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
“The gender pay gap, which stands at £2,548 a year, means that women have effectively worked for free so far this year, the TUC said”
This is a stain on the country
Ask yourself, are your mother, sister, daughter, wife less valuable than their male colleagues?
This is a stain on the country
Ask yourself, are your mother, sister, daughter, wife less valuable than their male colleagues?
UK’s gender pay gap forecast to persist for another 30 years
UK’s gender pay gap forecast to persist for another 30 years
Trades Union Congress says women have effectively been working for free this year and legislation is needed
Women in the UK will not be paid the same as men until 2056 at the current rate of progress, according to a Trades Union Congress report.
The gender pay gap, which stands at £2,548 a year, means that women have effectively worked for free so far this year, the TUC said. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
February 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM
“The gender pay gap, which stands at £2,548 a year, means that women have effectively worked for free so far this year, the TUC said”
This is a stain on the country
Ask yourself, are your mother, sister, daughter, wife less valuable than their male colleagues?
This is a stain on the country
Ask yourself, are your mother, sister, daughter, wife less valuable than their male colleagues?
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
The ‘success’ of antivaccine activists
Inevitability there will be lasting harm, but those responsible won’t ever accept that their ignorance and untruths caused this
"1 in 5 children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
news.sky.com/story/fast-s...
Inevitability there will be lasting harm, but those responsible won’t ever accept that their ignorance and untruths caused this
"1 in 5 children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
news.sky.com/story/fast-s...
'Fast-spreading' measles outbreak in north London leaves over 60 children infected
Health authorities are urging families to vaccinate their children against measles as a surge in cases in several Enfield and Haringey schools threatens to spark a widespread outbreak.
news.sky.com
February 15, 2026 at 8:40 AM
The ‘success’ of antivaccine activists
Inevitability there will be lasting harm, but those responsible won’t ever accept that their ignorance and untruths caused this
"1 in 5 children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
news.sky.com/story/fast-s...
Inevitability there will be lasting harm, but those responsible won’t ever accept that their ignorance and untruths caused this
"1 in 5 children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
news.sky.com/story/fast-s...
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
'A local GP surgery said one in five children who contracted the illness had been admitted to hospital, all of whom "had not been fully immunised".' Outbreak in Enfield and Haringey represents a third of reported cases in England this year.
Thanks a lot antivaxers.
Thanks a lot antivaxers.
North London measles outbreak hits several schools with at least 34 children infected
A number of children have been hospitalised as officials urge families to check they are up to date with their vaccines.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 15, 2026 at 11:45 AM
'A local GP surgery said one in five children who contracted the illness had been admitted to hospital, all of whom "had not been fully immunised".' Outbreak in Enfield and Haringey represents a third of reported cases in England this year.
Thanks a lot antivaxers.
Thanks a lot antivaxers.
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
Measles can cause lifelong damage to the body, including blindness, damage to your gut, brain damage.
Measles can kill.
Get vaccinated.
The life you save might not be your own
#Measles
#VaccinesWork
Measles can kill.
Get vaccinated.
The life you save might not be your own
#Measles
#VaccinesWork
Measles outbreak in North London which is one of the worst areas for take-up of the vaccine.
Measles outbreak hits north London schools as dozens of children infected — The Standard
More than 60 suspected cases reported across seven schools and nursery in Enfield as area battles one of lowest vaccine uptake rates in country
apple.news
February 15, 2026 at 11:07 AM
Measles can cause lifelong damage to the body, including blindness, damage to your gut, brain damage.
Measles can kill.
Get vaccinated.
The life you save might not be your own
#Measles
#VaccinesWork
Measles can kill.
Get vaccinated.
The life you save might not be your own
#Measles
#VaccinesWork
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
“Seven schools and a nursery have reported more than 60 suspected cases of measles in an area of north London, and labs have confirmed 34 cases since January 12. Some children have been treated in hospital.”
archive.md/2026.02.1...
archive.md/2026.02.1...
February 14, 2026 at 8:05 PM
“Seven schools and a nursery have reported more than 60 suspected cases of measles in an area of north London, and labs have confirmed 34 cases since January 12. Some children have been treated in hospital.”
archive.md/2026.02.1...
archive.md/2026.02.1...
Reposted by Stefan Marciniak
This is really not good. Measles is so easily caught and so dangerous. If you haven't been vaccinated please ask at your GP surgery - to protect not just you but those around you.
“Seven schools and a nursery have reported more than 60 suspected cases of measles in an area of north London, and labs have confirmed 34 cases since January 12. Some children have been treated in hospital.”
archive.md/2026.02.1...
archive.md/2026.02.1...
February 15, 2026 at 8:41 AM
This is really not good. Measles is so easily caught and so dangerous. If you haven't been vaccinated please ask at your GP surgery - to protect not just you but those around you.
The ‘success’ of antivaccine activists
Inevitability there will be lasting harm, but those responsible won’t ever accept that their ignorance and untruths caused this
"1 in 5 children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
news.sky.com/story/fast-s...
Inevitability there will be lasting harm, but those responsible won’t ever accept that their ignorance and untruths caused this
"1 in 5 children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
news.sky.com/story/fast-s...
'Fast-spreading' measles outbreak in north London leaves over 60 children infected
Health authorities are urging families to vaccinate their children against measles as a surge in cases in several Enfield and Haringey schools threatens to spark a widespread outbreak.
news.sky.com
February 15, 2026 at 8:40 AM
The ‘success’ of antivaccine activists
Inevitability there will be lasting harm, but those responsible won’t ever accept that their ignorance and untruths caused this
"1 in 5 children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
news.sky.com/story/fast-s...
Inevitability there will be lasting harm, but those responsible won’t ever accept that their ignorance and untruths caused this
"1 in 5 children have been hospitalised due to measles and all of them had not been fully immunised.
news.sky.com/story/fast-s...
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/...