iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

It explains the generic issue of a new variant arriving after the virus replicates and evolves in a single person for a long period, emerging as something very different to what they were originally infected with.

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Fascinating thread from Ryan. Below is an explainer of what is likely going on with these v different looking variants, except in this new PJ case the chronically infected person seems to be continually transmitting infections that establish themselves in others. theconversation.com/the-emergenc...

theconversation.com

The emergence of JN.1 is an evolutionary ‘step change’ in the COVID pandemic. Why is this significant?

The JN.1 variant has become dominant in Australia and around the world, causing large waves of infections. Here’s what we know about it so far – and why it’s so important.

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Stuart Turville @turville.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

SARS-CoV-2 phenotypic trajectory and the Omicron Paradox. Discussion of the following pre-print and the complex intertwined pathways that have dictated phenotypic outcomes for SARS-CoV-2. This can be otherwise termed the pandemic to endemic trajectory: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...

biorxiv.org

Proteolytic control of the SARS-CoV-2 furin cleavage site defines the phenotypic evolution from the pandemic to endemic state

The successive emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with altered tissue tropism has progressively decoupled transmissibility from lower respiratory tract pathogenicity. Omicron lineages transmit exception...

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Dr Monique Ryan @mon4kooyong.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

AI is the biggest technological breakthrough since nuclear - and it's currently controlled by tech bros, not sovereign states. There's an urgent need to put guardrails around AI before the most powerful technology on the planet gets out of hand.

abc.net.au

Australia joins global push for controls amid fears of runaway AI

Anthony Albanese and more than 20 other world leaders issue an urgent plea for global guardrails to ensure AI remains "under human control".

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Ryan Hisner @ryanhisner.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Great thread on the PJ.2.1 variant situation, what we do & do not know, & where it stands now. Worth emphasizing that a recent Yunlong Cao preprint found PJ.2.1 has very high ACE2 affinity, meaning that, like BA.2.75 or BA.2.86, it has plenty of space to acquire new Ab-evading spike mutations.

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Nature @nature.com · 02/09/2026

How acute infections trigger chronic illnesses remains unclear, but many researchers think the field is closing in on explanations. “We certainly don’t have the answer,” says infectious-disease clinician Michael Peluso. “But we have a lot of leads.” go.nature.com/4i3y90F

go.nature.com

When do infections lead to long COVID? Scientists close in on triggers and treatments for post-viral syndromes

Hundreds of millions of people have long-term conditions as a result of an infection. Researchers are working out how to help them.

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

This is devastating, quite the shock. It was a privilege to have worked with Vasee on the 'holy grail' of a malaria vaccine. He taught me a lot, as I know he did many others. He was a wise, thoughtful, calm, forthright contributor to global health. He made a big difference! What a loss.

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Health Policy Watch - Global health news reporting @healthpolicywatch.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

El Niño is bearing down on some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable health systems. In Chad, a small hospital is showing how practical, low-cost changes can help clinics withstand extreme heat and weather shocks. ✍️ @kerrycullinan.bsky.social @wmo-global.bsky.social @who.int 📖 ⬇️ & 🔁🙏

healthpolicy-watch.news

As El Niño Bears Down, A Small Hospital In Chad Offers Lessons In Climate Resilience - Health Policy Watch

Situated on the edge of the advancing Sahara Desert, Ngouri in western Chad is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to climate change.

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Eric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Vaccine benefit in children "Since 1974, vaccination has averted 154 million deaths, including 146 million among children younger than 5 years of whom 101 million were infants younger than 1 year." www.thelancet.com/journals/lan... The most striking benefit was for vaccination vs measles (Figure)

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aamri.bsky.social @aamri.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Australia's medical research sector depends on strong science and strong innovation policy. AAMRI has joined 16 leading organisations calling for consultation on proposed changes to the R&D Tax Incentive that could affect Australia's research and innovation pipeline. aamri.org.au/news-events/...

aamri.org.au

AAMRI joins sector-wide call for consultation on proposed R&D Tax Incentive changes - AAMRI

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) has joined 16 leading organisations from across Australia’s biotechnology, medical technology, research and innovation sectors in call...

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Dr. Lucky Tran @luckytran.com · 02/06/2026

Incredible! Scientists receive a rare standing ovation after announcing that a new treatment can double the survival time for pancreatic cancer, the deadliest cancer which was once considered “undruggable.” When we fund and support science, we can achieve anything! (Video: Dr. Wish Dhillon)

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Paywalled I’m sorry. Main message is that for Australia Ebola is more of a message than a threat - infectious epidemics/pandemics are more likely now than they have been in a long while, & when they do arrive they will be different to what we’ve experienced before. www.smh.com.au/healthcare/i...

smh.com.au

If Ebola lands in Australia tomorrow, what happens next?

With global travel, a disease that begins far away can quickly become a test of systems here, and the first 24 hours would matter enormously.

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Jewish Council of Australia @jewishcouncilau.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Eid Mubarak! Wishing our Muslim siblings and comrades a joyous and blessed Eid al-Adha. Our thoughts are especially with those observing Eid amid war and genocide. We will continue our work for their liberation and peace for all.

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Ian M. Mackay, PhD (he/him) 🦠🤧🧬📑🦟🧀 @mackayim.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Version 5. Cleaned up some details about Case 7's flight, noted the Spanish case has (mild) symptoms. Still see conflicting info on whether the US case has symptoms. Added "Andes hantavirus" to the subtitle. Thanks for the feedback, everyone! Keep it coming.

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Burnet Institute @burnetinstitute.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Poliovirus detected in Perth wastewater is a reminder that polio hasn’t been eradicated globally – even if the risk in Australia remains very low. Vaccination is what keeps the community protected. More from Burnet Institute: www.burnet.edu.au/news/poliovi...

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Burnet Institute @burnetinstitute.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

💡 Medical research delivers more than health and economic benefits. It delivers hope. Burnet CEO Brendan Crabb: “How do we solve infectious diseases, mental health challenges, or the impacts of social media? There’s only one solution: research.” 🤍 Calling for sustainable investment today.

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Eric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

How a Covid mRNA vaccine can extend healthspan, delay age-related organ deterioration and promote resilience to systemic inflammation, via inducing p16-high immune cells, independent of its benefit vs the virus. www.cell.com/immunity/abs...

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

There are some poorly understood and uncomfortable realities with TB and why it remains such a prominent - in some places like PNG close to the #1 - health problem. Read about what we can do about this - from Helen Cox & myself @burnetinstitute.bsky.social #worldTBday devpolicy.org/reaching-the...

devpolicy.org

Reaching the missed millions with simpler, smarter detection - Devpolicy Blog from the Development Policy Centre

How simpler TB detection tools and community screening in PNG can help find the millions of cases current systems miss.

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WEHI (The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research) @wehi-research.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

An excellent opportunity is available for a Senior Executive Assistant to join the Office of the Director at Australia’s pre-eminent biomedical research institute. Applications close April 7 2026. For full details and to apply: wehi.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/WEHI/job/Par...

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aamri.bsky.social @aamri.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

There’s a lot to welcome in Ambitious Australia, particularly the recognition that Australia’s R&D system isn’t set up for the level of impact we need. The real test will be if that ambition is matched with proper investment, especially in health & medical research. aamri.org.au/news-events/...

aamri.org.au

Ambition must be matched with investment: AAMRI responds to national R&D reform agenda - AAMRI

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) has welcomed the release of Ambitious Australia, the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD), as a clear signal that ...

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Dr Monique Ryan @mon4kooyong.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Join my campaign to properly fund medical research in Australia 🔬 www.moniqueryan.com.au/medical_rese...

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

Health and medical research is the only hope for so many health conditions, yet is chronically underfunded. Amazingly, a big part of the solution already exists. The money is literally in the bank, earmarked for health & medical research. It just has to be released. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03...

abc.net.au

Up to $1.4 billion in medical research remains unused under government cap

Researchers say securing funding has become increasingly tough, with many left with no choice but to spend a disproportionate amount of time applying for grants.

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

From @jasongale.bsky.social based on his brilliant new book. Captures a lot of what actually was, and contrasts that to our (faulty/revised) memory those facts. And importantly, why that all matters for the next pandemic. All a bit sad to me, but great work Jason. www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...

bloomberg.com

What We Forget About Covid Will Shape the Next Pandemic

As the pandemic recedes, our collective memory is softening the fear and chaos. That shift could determine how we handle the next crisis.

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Burnet Institute @burnetinstitute.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Bat virologist Dr Joshua Hayward, senior research officer at Burnet Institute, answers some of the most common questions about Nipah virus: www.burnet.edu.au/news/what-is...

burnet.edu.au

What is Nipah virus and should Australians be concerned?

Bat virologist Dr Joshua Hayward answers some of the most common questions on Nipah virus.

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Burnet Institute @burnetinstitute.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

James Flintoft has been appointed Burnet's new Chair following the retirement of long-serving Board member and Chair Mary Padbury. Find out more: www.burnet.edu.au/news/james-flinto…

Headshots of James and Mary. A heading reads: Our new chair, James Flintoft. Text underneath reads: James has been appointed Burnet Chair following Mary Padbury’s retirement.

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

I think this piece argues that as inequity worsens so does democracy. You'd have to ask why the policies of the different parties get closer together; who/what is influencing that? Lobbyists for those with mega resources work both sides effectively.

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

It’s not just obscene, but I’d go as far as to say extreme inequity is our (and the developed world’s) most significant problem; the issue that must be addressed first if we are to be healthier, wealthier, more secure, and more sustainable. www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...

abc.net.au

Australia's 48 billionaires wealthier than bottom 40pc combined, Oxfam finds

Oxfam Australia is calling on the federal government to tax the super rich to help tackle growing inequality, as billionaires grow their wealth by more than half a million a day on average.

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 18/01/2026

There’s a lot happening in and around this brilliant shot.

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Thanks for bringing to our attention Eric.

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Extraordinary contribution, a reference for us all - vaccines promise to be an even bigger part of the future than they have been in the past. And that’s saying something. Thankyou @scientificdiscovery.dev

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Burnet Institute @burnetinstitute.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Burnet Institute and Acting CEO Professor Caroline Homer AO express condolences on the death of the University of Melbourne’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston AO – distinguished scientist, respected higher education leader, and passionate advocate for research excellence and gender equity.

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Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

Poverty is a policy choice. Concentrated wealth is a policy choice. Inequality is a policy choice. None of it is natural or inevitable. Remember: We have the power to build a system that serves the many, not the powerful few.

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Zohran Kwame Mamdani @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social · 20/12/2025

It was such a joy to celebrate Hanukkah with Mandy, Kathryn and their son, Gideon. As Jewish New Yorkers across our city prepare to light candles and mark the seventh night today, I wish you and your families a Hanukkah full of light and love. youtu.be/KIxAKyioXng

youtu.be

Happy Hanukkah

YouTube video by Zohran Mamdani for NYC

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Prof Brendan Crabb AC @brendancrabb.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

Underscoring that long COVID is as biological as a broken leg. This commentary is on a new paper in Nature Immunology (see next link). Not new findings in the main but beautifully done work that offers both mechanic insights and potential therapeutic solutions. news.harvard.edu/gazette/stor...

news.harvard.edu

Break in the case for long COVID investigators — Harvard Gazette

Research highlighting chronic inflammation opens path to treating illness that affects millions of Americans.

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Jon Douglas @atranscendedman.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center studied 142 people and found that long COVID is marked by chronic immune activation, including IL-6 and JAK-STAT signaling, T cell exhaustion, and metabolic disruption lasting over 6 months. www.nature.com/articles/s41...

nature.com

Long COVID involves activation of proinflammatory and immune exhaustion pathways - Nature Immunology

Long COVID (LC) involves a spectrum of chronic symptoms after resolution of acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Barouch and colleagues show that LC is characterized by per...

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Denis - The COVID Info Guy @thecovidinfoguy.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Huge thanks to @mikehoney.bsky.social for all the valuable COVID data he tracks. His work has become incredibly important for scientists and health professionals, and with so little data available now, it really matters for people who want to stay safe and informed. www.sbs.com.au/news/article...

sbs.com.au

Scientists rely on this COVID-19 data. It's made by a volunteer in Melbourne

Meet the Melbourne IT specialist who tracks "incredibly valuable" COVID-19 data in his spare time.

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