Sign in

Carmen Drahl

@carmendrahl.bsky.social
992 followers 535 following 86 posts

DC-based freelance journalist and editor | science, health, food | ✍️ DCist, Knowable, NPR, Science News | NASW Freelance Committee | Chemistry Ph.D. 🧪 | Inglés y Español | she/her

PostsRepliesMedia
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Caregivers of kids and adults: At @sciencewriters.org #SciWri26 come listen to @kellydchandler.bsky.social of @oregonstate.edu talk work-family integration. I'll be there with @sarahderouin.com @elandhuis.bsky.social. Early registration rates end tomorrow! sciencewriters2026.org/register/
Caregiver meetup and work-family integration talk promo image.
Shows headshots of the speaker and three organizers/hosts, along with the sciencewriters 2026 logo.
Come share resources and find camaraderie!
144
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
2022: I'd like to level up my editing. @siricarpenter.bsky.social and @rachelzamzow.bsky.social taught me to diagnose drafts humanely. 2026: Editing is now most of my biz 💰. How about you? IRL @theopennotebook.bsky.social editing workshop 8/21. Snag a spot: www.theopennotebook.com/editing-fore...
theopennotebook.com
Editing Forensics: Hands-On Workshop to Strengthen Editing and Writing - The Open Notebook
Great writing depends on great editing—and great editing is a skill that can be learned. In this highly interactive 6-hour workshop offered in partnership with the Outdoor Writers Association of Ameri...
025
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Who was into the pyramids growing up?🙋‍♀️ @skylerdware.bsky.social 's latest in @sciencenews.bsky.social rekindles my🏺 interest. Something I loved working with her? She confirms the most important tweaks she made in her email, so my harried editor brain keeps up. www.sciencenews.org/article/egyp...
sciencenews.org
One mystery of the Great Pyramid's longevity has finally been solved
Differences in how the pyramid and surrounding soil vibrate, along with design choices, have protected the structure from earthquakes.
063
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
Happy #TON15, @theopennotebook.bsky.social ! I'll speak from experience: even TON mentors can learn from this wonderful organization about journalistic rigor and empathy. Donations today will be matched by orgs like my former newsroom @cenmag.bsky.social www.theopennotebook.com/15thannivers...
theopennotebook.com
The Open Notebook's 15th Anniversary - The Open Notebook
For 15 years, The Open Notebook has been the trusted home for journalists worldwide who cover science. What started as an experiment to demystify the craft of science writing has grown into a vital, g...
030
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
This is pure inspiration for kids to want to become scientists. Bravo @beebrookshire.bsky.social for balancing joy and pragmatism in a story about a small clinical trial. A pleasure to edit you!
130
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Tomorrow 1PM ET: My colleague @sarahderouin.com will be hosting a supportive virtual gathering for caregivers who are members of @sciencewriters.org . Join me! 
Event link: www.nasw.org/events/careg...
 Not a member? nasw.org/join
nasw.org
Community wellness check-in for caregivers
In response to members’ feedback, and on the heels of our Caregiver Pilot Project, we are holding a community wellness event for caregivers.
021
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
Un placer editar a Lucila Pinto mientras entrelazaba dos voces en este Q&A.
132
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
A step toward a Tony Stark-like 3D display you can manipulate? @sciencenews.bsky.social is here for it. Say hi to @elanaspivack.bsky.social , the newest team member on the Investors Lab newsletter, and subscribe for more insights. www.sciencenews.org/investors-la... 🧪 #space #bioplastic
sciencenews.org
Cleaner space, purer hearts, + what's new in 3D and energy | Science News
Welcome to the Investors Lab from Science News. This week's issue is brought to you by our small but mighty team: our founding content curator Susanna Camp,
020
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
The question I should've asked: where can I go to see #neuroscience and ethics expert @narayansankaran.bsky.social play some jazz guitar? My latest story for @kavlifoundation.org . 🧪 #neuroskyence www.kavlifoundation.org/news/wire-th...
kavlifoundation.org
If we wire the brain, what comes to mind?
The Kavli Foundation is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of humanity.
0151
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
When I was a staff journalist, it felt like someone pitched a new #graphene advance every week. So it was delightful to work with @stephenornes.bsky.social on one aspect of this field that might enable #greenelectronics. My first edit for @pnas.org : #chemsky 🧪 ⚛️ www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
pnas.org
Laser-induced graphene points to sustainable electronics | PNAS
Laser-induced graphene points to sustainable electronics
010
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
I'd never heard of the saola until I edited Tom Metcalfe's piece for @sciencenews.bsky.social . Now I'll be keeping tabs on what their fate will be. www.sciencenews.org/article/gene... 🧪
sciencenews.org
Genetics might save the rare, elusive saola — if it's not already extinct
A new genetic study could help saolas survive by enabling better searches through environmental DNA. But some experts fear they may be extinct already.
0195
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
I want to believe that costs could decrease for custom gene editing like KJ's. But the current landscape has me pessimistic. Great to work w @thsaey.bsky.social, who ably lays out this story for @sciencenews.bsky.social : 🩺🧪https://www.sciencenews.org/article/personalized-crispr-gene-edit-therapy
sciencenews.org
Personalized gene editing saved a baby, but the tech’s future is uncertain
The personalized CRISPR treatment could be the future of gene therapy, but hurdles remain before everyone has access.
043
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
This was chock full of pithy quotes, like: “People say, ‘We got to the moon, why can’t we do this?’ Well, the moon didn’t suddenly move out of the way." Fun to get to edit my former @dcswa.bsky.social prez @econover.bsky.social for @sciencenews.bsky.social ⚛️ 🧪
1114
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
ICYMI, here's @skylerdware.bsky.social in @sciencenews.bsky.social explaining a possible alternative to #PFAS chemicals in certain surfactant applications. I enjoyed editing and finding the fabric art: www.sciencenews.org/article/alte... #chemsky 🧪
sciencenews.org
Scientists home in on alternatives to ‘forever chemicals’
Bulky molecules mimic some properties of PFAS without their long-lasting chemical bonds and could replace PFAS in some water-repelling applications.
13813
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Soot from fires in the Amazon that traveled through atmospheric corridors could have reached the Antarctic, where it would darken snow and ice to hasten melting. My first time editing @meghier.bsky.social for @sciencenews.bsky.social : www.sciencenews.org/article/anta... #GreenSky 🧪
sciencenews.org
Fires in the Amazon forest may melt sea ice in Antarctica
Satellite data reveal a link between the amount of black carbon in the atmosphere and rates of Antarctic sea ice loss in recent years.
0102
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
Read all the way to the end of Meghan's thread. I covered alpha gal in 2017 and scientists have learned a lot since then. Grateful to be able to catch up by editing her story. 🧪 #publichealth
2102
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
Leanne Wiberg @craterlady.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Join DCSWA members on April 19 to enjoy a fun science trivia night with food and drinks! No registration is needed, just show up and have a good time with us! 📌 Closest metro station: Shaw - Howard University.
145
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 18/04/2025
This is the kind of story that takes a LOT more work and reporting behind the scenes than shows up in the final product. Bravo, McKenzie (who is a dream to edit, BTW). #Immunocompromised #MedSky #PublicHealth #SDoH
121
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Who bears responsibility for the big questions that emerge from world-changing science? Proud to tell these awardees' stories. #chemsky 📈 ⚛️ 🧪 🔭 🧮 #AcademicSky
0102
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
@andreatamayo.bsky.social and I dug into the numbers to give context to the headlines about an 18-year survivor of CAR-T cell therapy for neuroblastoma. Story in @sciencenews.bsky.social : www.sciencenews.org/article/car-... #medsky
sciencenews.org
A child who got CAR-T cancer therapy is still disease-free 18 years later
The long-term survival of a patient with neuroblastoma suggests the personalized cancer treatment may work for solid tumors, not just blood cancers.
042
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
“Men are doing quote, unquote ‘women’s work,’” closing U.S. gender gaps in time spent on tasks like meal prep and tidying up. I edited Sujata Gupta's story for @sciencenews.bsky.social : www.sciencenews.org/article/marr...
sciencenews.org
Married men are doing more cleaning and laundry than in the past
Some scholars argue that efforts to equalize the time men and women spend on housework has stalled. An analysis reveals slow progress.
140
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Watch this space - I'll be developing four stories with Lucila Pinto over the course of her @theopennotebook.bsky.social fellowship. Echen un vistazo al reportaje de Lucila en @lanacioncom.bsky.social sobre el problema de ilustrar reportajes sobre #IA. #journalism #science #AI
182
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
National Association of Science Writers (NASW) @sciencewriters.org · 04/12/2024
ANNOUNCEMENT: The National Association of Science Writers once again welcome entries for its journalism awards and its institutional writing awards. Submit #SciWriAwards nominations on behalf of yourself, peers, colleagues, or mentees by February 1, 2025: www.nasw.org/article... 💚🧪📝
Side by side graphics of the N A S W journalism award and institutional writing award logos.
15215
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
I have never felt happiness in my liver. But as @bittelmethis.bsky.social 's story explains, that concept came up quite a bit 3,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Latest edit for @haleyweiss.bsky.social @sciencenews.bsky.social .🏺#langsky 🧪 www.sciencenews.org/article/link...
sciencenews.org
Humans have linked emotions to the same body parts for 3,000 years
3,000-year-old clay tablets show that some associations between emotion and parts of the body have remained the same for millennia.
3225
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Coming up in 20 minutes...
031
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
Ellen Kuwana, MS (#SciComm at #SciWri26) @ellenkuwana.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Please help spread the word to #FirstGen college juniors & seniors. Paid #mentorship opp over 5 wks starting 1/8/2025! Applications due Dec 17th. Only three spots available! Gratitude for grant funding from @sciencewriters.org See sites.google.com/uri.edu/disc...
sites.google.com
Discovering Journalism
Wednesday, January 8 - Wednesday, February 12, 2025
01213
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
I'm once again emcee'ing trivia for @sciencewriters.org. 💚🧪📝 There will be science questions, but expect some pop culture thrown into the mix. THIS THURSDAY, 1PM ET:
1184
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 13/11/2024
I'm back from @sciencewriters.org #SciWri24 meeting in Raleigh. Lots of inspiration to go around, including the conversation I had at the #sciwrimentoring session with Alex Music and Ashleigh Jones. Thanks to Czerne Reid for sparking these connections.
0132
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 05/11/2024
@elandhuis.bsky.social and I are looking forward to greeting caregivers at #SciWri24. Join us and guest Lauren J. Young of @sciam.bsky.social for an off-the-record gathering Saturday, November 9, 2:30-3PM, Room 304 in the Convention Center.
042
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
Marla Broadfoot @marlabroadfoot.bsky.social · 30/10/2024
I'm excited to be moderating a special plenary on Hurricane Helene with reporters from Blue Ridge Public Radio, who will share what it's like to cover a catastrophe while living through it. If you're in Raleigh for the conference, join us! Saturday, November 9th, 8:00 to 8:45 am.
sciencewriters2024.org
Schedule (Eastern Time Zone)
<p>ScienceWriters 2024 schedule</p>
044
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 17/10/2024
Beyond proud to announce a new resource for basic research #scicomm that I shepherded from start to finish with @kavlifoundation.bsky.social and US DOE Office of Science. 🧠📈 ⚛️ 🧪 🔭 🧮 #chemsky
buff.ly
Resources - SciPEP
The Kavli Foundation and the Department of Energy working in partnership to deepen our understanding of effective public engagement around basic research.
0112
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 07/10/2024
Coming up on Wednesday, October 9 at 1PM ET. I've missed chatting with NASW's caregivers and I'm looking forward to welcoming you.
032
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
Laura Helmuth @laurahelmuth.bsky.social · 01/10/2024
As an editor, I help people say what they mean--and not say what they don’t mean. Here are some common not-quite-right words or expressions that I often see. This is not to embarrass anybody--I've made many of these mistakes myself. Please share your favorite fixes at the end of the thread. (1/n)
781360407
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
Bethany Brookshire @beebrookshire.bsky.social · 16/09/2024
If you are AT the NASW meeting @sciencewriters.org in Raleigh, we will have the in person #sciwri4hire on Saturday at 4:30 pm! Editors and PIOs looking for freelancers: Show up and check in with Sarah and I! Writers and PIOs who want to meet editors? Be there or be quandrangular.
133
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
National Association of Science Writers (NASW) @sciencewriters.org · 26/09/2024
EARLY RATE ENDS October 1: For journalists. For PIOs. For writers, editors, authors, multimedia creatives, communications managers — anyone who translates science for the non-scientist. Join us for our #SciWri24 national conference this fall! sciencewriters2024.o... sciencewriters2024.o... 💚🧪📝
Horizontal graphic with the Science Writers 2024 conference logo, a triptych showing the Blue Ridge Mountains, downtown Raleigh skyline, and the North Carolina coastline with a rising sun. Web address science writers 2024 dot org and hashtag Sci Wri 24 are visible below.
032
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 24/09/2024
Tonight at 6PM ET! #greensky 🌍 #watersci
010
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 24/09/2024
Caregivers, parents, @sciencewriters.org has a virtual meetup for you. 10/9, 1PM ET. Please join me, @elandhuis.bsky.social @sarahderouin.bsky.social and @sciam.bsky.social 's Lauren Young and @tanyalewis.bsky.social for off-the-record convos and camaraderie. www.nasw.org/events/nasw-...
nasw.org
Virtual Networking Social: Caregivers Support
This latest NASW Virtual Networking Social is brought to you by the NASW Freelance Committee.
044
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 27/06/2024
"Four thousand years ago, on an island off the coast of what is now Siberia, the world’s last woolly mammoth took its final breath." This week, I edited #AAASMassMedia fellow Claire Yuan's first embargoed story for @sciencenews.bsky.social: www.sciencenews.org/article/last... #paleontology 🧪
sciencenews.org
The last woolly mammoths offer new clues to why the species went extinct
The last population of woolly mammoths did not go extinct 4,000 years ago from inbreeding, a new analysis shows.
02311
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 25/06/2024
This was just about the most perfect story for me to edit. #Spain? Check. Enigmatic ancient culture? Check. Tx Javier Barbuzano for reporting and Macon Morehouse @sciencenews.bsky.social for the assignment. www.sciencenews.org/article/lost... 🏺🧪
sciencenews.org
A lost civilization’s partial alphabet was discovered in a social media post
In online images of an ancient tablet, an expert spotted previously unnoticed letters — a partial alphabet from the Tartessian civilization.
0184
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 16/05/2024
🧪 Start your day with the intricately patterned wings of this tiger beetle. Stay to hear the sound it makes to ward off hungry bats. @jakebuehler.bsky.social with another fascinating @sciencenews.bsky.social story! #insects #predator www.sciencenews.org/article/tige...
sciencenews.org
Tiger beetles may weaponize ultrasound against bats
In response to recordings of echolocating bats, tiger beetles emit noises that mimic toxic moths that bats avoid.
0104
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 02/05/2024
TOMORROW is the last day to register for the D.C. Science Writers Association Professional Development Day. There will be no on-site registration. Check out the program, sign up, and I'll see you at the sign-in table! #scicomm #sciencejournalism #conference #DC dcswa.wildapricot.org/event-5643066
REGISTRATION
IS OPEN
DESWA PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT DAY 2024
Saturday, May 4th In-person & virtual: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
at George Washington University
YOU GAN LOOK FORWARD TO
• A keynote to kick off the day • Panels and workshops for both
journalists and PlOs
• Lunch with local scientists
• A writer and editor meet and greet
• All day networking
• A happy hour to close out the day
011
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 05/04/2024
She sees beauty in proteins at the atomic level. And she’s used her skills to take on neglected diseases while mentoring the underrepresented. Meet Oluwatoyin Asojo of @dartmouthartsci.bsky.social Cancer Center. My latest @sciencenews.bsky.social 🧪👩🏿‍🔬 🛟 #Chemsky www.sciencenews.org/article/hook...
Oluwatoyin Asojo stands in a hallway at Dartmouth Cancer Center. Photo by Rob Strong
0238
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 06/03/2024
In a column I edited for @sciencenews.bsky.social Meghan Rosen covers a flurry of studies zeroing in on #longcovid #biomarkers . At least one of the researchers is spending a lot of time on some other, more emotional labor too. www.sciencenews.org/article/long... 🧪 🩺 #Chemsky
This conceptual image depicts a person with long dark hair wearing a long-sleeved shirt, denim, and boots, standing atop a green rectangle in portrait orientation. surrounding the rectangle are additional rectangles and icon-like depictions of viruses, representing the coronavirus that causes COVID-19
066
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 29/02/2024
#Hurricanes weaken once they make landfall, right? Not always-and that's a challenge for weather forecasting. Carolyn Gramling at @sciencenews.bsky.social explains an effect that makes storms pick up steam and cause unexpected #flooding. 🧪 #climatesky www.sciencenews.org/article/wate...
011
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 27/02/2024
Just a few more days left to sign up for this pilot. Thrive together with your fellow caregivers in @sciencewriters.org !
022
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
D.C. Science Writers Association @dcswa.bsky.social · 05/02/2024
Join us on Feb 21 for a virtual Q&A about the future of Science 🧪Communications #scicomm #SciWri ft. Dr. Francis Collins--the longest serving Director of the NIH-- moderated by @bruceylee.bsky.social journalist, scientist 🩺 & Professor @cuny.bsky.social Register here: dcswa.org/event/the-fu...
044
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
National Association of Science Writers (NASW) @sciencewriters.org · 15/02/2024
NASW Members: Your NASW Freelance Committee has launched the "Peer Support for Caregivers" project, with signups due Feb. 29. Member volunteers @elandhuis.bsky.social and @carmendrahl.bsky.social explain their vision for helping writers in need connect with each other: www.nasw.org/article/nasw...
nasw.org
Connection for Caregivers: Introducing NASW’s peer buddy resource pilot project
The Freelance Committee of the National Association of Science Writers launches a new pilot program serving NASW members juggling careers and caregiving.
032
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 12/02/2024
You've probably heard of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. There's also sudden unexplained death in childhood, or SUDC. Go inside parents' and researchers' quarter-century search for answers. By Aimee Cunningham for @sciencenews.bsky.social , edits by me www.sciencenews.org/article/chil... ⚕️🧪
080
Carmen Drahl @carmendrahl.bsky.social · 08/02/2024
Will I see you there?
010
Reposted by Carmen Drahl
Esther Landhuis @elandhuis.bsky.social · 01/02/2024
During the pandemic @carmendrahl.bsky.social set up occasional Zoom calls for NASW members who work while tending children & loved ones. Now we're offering a way to find a peer buddy to connect 1:1 — for all #caregiving NASW members, not just freelancers. Check it out! www.nasw.org/article/nasw...
nasw.org
Connection for Caregivers: Introducing NASW’s peer buddy resource pilot project
The Freelance Committee of the National Association of Science Writers launches a new pilot program serving NASW members juggling careers and caregiving.
023