Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
@mulledscience.bsky.social
Science editor/writer/educator, biologist, nature/book lover, & busy musician—often in a different order. She/Her #SciComm
Young black holes hiding behind cocoons of ionizing gas they make while they grow? Another secret of our universe seemingly unlocked from images by the James Webb Space Telescope. 🧪
www.scientificamerican.com/article/jwst...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/jwst...
January 15, 2026 at 10:38 PM
Young black holes hiding behind cocoons of ionizing gas they make while they grow? Another secret of our universe seemingly unlocked from images by the James Webb Space Telescope. 🧪
www.scientificamerican.com/article/jwst...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/jwst...
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
Whales and orcas were carrying viruses no one knew existed www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202... 🦑🌎🧪
Whales and orcas were carrying viruses no one knew existed
Researchers studying Caribbean whales and orcas have discovered two new viruses not previously observed in these animals. The viruses were found using advanced genetic sequencing of archived samples,…
www.sciencedaily.com
January 11, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Whales and orcas were carrying viruses no one knew existed www.sciencedaily.com/releases/202... 🦑🌎🧪
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
Here is my first newsletter of the year, on the destruction of science past and future. buttondown.com/carlzimmer/a...
January 7, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Here is my first newsletter of the year, on the destruction of science past and future. buttondown.com/carlzimmer/a...
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
Oh, just get vaccinated (part 5,000)
"Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found." (gift article)
"Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found." (gift article)
Vaccines Are Helping Older People More Than We Knew
www.nytimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Oh, just get vaccinated (part 5,000)
"Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found." (gift article)
"Many shots seem to have “off-target” benefits, such as lowering the risk of dementia, studies have found." (gift article)
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
When it comes to infectious diseases, 2026 may look more like 1926 if current trends continue: The US has seen nearly 28,000 whooping cough cases in 2025, the 2nd year cases exceeded 25k. The contagious bacterial infection is a deadly threat to infants, older people & anyone w/ weakened immunity👇
The US has seen nearly 28,000 whooping cough cases this year. Here’s what you need to know | CNN
For the second year in a row, the US has surpassed 25,000 whooping cough cases — another sign of the risks of falling vaccination levels.
www.cnn.com
December 30, 2025 at 6:25 PM
When it comes to infectious diseases, 2026 may look more like 1926 if current trends continue: The US has seen nearly 28,000 whooping cough cases in 2025, the 2nd year cases exceeded 25k. The contagious bacterial infection is a deadly threat to infants, older people & anyone w/ weakened immunity👇
An interesting shrimp story from my friend Sergio @henriquesbio.bsky.social, a dedicated wildlife conservationist. 🧪
www.linkedin.com/pulse/true-c...
www.linkedin.com/pulse/true-c...
🦐 The True Cost of a Holiday Classic: A Shallow Dive into the Shrimp "Tsunami"
As 2025 draws to a close, a "tsunami" of crustaceans hits supermarket shelves in my part of the world. For Portuguese folks and many others, shrimp is the centerpiece of a celebration, but as a conser...
www.linkedin.com
December 27, 2025 at 5:34 PM
An interesting shrimp story from my friend Sergio @henriquesbio.bsky.social, a dedicated wildlife conservationist. 🧪
www.linkedin.com/pulse/true-c...
www.linkedin.com/pulse/true-c...
I've felt starved for cool science news in 2025. Here's a small morsel! 🧪 www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
In the snow, these salamanders get supercool
Blue spotted salamanders have been seen walking across snow and new research suggests how they get by in the cold.
www.npr.org
December 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I've felt starved for cool science news in 2025. Here's a small morsel! 🧪 www.npr.org/2025/12/24/n...
I loved my tour of NCAR last year. Sad stuff. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/c...
Trump Administration Plans to Break Up Premier Weather and Climate Research Center
www.nytimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:56 PM
I loved my tour of NCAR last year. Sad stuff. www.nytimes.com/2025/12/17/c...
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
The RFK, jr effect.
December 13, 2025 at 9:40 PM
The RFK, jr effect.
I’m excited to have been picked to teach my first #handbells techniques class at HMA’s National Seminar next July! Looking forward to a fun week back in Cincinnati. Come join us! 🔔🎶 handbellmusicians.org/event/nation...
National Seminar 2026
Sharonville Convention Center 11355 Chester Road Cincinnati, OH 45246 Early Bird: Go Goetta* Deal! $395 Available through December 31, 2025. To pay in installments, call 937-438-0085 ext. 809.
handbellmusicians.org
December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM
I’m excited to have been picked to teach my first #handbells techniques class at HMA’s National Seminar next July! Looking forward to a fun week back in Cincinnati. Come join us! 🔔🎶 handbellmusicians.org/event/nation...
That’s me. Let me know if you have questions about IAS!
Up next in our council member spotlights, meet Erin Gerecke, Ph. D.!
In addition to her regular service to the academy, Erin enjoys pitching in where needed, such as serving as a judge for the Emerging Scientist Poster Competition at the last meeting!
Stay tuned for more council member spotlights!
In addition to her regular service to the academy, Erin enjoys pitching in where needed, such as serving as a judge for the Emerging Scientist Poster Competition at the last meeting!
Stay tuned for more council member spotlights!
December 6, 2025 at 11:43 PM
That’s me. Let me know if you have questions about IAS!
Some good news. Last year, I served as a reviewer for IMLS grants. I hope the winners can now move forward with their ideas to help improve their institutions. www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Libraries and museums get federal funding back after Trump cuts
Earlier this year, the Trump administration gutted the Institute of Museum and Library Services, leading to canceled federal grants. Now, after a court order, those grants are being reinstated.
www.npr.org
December 6, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Some good news. Last year, I served as a reviewer for IMLS grants. I hope the winners can now move forward with their ideas to help improve their institutions. www.npr.org/2025/12/04/n...
Thanks! We somehow wound up with two inches of snow over the past day. Maybe next weekend. 😄
November 10, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Thanks! We somehow wound up with two inches of snow over the past day. Maybe next weekend. 😄
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
I am trying to find everyone working on plant genomics:
go.bsky.app/NqARJ7V
Please let me know who is already on @bsky.app, but missing in this #PlantGenomics starter pack
go.bsky.app/NqARJ7V
Please let me know who is already on @bsky.app, but missing in this #PlantGenomics starter pack
February 28, 2025 at 7:39 AM
I am trying to find everyone working on plant genomics:
go.bsky.app/NqARJ7V
Please let me know who is already on @bsky.app, but missing in this #PlantGenomics starter pack
go.bsky.app/NqARJ7V
Please let me know who is already on @bsky.app, but missing in this #PlantGenomics starter pack
Compelling interviews and perspectives on how our country pulling back from science impacts our students, scientific jobs, and the future of American innovation. www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
Top researchers consider leaving U.S. amid funding cuts: 'The science world is ending'
A poll from the journal Nature found that 75% of researchers in the U.S. are considering leaving the country. That includes a man who’s been dubbed the "Mozart of Math." Stephanie Sy examines what’s b...
www.pbs.org
November 2, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Compelling interviews and perspectives on how our country pulling back from science impacts our students, scientific jobs, and the future of American innovation. www.pbs.org/newshour/sho...
Cool biology news of the week! mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines gave an immune boost to people being treated with immunotherapies for certain cancers, which correlated with extended lifespan for some of them. 🧪
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
www.reuters.com
October 23, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Cool biology news of the week! mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines gave an immune boost to people being treated with immunotherapies for certain cancers, which correlated with extended lifespan for some of them. 🧪
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
www.reuters.com/business/hea...
Seeing news of recent multiple outbreaks and deaths from measles and whooping cough in the U.S. thanks to falling vaccination rates. Meanwhile, the WHO celebrates the eradiction of measles and rubella on the other side of the planet. www.who.int/westernpacif...
Rubella elimination verified in Japan, and measles and rubella elimination verified in Pacific island countries and areas
The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced that the 21 Pacific island countries and areas that are part of the WHO Western Pacific Region have collectively been verified as having eliminated ...
www.who.int
October 13, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Seeing news of recent multiple outbreaks and deaths from measles and whooping cough in the U.S. thanks to falling vaccination rates. Meanwhile, the WHO celebrates the eradiction of measles and rubella on the other side of the planet. www.who.int/westernpacif...
Today I’m supporting the @inacademyofscience.bsky.social with fun hands-on engagement for kids at the annual “Celebrate Science Indiana” festival. I enjoy this event and all the great people I’ve met at both CSI & IAS. Join us in our community for supporting science & science education in our state!
October 11, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Today I’m supporting the @inacademyofscience.bsky.social with fun hands-on engagement for kids at the annual “Celebrate Science Indiana” festival. I enjoy this event and all the great people I’ve met at both CSI & IAS. Join us in our community for supporting science & science education in our state!
Reposted by Erin Gerecke, PhD, ELS
Why does the naked mole rat have the longest lifespan of any rodent, nearly 40 years?
A 30-year long mystery unraveled @ScienceMagazine today!
Its cGAS enzyme in cells has 4 missense mutations that upends its function, promoting DNA repair and suppressing inflammation
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
A 30-year long mystery unraveled @ScienceMagazine today!
Its cGAS enzyme in cells has 4 missense mutations that upends its function, promoting DNA repair and suppressing inflammation
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
October 9, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Why does the naked mole rat have the longest lifespan of any rodent, nearly 40 years?
A 30-year long mystery unraveled @ScienceMagazine today!
Its cGAS enzyme in cells has 4 missense mutations that upends its function, promoting DNA repair and suppressing inflammation
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
A 30-year long mystery unraveled @ScienceMagazine today!
Its cGAS enzyme in cells has 4 missense mutations that upends its function, promoting DNA repair and suppressing inflammation
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Sad little trees. 🌲 🌲🌲
www.pbs.org/newshour/art...
www.pbs.org/newshour/art...
Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to support public TV stations after federal funding cuts
All profits will help public TV stations with licensing fees for popular programs that include "The Best of Joy of Painting" and "America's Test Kitchen."
www.pbs.org
October 8, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Sad little trees. 🌲 🌲🌲
www.pbs.org/newshour/art...
www.pbs.org/newshour/art...
A glimmer of good science news for a devastating genetic disease: gene therapy (using microRNAs ❤️) may become a way to help slow disease progression. 🧪
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Huntington's disease successfully treated for first time
One of the most devastating diseases finally has a treatment that can slow its progression and transform lives, tearful doctors tell BBC.
www.bbc.com
September 25, 2025 at 1:20 PM
A glimmer of good science news for a devastating genetic disease: gene therapy (using microRNAs ❤️) may become a way to help slow disease progression. 🧪
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
I’ve enjoyed learning from fresh perspectives, meeting editors from many areas of work, and feeling inspired by the power of words this week at #ACESVCON25. Thanks for a great virtual conference with so many resources to explore! ✏️ #editing
Day 2 of #ACESVCON25 brought the energy, insight, and inspiration!🔥 From engaging speakers to practical wisdom shared across sessions, today was a masterclass in excellence and connection.
September 19, 2025 at 2:15 PM
I’ve enjoyed learning from fresh perspectives, meeting editors from many areas of work, and feeling inspired by the power of words this week at #ACESVCON25. Thanks for a great virtual conference with so many resources to explore! ✏️ #editing
Fun at Victory Field yesterday for STEAM night—making lava lamp models with @inacademyofscience.bsky.social!
August 27, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Fun at Victory Field yesterday for STEAM night—making lava lamp models with @inacademyofscience.bsky.social!
I was thinking about Paramecium last night—how cool & mysterious these single-celled microbes are. All the scientists I know are depressed about the politics of science funding. Maybe it’s time for everyone to go back to school, stare at Paramecium under the microscope, & wonder at the world again.
August 14, 2025 at 12:09 PM
I was thinking about Paramecium last night—how cool & mysterious these single-celled microbes are. All the scientists I know are depressed about the politics of science funding. Maybe it’s time for everyone to go back to school, stare at Paramecium under the microscope, & wonder at the world again.