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Alicia Ault

@aliciaault.bsky.social
1.2K followers 788 following 1.8K posts

Independent journalist for Medscape, Smithsonian, covering all things health and science. Consumer and chronicler of food, music, art and culture. More-than-mediocre tennis player. Beach yogi.

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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 17h
More great work by @ddiamond.bsky.social. Seems like the WH Historical Association is more worried about offending the current occupant of the People's House--and getting cozier with him-- than actually fulfilling the group's mission. #architecture #culture #history #museums
washingtonpost.com
White House preservation group took $2.5M from man who wanted to demolish East Wing
Donors are holding back hundreds of thousands of dollars as the group has sought to avoid offending the president and stayed silent on the East Wing’s demolition.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
ICYMI: a paper that spread like wildfire this year over its claims that ivermectin and mebendazole could treat cancer has been retracted by the journal. It was authored by Peter McCullough and anti-Covid colleagues. #oncology #science
ar.iiarjournals.org
Retraction
Hulscher N, Victory K, Thorp JA, Pinsky D, Diaz-Villalobos A, Gillooly P, Coulson F, Annazone M, Radesi C, Brooks J, McCullough PA, Risch H: [Real-world clinical outcomes of ivermectin and mebendazole...
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
CVS is no better at flagging inappropriate opioid prescriptions than any other pharmacy. This chain continues to inappropriately fill opioid prescriptions--I know, because they are doing it for a family member. #pharmacies #Medicare #redflags
justice.gov
CVS Agrees to Pay $315M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions and for Submitting False Claims to the Federal Government
CVS Pharmacy Inc., a Rhode Island-based pharmacy chain, and its related corporate entities (collectively, CVS) have agreed to pay $315 million to resolve allegations that, from October 17, 2013 throug...
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Essentially, the federal government ruined a man's reputation and falsely arrested him and others in the service of a blatantly false narrative, knowingly delivered repeatedly by Burgum, the lackey. The Reflecting Pool continues to be a mirror into this administration. #WashingtonDC #politics
wapo.st
Reflecting Pool liner failed in 85 places after flawed renovation, inspection found
The damage identified by inspectors the contractor commissioned is far more extensive than has been previously reported, a document obtained by The Post shows.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
He should never have messed with RZA. FTC alleges that convicted "PharmaBro" Martin Shkreli has been violating a court order by trading in drug industry stocks and broadcasting his opinions. #WuTangClan #hiphop #fraud
ftc.gov
FTC, States Ask Federal Court to Hold Martin Shkreli in Contempt for Allegedly Violating Lifetime Ban from Pharmaceutical Industry
The Federal Trade Commission and seven states today asked a federal judge to hold Martin Shkreli in contempt based on their allegations that he flagrantly and repeatedly violated a 2022 court order
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Biomarker test to diagnose early Alzheimer's shows utility in randomized trial. via @medscape.com #NeuroSky #geriatrics #PsychSky #dementia
medscape.com
Early Alzheimer’s Biomarker Test Results Guide Clinical Care
Early disclosure of AD blood biomarker results increases diagnostic certainty and leads to earlier, more targeted clinical management without causing psychological distress.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
I am saddened to hear this news. Helen Branswell has been inspiring with her coverage of infectious disease. #journalism
statnews.com
Helen Branswell, whose reporting on infectious diseases and public health drew acclaim, dies at 69
Helen Branswell, STAT's infectious disease reporter who earned the respect of experts and public health officials with her accessible, prescient dispatches, has died at age 69.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
"Meetze sought help on Reddit, where people post about pain, headaches, vision problems, and a lack of motivation after taking experimental peptides." "Peptide promoters lean on anecdotes, often without verifiable numbers." #wellness #longevity #science #unregulated
kffhealthnews.org
People Say These Peptides Hurt Them. Their Stories Are Muffled in MAHA’s Push for Medical Freedom. - KFF Health News
People who have taken experimental peptides, such as BPC-157, complain of migraines, eye pain, fatigue, and more. Learning whether these popular but unproven drugs are to blame may become harder if Ro...
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
A sixth Pennsylvania resident has died from measles. The woman had several underlying health conditions and had a “past diagnosis of measles with treatment.” #IDSky #EpiSky #publichealth #MMR #vaccines
washingtonpost.com
Sixth person who had measles has died in Pennsylvania, local coroner says
The state is experiencing the nation’s worst ongoing measles outbreak, the first in the U.S. to top more than 1,000 cases since 1991.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
The lawsuit, filed by Arlington County, alleges that the National Park Service completed only a “cursory” review of the arch project in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act #art #architecture #monuments #politics #WashingtonDC
washingtonpost.com
Northern Virginia county sues to block Trump from building his arch
Arlington County’s all-Democratic board argues that the planned 250-foot-tall arch needs more review.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Southwest Airlines is having a major national IT outage. All flights at all airports appear to be stopped. I have family stuck at Midway. Southwest has not addressed this yet on any social media platform. #airtravel #travel #delays
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
CDC director Erica Schwartz still has not addressed the American public about measles.
nytimes.com
C.D.C. Offers States $100 Million in Measles Support as Cases Climb (Gift Article)
States said the cash infusion will help bolster efforts to increase vaccinations and identify cases.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) introduced legislation Wednesday that would direct the Smithsonian to preserve and display artifacts he said reflect the rise of "governmental propaganda" under President Trump. #politics #museums #culture #history
axios.com
Raskin seeks to preserve Trump's D.C. "propaganda" in Smithsonian
The measure is unlikely to advance under GOP control.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Hochul Declares a Measles Emergency as Cases Rise in Rural New York www.nytimes.com/2026/10/05/n...
nytimes.com
Hochul Declares a Measles Emergency as Cases Rise in Rural New York (Gift Article)
The state has had 108 cases this year, the most since 2019. The declaration comes amid a national resurgence of the highly contagious viral illness.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
ICMYI: More from the vote-buying department. The money would come from $2 billion set aside to improve Medicare that was going to be used to aide the Cmmty Health Center Fund, National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Center GME program and several special diabetes programs.
washingtonpost.com
Trump announces plan to send $90 payments to millions of seniors
The White House said the one-time payments would be drawn from a fund set up to improve Medicare.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
What we know--and don't know--so far about the death of a worker at the Russian Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute, reportedly due to a pneumonia. Lots of info here via @bhadeliamd.bsky.social group at Boston U. #publichealth #IDSky
beaconbio.org
BEACON
Track biological threats, share vital information, and collaborate on solutions for community protection and preparedness.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Florida's dengue outbreak continues to grow. The largest concentration is in the Tampa Bay area. It's still hot and humid, perfect conditions for multiplying mosquitoes. #IDSky #EpiSky #arbovirus #publichealth
outbreaknewstoday.substack.com
Florida locally acquired dengue fever cases rise to 252
According to the latest data from the Florida Department of Health, an additional 62 autochthonous dengue fever cases were reported in the state the week ending September 26.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
ICYMI: 1 mill are getting $500 Affordable Care Act refund checks and a letter from Trump touting his health agenda. Checks going to eligible enrollees in 30 states that use federal HealthCare.gov marketplace, incl FL, OH, IA, NC and TX; refunds overlap with several closely watched Senate races.
washingtonpost.com
Health Brief: The upcoming health price transparency huddle
Plus: A $22 million ad blitz puts health care in the crosshairs in five contested Senate races
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Vaccines.gov website is still non-functional as of today. #healthpolicy #IDSky #MedSky #vaccination #publichealth
cidrap.umn.edu
Looking for vaccines? Vaccines.gov won’t help
A CDC-run website for finding vaccines is not currently functioning.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Fifth Pennsylvania person to die from measles: A 20 YO unvaccinated woman receiving leukemia treatment got measles, ultimately developed double pneumonia and died after the family decided to discontinue use of a ventilator. #IDSky #EpiSky #MMR #publichealth #familymedicine
seattletimes.com
20-year-old woman dies in PA’s largest measles outbreak in decades
Newly wed, and receiving treatment for blood cancer, she was the last of nine siblings sickened when measles swept through her unvaccinated family’s home.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
5 suicides in 5 weeks. What’s going on at Cyber Command at Fort Meade? #Maryland #PsychSky #trauma #depression #anxiety #mentalhealth
thebanner.com
5 suicides in 5 weeks. What’s going on at Cyber Command at Fort Meade?
Five people whose work supported missions at U.S Cyber Command and the National Security Agency at Fort George G. Meade died by suicide within a month of each other this summer. Lawmakers are asking q...
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
CDC reporting a big increase in cases of a rare fungal disease that primarily attacks the brain and has a 60-70% fatality rate. Increase likely not due to a rise in referrals or detection, per this MMWR paper. #IDSky #EpiSky #NeuroSky #fungusamongus
cdc.gov
Cladophialophora bantiana Detections
This report describes 48 confirmed cases and one probable case of C. bantiana in clinical samples from 2009–2026.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
US women's tennis star Emma Navarro reveals reasons for last 2 years' struggle: she's been diagnosed with RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) and Hasshimoto’s hypothyroidism. #WTA #IndianWells #womenssports
apnews.com
Emma Navarro to miss the rest of 2026 tennis season for treatment, plans return at Australian Open
Emma Navarro says she’s taking the rest of the tennis season off to address two health issues and she plans to return in time for the Australian Open in January.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
988 option for LGBTQ youth restored. HHS did not answer whether its policies restrict counselors from affirming a young person’s gender identity and did not provide the requested training materials, written guidance, or names of organizations operating the restored service. via @advocate.com
advocate.com
Trump restores 988 LGBTQ+ youth crisis line. Asked about trans callers, HHS cites ‘gender ideology extremism’
The Advocate asked federal officials what transgender and nonbinary young people can expect when they seek help.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Voice of America, aka the federal govt, aka the taxpayer, is paying an estimated $1.6 million a week to keep 420 of its staffers on administrative leave. Another DOGE fail. Meanwhile Americans are being kicked off SNAP and Affordable Care Act insurance. #politics
washingtonpost.com
Trump administration is paying $1.6 million a week to keep Voice of America staff on leave
Hundreds of VOA staffers have been on paid leave since the agency sidelined them in March 2025.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
"Just three drugmakers — Biogen, Daiichi Sankyo and Takeda — are covered by the final model, a decrease from the roughly 40 companies estimated in the proposed rule." Smoke and mirrors on drug price negotiations. #healthpolicy #healthlaw
washingtonpost.com
Health Brief: Drugmakers unscathed by Trump’s drug price plan
Plus: Governors warn of a Medicaid work requirements crunch
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Smithsonian Natural History Director Kirk Johnson leaving at end of year, returning to Denver Museum of Nature and Science. #science #museums #WashingtonDC
si.edu
National Museum of Natural History’s Sant Director Kirk Johnson To Depart for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science | Smithsonian Institution
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Two mathematicians have determined via modeling that Florida is dangerously close to a widespread measles outbreak--and that, due to tourism and snowbirds--it could end up sparking transmission across the US. My story for @medscape.com #EpiSky #IDSky #pediatrics #publichealth
medscape.com
Florida on Cusp of Measles Outbreak
A mathematical model finds vaccination rates have dropped below the herd immunity threshold and are likely to decline even further, sparking an epidemic.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Federal judge dismisses parents' challenge to Idaho "medical freedom" bill. Idaho has the lowest rate of vaccination for kindergartners; 4 of 5 are not up to date on the measles vaccine, according to CDC. #IDSky #EpiSky #vaccines #MMR
eastidahonews.com
Federal judge upholds Idaho law that bans vaccine, medical treatment requirements in daycares - East Idaho News
BOISE (Idaho Capital Sun) — An Idaho judge dismissed a lawsuit from a Boise daycare and parents that sought to block enforcement of a state law that bans daycares from requiring vaccines or medical tr...
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Ron DeSantis' legacy.
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Reposted by Alicia Ault
Reuters @reuters.com · 01/10/2026
Florida Attorney General sues Pfizer and CEO over COVID-19 vaccine claims reut.rs/4hH6JvP
reut.rs
Florida Attorney General sues Pfizer and CEO over COVID-19 vaccine claims
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Thursday filed a lawsuit against Pfizer and its ​CEO, Albert Bourla, accusing the drugmaker of misleading ‌consumers about the safety and effectiveness of its COVID-19 vaccine.
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Reposted by Alicia Ault
Science News @sciencenews.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Lung cancer patients who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine within a few months of immunotherapy lived nearly twice as long as unvaccinated patients. www.sciencenews.org/article/cancer-…
sciencenews.org
Cancer treatments may get a boost from mRNA COVID vaccines
Cancer patients who got an mRNA COVID vaccine within a few months of their immunotherapy lived longer than those who did not, health records show.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
A fifth person has died from measles in Pennsylvania. #IDsky #EpiSky #pediatrics #MMR #vaccines
nbcnews.com
Pennsylvania reports 5th measles-related death in the state
The state’s outbreak is the largest in the U.S.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
@floridaphoenix.com reporting the Florida proposed rule to remove school-based mandates for 4 vaccines now has eliminated a broadening of exemptions for moral and ethical beliefs. State will hold public hearing 10/8, as requested by FL @ameracadpeds.bsky.social @acpimphysicians.bsky.social
floridaphoenix.com
Exemption for moral, ethical beliefs zapped from DeSantis administration's proposed vax rule • Florida Phoenix
The DeSantis administration is backing off its push to make it easier for parents to opt out of vaccinating their children by eliminating from a proposed rule change “sincerely held moral or ethical b...
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Who needs a medical degree? Or advanced fellowship training? Or hands-on experience? AI can do it better! You see how much respect RFK has for you, doctors. #medicine #healthpolicy #publichealth
nytimes.com
A.I. Is ‘Better Informed’ Than Doctors, Kennedy Tells Industry-Backed MAHA Summit (Gift Article)
The health secretary, Vice President JD Vance and other top officials addressed a conference sponsored by corporations, including A.I. companies and others with business before the government.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Congrats to the 2026 MacArthur geniuses! One winner, Marika Holland, works for the Boulder-based National Center for Atmospheric Research, which this administration is trying to shut down for its "climate alarmism." #science #art #culture #humanities #music #poetry #literature #fiction
macfound.org
MacArthur Fellows - MacArthur Foundation
The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, we work to ...
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Another sign of how things are going in this administration--a 4-year-high for flight cancellations. Here's a list of the airports that have the worst cancellations and delays. Reagan National was #2 this summer. One reason might be air space closures for Trump's travel. #travel #airtravel
thepointsguy.com
Flight cancellations reach 4-year high: Our tips for flying - The Points Guy
Here's what travelers can do to avoid flight trouble in a year that's seen flight cancellations surge to the highest level since 2022.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Yet another study supporting the life-saving potential of vaccines. #IDSky #cancer #oncology #immunization #hepatitis #HPV
scientificamerican.com
One in eight new cancers are likely caused by infections—there’s an easy way to protect yourself
Many cancers associated with infection are preventable
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Mike Lee blocked an attempt by Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) to prohibit President Trump from demolishing the Kennedy Center. Lee also objected to a Merkley motion that would have blocked Trump from building a colossal marble arch between the Arlington Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.
thehill.com
GOP senator blocks move to prevent Trump from tearing down buildings honoring presidents
Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) late Monday blocked an attempt from Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) to prohibit President Trump from demolishing the Kennedy Center. The bill Merkley attempted to pass under unani…
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
No explanation of why this informed consent would only be for veterans under age 30. Some concern about this potentially dissuading people from taking medications. #PsychSky #trauma #mentalhealth #depression #anxiety #PTSD
nytimes.com
V.A. Institutes New Consent Requirements for Some Psychiatric Drugs (Gift Article)
Veterans under 30 will have to sign forms before being given antidepressants. Medical groups fear the moves may stigmatize mental health treatment.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Did you read his bio for the ACS meeting? Among other things, it claims that he's the editor-in-chief of Medpage Today. Not true, and hasn't been for quite awhile.
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Reposted by Alicia Ault
Kevin C Klatt, PhD, RD @kcklatt.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
For any following the continued chaos of the ADA, Diabetes Care EIC Steve Kahn (1 of the 5 scientists thrown out of the ADA conference this summer) just published an article in Diabetologia to avoid continued censorship from ADA link.springer.com/article/10.1...
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I'm glad this stupid unscientific food trend--being given oxygen by RFK and his minions--is being punctured. The Upshot audience already knows that protein-packed pop tarts, Doritos and vodka are not on the road to wellness. Lots of Americans happily spend on this junk, though. #nutrition #diet
nytimes.com
How Supermarkets Became Protein-Maxxed (Gift Article)
Protein is everywhere — in chips, candy, cookies, even water. Does that make these products healthy?
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
What happened to ending this war on Day One? Russian drones hit Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences, killing one, injuring others. #science #research #trauma
nytimes.com
Russian Drone Strikes Ukraine’s Science Academy, Causing Fire in City Center (Gift Article)
A Russian jet-powered drone hit Ukraine’s National Academy of Sciences, the source of almost all of the country’s major scientific discoveries.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
ICYMI: A story about a non-Hemings descendant of Thomas Jefferson. #AmericanHistory #BlackHistory #Monticello #science #genealogy
nytimes.com
A Black Jefferson Descendant Is Buried at Monticello for the First Time (Gift Article)
The burial came as the Smithsonian released DNA research it said provides “extraordinary proof” that Thomas Jefferson had children with Sally Hemings.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Confirmed measles cases in USA reach 3659, with ongoing outbreaks in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Illinois via @bhadeliamd.bsky.social and her team at Boston U #publichealth #EpiSky #vaccines #IDSky
beaconbio.org
BEACON
Track biological threats, share vital information, and collaborate on solutions for community protection and preparedness.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Did he go back to Hopkins? And yes, Overton is a Makary protege of sorts.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
RFK's goal plainly has been to dismantle the CDC. He wanted to clean house at FDA also. The difference: multiple powerful industries have fought against the FDA meddling. There are no powerful lobbies for public health. This is on Congress to rectify. #healthlaw #healthpolicy #publichealth
nytimes.com
‘Zombified’ C.D.C., Hobbled by Cuts, Struggles to Fulfill Scientific Mission (Gift Article)
The agency has lost its independence and nearly a third of its staff, as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and associates have tightened control.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
OpenEvidence building its war chest. #AI #MedSky #chatbots #medicine #healthpolicy
businessinsider.com
The 'ChatGPT for doctors,' OpenEvidence, was valued at $15 billion in a new funding round
The startup has raised nearly $800 million over the past year, from investors including Nvidia, Thrive Capital, Kleiner Perkins, a16z, and Sequoia Capital.
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Alicia Ault @aliciaault.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Great work by @joycefr.bsky.social @medpagetoday.com John Gaitanis, MD, who was recently appointed the new chair of the federal Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), co-founded a company that provides leucovorin to families of children with autism.
medpagetoday.com
New Autism Committee Chair Founded a Leucovorin Telehealth Company
Drug has been promoted as a treatment for autism
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