Helen Pearson
@helenpearson.bsky.social
Science journalist & editor for Nature, author, teacher at University College London.
ADHD diagnoses are climbing in some countries. What’s going on?
My @nature.com story looks at what specialists and people with ADHD are learning about the rise in diagnoses and how best to provide support www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My @nature.com story looks at what specialists and people with ADHD are learning about the rise in diagnoses and how best to provide support www.nature.com/articles/d41...
ADHD diagnoses are growing. What’s going on?
More children and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD in some countries. Science is helping to understand why — and how best to provide support.
www.nature.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:23 PM
ADHD diagnoses are climbing in some countries. What’s going on?
My @nature.com story looks at what specialists and people with ADHD are learning about the rise in diagnoses and how best to provide support www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My @nature.com story looks at what specialists and people with ADHD are learning about the rise in diagnoses and how best to provide support www.nature.com/articles/d41...
This deep-dive course in evidence synthesis looks great
Looking forward to October 2026, we've started offering places to applicants to our MSc Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-...
Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) MSc
UCL's Social Policy (Evidence Synthesis) MSc has a specialist focus on advanced methods for the systematic review of research, also known as evidence syntheses, and explores how research is combined with professional and community knowledge to support policy decision-making by governments and other national and international organisations around the world. The course offers
www.ucl.ac.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:42 AM
This deep-dive course in evidence synthesis looks great
Thoughtful and informed post about the past and future of science journalism, based on an excellent talk
A few thoughts on the future of science journalism from a talk I gave recently--at UCL for the American Association of Science Journalism.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
From Print to Prompts
What the past tells us about the future of science journalism
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Thoughtful and informed post about the past and future of science journalism, based on an excellent talk
Reposted by Helen Pearson
In praise of fundamental research
Our editorial this week argues that I n these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different
🧪
@nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Our editorial this week argues that I n these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different
🧪
@nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
From MRI to Ozempic: breakthroughs that show why fundamental research must be protected
In these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different.
www.nature.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:53 PM
In praise of fundamental research
Our editorial this week argues that I n these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different
🧪
@nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Our editorial this week argues that I n these financially straitened times, funders must recognize that great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different
🧪
@nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Helen Pearson
We’re hiring! We are recruiting for Science Communication Technician (Equipment and Resources) to join our Department from November 2025. For more info and to apply, please visit: http://bit.ly/43BnBxu
Closing Date: 10th November 2025
#WeAreSTS #Sciencecommunication #MSc
Closing Date: 10th November 2025
#WeAreSTS #Sciencecommunication #MSc
October 27, 2025 at 7:31 AM
We’re hiring! We are recruiting for Science Communication Technician (Equipment and Resources) to join our Department from November 2025. For more info and to apply, please visit: http://bit.ly/43BnBxu
Closing Date: 10th November 2025
#WeAreSTS #Sciencecommunication #MSc
Closing Date: 10th November 2025
#WeAreSTS #Sciencecommunication #MSc
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Fewer grad students means less science, but many STEM PhD programs in the US are cutting back on admissions this year due to federal funding uncertainties. Words by me for @nature.com:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
US PhD admissions shrink as fears over Trump’s cuts take hold
Some doctoral programmes are admitting no students at all amid uncertainty about federal science funding.
www.nature.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Fewer grad students means less science, but many STEM PhD programs in the US are cutting back on admissions this year due to federal funding uncertainties. Words by me for @nature.com:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@emsque.bsky.social @ucsdcooperlab.bsky.social @julieposselt.bsky.social 🧪
Reposted by Helen Pearson
I listened to the article on the Nature podcast, Helen; Very timely. Too bad the scientifically unfounded claim that taking #acetaminophen #Tylenol during pregnancy is linked to autism came out just a few days later.
October 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
I listened to the article on the Nature podcast, Helen; Very timely. Too bad the scientifically unfounded claim that taking #acetaminophen #Tylenol during pregnancy is linked to autism came out just a few days later.
Reposted by Helen Pearson
thx to @nature.com @helenpearson.bsky.social for including our words & letter‼️
> unis are allowing or even encouraging the use of AI tools — many of which are controlled by companies, have unknown cognitive impacts and are dogged by ethical and environmental concerns.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
> unis are allowing or even encouraging the use of AI tools — many of which are controlled by companies, have unknown cognitive impacts and are dogged by ethical and environmental concerns.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
October 21, 2025 at 2:45 PM
thx to @nature.com @helenpearson.bsky.social for including our words & letter‼️
> unis are allowing or even encouraging the use of AI tools — many of which are controlled by companies, have unknown cognitive impacts and are dogged by ethical and environmental concerns.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
> unis are allowing or even encouraging the use of AI tools — many of which are controlled by companies, have unknown cognitive impacts and are dogged by ethical and environmental concerns.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
AI tools can, within seconds, analyse information and write essays — some of the exact skills that universities teach. My @nature.com story examines what this means for universities & students: is this the future of learning of the end of critical thinking?
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Universities are embracing AI: will students get smarter or stop thinking?
Millions of students arriving at campuses are now using artificial intelligence. Worries abound.
www.nature.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:49 PM
AI tools can, within seconds, analyse information and write essays — some of the exact skills that universities teach. My @nature.com story examines what this means for universities & students: is this the future of learning of the end of critical thinking?
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Less than 70% of science Nobel prize winners awarded this century hail from the country in which they were awarded their prize.
“Mobility benefits everyone. Each newcomer brings fresh ideas, new techniques & different ways of looking at old problems”
🧪 #academicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Mobility benefits everyone. Each newcomer brings fresh ideas, new techniques & different ways of looking at old problems”
🧪 #academicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
More than 30% of this century’s science Nobel prizewinners immigrated: see their journeys
The most common destination for eventual Nobel laureates in physics, chemistry and medicine since 2000 is the United States, Nature has found.
www.nature.com
October 9, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Less than 70% of science Nobel prize winners awarded this century hail from the country in which they were awarded their prize.
“Mobility benefits everyone. Each newcomer brings fresh ideas, new techniques & different ways of looking at old problems”
🧪 #academicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“Mobility benefits everyone. Each newcomer brings fresh ideas, new techniques & different ways of looking at old problems”
🧪 #academicSky
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Now might be a good time to repost this story about what scientists actually know about the complex causes of autism, and what's behind the increasing prevalence.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Autism is on the rise: what’s really behind the increase?
RFK Jr has vowed to find out what’s responsible, but scientists say he is ignoring answers from decades of research.
www.nature.com
September 22, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Now might be a good time to repost this story about what scientists actually know about the complex causes of autism, and what's behind the increasing prevalence.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
A good news story. A new birth cohort to add to the UK’s unique series of such studies
UKRI announces first UK-wide birth cohort study in 25 years #ESRC #AcademicSky
UKRI announces first UK-wide birth cohort study in 25 years
A ground-breaking UK-wide scientific study will help improve the lives of future generations by studying 30,000 children born in 2026.
www.ukri.org
September 9, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A good news story. A new birth cohort to add to the UK’s unique series of such studies
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Good summary by my friend @helenpearson.bsky.social of what we have been saying for years: if there’s an epidemic in autism, it’s of diagnoses, which is not a bad thing www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Autism is on the rise: what’s really behind the increase?
RFK Jr has vowed to find out what’s responsible, but scientists say he is ignoring answers from decades of research.
www.nature.com
August 28, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Good summary by my friend @helenpearson.bsky.social of what we have been saying for years: if there’s an epidemic in autism, it’s of diagnoses, which is not a bad thing www.nature.com/articles/d41...
“While X has primarily served as a dissemination tool, Bluesky may support a more interpretive, reflective mode of science communication.” 👇
Posts about research on Bluesky receive substantially more attention than similar posts on X, formerly called Twitter
go.nature.com/45Ftiw4
go.nature.com/45Ftiw4
Research posts on Bluesky are more original — and get better engagement
Bluesky posts about science garner more likes and reposts than similar ones on X.
go.nature.com
August 29, 2025 at 8:34 AM
“While X has primarily served as a dissemination tool, Bluesky may support a more interpretive, reflective mode of science communication.” 👇
Very surprised and delighted to be one of 4 finalists for European Science Journalist of the Year Award 2025 - along with amazing reporters @mikepeeljourno.bsky.social, Jonas Reese & Christopher Weingart.
Congratulations to ABSW members @helenpearson.bsky.social and @mikepeeljourno.bsky.social who are finalists in the European Science Journalist of the Year Award 2025. Really well deserved. efsj.eu/2025/08/27/a...
Announcing the shortlist for the European Science Journalist of the Year Award 2025
The European Federation for Science Journalism reveals the 2025 shortlist for the European Science Journalist of the Year award.
National science journalism associations put forward their candidates, ...
efsj.eu
August 27, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Very surprised and delighted to be one of 4 finalists for European Science Journalist of the Year Award 2025 - along with amazing reporters @mikepeeljourno.bsky.social, Jonas Reese & Christopher Weingart.
What’s really driving the rise in prevalence of autism? My @nature.com story looks at what scientists and the autism community have learned about the causes of autism and the growth in diagnoses. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Autism is on the rise: what’s really behind the increase?
RFK Jr has vowed to find out what’s responsible, but scientists say he is ignoring answers from decades of research.
www.nature.com
August 26, 2025 at 12:10 PM
What’s really driving the rise in prevalence of autism? My @nature.com story looks at what scientists and the autism community have learned about the causes of autism and the growth in diagnoses. www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Congratulations to the fantastic crop of winners of the @absw.bsky.social Awards 2025 but especially (of course!) to our @nature.com winners Nisha Gaind (www.nature.com/articles/d41...) & Lizzy Gibney (www.nature.com/articles/d41... ) 🎉🎉🎉
@lizziegibney.bsky.social
🧪
www.absw.org.uk/pages/meet-t...
@lizziegibney.bsky.social
🧪
www.absw.org.uk/pages/meet-t...
Meet the Winners 2025 | Association of British Science Writers
The winners of the 2025 ABSW Awards were announced at a ceremony held on Wednesday July 9, 2025
www.absw.org.uk
July 9, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Congratulations to the fantastic crop of winners of the @absw.bsky.social Awards 2025 but especially (of course!) to our @nature.com winners Nisha Gaind (www.nature.com/articles/d41...) & Lizzy Gibney (www.nature.com/articles/d41... ) 🎉🎉🎉
@lizziegibney.bsky.social
🧪
www.absw.org.uk/pages/meet-t...
@lizziegibney.bsky.social
🧪
www.absw.org.uk/pages/meet-t...
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Some sleuths fear that the business of cleaning up flawed studies is being weaponized against science itself
go.nature.com/3TwCNXA
go.nature.com/3TwCNXA
Research-integrity sleuths say their work is being ‘twisted’ to undermine science
Some sleuths fear that the business of cleaning up flawed studies is being weaponized against science itself.
go.nature.com
July 9, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Some sleuths fear that the business of cleaning up flawed studies is being weaponized against science itself
go.nature.com/3TwCNXA
go.nature.com/3TwCNXA
Reposted by Helen Pearson
‘Metascience can improve science — but it must be useful to society, too’. Good, thoughtful editorial in @nature.com on #Metascience2025 & the new Alliance
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@helenpearson.bsky.social @magdalenaskipper.bsky.social @briannosek.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@helenpearson.bsky.social @magdalenaskipper.bsky.social @briannosek.bsky.social
Metascience can improve science — but it must be useful to society, too
Researchers studying research must avoid the temptation to get too stuck in the academic weeds.
www.nature.com
July 9, 2025 at 7:06 AM
‘Metascience can improve science — but it must be useful to society, too’. Good, thoughtful editorial in @nature.com on #Metascience2025 & the new Alliance
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@helenpearson.bsky.social @magdalenaskipper.bsky.social @briannosek.bsky.social
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@helenpearson.bsky.social @magdalenaskipper.bsky.social @briannosek.bsky.social
An experimental peer-review system slashes the time taken to review grant applications, according to results reported at #Metascience2025. 'Distributed peer review' requires researchers who apply for funding to review the other applications.
My story for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My story for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How to speed up peer review: make applicants mark one another
‘Distributed peer review’ of grants makes process more than twice as fast — and includes some cheat-prevention measures.
www.nature.com
July 1, 2025 at 4:37 PM
An experimental peer-review system slashes the time taken to review grant applications, according to results reported at #Metascience2025. 'Distributed peer review' requires researchers who apply for funding to review the other applications.
My story for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
My story for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
I’m at #Metascience2025 this week, aka the ‘Glastonbury of metascience’. Looking fwd to #sciencepolicy but not the #heatwave metascience.info Metascience 2025 Conference
Metascience 2025 Conference
A global gathering for knowledge sharing, community building, and opportunities to define a roadmap of research and intervention priorities to accelerate science.
metascience.info
June 30, 2025 at 7:58 AM
I’m at #Metascience2025 this week, aka the ‘Glastonbury of metascience’. Looking fwd to #sciencepolicy but not the #heatwave metascience.info Metascience 2025 Conference
RFK Jr wants to Make America Healthy Again. But is America really that unhealthy?
I spoke with public health experts & data analysts to find out. My story for @nature.com and brief🧵
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
I spoke with public health experts & data analysts to find out. My story for @nature.com and brief🧵
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
How to make America healthy: the real problems — and best fixes
The United States has lower life expectancy than most similarly wealthy nations. Chronic disease is part of the cause, but so are guns, drugs and cars.
www.nature.com
June 24, 2025 at 12:28 PM
RFK Jr wants to Make America Healthy Again. But is America really that unhealthy?
I spoke with public health experts & data analysts to find out. My story for @nature.com and brief🧵
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
I spoke with public health experts & data analysts to find out. My story for @nature.com and brief🧵
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Scientists say they used LLMs to reproduce 12 gold-standard #Cochrane systematic reviews in 2 days - rather than 12 years.
But other experts are sceptical; the system doesn't automate some review steps and needs independent testing. My news story for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
But other experts are sceptical; the system doesn't automate some review steps and needs independent testing. My news story for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
AI slashes time to produce gold-standard medical reviews — but sceptics urge caution
Although language models can help to accelerate systematic reviews, a fully automated system is still some way off.
www.nature.com
June 19, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Scientists say they used LLMs to reproduce 12 gold-standard #Cochrane systematic reviews in 2 days - rather than 12 years.
But other experts are sceptical; the system doesn't automate some review steps and needs independent testing. My news story for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
But other experts are sceptical; the system doesn't automate some review steps and needs independent testing. My news story for @nature.com
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Helen Pearson
After ruling the NIH grant cuts were illegal yesterday, Judge Young, a Reagan appointee on the bench since 1985, ended the hearing with a blistering 15-minute speech.
I've cleaned up my notes — here are his remarks in full. 🧵
I've cleaned up my notes — here are his remarks in full. 🧵
Judge rules against NIH grant cuts — and calls them discriminatory
The decision means that the US biomedical agency has to restore funding to hundreds of research projects, but the government will likely appeal.
www.nature.com
June 17, 2025 at 1:47 PM
After ruling the NIH grant cuts were illegal yesterday, Judge Young, a Reagan appointee on the bench since 1985, ended the hearing with a blistering 15-minute speech.
I've cleaned up my notes — here are his remarks in full. 🧵
I've cleaned up my notes — here are his remarks in full. 🧵
Reposted by Helen Pearson
Do girls and boys really differ in their mathematical skills? A recent @nature.com paper by @standehaene.bsky.social et al shows that French boys and girls enter school with similar abilities, but after just four months, boys pull ahead 🧪 www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Rapid emergence of a maths gender gap in first grade - Nature
Boys and girls exhibit very similar maths scores upon school entry, but a gender gap in favour of boys becomes highly significant after 4 months of schooling, which increases with years of schooling,&...
www.nature.com
June 13, 2025 at 1:33 AM
Do girls and boys really differ in their mathematical skills? A recent @nature.com paper by @standehaene.bsky.social et al shows that French boys and girls enter school with similar abilities, but after just four months, boys pull ahead 🧪 www.nature.com/articles/s41...