaccine until 2 mo of age, making it important for pregnant people to get their booster before giving birth (and for all people around the newborn to do so too)
3 infant #pertussis deaths this year in Kentucky. "Of the three infant deaths reported over the past 12 months, all three were not vaccinated, nor were their mothers."
We first tested maternal vaccination for whooping cough over 80 years ago. It's safe & effective & might have saved these babies.
We first tested maternal vaccination for whooping cough over 80 years ago. It's safe & effective & might have saved these babies.
www.wowktv.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:56 PM
For those not up on vaccine schedules - the reason it is significant that the mothers weren't is because infants don't get their pertussis vaccine until 2 mo of age, making it important for pregnant people to get their booster before giving birth (and for all people around the newborn to do so too)
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
In a potentially dramatic change to how it chooses what science to fund, NIH is ending a long-running practice at many of its institutes of establishing, and making public, a threshold peer-review score needed for a grant application’s approval. https://scim.ag/48ck2zu
NIH shake-up to grant decision-making draws concerns of political meddling
Policy drops “paylines” based on peer-review scores and requires geography and other factors to guide approvals
scim.ag
November 25, 2025 at 3:18 PM
In a potentially dramatic change to how it chooses what science to fund, NIH is ending a long-running practice at many of its institutes of establishing, and making public, a threshold peer-review score needed for a grant application’s approval. https://scim.ag/48ck2zu
The name "monkeypox" is a misnomer, given because it was first recognized in primates used for research. The animal reservoir is actually thought to be small rodents. The administration just likes the name because it is offensive and triggers the libs. You can't get much more childish than that.
CDC website has been scrubbed of all mentions of "mpox" with everything replaced by "monkeypox," even renaming linked articles in EID.
November 25, 2025 at 3:02 PM
The name "monkeypox" is a misnomer, given because it was first recognized in primates used for research. The animal reservoir is actually thought to be small rodents. The administration just likes the name because it is offensive and triggers the libs. You can't get much more childish than that.
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
Statement from @health.nationalacademies.org "...based on our body of work on this topic and the overwhelming scientific consensus, we support the statement that vaccines do not cause autism."
www.nationalacademies.org/news/stateme...
www.nationalacademies.org/news/stateme...
National Academies - Statement on CDC’s Updated Vaccine Guidance
National Academies respond to CDC’s updated vaccine guidance, offering scientific context and clarity on vaccine safety.
www.nationalacademies.org
November 25, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Statement from @health.nationalacademies.org "...based on our body of work on this topic and the overwhelming scientific consensus, we support the statement that vaccines do not cause autism."
www.nationalacademies.org/news/stateme...
www.nationalacademies.org/news/stateme...
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
Two new Cochrane reviews show strong and consistent evidence that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes, especially when given to young people before they are exposed to the virus.
www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
November 25, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Two new Cochrane reviews show strong and consistent evidence that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes, especially when given to young people before they are exposed to the virus.
www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
www.cochrane.org/about-us/new...
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
Jamaica is seeing an outbreak of leptospirosis, just one of the many, many ways severe Melissa hits wll sicken and kill people there over the coming months and years
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Jamaica is seeing an outbreak of leptospirosis, just one of the many, many ways severe Melissa hits wll sicken and kill people there over the coming months and years
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
It's always harder to get things done in Washington than to stop things. In the case of the ACA right now, inaction means 22 million people will see their out-of-pocket premiums increase by 114% on average on January 1.
November 24, 2025 at 9:38 PM
It's always harder to get things done in Washington than to stop things. In the case of the ACA right now, inaction means 22 million people will see their out-of-pocket premiums increase by 114% on average on January 1.
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
I fear this exactly. Failing to adequately prepare increases the likelihood of lockdowns. No one should want this.
The default pandemic strategy for many countries does now seem to be "Play it by ear then lockdown and wait for a vaccine"
November 24, 2025 at 8:31 PM
I fear this exactly. Failing to adequately prepare increases the likelihood of lockdowns. No one should want this.
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
I watched him take a victory lap in Austin this month at an anti-vaccine conference for the Kennedy-founded Children's Health Defense.
My piece on how Wakefield’s comeback is taking shape: www.ms.now/news/the-ret...
My piece on how Wakefield’s comeback is taking shape: www.ms.now/news/the-ret...
The doctor who falsely tied vaccines to autism is enjoying a comeback
Andrew Wakefield, who was once cast out for his retracted study tying autism to the MMR vaccine, is making a comeback in the second term of President Donald Trump as an ally of Health and Human Servic...
www.ms.now
November 24, 2025 at 4:36 PM
I watched him take a victory lap in Austin this month at an anti-vaccine conference for the Kennedy-founded Children's Health Defense.
My piece on how Wakefield’s comeback is taking shape: www.ms.now/news/the-ret...
My piece on how Wakefield’s comeback is taking shape: www.ms.now/news/the-ret...
"Who decided to leave RFK Jr home alone at the HHS Department? Without adults to supervise the Secretary, he's damaging public trust in immunizations, and now the CDC has been conscripted into his anti-vaccine campaign."
When you've lost the WSJ. . .
www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-...
When you've lost the WSJ. . .
www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-...
Opinion | RFK Jr. Turns the CDC Against Vaccines
The agency’s website is revised to spread autism fears, despite serious science finding no link.
www.wsj.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:13 PM
"Who decided to leave RFK Jr home alone at the HHS Department? Without adults to supervise the Secretary, he's damaging public trust in immunizations, and now the CDC has been conscripted into his anti-vaccine campaign."
When you've lost the WSJ. . .
www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-...
When you've lost the WSJ. . .
www.wsj.com/opinion/rfk-...
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
My thoughts on ABC news- Scientists, not political appointees, should be who advises the public on clinical guidance. RFK needs to meet with CDC career leaders and learn about the agency's responses to outbreaks and overall programs vs directing CDC website changes based on ideology not science
Video Former CDC chief on agency webpage saying autism, vaccines link ignored
Dr. Debra Houry, who resigned from her position as chief medical officer of the CDC in 2025, called the change on the CDC’s website "disturbing."
abcnews.go.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:10 PM
My thoughts on ABC news- Scientists, not political appointees, should be who advises the public on clinical guidance. RFK needs to meet with CDC career leaders and learn about the agency's responses to outbreaks and overall programs vs directing CDC website changes based on ideology not science
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
This is spot-on.
The UVA "deal" might be the worst/most dangerous (so far). With the help of UVA's leadership, Trump coerced a leading U.S. university to foreswear all efforts (including 100% lawful measures) to achieve diversity.
A betrayal of our values.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The UVA "deal" might be the worst/most dangerous (so far). With the help of UVA's leadership, Trump coerced a leading U.S. university to foreswear all efforts (including 100% lawful measures) to achieve diversity.
A betrayal of our values.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The University of Virginia and Cornell deals with Trump set a dangerous precedent | Serena Mayeri and Amanda Shanor
The bespoke agreements are full of peril for the universities, allowing the federal government to quietly exert control
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:20 AM
This is spot-on.
The UVA "deal" might be the worst/most dangerous (so far). With the help of UVA's leadership, Trump coerced a leading U.S. university to foreswear all efforts (including 100% lawful measures) to achieve diversity.
A betrayal of our values.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
The UVA "deal" might be the worst/most dangerous (so far). With the help of UVA's leadership, Trump coerced a leading U.S. university to foreswear all efforts (including 100% lawful measures) to achieve diversity.
A betrayal of our values.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
Hearing news that Carl Dieffenbach, the Director of the Division of AIDS at #NIH (NIAID), has been removed from his position because he was "not aligned with HHS/OMB."
Russell Vought continues to remove great scientists as part of the Project 2025 mission to politicize and destroy NIH.
🧪 1/
Russell Vought continues to remove great scientists as part of the Project 2025 mission to politicize and destroy NIH.
🧪 1/
November 24, 2025 at 3:31 AM
Hearing news that Carl Dieffenbach, the Director of the Division of AIDS at #NIH (NIAID), has been removed from his position because he was "not aligned with HHS/OMB."
Russell Vought continues to remove great scientists as part of the Project 2025 mission to politicize and destroy NIH.
🧪 1/
Russell Vought continues to remove great scientists as part of the Project 2025 mission to politicize and destroy NIH.
🧪 1/
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
This is concerning.
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
November 24, 2025 at 12:29 AM
This is concerning.
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
NIH is changing their policy so that staff have to prepare justification for every application that is funded BUT NO DOCUMENTATION FOR APPLICATIONS THAT ARE SKIPPED (BASED ON PERCENTILES).
1/2
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
Republicans increasingly oppose requiring healthy kids to get MMR vaccines to attend public schools
2016 19%
2019 20%
2023 42%
2025 47%
www.pewresearch.org/science/2025... 🧪
2016 19%
2019 20%
2023 42%
2025 47%
www.pewresearch.org/science/2025... 🧪
November 23, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Republicans increasingly oppose requiring healthy kids to get MMR vaccines to attend public schools
2016 19%
2019 20%
2023 42%
2025 47%
www.pewresearch.org/science/2025... 🧪
2016 19%
2019 20%
2023 42%
2025 47%
www.pewresearch.org/science/2025... 🧪
RFK Jr described by those who know him best:
"A liar and a terrible human being"
"Messianic self-regard"
"Sadly off his rocker"
"A predator addicted to attention and power"
"Sickening and destructive"
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
"A liar and a terrible human being"
"Messianic self-regard"
"Sadly off his rocker"
"A predator addicted to attention and power"
"Sickening and destructive"
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
The Most Powerful Man in Science
Why is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. so convinced he’s right?
www.theatlantic.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:37 AM
RFK Jr described by those who know him best:
"A liar and a terrible human being"
"Messianic self-regard"
"Sadly off his rocker"
"A predator addicted to attention and power"
"Sickening and destructive"
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
"A liar and a terrible human being"
"Messianic self-regard"
"Sadly off his rocker"
"A predator addicted to attention and power"
"Sickening and destructive"
www.theatlantic.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Ferric Fang, MD
The skinny on this is that *any* grant can be terminated at *any* time for *any* reason, making planning impossible.
For more background on this, see my thread from a few months ago: bsky.app/profile/kgan...
For more background on this, see my thread from a few months ago: bsky.app/profile/kgan...
November 23, 2025 at 5:08 PM
The skinny on this is that *any* grant can be terminated at *any* time for *any* reason, making planning impossible.
For more background on this, see my thread from a few months ago: bsky.app/profile/kgan...
For more background on this, see my thread from a few months ago: bsky.app/profile/kgan...