Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by SciCommBites

Héctor @hltorresvera.com · 5h

Dive headfirst into the latest research on how to communicate science effectively by writing for SciCommBites. Authors gain experience writing and peer-editing, while also contributing to a growing resource that reaches thousands. :) Win-win. See application details in the link below!

SciCommBites @scicommbites.bsky.social · 5h

Exciting news! SciCommBites is officially accepting applications for authors for our 2026 cohort. Learn more below and apply by November 30! scicommbites.org/applications...

Applications open for 2026 SciCommBites authors! - SciCommBites

Apply by November 30 for the chance to be part of the SciCommBites 2026 Author Cohort!

scicommbites.org

1 1

Reposted by SciCommBites

Alex Music @alexmusicwrites.bsky.social · 5h

Writing for @scicommbites.bsky.social has been an amazing way to develop my science communication practice, and I strongly encourage other early career writers to apply!

SciCommBites @scicommbites.bsky.social · 5h

Exciting news! SciCommBites is officially accepting applications for authors for our 2026 cohort. Learn more below and apply by November 30! scicommbites.org/applications...

Applications open for 2026 SciCommBites authors! - SciCommBites

Apply by November 30 for the chance to be part of the SciCommBites 2026 Author Cohort!

scicommbites.org

2 3

SciCommBites @scicommbites.bsky.social · 5h

Exciting news! SciCommBites is officially accepting applications for authors for our 2026 cohort. Learn more below and apply by November 30! scicommbites.org/applications...

Applications open for 2026 SciCommBites authors! - SciCommBites

Apply by November 30 for the chance to be part of the SciCommBites 2026 Author Cohort!

scicommbites.org

3

Reposted by SciCommBites

Nik Kliapets @nikkliapets.bsky.social · 6d

🤩 Have you ever read a science story and felt the time moving slower or caught yourself thinking about something very vast? You might have been awe-struck! My latest bite at @scicommbites.bsky.social explores the science behind this feeling of awe.

🍽️ Take a bite below👇🏼
shorturl.at/VAAaa

The Science of Awe: Are Science Stories Awe-some? - SciCommBites

Do awe-some stories elicit awe-some reactions?

shorturl.at

1 1

Reposted by SciCommBites

Alex Music @alexmusicwrites.bsky.social · 24d

One of my recent articles for @scicommbites.bsky.social was republished in @civicscimedia.bsky.social! Have you ever thought about the readability of informative signs in national parks? civicsciencemedia.org/looking-for-...

Looking for a sign? Study says interpretive signs at U.S. National Parks have low readability

This paper presents the first known study that analyzed the language content of interpretive signs of U.S. national parks. It has identified, among other takeaways, an apparent need to increase the re...

civicsciencemedia.org

1 4

Reposted by SciCommBites

Nik Kliapets @nikkliapets.bsky.social · 20d

🧑‍🏫 Math is often very abstract and not relatable for students. Can we fix it? My latest post on @scicommbites.bsky.social
explores the concept of #math trails—guided explorations bringing math into the real world—and how they can boost #engagement with math.

🍽️ Take a bite below👇🏼

shorturl.at/kzvN6

Down, Down, Down the Road: Making Mathematics Fun and Relatable with Math Trails - SciCommBites

"Math trails" transform everyday life classrooms, helping students see that mathematics is not just numbers, but patterns, structures, and ideas woven into the world around them.

shorturl.at

1 1

Reposted by SciCommBites

Alex Music @alexmusicwrites.bsky.social · 16d

In my latest post for @scicommbites.bsky.social, I look at a recent study that investigates whether metaphors can make environmental communications easier to understand. TLDR: it's less straightforward than you might think! scicommbites.org/can-metaphor...

Can metaphor make environmental issues easier to understand? - SciCommBites

A light bulb moment for evaluating metaphors in science communication.

scicommbites.org

1 3

Reposted by SciCommBites

Astrobites @astrobites.bsky.social · Jun 30

From Kaz Gary: For Pride Month, Astrobites is interviewing one transgender astronomer every week. This week we interviewed Dr. Megan Pickett, an Associate Professor of Physics at Lawrence University! 🔭✨☄️
astrobites.org/2025/06/27/m...

Transgender in Astronomy: Interview with Dr. Megan Pickett

For Pride Month, Astrobites is interviewing one transgender astronomer every week. This week we interviewed Dr. Megan Pickett, an Associate Professor of Physics at Lawerence University!

astrobites.org

1 15 65

Reposted by SciCommBites

Alex Music @alexmusicwrites.bsky.social · May 31

Though the vast majority of Americans believe in climate change, fear of perceived polarization creates a “spiral of silence” for Midwest farmers, causing them to avoid discussing the topic entirely. Read more in my latest for @scicommbites.bsky.social scicommbites.org/breaking-the...

Breaking the spiral of silence: Midwest farmer perspectives reveal need to make climate conversations palatable - SciCommBites

Many midwestern farmers in the US prefer to ignore conversations about climate, considering an extremely polarizing topic.

scicommbites.org

1 1 2

Reposted by SciCommBites

Nik Kliapets @nikkliapets.bsky.social · Jun 7

Why do some farmers from the Midwest ignore the conversations on the climate change? @alexmusicwrites.bsky.social explores this through the "spiral of silence" in her latest post at @scicommbites.bsky.social which I had the pleasure to edit.

🍽️ Take a bite of the climate discourse among farmers 👇🏼

Alex Music @alexmusicwrites.bsky.social · May 31

Though the vast majority of Americans believe in climate change, fear of perceived polarization creates a “spiral of silence” for Midwest farmers, causing them to avoid discussing the topic entirely. Read more in my latest for @scicommbites.bsky.social scicommbites.org/breaking-the...

Breaking the spiral of silence: Midwest farmer perspectives reveal need to make climate conversations palatable - SciCommBites

Many midwestern farmers in the US prefer to ignore conversations about climate, considering an extremely polarizing topic.

scicommbites.org

1 2 2

SciCommBites @scicommbites.bsky.social · May 7

New #SciCommBites post by Julianna Goenaga!⁠ The case for using comics in aiding jurors understand scientific forensic evidence. Read at scicommbites.org! 🧪 #scicomm

📷 for featured image: buff.ly/M5sYN86

wood gavel with silver accents resting on a grey background

1 2

Reposted by SciCommBites

Isako Di Tomassi @isakoditomassi.bsky.social · May 2

Tell your story! Write an op-ed for a LOCAL HOMETOWN PAPER to be published June 16! #SciComm #McClintockLetters #withoutNSF

We can fight these attacks by sharing how we serve the public with fed dollars, & insights into fed funded research. tinyurl.com/McClintockLetters

7 9

Reposted by SciCommBites

Alex Music @alexmusicwrites.bsky.social · May 2

Great article by @nikkliapets.bsky.social that I got the chance to edit! 🧪

SciCommBites @scicommbites.bsky.social · May 2

Check out the new #SciCommBites post by Mykyta ‘Nik’ Kliapets!⁠ Public trust crisis? Objection! Survey suggests global trust in scientists still strong. Read at scicommbites.org! 🧪 #scicomm

📷 for featured image: buff.ly/n8VaujX

Two scientists in yellow goggles, white coveralls, and yellow gloves holding a graduated cylinder containing foamy blue liquid

1 3

SciCommBites @scicommbites.bsky.social · May 2

Check out the new #SciCommBites post by Mykyta ‘Nik’ Kliapets!⁠ Public trust crisis? Objection! Survey suggests global trust in scientists still strong. Read at scicommbites.org! 🧪 #scicomm

📷 for featured image: buff.ly/n8VaujX

3

Reposted by SciCommBites

Nik Kliapets @nikkliapets.bsky.social · May 2

My second post at @scicommbites.bsky.social explores how people across 68 countries view #scientists and their role in society 🌍

🍽️ Take a bite of the state of #publictrust in scientists globally 👇🏼

scicommbites.org/science-on-t...

#science #sciencecommunication #scienceandsociety

Science on Trial: Perspectives on Scientists and Society Across 68 Countries - SciCommBites

Public trust crisis? Objection! Survey suggests global trust in scientists strong.

scicommbites.org

1 3

SciCommBites @scicommbites.bsky.social · Apr 23

New #SciCommBites post by Julianna Goenaga!⁠ Including young people in discussions about mental health is important for open dialogue. Read at scicommbites.org! 🧪 #scicomm

📷 for featured image: buff.ly/KJZTkNl
⁠
[image description: tiles with letters spelling out "Mental health matters"]

1 2 3

Reposted by SciCommBites

Molly Edwards, PhD @science-irl.bsky.social · Apr 19

I've been making a series of videos called "What the FUNDING" that highlight all the incredible science that federal funding supports. If DOGE just fcked up your NSF grant and you wanna collaborate on a video, lmk? I'm @science_irl on insta & TT

#scicomm 🧪 #nsf

41 82

Reposted by SciCommBites

Prof Sam Illingworth @samillingworth.com · Apr 19

🐔🦠 Public not paying attention to bird flu risks

A new study shows Americans are largely disengaged from HPAI (bird flu) despite rising risks. Researchers urge better communication on vaccination and food safety.

🔗 doi.org/10.2105/AJPH...

#SciComm #HPAI #BirdFlu 🧪

AJPH

American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) from the American Public Health Association (APHA)

doi.org

3 8 18

Reposted by SciCommBites

Christie Wilcox @nerdychristie.bsky.social · Apr 18

You've seen the headlines. Is there life on K2-18b? Our expert in exoplanets weighs in, plus more of the best from @science.org and science in this edition of #ScienceAdviser: www.science.org/content/arti... 🧪

An artist’s rendition of K2-18b CREDIT: NASA; ESA; CSA; Joseph Olmsted/STScI

4 7 41

SciCommBites @scicommbites.bsky.social · Apr 16

New #SciCommBites post by Paula R. Buchanan!⁠ Scientists develop climate science Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to improve climate communications. Read at scicommbites.org! 🧪 #scicomm

📷 for featured image: buff.ly/Iac1J76
⁠
[image description: iceberg floating in the ocean]

2 2

Reposted by SciCommBites

Ologies with Alie Ward @ologies.bsky.social · Apr 14

Just a reminder that if you’re an ologist or passionate expert in something (or have someone to suggest) shoot your friggin shot on this app & tweet me.

I may not get to interview everyone but I love knowing whom’s whom. 🎤💚🎧

(oh but check to see if we’ve already covered it: www.ologies.com)

alie ward

www.ologies.com

58 71 290

Reposted by SciCommBites

Dr. Sabrina H. Kessler @shkessler.bsky.social · Apr 14

Science Communication in the Age of AI - Special Issue in @jscicom.bsky.social out now - 👩‍🔬 🚀 🤖 🧠 ed. by @mss7676.bsky.social, D. Mahl, @sophiavolk.bsky.social & me
👉 10 articles, a review, and an editorial exploring the role of #AI in #ScienceCommunication

🙏 Thanks to authors, reviewers + JCOM team

Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) @jscicom.bsky.social · Apr 14

How is AI reshaping #scicomm? A new special issue explores promises & pitfalls of gen AI, and its transformative impact on how science-related info is created & consumed. Image generated with OpenAI’s DALL·E based on article abstracts in the style of different art eras. jcom.sissa.it/article/pubi...

6 14

Reposted by SciCommBites

Journal of Science Communication (JCOM) @jscicom.bsky.social · Apr 14

How is AI reshaping #scicomm? A new special issue explores promises & pitfalls of gen AI, and its transformative impact on how science-related info is created & consumed. Image generated with OpenAI’s DALL·E based on article abstracts in the style of different art eras. jcom.sissa.it/article/pubi...

9 18

Reposted by SciCommBites

Katie Langin @klangin.bsky.social · Apr 11

"It sucks."

After adding questions about sexual orientation and gender identity to a key survey of Ph.D. graduates last year, NSF is reversing course. My latest for @science.org.

www.science.org/content/arti...

Sexual orientation, gender options cut from U.S. Ph.D. graduate survey

After adding questions to a key survey last year, the U.S. National Science Foundation is reversing course

www.science.org

1 12 43

SciCommBites @scicommbites.bsky.social · Apr 14

Keith Smith @drkeithsmith.bsky.social · Apr 2

Know a US undergraduate student seeking experience in science communication? 🧪 #SciComm

@science.org & @aaas.org are recruiting paid summer internships in Washington DC, working on:
- ScienceAdviser newsletter bit.ly/4bHh9YG
- Science journalism awards bit.ly/4hpushJ
- Social media bit.ly/4iC3pkn