Sage
@sagetoko.bsky.social
Applied Physics PhD working in industry. Chronically ill maker of things. Fiber arts, cooking, dogs. she/her. Exceedingly fond of heffalumps. 🐘❤️
#LongCovid #MECFS #EDS #POTS
#LongCovid #MECFS #EDS #POTS
Reposted by Sage
The Sick Times: 'You know someone with Long COVID. They need you to ask about it genuinely.'
Written by Philip Hoover
'If community-building is a bulwark against autocracy, then asking after one another might be a good place to start.'
thesicktimes.org/2025/11/28/y...
Written by Philip Hoover
'If community-building is a bulwark against autocracy, then asking after one another might be a good place to start.'
thesicktimes.org/2025/11/28/y...
You know someone with Long COVID. They need you to ask about it genuinely. - The Sick Times
If community-building is a bulwark against autocracy, then asking after one another might be a good place to start.
thesicktimes.org
November 28, 2025 at 6:47 PM
The Sick Times: 'You know someone with Long COVID. They need you to ask about it genuinely.'
Written by Philip Hoover
'If community-building is a bulwark against autocracy, then asking after one another might be a good place to start.'
thesicktimes.org/2025/11/28/y...
Written by Philip Hoover
'If community-building is a bulwark against autocracy, then asking after one another might be a good place to start.'
thesicktimes.org/2025/11/28/y...
Reposted by Sage
This is very interesting (and yeah, I also had an initial “oh come on, that’s nuts” reaction to the first part of this article, but as I read on, I realized he was making some pretty compelling points)
This is an insightful but deeply upsetting article about why everyone in the US feels poor, and why the current political situation emerges as a direct result.
www.yesigiveafig.com/p/part-1-my-...
www.yesigiveafig.com/p/part-1-my-...
Part 1: My Life Is a Lie
How a Broken Benchmark Quietly Broke America
www.yesigiveafig.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:17 AM
This is very interesting (and yeah, I also had an initial “oh come on, that’s nuts” reaction to the first part of this article, but as I read on, I realized he was making some pretty compelling points)
Reposted by Sage
tech bro: i have made Artificial General Intelligence
programmer: you fucked up a perfectly good calculator is what you did. look at it. it's got anxiety
programmer: you fucked up a perfectly good calculator is what you did. look at it. it's got anxiety
I’ve been running around asking tech execs and academics if language was the same as intelligence for over a year now - and, well, it isn’t. @benjaminjriley.bsky.social explains how the bubble is built on ignoring cutting-edge research into the science of thought www.theverge.com/ai-artificia...
November 25, 2025 at 5:12 PM
tech bro: i have made Artificial General Intelligence
programmer: you fucked up a perfectly good calculator is what you did. look at it. it's got anxiety
programmer: you fucked up a perfectly good calculator is what you did. look at it. it's got anxiety
“Researchers report that three of the most promising rehabilitative approaches – computerized cognitive training, a structured cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation program, and at-home brain stimulation – failed to outperform simple online puzzles and games.”
Well, sure. Try some ACTUAL TREATMENTS?
Well, sure. Try some ACTUAL TREATMENTS?
i really am going to be permanently fucked up for life aren't i www.psychiatrist.com/news/promisi...
Promising Brain-Fog Therapies Fall Flat in Long COVID Trial
A large national trial found that today’s most promising cognitive treatments for long COVID work no better than simple online puzzles.
www.psychiatrist.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:08 PM
“Researchers report that three of the most promising rehabilitative approaches – computerized cognitive training, a structured cognitive-behavioral rehabilitation program, and at-home brain stimulation – failed to outperform simple online puzzles and games.”
Well, sure. Try some ACTUAL TREATMENTS?
Well, sure. Try some ACTUAL TREATMENTS?
Reposted by Sage
We're kicking off our biggest fundraiser of the year by participating in NewsMatch, a national campaign to support newsrooms across the US run by the Institute for Nonprofit News.
We need your help to keep telling #LongCOVID stories. Will you donate today? the-sick-times.fundjournalism.org/donate/
We need your help to keep telling #LongCOVID stories. Will you donate today? the-sick-times.fundjournalism.org/donate/
November 1, 2025 at 2:39 PM
We're kicking off our biggest fundraiser of the year by participating in NewsMatch, a national campaign to support newsrooms across the US run by the Institute for Nonprofit News.
We need your help to keep telling #LongCOVID stories. Will you donate today? the-sick-times.fundjournalism.org/donate/
We need your help to keep telling #LongCOVID stories. Will you donate today? the-sick-times.fundjournalism.org/donate/
Key point of an excellent thread! You can’t study #LongCovid or #ME/CFS, or their potential treatments, properly if you aren’t looking at PEM. And you shouldn’t be able to pass an IRB to run studies on these populations if PEM isn’t taken into account.
Not knowing about PEM is proof positive you don't know IACCs.
Even if you're not studying #MECFS, omitting the possibility of PEM in a trial for #LongCOVID (where many meet criteria for #MECFS) or for common comorbidities, like fibro, hypermobility disorders like #EDS, or #POTS is in error.
Even if you're not studying #MECFS, omitting the possibility of PEM in a trial for #LongCOVID (where many meet criteria for #MECFS) or for common comorbidities, like fibro, hypermobility disorders like #EDS, or #POTS is in error.
November 23, 2025 at 5:01 AM
Key point of an excellent thread! You can’t study #LongCovid or #ME/CFS, or their potential treatments, properly if you aren’t looking at PEM. And you shouldn’t be able to pass an IRB to run studies on these populations if PEM isn’t taken into account.
My mom ordered us the Dandelion Chocolate advent calendar after I got a targeted ad for it and showed her the gorgeous packaging. At the request of the lovely @clairewillett.bsky.social, I am sharing as we go through it, aiming to share small joys in this rough time.
#SageDandelionAdventIsh
#SageDandelionAdventIsh
November 18, 2025 at 9:17 PM
My mom ordered us the Dandelion Chocolate advent calendar after I got a targeted ad for it and showed her the gorgeous packaging. At the request of the lovely @clairewillett.bsky.social, I am sharing as we go through it, aiming to share small joys in this rough time.
#SageDandelionAdventIsh
#SageDandelionAdventIsh
Reposted by Sage
"it is forcing me to be guarded when I should be wowed"
This.
This right here.
I'm so, SO tired of having to scrutinize any piece of art that even remotely resembles genAI slop just to determine whether or not it's worth a second thought or any admiration.
This.
This right here.
I'm so, SO tired of having to scrutinize any piece of art that even remotely resembles genAI slop just to determine whether or not it's worth a second thought or any admiration.
Why am I so against generative AI in games?
Because I simply do not want my initial reaction to art to be one of suspicion and scrutiny, AI slop is fundamentally damaging my relationship to art and artistry, and I am deeply resentful that it is forcing me to be guarded when I should be wowed.
Because I simply do not want my initial reaction to art to be one of suspicion and scrutiny, AI slop is fundamentally damaging my relationship to art and artistry, and I am deeply resentful that it is forcing me to be guarded when I should be wowed.
November 17, 2025 at 10:10 PM
"it is forcing me to be guarded when I should be wowed"
This.
This right here.
I'm so, SO tired of having to scrutinize any piece of art that even remotely resembles genAI slop just to determine whether or not it's worth a second thought or any admiration.
This.
This right here.
I'm so, SO tired of having to scrutinize any piece of art that even remotely resembles genAI slop just to determine whether or not it's worth a second thought or any admiration.
Reposted by Sage
bringing this statement over from Alice’s Twitter. it appears the below was Alice’s last post before passing. I am heartbroken
November 15, 2025 at 2:37 PM
bringing this statement over from Alice’s Twitter. it appears the below was Alice’s last post before passing. I am heartbroken
Reposted by Sage
Respect Alice Wong’s call here:
“When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked either because they think the virus is a hoax, that masking is virtue signaling & a sign of weakness, aren't thinking about it, or that they simply don’t care, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving.”
“When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked either because they think the virus is a hoax, that masking is virtue signaling & a sign of weakness, aren't thinking about it, or that they simply don’t care, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving.”
COVID Isn’t Going Anywhere. Masking Up Could Save My Life.
"When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving."
www.teenvogue.com
November 15, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Respect Alice Wong’s call here:
“When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked either because they think the virus is a hoax, that masking is virtue signaling & a sign of weakness, aren't thinking about it, or that they simply don’t care, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving.”
“When I am in public spaces and see most people unmasked either because they think the virus is a hoax, that masking is virtue signaling & a sign of weakness, aren't thinking about it, or that they simply don’t care, I feel like an expendable burden not worth saving.”
Reposted by Sage
Oh no I just heard we lost Alice. This is terribly sad. She was an incredible, talented, powerful voice of the disability community. She stood strong for herself and for all of us. She will be missed immensely.
‘Death remains my intimate shadow partner. It has been with me since birth, always hovering close by. I understand one day we will finally waltz together into the ether. I hope when that time comes, I die with the satisfaction of a life well-lived, unapologetic, joyful, & full of love.’
—Alice Wong
—Alice Wong
November 15, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Oh no I just heard we lost Alice. This is terribly sad. She was an incredible, talented, powerful voice of the disability community. She stood strong for herself and for all of us. She will be missed immensely.
Reposted by Sage
‘Death remains my intimate shadow partner. It has been with me since birth, always hovering close by. I understand one day we will finally waltz together into the ether. I hope when that time comes, I die with the satisfaction of a life well-lived, unapologetic, joyful, & full of love.’
—Alice Wong
—Alice Wong
November 15, 2025 at 6:12 AM
‘Death remains my intimate shadow partner. It has been with me since birth, always hovering close by. I understand one day we will finally waltz together into the ether. I hope when that time comes, I die with the satisfaction of a life well-lived, unapologetic, joyful, & full of love.’
—Alice Wong
—Alice Wong
Reposted by Sage
I'd guess that 85-90% of American scientists would be ineligible for future funding under this law, maybe close to 100% in the R1 universities. So much for funding proposals based on scientific merit.
Apart from being sinophobes, the people pushing this have no clue how science or higher ed works.
Apart from being sinophobes, the people pushing this have no clue how science or higher ed works.
“The prohibited activities would include joint research, co-authorship on papers, and advising a foreign graduate student or postdoctoral fellow. The language is retroactive, meaning any interactions during the previous 5 years could make a scientist ineligible for future federal funding.”
U.S. Congress considers sweeping ban on Chinese collaborations
Researchers speak out against proposal that would bar funding for U.S. scientists working with Chinese partners or training Chinese students
www.science.org
November 14, 2025 at 11:31 AM
I'd guess that 85-90% of American scientists would be ineligible for future funding under this law, maybe close to 100% in the R1 universities. So much for funding proposals based on scientific merit.
Apart from being sinophobes, the people pushing this have no clue how science or higher ed works.
Apart from being sinophobes, the people pushing this have no clue how science or higher ed works.
WHAT
TIL that blood platelets have serotonin receptors, which is why anemia can mimic depression symptoms and that is absolutely fucking fascinating.
November 11, 2025 at 5:48 AM
WHAT
Reposted by Sage
#NEISvoid PSA
TIL patients and caregivers can get free access to Elsevier papers!
Email your request to [email protected] and include confirmation you are a patient. Turnaround is 48 hours.
#LongCovid #MECFS
TIL patients and caregivers can get free access to Elsevier papers!
Email your request to [email protected] and include confirmation you are a patient. Turnaround is 48 hours.
#LongCovid #MECFS
November 10, 2025 at 7:45 PM
#NEISvoid PSA
TIL patients and caregivers can get free access to Elsevier papers!
Email your request to [email protected] and include confirmation you are a patient. Turnaround is 48 hours.
#LongCovid #MECFS
TIL patients and caregivers can get free access to Elsevier papers!
Email your request to [email protected] and include confirmation you are a patient. Turnaround is 48 hours.
#LongCovid #MECFS
Reposted by Sage
Living with Long COVID often feels like living in a horror movie. Along with your disease comes a creepy Hive Mind refusal to acknowledge the dangers of COVID infection. In Vince Gilligan's new Apple TV show Pluribus, the Hive Mind comes to life:
www.thegauntlet.news/p/pluribus-c...
www.thegauntlet.news/p/pluribus-c...
"Pluribus" captures the isolation of COVID-awareness in a COVID denialist world
For years I've described having Long COVID as living in a horror movie. Now that horror movie (well, prestige Apple TV show) is here.
www.thegauntlet.news
November 10, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Living with Long COVID often feels like living in a horror movie. Along with your disease comes a creepy Hive Mind refusal to acknowledge the dangers of COVID infection. In Vince Gilligan's new Apple TV show Pluribus, the Hive Mind comes to life:
www.thegauntlet.news/p/pluribus-c...
www.thegauntlet.news/p/pluribus-c...
Reposted by Sage
When asked by Stephen Colbert why he was wearing a mask in public, Tom Hanks said..
“I’ve had Covid enough in my life I don’t need to do that again. I’m wearing this for health reasons”
More celebrities need to speak out like this.
“I’ve had Covid enough in my life I don’t need to do that again. I’m wearing this for health reasons”
More celebrities need to speak out like this.
November 5, 2025 at 9:09 AM
When asked by Stephen Colbert why he was wearing a mask in public, Tom Hanks said..
“I’ve had Covid enough in my life I don’t need to do that again. I’m wearing this for health reasons”
More celebrities need to speak out like this.
“I’ve had Covid enough in my life I don’t need to do that again. I’m wearing this for health reasons”
More celebrities need to speak out like this.
Reposted by Sage
It’s not the best that to a very large extent, disability advocacy is the only kind of civic work disabled people can access.
Altho tbh accessibility is not really my problem. I need treatment to be able to do anything I love. Tough test for the social model of disability.
Altho tbh accessibility is not really my problem. I need treatment to be able to do anything I love. Tough test for the social model of disability.
November 4, 2025 at 2:26 PM
It’s not the best that to a very large extent, disability advocacy is the only kind of civic work disabled people can access.
Altho tbh accessibility is not really my problem. I need treatment to be able to do anything I love. Tough test for the social model of disability.
Altho tbh accessibility is not really my problem. I need treatment to be able to do anything I love. Tough test for the social model of disability.
Reposted by Sage
YES YOU SHOULD VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS TOMORROW EVEN IF MAMDANI IS NOT ON THE BALLOT WHERE YOU LIVE
November 3, 2025 at 9:02 PM
YES YOU SHOULD VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS TOMORROW EVEN IF MAMDANI IS NOT ON THE BALLOT WHERE YOU LIVE
It was ACTIVELY DIFFICULT to get my mom’s PCP to prescribe metformin when she had her second round of acute covid a year ago - even though she was already pre-diabetic!
A year later, with more studies showing a significant benefit, it’s even more disappointing that this is still an issue.
A year later, with more studies showing a significant benefit, it’s even more disappointing that this is still an issue.
The Sick Times: 'Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of Long COVID. Why isn’t it more widely used?'
Written by Rachel Fairbank
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Written by Rachel Fairbank
thesicktimes.org/2025/10/28/m...
Metformin has been shown to reduce the risk of Long COVID. Why isn’t it more widely used? - The Sick Times
Recent studies add evidence to a prior phase 3 clinical trial, suggesting that taking the diabetes drug during acute COVID-19 reduces the risk of long-term symptoms.
thesicktimes.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:37 PM
It was ACTIVELY DIFFICULT to get my mom’s PCP to prescribe metformin when she had her second round of acute covid a year ago - even though she was already pre-diabetic!
A year later, with more studies showing a significant benefit, it’s even more disappointing that this is still an issue.
A year later, with more studies showing a significant benefit, it’s even more disappointing that this is still an issue.
Reposted by Sage
"I DON'T NEED YOU TO FUCKING REWRITE WHAT I'VE JUST WRITTEN!"
October 28, 2025 at 10:46 AM
"I DON'T NEED YOU TO FUCKING REWRITE WHAT I'VE JUST WRITTEN!"
Reposted by Sage
While the feds continue to play stupid games, SNAP recipients are set to lose food aid for the next month. In the Bay Area, a growing number of restaurants are stepping up to help, and we're maintaining the list. Share with anyone who needs it. www.coyotemedia.org/these-bay-ar...
These Bay Area Restaurants Are Offering Free Food to SNAP Recipients
Amid a government shutdown that will cut off aid for 42 million Americans, local food scene folks plan to pick up the slack.
www.coyotemedia.org
October 27, 2025 at 11:52 PM
While the feds continue to play stupid games, SNAP recipients are set to lose food aid for the next month. In the Bay Area, a growing number of restaurants are stepping up to help, and we're maintaining the list. Share with anyone who needs it. www.coyotemedia.org/these-bay-ar...
Reposted by Sage
I wrote about how RFK Jr is making health worse for millions of Americans. He's slashed research and healthcare, and replaced them with "hAvE yOu TrIeD YoGa?"
Link & free link in thread. There are impeachment/removal proposals in both the House and Senate. Tell your electeds to boot this guy out!
Link & free link in thread. There are impeachment/removal proposals in both the House and Senate. Tell your electeds to boot this guy out!
San Francisco Chronicle: 'RFK Jr. has betrayed millions of Americans like me who suffer from chronic illness'
'Like millions of Americans, I live with a virally triggered chronic illness called myalgic encephalomyelitis...'
By Effie Seiberg
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
'Like millions of Americans, I live with a virally triggered chronic illness called myalgic encephalomyelitis...'
By Effie Seiberg
www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/open...
RFK Jr. has betrayed millions of Americans like me who suffer from chronic illness
OPINION: “According to research published by the CDC, 3 in 4 Americans have a chronic illness. That’s nearly 200 million people, and Kennedy is helping none of us,” Effie Seiberg writes.
www.sfchronicle.com
October 27, 2025 at 5:52 PM
I wrote about how RFK Jr is making health worse for millions of Americans. He's slashed research and healthcare, and replaced them with "hAvE yOu TrIeD YoGa?"
Link & free link in thread. There are impeachment/removal proposals in both the House and Senate. Tell your electeds to boot this guy out!
Link & free link in thread. There are impeachment/removal proposals in both the House and Senate. Tell your electeds to boot this guy out!
Reposted by Sage
i really resent the continued assertion that there’s so much anger on both sides, as if the causes of the anger are equally legitimate. we’re angry because masked maniacs are violently snatching our family and neighbors off the street, and they’re angry because we’re calling them out for it.
October 25, 2025 at 5:57 PM
i really resent the continued assertion that there’s so much anger on both sides, as if the causes of the anger are equally legitimate. we’re angry because masked maniacs are violently snatching our family and neighbors off the street, and they’re angry because we’re calling them out for it.
Reposted by Sage
Dismantling the Institutional Review Board (IRB), that oversees all human subjects research, is bad. Really bad.
The entire HR department at the CDC is gone. Everyone at the IRB, which makes sure studies are conducted ethically and rigorously, and the ethics office, which oversee conflicts of interest for CDC leaders and advisory committee members, were also let go.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
‘Instability and confusion’ as CDC slashes 1,300 jobs before reinstating half
Trump administration says 700 notices were sent in error, while top CDC officer says ‘they didn’t think through what they were doing’
www.theguardian.com
October 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Dismantling the Institutional Review Board (IRB), that oversees all human subjects research, is bad. Really bad.