Alex
@alex-me-jones.bsky.social
Queer, bi, plant science prof (She/她/elle). I enjoy growing plants, lifting weights and trying to learn Chinese (普通话). Left leaning politics.
Work related stuff is over on LinkedIn (alex-jones-553a8818) passing chat with mostly IRL friends here.
Work related stuff is over on LinkedIn (alex-jones-553a8818) passing chat with mostly IRL friends here.
Humanity now has micrometer scale autonomous robots. I'm not ready for this. techxplore.com/news/2025-12...
Researchers create world's smallest programmable, autonomous robots
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Michigan have created the world's smallest fully programmable, autonomous robots: microscopic swimming machines that can independently s...
techxplore.com
December 27, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Humanity now has micrometer scale autonomous robots. I'm not ready for this. techxplore.com/news/2025-12...
Reposted by Alex
14 two-year postdocs for academics of any nationality who cannot continue their research due to US politics. Do share if you know of such.
Post-doc positions:
"Academic freedom is under pressure today. This requires rescue havens of free research. ... [we] invite early career researchers, whose work is restricted due to political pressure in the USA..."
uni-freiburg.de/frias/call-f...
"Academic freedom is under pressure today. This requires rescue havens of free research. ... [we] invite early career researchers, whose work is restricted due to political pressure in the USA..."
uni-freiburg.de/frias/call-f...
Call for Applications: Early Career Rescue Fellowship – Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies
uni-freiburg.de
December 19, 2025 at 5:19 PM
14 two-year postdocs for academics of any nationality who cannot continue their research due to US politics. Do share if you know of such.
I'm so into Physical Asia at the moment. It is great home gym telly. All the contestants are obviously easy on the eyes but James is a sore stopper, by being super strong and also gorgeously glam and sassy.
www.herworld.com/life/who-is-...
www.herworld.com/life/who-is-...
Meet James Rusameekae from Physical: Asia: The Thai contestant winning hearts with his personality
With his charm, strength, and hilarious one-liners on Physical: Asia, James Rusameekae’s proving that confidence and heart can shine just as brightly as muscles.
www.herworld.com
November 22, 2025 at 10:20 AM
I'm so into Physical Asia at the moment. It is great home gym telly. All the contestants are obviously easy on the eyes but James is a sore stopper, by being super strong and also gorgeously glam and sassy.
www.herworld.com/life/who-is-...
www.herworld.com/life/who-is-...
Reposted by Alex
This blood is on your hands, Elon.
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 3:51 PM
This blood is on your hands, Elon.
Reposted by Alex
The Government needs to get serious about climate change. And it hasn't so we're suing. But this is the longest and most expensive legal letter Good Law Project has ever sent - and it involves a huge team of specialist lawyers. And we really could use your help. goodlaw.social/4cqi
Make Keir Starmer step up on climate
The government is failing to tackle global heating – so we’re forcing it to take action
goodlaw.social
November 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The Government needs to get serious about climate change. And it hasn't so we're suing. But this is the longest and most expensive legal letter Good Law Project has ever sent - and it involves a huge team of specialist lawyers. And we really could use your help. goodlaw.social/4cqi
This news reader's tone and expression while reporting on South Korea's flattery of Trump says it all. Well done South Korea for reaching such satirical levels. Obviously his power to casually damage economies and lives is real.
youtu.be/Pv7YEAOWEvg?...
youtu.be/Pv7YEAOWEvg?...
YMCA, Gold medals and a Crown: South Korea Flatters Trump | Vantage with Palki Sharma | N18G
YouTube video by Firstpost
youtu.be
October 30, 2025 at 6:55 PM
This news reader's tone and expression while reporting on South Korea's flattery of Trump says it all. Well done South Korea for reaching such satirical levels. Obviously his power to casually damage economies and lives is real.
youtu.be/Pv7YEAOWEvg?...
youtu.be/Pv7YEAOWEvg?...
Today I have very bravely spoken Mandarin to my second real life Chinese person. 🎉 So when I know a phrase well I can produce tones and be understood! This feels like a real victory. Then, of course, they are unsurprised as it's normal to speak Chinese and it all feels a bit frustrating. 加油
October 23, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Today I have very bravely spoken Mandarin to my second real life Chinese person. 🎉 So when I know a phrase well I can produce tones and be understood! This feels like a real victory. Then, of course, they are unsurprised as it's normal to speak Chinese and it all feels a bit frustrating. 加油
If you need some climate hope today www.forbes.com/sites/we-don...
Russia’s Coal Collapse Marks The End Of Fossil Fuel Post-War Illusion
Russia’s Coal Collapse signals the end of the fossil era. From bankrupt mines to battery booms, the global energy transition is accelerating but facing political resistance.
www.forbes.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:15 PM
If you need some climate hope today www.forbes.com/sites/we-don...
Reposted by Alex
Do I know anyone (or anyone who knows anyone) who has had any joy in enforcement of the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018?
The Equality Advisory Advice Service (EASS) who formally accept breach reports seem to be useless. Pls boost.
The Equality Advisory Advice Service (EASS) who formally accept breach reports seem to be useless. Pls boost.
October 20, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Do I know anyone (or anyone who knows anyone) who has had any joy in enforcement of the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018?
The Equality Advisory Advice Service (EASS) who formally accept breach reports seem to be useless. Pls boost.
The Equality Advisory Advice Service (EASS) who formally accept breach reports seem to be useless. Pls boost.
I've learned that Chinese fruit pizza is a real thing. 🤯 I've been talking food with my language buddy. I might give hosin marinated tofu pizza a go. But a good fruit tart is a sacred item that can only be procured from a Swiss patisserie or my stepmum. I feel better about our Anglicised stir frys
October 17, 2025 at 6:18 PM
I've learned that Chinese fruit pizza is a real thing. 🤯 I've been talking food with my language buddy. I might give hosin marinated tofu pizza a go. But a good fruit tart is a sacred item that can only be procured from a Swiss patisserie or my stepmum. I feel better about our Anglicised stir frys
Brilliant Patti Smith gig tonight. Great atmosphere, friendly crowd and such a range of ages.
October 12, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Brilliant Patti Smith gig tonight. Great atmosphere, friendly crowd and such a range of ages.
Just in case anyone needs to see this. theconversation.com/paracetamol-...
Paracetamol use during pregnancy not linked to autism, our study of 2.5 million children shows
Our research provides strong evidence against the concerning claims made recently by US president Donald Trump.
theconversation.com
September 25, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Just in case anyone needs to see this. theconversation.com/paracetamol-...
Reposted by Alex
The Economist is hiring a science and technology correspondent
The Economist is hiring a science and technology correspondent
We’re looking for a writer to join us in London for 12 months
www.economist.com
September 22, 2025 at 8:15 AM
The Economist is hiring a science and technology correspondent
Reposted by Alex
- you clean up that banksy?
- sure did, your honour, leaving a perfect, permanent outline, imbuing the work with real fuckin gravitas while making its point better than the artist did himself just like you asked
- sure did, your honour, leaving a perfect, permanent outline, imbuing the work with real fuckin gravitas while making its point better than the artist did himself just like you asked
They erased the new Banksy mural in London. But the stain remains.
September 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
- you clean up that banksy?
- sure did, your honour, leaving a perfect, permanent outline, imbuing the work with real fuckin gravitas while making its point better than the artist did himself just like you asked
- sure did, your honour, leaving a perfect, permanent outline, imbuing the work with real fuckin gravitas while making its point better than the artist did himself just like you asked
Reposted by Alex
Reporting a new Banksy mural which attacks the legal system for criminalizing protests against genocide, the BBC adds "the graffiti has been covered up and guarded". Thanks Dad.
September 8, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Reporting a new Banksy mural which attacks the legal system for criminalizing protests against genocide, the BBC adds "the graffiti has been covered up and guarded". Thanks Dad.
Reposted by Alex
This letter is specifically about toilet provisions at Friends House which is
a. Directly opposite Euston Station
b. Has a cafe
c. Would be delighted to provide you with a coffee and gender-affirming facilities, regardless of your religious beliefs.
a. Directly opposite Euston Station
b. Has a cafe
c. Would be delighted to provide you with a coffee and gender-affirming facilities, regardless of your religious beliefs.
August 28, 2025 at 8:16 PM
This letter is specifically about toilet provisions at Friends House which is
a. Directly opposite Euston Station
b. Has a cafe
c. Would be delighted to provide you with a coffee and gender-affirming facilities, regardless of your religious beliefs.
a. Directly opposite Euston Station
b. Has a cafe
c. Would be delighted to provide you with a coffee and gender-affirming facilities, regardless of your religious beliefs.
Reposted by Alex
The Quakers are doing exactly what all public services are legally allowed to do even if the EHRC wants to pretend they're not: say gender-based toilets are inclusive and for anyone bothered by that as a matter of belief, there are stand-alone cubicles that they are very free to use. 1/
This, from the Quakers, is a pretty good example of how to resist pressure from bigot lobbying groups. Effectively “we legally can allow trans people to use the loo, we morally should, and we tried it and nothing bad happened”
www.quaker.org.uk
August 28, 2025 at 4:23 PM
The Quakers are doing exactly what all public services are legally allowed to do even if the EHRC wants to pretend they're not: say gender-based toilets are inclusive and for anyone bothered by that as a matter of belief, there are stand-alone cubicles that they are very free to use. 1/
Reposted by Alex
📢 @jdportes.bsky.social "We have yet to hear a Cabinet Minister point out that migrants now fill 1/5 jobs in the UK, that they are more likely to be employed & less likely to claim benefits. Diversity should be our greatest strength, and it is that argument that anti-immigration zealots fear most."
August 27, 2025 at 10:40 AM
📢 @jdportes.bsky.social "We have yet to hear a Cabinet Minister point out that migrants now fill 1/5 jobs in the UK, that they are more likely to be employed & less likely to claim benefits. Diversity should be our greatest strength, and it is that argument that anti-immigration zealots fear most."
Reposted by Alex
An important contribution to understanding why the Supreme Court judgment in FWS is wrong, and will not survive either proper consideration by a full (and fully informed) Supreme Court or the ECHR in Strasbourg.
eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-de...
eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-de...
Why the FWS case was wrongly decided by the UK Supreme Court - in light of the EU law historical context
Claire Bradley , Legal Researcher Photo credit : DAVID ILIFF. License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Introduction ...
eulawanalysis.blogspot.com
August 13, 2025 at 8:38 PM
An important contribution to understanding why the Supreme Court judgment in FWS is wrong, and will not survive either proper consideration by a full (and fully informed) Supreme Court or the ECHR in Strasbourg.
eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-de...
eulawanalysis.blogspot.com/2025/08/a-de...
Reposted by Alex
We need to big this up, a V important legal judgement; if it had gone against us it would have been all over the oligarch/transphobic media as a "Landmark" case. I suspect it may be very useful in preventing Universities from silencing trans people under the pretext of pandering to the OfS.
Trans Advocates Win Landmark UK Tribunal Case.
Eva Echo and Saba Ali share the story behind their tribunal win.
www.wecreatespace.co
August 14, 2025 at 9:13 AM
We need to big this up, a V important legal judgement; if it had gone against us it would have been all over the oligarch/transphobic media as a "Landmark" case. I suspect it may be very useful in preventing Universities from silencing trans people under the pretext of pandering to the OfS.
I asked my language buddy to be a critical friend. Today I read out quite a long story in Chinese and she said she could understand 90% because I speak so slowly and that I speak in a very flat way with a heavy accent. We then worked in my tones using one sentence. Direct but 💯 accurate and useful.
August 13, 2025 at 4:47 PM
I asked my language buddy to be a critical friend. Today I read out quite a long story in Chinese and she said she could understand 90% because I speak so slowly and that I speak in a very flat way with a heavy accent. We then worked in my tones using one sentence. Direct but 💯 accurate and useful.
Reposted by Alex
Question for my fellow cis friends: if this comes in, are you going to feel OK using spaces and facilities that trans people are banned from? Because I'm not.
🚨 BREAKING | Labour is set to impose a sweeping ban on trans people using any "single-sex space".
In EHRC guidance that Labour is set to approve, trans people will be barred from accessing toilets, gyms and changing rooms that match their gender.
(Source: @TheTimes)
In EHRC guidance that Labour is set to approve, trans people will be barred from accessing toilets, gyms and changing rooms that match their gender.
(Source: @TheTimes)
August 8, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Question for my fellow cis friends: if this comes in, are you going to feel OK using spaces and facilities that trans people are banned from? Because I'm not.
For learning simplified Chinese characters I've really been enjoying an app called Hanly (free!) but most of all I appreciate the kind, very human, little messages like this when I've not used it for a while. Unlike Duolingo's angry threatening owl.
August 7, 2025 at 6:14 PM
For learning simplified Chinese characters I've really been enjoying an app called Hanly (free!) but most of all I appreciate the kind, very human, little messages like this when I've not used it for a while. Unlike Duolingo's angry threatening owl.
Learning a language is so hard isn't it? At first I was elated that a native speaker could understand my few sentences in Chinese. Then I felt so demotivated, beyond frustrated, that I didn't want to talk at all today, but my language buddy has been kind and I can feel motivation coming back.
August 6, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Learning a language is so hard isn't it? At first I was elated that a native speaker could understand my few sentences in Chinese. Then I felt so demotivated, beyond frustrated, that I didn't want to talk at all today, but my language buddy has been kind and I can feel motivation coming back.
Reposted by Alex
Academics who have questioned the validity of efforts to “de-extinct” animals like the woolly mammoth and the dire wolf have complained of an apparent campaign to discredit them.
Critics of de-extinction research hit by mystery smear campaign
Several researchers who have been critical of Colossal Biosciences’ plans to revive extinct animals say they have been targeted by online articles trying to discredit them
www.newscientist.com
July 31, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Academics who have questioned the validity of efforts to “de-extinct” animals like the woolly mammoth and the dire wolf have complained of an apparent campaign to discredit them.