Stefan Marciniak
@profmarciniak.bsky.social
Professor of Respiratory Science University of Cambridge. Lung doctor. Fellow St Catharine’s College. Cell biology. Pleural medicine. Rare disease. Genetics.
Lab webpage = https://www.cimr.cam.ac.uk/staff/professor-stefan-marciniak
Lab webpage = https://www.cimr.cam.ac.uk/staff/professor-stefan-marciniak
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
Page numbers count backwards from the first page 314
Acknowledgments are on page 0
The next page is 4294967295 because that’s 2^32 - 1 , ie the largest number that can be represented without overflow when using an unsigned 32‑bit integer 😉
In binary it’s
11111111111111111111111111111111
Acknowledgments are on page 0
The next page is 4294967295 because that’s 2^32 - 1 , ie the largest number that can be represented without overflow when using an unsigned 32‑bit integer 😉
In binary it’s
11111111111111111111111111111111
February 14, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Page numbers count backwards from the first page 314
Acknowledgments are on page 0
The next page is 4294967295 because that’s 2^32 - 1 , ie the largest number that can be represented without overflow when using an unsigned 32‑bit integer 😉
In binary it’s
11111111111111111111111111111111
Acknowledgments are on page 0
The next page is 4294967295 because that’s 2^32 - 1 , ie the largest number that can be represented without overflow when using an unsigned 32‑bit integer 😉
In binary it’s
11111111111111111111111111111111
February #WokeratiBookClub
‘Humble Pi’ by @standupmaths.bsky.social
Lots of examples of what happens when maths goes wrong 😆🧮
‘Humble Pi’ by @standupmaths.bsky.social
Lots of examples of what happens when maths goes wrong 😆🧮
February 14, 2026 at 10:52 AM
February #WokeratiBookClub
‘Humble Pi’ by @standupmaths.bsky.social
Lots of examples of what happens when maths goes wrong 😆🧮
‘Humble Pi’ by @standupmaths.bsky.social
Lots of examples of what happens when maths goes wrong 😆🧮
Compare old and current maps with the excellent @natlibscot.bsky.social webpage
Here’s Cambridge as an example
maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/...
Here’s Cambridge as an example
maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/...
February 14, 2026 at 10:38 AM
Compare old and current maps with the excellent @natlibscot.bsky.social webpage
Here’s Cambridge as an example
maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/...
Here’s Cambridge as an example
maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/...
This saddens me. Not because of his fame, but because it isn’t unique
An early death is a tragedy, but it shouldn’t also ruin the surviving family financially
“Socialised healthcare” is a dirty phrase in some countries but I’m grateful for the NHS and will defend it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
An early death is a tragedy, but it shouldn’t also ruin the surviving family financially
“Socialised healthcare” is a dirty phrase in some countries but I’m grateful for the NHS and will defend it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Why did former teen superstar James Van Der Beek need help to pay his medical bills?
A fundraiser was setup to help the actor's family after expensive cancer treatments devastated their finances.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 14, 2026 at 6:17 AM
This saddens me. Not because of his fame, but because it isn’t unique
An early death is a tragedy, but it shouldn’t also ruin the surviving family financially
“Socialised healthcare” is a dirty phrase in some countries but I’m grateful for the NHS and will defend it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
An early death is a tragedy, but it shouldn’t also ruin the surviving family financially
“Socialised healthcare” is a dirty phrase in some countries but I’m grateful for the NHS and will defend it
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Vaping in cars carrying children to be banned in England
Rising evidence that secondhand vapour from e-cigarettes poses health risks, government says
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Rising evidence that secondhand vapour from e-cigarettes poses health risks, government says
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Vaping in cars carrying children to be banned in England
Rising evidence that secondhand vapour from e-cigarettes poses health risks, government says
www.theguardian.com
February 13, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Vaping in cars carrying children to be banned in England
Rising evidence that secondhand vapour from e-cigarettes poses health risks, government says
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Rising evidence that secondhand vapour from e-cigarettes poses health risks, government says
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
Timely David Spiegelhalter quote:
"I don't think that numbers are just cold facts... they can be used to influence our emotions... I can make any number look large or look small, to reassure or to frighten...they do not speak for themselves, we imbue them with meaning."
"I don't think that numbers are just cold facts... they can be used to influence our emotions... I can make any number look large or look small, to reassure or to frighten...they do not speak for themselves, we imbue them with meaning."
Desert Island Discs - Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, statistician - BBC Sounds
Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter shares the soundtrack of his life with Lauren Laverne.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 12, 2026 at 11:22 PM
Timely David Spiegelhalter quote:
"I don't think that numbers are just cold facts... they can be used to influence our emotions... I can make any number look large or look small, to reassure or to frighten...they do not speak for themselves, we imbue them with meaning."
"I don't think that numbers are just cold facts... they can be used to influence our emotions... I can make any number look large or look small, to reassure or to frighten...they do not speak for themselves, we imbue them with meaning."
WHO pulling no punches
The Guinea-Bissau HBV vaccine study lacks sufficient scientific justification & lacks ethical safeguards
Why withholding the vaccine is unethical
1. It has proven benefit
2. There are foreseeable harms
3. A placebo arm is unjustifiable
4. Exploiting scarcity is unethical
The Guinea-Bissau HBV vaccine study lacks sufficient scientific justification & lacks ethical safeguards
Why withholding the vaccine is unethical
1. It has proven benefit
2. There are foreseeable harms
3. A placebo arm is unjustifiable
4. Exploiting scarcity is unethical
WHO statement on the planned hepatitis B birth dose vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau https://bit.ly/4ctSv05
February 13, 2026 at 6:50 PM
WHO pulling no punches
The Guinea-Bissau HBV vaccine study lacks sufficient scientific justification & lacks ethical safeguards
Why withholding the vaccine is unethical
1. It has proven benefit
2. There are foreseeable harms
3. A placebo arm is unjustifiable
4. Exploiting scarcity is unethical
The Guinea-Bissau HBV vaccine study lacks sufficient scientific justification & lacks ethical safeguards
Why withholding the vaccine is unethical
1. It has proven benefit
2. There are foreseeable harms
3. A placebo arm is unjustifiable
4. Exploiting scarcity is unethical
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
International Day of Women & Girls in Science: Generations of Catz women have taken science to new frontiers, incl astronaut Dr Jenni Gibbons (Fellow 2016–24; Hon Fellow 2024) who shared photos from NASA's Kennedy Space Center preparing for the Artemis II mission. Read more: www.asc-csa.gc.ca/en...
February 11, 2026 at 9:05 AM
International Day of Women & Girls in Science: Generations of Catz women have taken science to new frontiers, incl astronaut Dr Jenni Gibbons (Fellow 2016–24; Hon Fellow 2024) who shared photos from NASA's Kennedy Space Center preparing for the Artemis II mission. Read more: www.asc-csa.gc.ca/en...
Looking forward to working with the EQT Foundation and colleagues in @cam.ac.uk @harvard.edu and Asher Orion group to create AI diagnostic solutions for rare lung diseases
eqtgroup.com/news/eqt-fou...
eqtgroup.com/news/eqt-fou...
February 11, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Looking forward to working with the EQT Foundation and colleagues in @cam.ac.uk @harvard.edu and Asher Orion group to create AI diagnostic solutions for rare lung diseases
eqtgroup.com/news/eqt-fou...
eqtgroup.com/news/eqt-fou...
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
Atrial fibrillation: First of its kind therapy for 'debilitating' heart condition
Atrial fibrillation: First of its kind therapy for 'debilitating' heart condition
Volt Pulsed Field Ablation System (PFA) is being trialed for the first time in the UK at Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH).
www.bbc.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:05 AM
Atrial fibrillation: First of its kind therapy for 'debilitating' heart condition
This is a concern. mRNA flu vaccines have the potential to improve annual influenza preparedness. If the US won’t consider them, these vaccines might not be economically viable so won’t be made for other countries either.
So the feds ARE NOT considering an mRNA vaccine for the flu, which could save countless lives, but ARE backing research into whether horse dewormer can cure cancer, because the right views vaccines as elite and ivermectin as populist.
Cool.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
Cool.
kffhealthnews.org/news/article...
FDA won’t review Moderna application for first mRNA-based flu vaccine
The decision, which shocked company officials, comes as the FDA says it will take a stricter approach to federal vaccine approvals.
www.washingtonpost.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:55 AM
This is a concern. mRNA flu vaccines have the potential to improve annual influenza preparedness. If the US won’t consider them, these vaccines might not be economically viable so won’t be made for other countries either.
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
Yes, we talked to a geologist who curls about the very special geology of curling's stones, please enjoy
Why curling rocks come from just two spots on Earth
The rocks used in the Olympic sport of curling come from one island in Scotland and one quarry in Wales. What makes them so special?
www.scientificamerican.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:51 PM
Yes, we talked to a geologist who curls about the very special geology of curling's stones, please enjoy
#ProjectAcorn update
Windowsill acorns send up a shoot
Outdoor ones still nothing visible
Fridge ones slowly developing roots
Windowsill acorns send up a shoot
Outdoor ones still nothing visible
Fridge ones slowly developing roots
February 10, 2026 at 6:34 AM
#ProjectAcorn update
Windowsill acorns send up a shoot
Outdoor ones still nothing visible
Fridge ones slowly developing roots
Windowsill acorns send up a shoot
Outdoor ones still nothing visible
Fridge ones slowly developing roots
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
Three members of Congress and the governor of Hawai'i, a medical doctor who responded to the measles outbreak in Samoa, are calling for RFK Jr's resignation. Emails now reveal he lied under oath about his antivax role in those 83 deaths.
RFK Jr misled Senate during confirmation, Congress members and Hawaii governor say
Newly revealed emails undermine Kennedy’s testimony about 2019 Samoa trip ahead of deadly measles outbreak
www.theguardian.com
February 10, 2026 at 12:25 AM
Three members of Congress and the governor of Hawai'i, a medical doctor who responded to the measles outbreak in Samoa, are calling for RFK Jr's resignation. Emails now reveal he lied under oath about his antivax role in those 83 deaths.
Crucial reference always available on the wall of my kitchen 🧀🍷
February 9, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Crucial reference always available on the wall of my kitchen 🧀🍷
Whenever I move the document I’m working on to the the other screen, little missie here moves to sit in front of it!
February 8, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Whenever I move the document I’m working on to the the other screen, little missie here moves to sit in front of it!
“The BBSRC will reopen grant applications in a few weeks, and the pause at the MRC will last only until the summer, as it reassesses priorities”
Many of us worry about this. No point in investing in early biotech companies if the basic science and postdocs that drive them are lost in the process.
Many of us worry about this. No point in investing in early biotech companies if the basic science and postdocs that drive them are lost in the process.
Major reforms to the United Kingdom’s national research funding agency are aimed at boosting the nation's economy
go.nature.com/3MeHCED
go.nature.com/3MeHCED
Is UK science in jeopardy? Huge funding reforms spark chaos and anxiety
Nature - Major reforms to the United Kingdom’s national research funding agency are aimed at boosting the nation's economy.
go.nature.com
February 8, 2026 at 10:59 AM
“The BBSRC will reopen grant applications in a few weeks, and the pause at the MRC will last only until the summer, as it reassesses priorities”
Many of us worry about this. No point in investing in early biotech companies if the basic science and postdocs that drive them are lost in the process.
Many of us worry about this. No point in investing in early biotech companies if the basic science and postdocs that drive them are lost in the process.
Yay, brexit !
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Post-Brexit sales of British farm products to EU fall by 37%
NFU warn it could take years to restore Brexit losses despite efforts to smooth negotiations on farming and other elements of UK-EU reset
www.theguardian.com
February 8, 2026 at 9:21 AM
Yay, brexit !
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Morrisons courgette substitutions are quite something. Am not sure they’ve ever eaten one 😆
Consecutive weeks👇
Consecutive weeks👇
February 8, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Morrisons courgette substitutions are quite something. Am not sure they’ve ever eaten one 😆
Consecutive weeks👇
Consecutive weeks👇
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
🚨 Great to see our study on chest drain clamping fully now available. Thanks to all @inspireresp.bsky.social collaborators @drandrewy.bsky.social @lewis-standing.bsky.social @akijha.bsky.social and >50 others! We hope this will be useful data for everyone managing pneumothorax 🫁
Clamping trials are safe but do not appear to be associated with reduced rates of recurrent pneumothorax.
Nice work from @veale-n.bsky.social & @awmartinelli.bsky.social
journal.chestnet.org/article/S001...
Nice work from @veale-n.bsky.social & @awmartinelli.bsky.social
journal.chestnet.org/article/S001...
A National Evaluation of Intercostal Chest Drain Removal Strategies
Our results indicate that recurrent pneumothorax after ICD removal is a common complication.
Clamping trials are safe but do not appear to be associated with reduced rates of
recurrent pneumothorax. A...
journal.chestnet.org
February 7, 2026 at 3:11 PM
🚨 Great to see our study on chest drain clamping fully now available. Thanks to all @inspireresp.bsky.social collaborators @drandrewy.bsky.social @lewis-standing.bsky.social @akijha.bsky.social and >50 others! We hope this will be useful data for everyone managing pneumothorax 🫁
Clamping trials are safe but do not appear to be associated with reduced rates of recurrent pneumothorax.
Nice work from @veale-n.bsky.social & @awmartinelli.bsky.social
journal.chestnet.org/article/S001...
Nice work from @veale-n.bsky.social & @awmartinelli.bsky.social
journal.chestnet.org/article/S001...
A National Evaluation of Intercostal Chest Drain Removal Strategies
Our results indicate that recurrent pneumothorax after ICD removal is a common complication.
Clamping trials are safe but do not appear to be associated with reduced rates of
recurrent pneumothorax. A...
journal.chestnet.org
February 7, 2026 at 8:27 AM
Clamping trials are safe but do not appear to be associated with reduced rates of recurrent pneumothorax.
Nice work from @veale-n.bsky.social & @awmartinelli.bsky.social
journal.chestnet.org/article/S001...
Nice work from @veale-n.bsky.social & @awmartinelli.bsky.social
journal.chestnet.org/article/S001...
Understanding risk of poor outcomes in adults hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus infection: evidence from a multicentre UK cohort
Age alone isn’t enough
Glad to have played a small part in this
thorax.bmj.com/content/earl...
Age alone isn’t enough
Glad to have played a small part in this
thorax.bmj.com/content/earl...
Understanding risk of poor outcomes in adults hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus infection: evidence from a multicentre UK cohort
Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes substantial winter pressure on adult services. In the UK, RSV vaccination currently targets adults aged ≥75 years and care home residents; it remain...
thorax.bmj.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Understanding risk of poor outcomes in adults hospitalised with respiratory syncytial virus infection: evidence from a multicentre UK cohort
Age alone isn’t enough
Glad to have played a small part in this
thorax.bmj.com/content/earl...
Age alone isn’t enough
Glad to have played a small part in this
thorax.bmj.com/content/earl...
Note to BlueSky newcomers:
Welcome!
But remember this isn’t Twittter.
Rude anonymous accounts will be blocked immediately without engagement.
Welcome!
But remember this isn’t Twittter.
Rude anonymous accounts will be blocked immediately without engagement.
February 6, 2026 at 4:56 PM
Note to BlueSky newcomers:
Welcome!
But remember this isn’t Twittter.
Rude anonymous accounts will be blocked immediately without engagement.
Welcome!
But remember this isn’t Twittter.
Rude anonymous accounts will be blocked immediately without engagement.
“Statins have been used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide over the last three decades and are proven to reduce heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths”
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Most statin side-effects not caused by the drugs, study finds
While labels list dozens of possible risks only four are supported by evidence, say researchers
www.theguardian.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:16 AM
“Statins have been used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide over the last three decades and are proven to reduce heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths”
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
For decades, hospitals have given babies a vitamin K injection to protect against bleeding. Now, the shot appears to be facing resistance.
One of the babies whose parents refused the shot suffered a type of bleeding in the brain that vitamin K could have prevented.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/w...
One of the babies whose parents refused the shot suffered a type of bleeding in the brain that vitamin K could have prevented.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/w...
More Parents Are Rejecting a Lifesaving Vitamin Shot for Newborns
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:12 AM
For decades, hospitals have given babies a vitamin K injection to protect against bleeding. Now, the shot appears to be facing resistance.
One of the babies whose parents refused the shot suffered a type of bleeding in the brain that vitamin K could have prevented.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/w...
One of the babies whose parents refused the shot suffered a type of bleeding in the brain that vitamin K could have prevented.
www.nytimes.com/2026/02/03/w...