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Adam Kovac

@adamjkovac.bsky.social
452 followers 235 following 315 posts

Breaking news reporter at Scientific American. Guitar nut. Opinions are mine and rarely shared with you folks, unless they're about hockey. Got scoop tips? akovac.14 on Signal.

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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
There's something so wonderful about fast radio bursts. You're a celestial object, humming along, then suddenly BOOM! You shoot off enough energy, in just a fraction of a second, that it's detectable 10 billion light years away. www.scientificamerican.com/article/astr...
scientificamerican.com
Record-breaking fast radio burst is the oldest and most distant ever seen
Detected by the MeerKAT array, this “fast radio burst” comes from 3 billion years after the Big Bang, and could help map the universe’s otherwise-invisible intergalactic matter
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Just got a press release from a sports betting company analyzing NHL team subreddits to see which are the most profane. Edmonton Oilers fans are the most foul mouthed. My fellow Habs fans are the 4th most polite. The Canes are the politest but f--k those guys. This is data analysis at its best.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
This kind of thing has become way too common in Jewish families. Debate has always been at the core of Judaism, but the emotional lashing out has become more frequent and ugly. It sucks.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Congratulations to the winners, and to me for waking up on time to cover it.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Take a listen to the latest episode of @sciam.bsky.social's Science Quickly. I did a quick hit to talk about how wellness influencers are sharing a cure all recipe that could cause botulism. Thanks @feltman.bsky.social for having me on! www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/epis...
scientificamerican.com
The flood threat, measles risk and TikTok trend to know about
An El Niño–driven ocean surge threatens coastal flooding, researchers warn that a plan to loosen vaccine requirements will increase measles risks in Florida, and experts debunk a viral TikTok cold rem...
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The UAE is continuing to expand its space exploration program. After putting a probe into Mars orbit, it's now planning a 2028 launch of a mission to a record seven asteroids. www.scientificamerican.com/article/unit...
scientificamerican.com
United Arab Emirates to launch spacecraft to probe seven asteroids in 2028
The country's space program is new and ambitious, having already sent a mission into Mars orbit
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
So many reviews asking if Tom Cruise's new movie Digger is good. (It sounds insane! In a good way!) @emmalgometz.bsky.social is out here asking the real question: is it scientifically accurate? www.scientificamerican.com/article/coul...
scientificamerican.com
How accurate is the climate disaster in Tom Cruise’s new movie Digger?
In the movie, a giant iceberg from Greenland floats into the sea, imperiling millions—but is that even possible?
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Separation now confirmed - it's all up to Google now.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Google's prototype orbital data center Project Suncatcher launched aboard a SpaceX rocket about an hour ago. So far, all seems to be going well as the various payloads aboard get deployed. www.scientificamerican.com/article/goog...
scientificamerican.com
Google’s Project Suncatcher has officially launched to space
Project Suncatcher is aimed at testing Google's AI chips in the harsh environment of space
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
All eyes are on the Michigan Senate seat race. I spoke to @abdulelsayed.bsky.social about how his science background influences his policies, how he'd implement Medicare for All, and what the MAHA movement gets right. www.scientificamerican.com/article/demo...
scientificamerican.com
Abdul El-Sayed explains how science influences his politics
Scientific American spoke to the Michigan Senate candidate about how his background in medicine has shaped his outlook
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It's tradition to throw candy at the kid during the religious portion of a bar/bat mitzvah and these were the go to. Which is great, because they're soft, and your 13 year old jerk friends would really try and which them at you. Keeping them in production is a boon for public safety.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Boeing's Starliner is getting another shot. After a disastrous first crewed mission in 2024 that left two astronauts stuck on the ISS for 286 days, an uncrewed mission could launch as soon as December, and the ship could carry humans once more in 2028. www.scientificamerican.com/article/nasa...
scientificamerican.com
NASA looks ahead to Boeing Starliner tests as it tries to overcome the spacecraft's troubles
Starliner hasn't flown since its failed 2024 mission left two astronauts aboard the International Space Station for 286 days
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I messed up my algorithm so you don't have to. A number of influencers are recommending garlic fermented in honey as a homemade antiviral and antibacterial. There's only one problem: this cure-all could give you botulism. www.scientificamerican.com/article/tikt...
scientificamerican.com
TikTok influencers are promoting a home remedy to boost the immune system that could cause botulism
No, fermenting garlic in honey is not a replacement for antibiotic or antiviral meds
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
During her confirmation hearing to lead the FDA, Heidi Overton said Trump is wrong on a number of things, from MMR shots killing kids to Tylenol causing autism. But she refused to ever actually say the president is wrong about anything. www.scientificamerican.com/article/trum...
scientificamerican.com
Trump's FDA nominee Heidi Overton affirms MMR vaccine and mifepristone are safe at crucial Senate hearing
Heidi Overton also said at the hearing on Thursday that Tylenol does not cause autism
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Also, if you want a little light crude reading (heh, oil joke), here's an explainer on why diesel prices are so high. While much of it is due to economics and the wars in Ukraine and Iran, some of it is down to chemistry. www.scientificamerican.com/article/dies...
scientificamerican.com
Diesel fuel prices are rising—chemistry can help explain why
Diesel prices have almost doubled over the past year, spelling trouble for farmers, truckers and the entire U.S. economy
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
And we're done. Now on to the important work of eating lunch and the article will be up soon on @sciam.bsky.social
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sen. Alsobrooks asking about EPA launching study into birth control and mifepristone turning up in drinking water supply. Overton, with her standard line on working establish safety and efficacy, etc...
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Overton says she awaits the results of the current safety review before making any decision on mifepristone.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sen Hawley, who has cited flawed or even retracted papers on mifepristone's safety, once again says it sends 1 in 10 women to the ER. This is extremely misleading, as it includes women who went for common aftereffects such as bleeding.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Overton says focus is on giving parents options, even if that's just down the road when monovalent shots are produced and approved.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sen. Blunt Rochester: asks about splitting MMR vaccine and reducing number of childhood shots. Overton said she provided the president with "options." Asked about how she'd enact Trump's call to split the vaccine, given monovalent shots aren't made in the U.S.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
"I am concerned about the political pressure that does come to bear on on the scientific review process." - Murkowski
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sen. Murkowski says she's concerned over mifepristone, given Alaska's large rural population. In person dispensation of medication would make the drug largely inaccessible to 80% of the population, she says.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Overton also says she hasn't see any evidence Tylenol causes autism but wouldn't say Trump was wrong when he said it did. Hassan also calls on Overton to recuse herself from any studies on mifepristone.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Hassan elaborates: Trump said MMR vaccine can kill kids. Overton would not say Trump is wrong, just that the vaccine is safe and effective and every unvaccinated American should get it.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sen Hassan: is it possible for the president to ever be wrong? Overton: "It is the president who sets the policy directions, but he works with all of his advisors to get the best information."
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Only that she "will be guided by the science and the best evidence that is available."
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Baldwin pivots to asking about Trump's claim that Tylenol causes autism. Previous FDA leader pushed for a label change for products containing acetaminophen despite evidence being scant on this front. Overton wouldn't say if she would also push that label change or not.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sen. Baldwin turns back to mifepristone. She points to rigorous testing at various points over past 25 years. Overton still won't say if she believes the drug is safe and effective, only that it is "According to FDA standards."
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Overton says cracking down on illegal vapes is a "top priority"
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
More questions on vapes from Sen. Moody. Says majority of illicit vapes come from China and are targeted at kids because they have games in them. (I did not know this was a thing, but evidently this exists?)
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sen. Murphy asks about disbanded FDA advisory committees. Says that 27% of them have been disbanded, and 72% fewer meetings held. Overton does not commit to not disbanding more committees, but says her goal "would be to not shut down" any.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sen. Tuberville says he supports Overton, saying she has the experience and expertise for the job. Asks about illicit vapes. Overton says key is getting more authorizations for products that met FDA standards. Problem is backlog of millions of products that are up for approval.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sen. Murray wants to know about her stance on mifepristone. Overton has called the drug "dangerous to women." Now says it "has met the safety and FC standard according to the FDA review" but won't commit to outright saying it's safe.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Asked about flavored vapes - FDA recently reversed its stance on some products. Overton says bigger product is illicit vape products on market, but also flavored vapes can be effective in quitting cigarettes. Appears open to some flexibility, says flavored vapes require "robust discussion."
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Sanders asking about banning TV ads advertising junk food to kids. Kind of an odd answer. "It is terrible that only 20 percent of our youth are eligible for the military because of their health status."
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Cassidy now joined by Sen. Sanders on pressing her if she'd stand up against Trump. "my job would be to follow the law and execute what is required of the commissioner of food and drugs"
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Overton was standing behind Trump when he said the vaccine was "lethal." "It is safe and effective, and it is our best tool right now in the public health response to the measles outbreak," she says.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Senate hearing for FDA commissioner nominee Heidi Overton. First question from Sen. Cassidy is on vaccines. Overton distances herself from Trump, says MMR is not lethal, is safe and effective.
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Reposted by Adam Kovac
Claire Cameron @clairehcameron.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Call for pitches! @sciam.bsky.social is commissioning stories of all lengths on all areas of science, but in particular I'd love to hear from journalists with enterprising or newsy stories in: health; mind and brain; technology; and archaeology. claire.cameron@sciam.com, no PR please!
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
If you want to read more about what Trump had to say about AI and climate change, my article is now up at @sciam.bsky.social www.scientificamerican.com/article/trum...
scientificamerican.com
Trump rejects AI regulation, citing parallels with climate change in UN address
The president also said artificial intelligence should be rebranded as "super intelligence"
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
While doing that, he somehow threw in a line about climate change being a hoax, saying it has killed nobody. Of course, climate researchers have found the number and intensity of natural disasters have risen, killing tens of thousands, due to climate change.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Last week, Pres. Trump polled Truth Social on whether to rebrand AI as "superior" "extreme" or "supreme" intelligence. During a UN speech, he went with none of the above saying, the government will rebrand all AI as "super intelligence." He also rejected any global regulation of the tech.
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
You may have heard about OpenAI solving a $1 million math problem. Sounds like a big deal, and it is! But while the equation is commonly used in engineering, nobody expects anything to really change, at least immediately. www.scientificamerican.com/article/what...
scientificamerican.com
What does OpenAI’s fluid-dynamics breakthrough mean for real-world engineering?
OpenAI’s claimed proof of the Navier-Stokes problem is a mathematical tour de force, but any real-world applications may be years away—if they ever arrive at all
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see... not much. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is powering up and caught its first photons of cosmic light, but turning it on is way more complicated than flipping a switch. Still, it's an exciting step! www.scientificamerican.com/article/nasa...
scientificamerican.com
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Telescope glimpses its first cosmic light
The space telescope is set to reveal thousands of new exoplanets and scour the universe for signs of dark matter and energy
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Radiologist and Fox News personality Nicole Saphier praised MMR and hep. b vaccines during a confirmation hearing, a stance that appears to be at odds with the president and RFK Jr. www.scientificamerican.com/article/trum...
scientificamerican.com
Trump's surgeon general nominee praises MMR, hepatitis B vaccines at Senate hearing
Both the president and U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. have made numerous false claims about the vaccines' efficacy and safety
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Reposted by Adam Kovac
Phil PlAIt @philplait.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The new print version of the October Scientific American is now out! My regular column ("The Universe"), about the fate of the moon, is in there. 😁 www.scientificamerican.com/issue/sa/202...
scientificamerican.com
Scientific American Volume 335, Issue 3
"The questions science may never answer", "Will we ever know how life began?", "Can humans live forever?" and more
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
ICYMI: Pres. Trump's EPA pulled back regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel power plants. Power plants are the largest stationary source of emissions in the U.S. and climate scientists say this could have huge impacts on global warming. www.scientificamerican.com/article/trum...
scientificamerican.com
Trump repeals emissions regulations of fossil-fuel power plants
The reversal of a Biden-era cap on emissions from the plants could have devastating effects in efforts to stop climate change
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The El Nino in the Pacific is shaping up to be one of the most devastating in living memory. Look at Indonesia, where the weather pattern has led to intense droughts that allow wildfires to spread. That, in turn, has led to 100,000 people getting sick. www.scientificamerican.com/article/el-n...
scientificamerican.com
El Niño fuels wildfires in Indonesia, sickening some 100,000 people
The fires are burning peatlands, which can release more particulate matter into the air than other wildfires
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Adam Kovac @adamjkovac.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"The millipede fauna of the Kazakh Altais is very poorly studied." What a shock, how could anyone resist digging for millipedes in rural Kazakhstan?
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