Mindy Weisberger
@laminda.bsky.social
Science writer/editor, bylines at CNN, Live Science, SciAm. Previously at Scholastic and the American Museum of Natural History. WGAE member. She/her.
And I wrote a book! Rise of the Zombie Bugs: https://press.jhu.edu/books/title/53677/rise-zombie-bugs
And I wrote a book! Rise of the Zombie Bugs: https://press.jhu.edu/books/title/53677/rise-zombie-bugs
Pinned
As always, please check out @laminda.bsky.social's starter pack of independent journalists and media outlets for less bullshit in 2025 and beyond. go.bsky.app/2Fq4P6e
Independent, Worker-Owned and Reader-Funded Media
Join the conversation
go.bsky.app
Folks, this pack has FILLED UP, but I’m still collecting independent/worker-owned/reader-supported news sources for Starter Pack 2: Electric Boogaloo (not its actual name because too many characters, but you get the idea). Got news picks that are NOT in the original? Please send ‘em my way!
Reposted by Mindy Weisberger
I usually create a thread of options for people who would like to donate to a Native cause or struggle, but it has gotten HARDER to fundraise on socials over the past couple of years, so I am zeroing in on one ask this year. Pls support Native organizing infrastructure: nativeorganizing.org/donate/
November 26, 2025 at 5:58 PM
I usually create a thread of options for people who would like to donate to a Native cause or struggle, but it has gotten HARDER to fundraise on socials over the past couple of years, so I am zeroing in on one ask this year. Pls support Native organizing infrastructure: nativeorganizing.org/donate/
I just finished writing my first science-flavored short fiction, for a collaboration with a fantastic illustrator! It'll be part of an invertebrate-themed anthology coming next year, and I can't wait for you all to meet our adventuring party of Cambrian weirdos—including this big fella #InverteFest
Helmet-headed Cambrian sea monster sucked up prey like a Roomba
Its size is "absolutely mind-boggling," said the scientist who described the fossil.
www.livescience.com
November 27, 2025 at 12:29 AM
I just finished writing my first science-flavored short fiction, for a collaboration with a fantastic illustrator! It'll be part of an invertebrate-themed anthology coming next year, and I can't wait for you all to meet our adventuring party of Cambrian weirdos—including this big fella #InverteFest
I liked this post a week ago, but every time it resurfaces in my timeline I wish I could like it 100 more times
I really hate it when scientists keep saying that “we need to rebuild trust in science,” because it implies that scientists are to blame for the mistrust rather than the millions of dollars of dark money that have funded political attacks on science in order to advance a far right agenda.
November 26, 2025 at 10:08 PM
I liked this post a week ago, but every time it resurfaces in my timeline I wish I could like it 100 more times
Do you like zombies + science? I wrote a book about that! It's perfect for anyone who's ever wondered what it takes to mind-control a cockroach, reprogram a spider's web-spinning, or make a cricket jump into water to drown 🧪
And it's 40% off at @hopkinspress.bsky.social, now through 12/7 (HHOL25)!
And it's 40% off at @hopkinspress.bsky.social, now through 12/7 (HHOL25)!
November 26, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Do you like zombies + science? I wrote a book about that! It's perfect for anyone who's ever wondered what it takes to mind-control a cockroach, reprogram a spider's web-spinning, or make a cricket jump into water to drown 🧪
And it's 40% off at @hopkinspress.bsky.social, now through 12/7 (HHOL25)!
And it's 40% off at @hopkinspress.bsky.social, now through 12/7 (HHOL25)!
Reposted by Mindy Weisberger
I’ll have what she’s having
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
November 26, 2025 at 2:22 PM
I’ll have what she’s having
Reposted by Mindy Weisberger
Scientists: have you been the target of an online harassment campaign, doxxing, or weaponized FOIA requests? I'd like to talk to you about steps you had to take to protect your digital security for an upcoming Nature story. (You can be anonymous if necessary.)
RTs appreciated.
RTs appreciated.
November 26, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Scientists: have you been the target of an online harassment campaign, doxxing, or weaponized FOIA requests? I'd like to talk to you about steps you had to take to protect your digital security for an upcoming Nature story. (You can be anonymous if necessary.)
RTs appreciated.
RTs appreciated.
The perfect handknit mitten pattern doesn’t exi–
Angry Mittens pattern by Sandy Lamb
These mittens are a way to express your frustration in the midst of winter :smiley:
ravel.me
November 25, 2025 at 3:26 AM
The perfect handknit mitten pattern doesn’t exi–
Share a 90s movie you think deserves more love
November 25, 2025 at 2:39 AM
Share a 90s movie you think deserves more love
Reposted by Mindy Weisberger
Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, has died. She was 111.
"I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot," she told Congress in 2021.
Geoff Bennett has more.
"I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot," she told Congress in 2021.
Geoff Bennett has more.
November 24, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre, has died. She was 111.
"I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot," she told Congress in 2021.
Geoff Bennett has more.
"I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot," she told Congress in 2021.
Geoff Bennett has more.
Perfect timing, I only have two books left in my library pile & I need MOAR BOOKS
Hello gays and theys, the end of the year approach-eth, so you know what that means:
The second half of 🏳️🌈2025 Queer Adult SFF List! 🏳️🌈
Organized by month again, because that seemed to work pretty well last time!
The second half of 🏳️🌈2025 Queer Adult SFF List! 🏳️🌈
Organized by month again, because that seemed to work pretty well last time!
Hello queers and fears, it's almost Pride Month and I've got a gift for you:
the first six months of the 🏳️🌈2025 Queer Adult SFF List! 🏳️🌈
I'm organizing this by month so click on through!
the first six months of the 🏳️🌈2025 Queer Adult SFF List! 🏳️🌈
I'm organizing this by month so click on through!
November 24, 2025 at 9:44 PM
Perfect timing, I only have two books left in my library pile & I need MOAR BOOKS
I’m a latecomer to the Iron Druid chronicles by @kevinhearne.bsky.social, & the first book was so much fun (a hot druid partnering with werewolves & a vampire? Be still, my heart). Plus I love seeing ancient gods & goddesses portrayed as the petty, vindictive assholes that they truly are #booksky
November 24, 2025 at 7:29 PM
I’m a latecomer to the Iron Druid chronicles by @kevinhearne.bsky.social, & the first book was so much fun (a hot druid partnering with werewolves & a vampire? Be still, my heart). Plus I love seeing ancient gods & goddesses portrayed as the petty, vindictive assholes that they truly are #booksky
They need to take seven and they might take yours, Charlie Brown
We all float down here, Charlie Brown
Second prize is a set of steak knives, Charlie Brown
November 24, 2025 at 1:51 PM
They need to take seven and they might take yours, Charlie Brown
Reposted by Mindy Weisberger
Workers in all industries have more in common with each other than the executives making millions. Solidarity with everyone who is not crossing the line or buying Starbucks while we’re on a ULP strike! Special thanks to @Teamsters, for not crossing the picket line and standing with us✊
November 23, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Workers in all industries have more in common with each other than the executives making millions. Solidarity with everyone who is not crossing the line or buying Starbucks while we’re on a ULP strike! Special thanks to @Teamsters, for not crossing the picket line and standing with us✊
Reposted by Mindy Weisberger
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.”
Science will often take you to unexpected and delightful places. In this study, researchers hypothesized that riders in a crowded subway car would be more likely to offer their seat to a pregnant person if there were someone in the subway car dressed as Batman 🧪🦇
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
November 21, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Science will often take you to unexpected and delightful places. In this study, researchers hypothesized that riders in a crowded subway car would be more likely to offer their seat to a pregnant person if there were someone in the subway car dressed as Batman 🧪🦇
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years
Desperately Seeking Susan
She's Gotta Have It
Runner-ups:
Cafe Flesh
The Brother from Another Planet
An American Werewolf in London
Tootsie
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years
Desperately Seeking Susan
She's Gotta Have It
Runner-ups:
Cafe Flesh
The Brother from Another Planet
An American Werewolf in London
Tootsie
Name your top 4 80s films.
November 21, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years
Desperately Seeking Susan
She's Gotta Have It
Runner-ups:
Cafe Flesh
The Brother from Another Planet
An American Werewolf in London
Tootsie
The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years
Desperately Seeking Susan
She's Gotta Have It
Runner-ups:
Cafe Flesh
The Brother from Another Planet
An American Werewolf in London
Tootsie
Too much bacteria, not enough bacteria-eating viruses?
Problematic phage gap
Problematic phage gap
When you're angrier about something that happened to a friend than they are?
Problematic rage gap
Problematic rage gap
Your herb garden has unexpected spaces in it?
Problematic sage gap
Problematic sage gap
November 20, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Too much bacteria, not enough bacteria-eating viruses?
Problematic phage gap
Problematic phage gap
The Twisted Ones by @tkingfisher.com is utterly creepy and horrific but also so, so delightful, which is what happens when a terrifying story includes a very good dog named Bongo who just wants to smell all the things (except for the very scary ones) and maybe also lick a possum
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The Twisted Ones by @tkingfisher.com is utterly creepy and horrific but also so, so delightful, which is what happens when a terrifying story includes a very good dog named Bongo who just wants to smell all the things (except for the very scary ones) and maybe also lick a possum
Reposted by Mindy Weisberger
Solange Knowles’ Saint Heron has launched a free digital archival library of literature by Black and brown authors, poets, and artists. Readers can borrow rare and out-of-print books for up to 45 days
Solange Opens Free Digital Library Of Rare Black Books
Solange has launched a digital library archive of Black and brown authors where readers can borrow books at no cost.
peopleofcolorintech.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Solange Knowles’ Saint Heron has launched a free digital archival library of literature by Black and brown authors, poets, and artists. Readers can borrow rare and out-of-print books for up to 45 days
Reposted by Mindy Weisberger
ICE appears to be headed to Raleigh today.
If you suspect ICE presence, call the Siembra hotline to verify: 336-543-0353. It is important to share information, not spread panic.
If you see an arrest happening, make noise, take video, draw a crowd.
Know your rights:
If you suspect ICE presence, call the Siembra hotline to verify: 336-543-0353. It is important to share information, not spread panic.
If you see an arrest happening, make noise, take video, draw a crowd.
Know your rights:
November 18, 2025 at 7:57 PM
ICE appears to be headed to Raleigh today.
If you suspect ICE presence, call the Siembra hotline to verify: 336-543-0353. It is important to share information, not spread panic.
If you see an arrest happening, make noise, take video, draw a crowd.
Know your rights:
If you suspect ICE presence, call the Siembra hotline to verify: 336-543-0353. It is important to share information, not spread panic.
If you see an arrest happening, make noise, take video, draw a crowd.
Know your rights:
The good news about American journalism is that there are enough independent/worker-owned/reader-funded media outlets to fill one starter pack and start another! This pack's got room to spare—if you have recommendations that haven't been added yet, please send 'em my way!
Second independent journalist starter pack from @laminda.bsky.social. Collect 'em all, friends!
go.blacksky.community/6A6FGLy
go.blacksky.community/6A6FGLy
November 18, 2025 at 10:20 PM
The good news about American journalism is that there are enough independent/worker-owned/reader-funded media outlets to fill one starter pack and start another! This pack's got room to spare—if you have recommendations that haven't been added yet, please send 'em my way!
Dammit, sometimes out of the blue I'll hear a Prince tune that's been out of my head for too long, and my heart breaks open again for all that we've lost now that he's gone
I Can't Make U Love Me
YouTube video by Prince - Topic
www.youtube.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Dammit, sometimes out of the blue I'll hear a Prince tune that's been out of my head for too long, and my heart breaks open again for all that we've lost now that he's gone
Reposted by Mindy Weisberger
It's important to test your product name in a range of languages and cultures, exhibit one million:
November 17, 2025 at 8:07 PM
It's important to test your product name in a range of languages and cultures, exhibit one million:
You're a parasitic ant queen eyeing the colony of another species. You have a simple plan:
1. Hide your scent by rubbing workers on your body
2. Infiltrate the nest
3. Spray the queen with chemicals that goad her daughters into tearing her to bits
4. All hail the usurper!
(my latest for CNN) 🧪
1. Hide your scent by rubbing workers on your body
2. Infiltrate the nest
3. Spray the queen with chemicals that goad her daughters into tearing her to bits
4. All hail the usurper!
(my latest for CNN) 🧪
Parasitic ant queen chemically manipulates workers into killing their mother | CNN
Scientists newly described how a parasitic ant queen infiltrates another ant species’ colony and tricks the workers into killing their mother.
www.cnn.com
November 17, 2025 at 6:48 PM
You're a parasitic ant queen eyeing the colony of another species. You have a simple plan:
1. Hide your scent by rubbing workers on your body
2. Infiltrate the nest
3. Spray the queen with chemicals that goad her daughters into tearing her to bits
4. All hail the usurper!
(my latest for CNN) 🧪
1. Hide your scent by rubbing workers on your body
2. Infiltrate the nest
3. Spray the queen with chemicals that goad her daughters into tearing her to bits
4. All hail the usurper!
(my latest for CNN) 🧪
I kinda feel like if someone were to throw this d4 at my table I'd scream no matter what they rolled www.etsy.com/listing/4351...
November 17, 2025 at 4:43 PM
I kinda feel like if someone were to throw this d4 at my table I'd scream no matter what they rolled www.etsy.com/listing/4351...