Mark Peifer (He, him)
@peiferlabunc.bsky.social
Cell adhesion, cytoskeletal regulation, Wnt signaling & wherever science leads us + wildflowers & my own idiosyncratic views. First gen college grad
Diversity, equity & Inclusion are core American Values
https://peiferlab.web.unc.edu
Diversity, equity & Inclusion are core American Values
https://peiferlab.web.unc.edu
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
The billionaire class wants to decimate the white collar workforce. Because white collar workers are expensive. And because white collar workers—who historically sided with billionaires—are questioning that alliance. Which makes their knowledge and resources a huge threat to billionaire power.
February 5, 2026 at 11:03 AM
The billionaire class wants to decimate the white collar workforce. Because white collar workers are expensive. And because white collar workers—who historically sided with billionaires—are questioning that alliance. Which makes their knowledge and resources a huge threat to billionaire power.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
We are so excited to be taking March 7th, NATIONAL again!
Unfortunately, activism costs money and as a new organization that operates on primarily grassroots funding, we need YOUR support! www.standupforscience.net/donate
#standupforscience #takebackourscience
Unfortunately, activism costs money and as a new organization that operates on primarily grassroots funding, we need YOUR support! www.standupforscience.net/donate
#standupforscience #takebackourscience
February 4, 2026 at 7:28 PM
We are so excited to be taking March 7th, NATIONAL again!
Unfortunately, activism costs money and as a new organization that operates on primarily grassroots funding, we need YOUR support! www.standupforscience.net/donate
#standupforscience #takebackourscience
Unfortunately, activism costs money and as a new organization that operates on primarily grassroots funding, we need YOUR support! www.standupforscience.net/donate
#standupforscience #takebackourscience
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
little kids having to be lifelines for each other to the world outside detention is so fucked.
The two children who returned to MN today say they saw one of their Valley View schoolmates at a detention center in TX. This is a child whose family was last in contact with the school on January 9. No one has known where they were until now.
February 5, 2026 at 8:54 AM
little kids having to be lifelines for each other to the world outside detention is so fucked.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
The two children who returned to MN today say they saw one of their Valley View schoolmates at a detention center in TX. This is a child whose family was last in contact with the school on January 9. No one has known where they were until now.
February 5, 2026 at 12:07 AM
The two children who returned to MN today say they saw one of their Valley View schoolmates at a detention center in TX. This is a child whose family was last in contact with the school on January 9. No one has known where they were until now.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Two children from Liam Ramos' school who were detained by ICE have been released and are back in MN with their mother. Their Columbia Heights principal, who had to deliver the kids to Whipple last week (as described below), picked them up from the airport. www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
‘I don’t have words’: 2 more kids from Liam Conejo Ramos’ Columbia Heights school taken into ICE custody
The children were taken into ICE custody after their mother was detained at a court appointment. School leaders say the mother asked them to bring the kids to the detention center because there were n...
www.mprnews.org
February 4, 2026 at 10:26 PM
Two children from Liam Ramos' school who were detained by ICE have been released and are back in MN with their mother. Their Columbia Heights principal, who had to deliver the kids to Whipple last week (as described below), picked them up from the airport. www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Call Congress--release ALL the kids NOW
Elizabeth, a 10-year-old Minnesota girl, spent a month detained at the ICE facility in Dilley, TX before her release last night w/ her mom.
Dilley now has a measles outbreak and hundreds of other kids remain detained. Elizabeth has flu-like symptoms and her mom has hives, a school official told me
Dilley now has a measles outbreak and hundreds of other kids remain detained. Elizabeth has flu-like symptoms and her mom has hives, a school official told me
Minnesota girl, 10, released from ICE custody after a month in detention
Elizabeth Zuna Caisaguano and her mother released from Texas facility to head back to Minnesota to reunite with her father
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:39 AM
Call Congress--release ALL the kids NOW
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
The last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States expires Thursday, removing any caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century.
The last US-Russia nuclear pact expires, prompting fears of a new arms race
The last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States expires Thursday, removing caps on their atomic arsenals for the first time in over 50 years.
bit.ly
February 5, 2026 at 11:45 AM
The last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States expires Thursday, removing any caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
New: UAW reaches landmark tentative contract deal with Volkswagen in Chattanooga Tennessee, including 20% across-the-board pay hikes www.bloomberg.com/news/article... "This contract is proof that if you stand up and stick together, you can win a better life”
Volkswagen Workers in Tennessee Win 20% Pay Hike in Union Deal
Volkswagen AG employees in Tennessee have secured a 20% across-the-board wage hike in a landmark deal with the United Auto Workers union.
bloomberg.com
February 5, 2026 at 6:03 AM
New: UAW reaches landmark tentative contract deal with Volkswagen in Chattanooga Tennessee, including 20% across-the-board pay hikes www.bloomberg.com/news/article... "This contract is proof that if you stand up and stick together, you can win a better life”
Politics starts local. I think NC's 4th District needs a Congressperson who isn't paid for by corporate dollars and who'll fight hard against Trump and his cronies. I'm supporting Nida Allam
February 5, 2026 at 12:05 PM
Politics starts local. I think NC's 4th District needs a Congressperson who isn't paid for by corporate dollars and who'll fight hard against Trump and his cronies. I'm supporting Nida Allam
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
I’ve known Sam as an outstanding neuroscience researcher, and have followed his subsequent career as an insightful (and evidence-based) commentator on US politics. He deserves support from fellow scientists!
News from central Jersey: I'm running to represent New Jersey's 12th Congressional District.
By entering the fray, I hope to bring ideas of repairing our frayed republic. Not only to defend it in 2026, but to build something stronger, for generations to come!
samwang.substack.com/p/entering-t...
By entering the fray, I hope to bring ideas of repairing our frayed republic. Not only to defend it in 2026, but to build something stronger, for generations to come!
samwang.substack.com/p/entering-t...
February 5, 2026 at 1:03 AM
I’ve known Sam as an outstanding neuroscience researcher, and have followed his subsequent career as an insightful (and evidence-based) commentator on US politics. He deserves support from fellow scientists!
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Thank you to Congressional leaders for recognizing that a healthy United States requires a well-resourced CDC — and to the dedicated scientists, epidemiologists, and public health professionals who work every day to keep Americans and people around the world safe from health threats.
February 4, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Thank you to Congressional leaders for recognizing that a healthy United States requires a well-resourced CDC — and to the dedicated scientists, epidemiologists, and public health professionals who work every day to keep Americans and people around the world safe from health threats.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Yesterday we kicked off NYC’s Free Tax Prep season. That means filing your taxes at zero cost, keeping every dollar of your refund, and not getting ripped off by for-profit companies.
Nearly half of all New Yorkers qualify. Get help—virtually or in person—at nyc.gov/TaxPrep
Nearly half of all New Yorkers qualify. Get help—virtually or in person—at nyc.gov/TaxPrep
February 4, 2026 at 2:09 PM
Yesterday we kicked off NYC’s Free Tax Prep season. That means filing your taxes at zero cost, keeping every dollar of your refund, and not getting ripped off by for-profit companies.
Nearly half of all New Yorkers qualify. Get help—virtually or in person—at nyc.gov/TaxPrep
Nearly half of all New Yorkers qualify. Get help—virtually or in person—at nyc.gov/TaxPrep
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
News from central Jersey: I'm running to represent New Jersey's 12th Congressional District.
By entering the fray, I hope to bring ideas of repairing our frayed republic. Not only to defend it in 2026, but to build something stronger, for generations to come!
samwang.substack.com/p/entering-t...
By entering the fray, I hope to bring ideas of repairing our frayed republic. Not only to defend it in 2026, but to build something stronger, for generations to come!
samwang.substack.com/p/entering-t...
February 4, 2026 at 3:00 AM
News from central Jersey: I'm running to represent New Jersey's 12th Congressional District.
By entering the fray, I hope to bring ideas of repairing our frayed republic. Not only to defend it in 2026, but to build something stronger, for generations to come!
samwang.substack.com/p/entering-t...
By entering the fray, I hope to bring ideas of repairing our frayed republic. Not only to defend it in 2026, but to build something stronger, for generations to come!
samwang.substack.com/p/entering-t...
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
Every American must watch Aliya Rahman’s testimony. youtu.be/zrcW8SZtYpI?...
WATCH: Minneapolis resident and U.S. citizen Aliya Rahman describes being detained by ICE
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
youtu.be
February 5, 2026 at 1:18 AM
Every American must watch Aliya Rahman’s testimony. youtu.be/zrcW8SZtYpI?...
An example pointing out that concrete actions by Congress are possible, so those confining themselves to making strong statements need to be voted out
I am. But there are three things at play here regarding ICE collecting private data. Quick rundown on the issue, why you should be paying attention, and what I'm doing about it:
So which politician is calling for the dismantling of the probably illegal database that ice & this government is collecting biometric data of protesters?
February 5, 2026 at 1:22 AM
An example pointing out that concrete actions by Congress are possible, so those confining themselves to making strong statements need to be voted out
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
I am. But there are three things at play here regarding ICE collecting private data. Quick rundown on the issue, why you should be paying attention, and what I'm doing about it:
So which politician is calling for the dismantling of the probably illegal database that ice & this government is collecting biometric data of protesters?
January 27, 2026 at 9:28 PM
I am. But there are three things at play here regarding ICE collecting private data. Quick rundown on the issue, why you should be paying attention, and what I'm doing about it:
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
We are still trying to get awards out from October council. The shutdown didn’t help, nor did the lack of true budget. But there is definitely more red tape to get them out.
February 4, 2026 at 10:19 PM
We are still trying to get awards out from October council. The shutdown didn’t help, nor did the lack of true budget. But there is definitely more red tape to get them out.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
JUST IN: 2 school systems in MN file suit to block ICE enforcement near schools. Doc: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
#1 in Fridley Public School District, Independent School District 14 v. Noem (D. Minnesota, 0:26-cv-01023) – CourtListener.com
COMPLAINT against All Defendants (filing fee $ 405, receipt number AMNDC-12627493) filed by Education Minnesota, Duluth Public School District, Independent School District 709, Fridley Public School D...
storage.courtlistener.com
February 4, 2026 at 11:48 PM
JUST IN: 2 school systems in MN file suit to block ICE enforcement near schools. Doc: storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell
Somewhat devastating news today from the CIA: One of CIA’s oldest and most recognizable intelligence publications, The World Factbook, has sunset. There's not even a hint as to why they …
simonwillison.net
February 5, 2026 at 12:25 AM
The CIA just stopped publishing their World Factbook and took every page, including the archived copies of previous versions!
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
This sucks. It was public domain, so I recovered the 2020 edition (the last one published as a zip file) and shared it to GitHub simonwillison.net/2026/Feb/5/t...
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
When the United States passed the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, it led many to seek freedom outside the USA.
From 1850 and 1860, between 15,000 to 20,000 escaped enslaved persons came to the Province of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
This is the story.
🧵 1/8
From 1850 and 1860, between 15,000 to 20,000 escaped enslaved persons came to the Province of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
This is the story.
🧵 1/8
February 4, 2026 at 4:01 PM
When the United States passed the Fugitive Slave Act in 1850, it led many to seek freedom outside the USA.
From 1850 and 1860, between 15,000 to 20,000 escaped enslaved persons came to the Province of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
This is the story.
🧵 1/8
From 1850 and 1860, between 15,000 to 20,000 escaped enslaved persons came to the Province of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
This is the story.
🧵 1/8
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
They’ve been on this for a minute. More teaching + post tenure review (and contracts) plus ai supercharged productivity surveillance tools also makes professors more vulnerable to student evals, which gives admin more power to fire you. That’s the plan.
"Imposing minimum teaching requirements...has been touted as a way to cut costs and 'better focus university resources in the classroom,' .... The notion is also gaining steam in conservative circles as a means of ensuring faculty productivity and curbing 'intellectually unserious' research."
The Campaign to Make Professors Teach More
Lawmakers say faculty members don’t work enough. Is this about productivity or punishment?
www.chronicle.com
February 5, 2026 at 12:17 AM
They’ve been on this for a minute. More teaching + post tenure review (and contracts) plus ai supercharged productivity surveillance tools also makes professors more vulnerable to student evals, which gives admin more power to fire you. That’s the plan.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
On Feb. 3, our hospital in Lankien, #SouthSudan was hit in an airstrike by government forces. One MSF staff member sustained minor injuries. We lost most of our critical supplies for providing medical care.
February 4, 2026 at 2:44 PM
On Feb. 3, our hospital in Lankien, #SouthSudan was hit in an airstrike by government forces. One MSF staff member sustained minor injuries. We lost most of our critical supplies for providing medical care.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
The correct response to finding out that your grocery store coworker is an underemployed astrobiologist is not "Rock on! Do what ya gotta do", it's "Wow, that's terrible, we should run Russ Vought out of DC on a literal rail." Just fyi.
February 5, 2026 at 12:58 AM
The correct response to finding out that your grocery store coworker is an underemployed astrobiologist is not "Rock on! Do what ya gotta do", it's "Wow, that's terrible, we should run Russ Vought out of DC on a literal rail." Just fyi.
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
I'm in the 4th district ad we need a leader bolder than Foushee, someone who isn't taking money from the worst of thee worst. Nida Allam will stand up to Trump, to the billionaires and to all of their allies
nidaallam.com
nidaallam.com
Nida Allam is fighting for a brighter future
Vice Chair of the Durham County Board of Commissioners Nida Allam is running for Congress in NC-04 as a champion of working families.
nidaallam.com
January 27, 2026 at 1:36 PM
I'm in the 4th district ad we need a leader bolder than Foushee, someone who isn't taking money from the worst of thee worst. Nida Allam will stand up to Trump, to the billionaires and to all of their allies
nidaallam.com
nidaallam.com
Reposted by Mark Peifer (He, him)
The average public school in the U.S. has 500 students. ICE is currently detaining over 7 schools' worth of children, many of whom are being held in inhumane conditions.
Children do not belong in government detention.
Children do not belong in government detention.
February 4, 2026 at 11:38 PM
The average public school in the U.S. has 500 students. ICE is currently detaining over 7 schools' worth of children, many of whom are being held in inhumane conditions.
Children do not belong in government detention.
Children do not belong in government detention.