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Emily Mendenhall

@emendenhall.bsky.social
1.2K followers 648 following 220 posts

Editor-in-Chief of Science Politics, Anthropologist and Professor, Director of STIA, Author of Invisible Illness, Guggenheim Fellow

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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Heath Pearson argues in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social that anthropology might save us from the AI apocalypse. Studying how people adapt to change can help us navigate our current uncertain moment. It can also do something AI cannot: tether us to time and space. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/30/h...
sciencepolitics.org
How Anthropology Might Help Us Survive the AI Apocalypse - Science Politics
Studying how people adapt to change can help us navigate our current uncertain moment. It can also do something AI cannot: tether us to time and space.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Today @dagomardegroot.bsky.social grapples with AI's influence on humanity in this new column in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social. This essay suggests that AI should be aligned with human needs. But humanity should also align itself with AI’s needs. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/29/a...
sciencepolitics.org
Alignment Cuts Both Ways - Science Politics
AI should be aligned with human needs. But humanity should also align itself with AI’s needs.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Novel technologies can create novel challenges. In @sciencepolitics.bsky.social, Öznur Uğuz argues that AI companions may disproportionately benefit from users who are least emotionally resilient. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/28/a...
sciencepolitics.org
Are AI Companions Creating A Novel Form of Discrimination? - Science Politics
AI companions may disproportionately benefit from users who are least emotionally resilient.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Today we have an essay in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social on digital habits and cancer by Asli McCullers. Helping young people find better tech-life balance could reduce obesity, inactivity, and inflammation — conditions that are all associated with cancer. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/25/w...
sciencepolitics.org
We Shouldn’t Wait to Find Out if Poor Digital Habits Will Lead to Cancer - Science Politics
Helping young people find better tech-life balance could reduce obesity, inactivity, and inflammation — conditions that are all associated with cancer.
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Reposted by Emily Mendenhall
Seth Abramson @sethabramson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
For just a moment, the world saw their true nature. This is a real photo. F*cking chilling.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Technology can be surprising. Today in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social, Emeka Nwachinemere explains how sometimes the most powerful climate technology is not invented in a laboratory. It is rediscovered in a farmer's field. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/23/t...
sciencepolitics.org
The Farmer Who Refused to Surrender to the Desert - Science Politics
Sometimes the most powerful climate technology is not invented in a laboratory. It is rediscovered in a farmer's field.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
In a new cartoon for @sciencepolitics.bsky.social, Elle Wibisono asks: How does El Niño reshape the ocean and, ultimately, the people and communities that depend on the ocean? sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/22/e...
sciencepolitics.org
El Niño - Science Politics
How does El Niño reshape the ocean and, ultimately, the people and communities that depend on the ocean?
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Emily Yates-Doerr writes in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social about how the story of a Japanese fishing vessel exposed to radiation made the threat of nuclear contamination feel personal for Americans in 1954. Can we learn a lesson from it today? sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/21/f...
sciencepolitics.org
Fallout Stories in a Time of Cruel Heat - Science Politics
The story of a Japanese fishing vessel exposed to radiation made the threat of nuclear contamination feel personal for Americans in 1954. Can we learn a lesson from it today?
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Consider what happens when vaccines work, Dr. Stephen Olaide Aremu and Adamu Ishaku Akyala argue in Science Politics. The absence of disease shows the prevention has been achieved, not that prevention is no longer necessary. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/18/w...
sciencepolitics.org
We Defeated the Diseases, Then Forgot Why - Science Politics
The absence of disease shows the prevention has been achieved, not that prevention is no longer necessary.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
New @sciencepolitics.bsky.social column by @eyatesd.bsky.social! "Situating Science" is a column about how the everyday language we use to talk about science reveals — or conceals — what we believe. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/17/s...
sciencepolitics.org
Situating Science - Science Politics
A column about how the everyday language we use to talk about science reveals — or conceals — what we believe.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Jil Molenaar writes in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social about how rethinking measurement priorities requires centering the people who actually produce and use health data — health workers, facility teams, and district managers, not philanthropists or donor countries. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/16/w...
sciencepolitics.org
Who Pays and Who Counts in Global Health? - Science Politics
Rethinking measurement priorities requires centering the people who actually produce and use health data — health workers, facility teams, and district managers, not philanthropists or donor countries...
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Check out Yifan (Flora) He & Stasiek Cabezas in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social on land reform. In Bolivia, many rural farmers resisted a reform that would seem to bring prosperity. Instead, Law 1720 would have made their land and livelihoods more precarious. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/14/m...
sciencepolitics.org
More Property Rights Can Mean Less Land Security - Science Politics
In Bolivia, many rural farmers resisted a reform that would seem to bring prosperity. Instead, Law 1720 would have made their land and livelihoods more precarious.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
In this AI era, we're trying to sort out what works and what doesn't. Today in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social, Sanjay Basu argues that AI systems can be good at locating someone at risk for a heart attack, but they fail the woman who says that she is ‘just off.’ sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/11/a...
sciencepolitics.org
AI Needs to Be Trained to Sort Patients Better - Science Politics
Systems can be good at locating someone at risk for a heart attack. But they fail the woman who says that she is ‘just off.’
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Today in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social we have an excellent piece on gummies, chews, and powders by Michaela DeSoucey and Emma McDonell. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/09/g...
sciencepolitics.org
Gummies, Chews, and Powders: The Contradiction of Super-processed Superfoods - Science Politics
In an ironic twist, highly processed products are increasingly used to satisfy consumers’ desire for real food. But açaí and moringa extracts are no substitute for access to fresh meals and the time t...
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Happy Labor Day! Today @sciencepolitics.bsky.social Ty Eldridge argues today that economies that prioritize electricity abundance will win the race for economic growth. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/07/t...
sciencepolitics.org
The Kilowatt Economy - Science Politics
Economies that prioritize electricity abundance will win the race for economic growth.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This morning we have an essay by Nancy Krieger in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social about three looming executive branch threats to science for the public good. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/03/t...
sciencepolitics.org
Three Looming Executive Branch Threats to Science for the Public Good and the Public’s Health - Science Politics
All are in play — and none are facts foretold.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
This morning we have a warning in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social from @dagomardegroot.bsky.social in his monthly column, Horizons of Humanity. sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/02/t...
sciencepolitics.org
The Coming Global Food Crisis? - Science Politics
A Warning...
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Rachel Hall-Clifford writes in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social: "Dolly reminds us never to underestimate folks from the holler — from Appalachia to Guatemala to Lesotho. Tiny women in rhinestones (or blazers) will surprise you." sciencepolitics.org/2026/09/01/h...
sciencepolitics.org
How To Be a Diamond in a Rhinestone World - Science Politics
I grew up in the kind of place where government cheese was baked onto rectangular pizzas, and every talent show included a Dolly. The singer still informs my work in global health: Even those who have...
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
What's the Meta Settlement about? Science Politics cartoonist Meg Leta Jones breaks down the major platform changes for underage users. sciencepolitics.org/2026/08/31/t...
sciencepolitics.org
Meta settles, agrees to major platform changes for underage users - Science Politics
Breaking down the historic Meta settlement of $17 billion which will result in significant reforms to improve the safety of minors using their platforms.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Today Seth Holmes and Raj Patel explain in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social how extended transnational families form a core, essential part of the food system. Whether family members are forced to move or forced to stay informs how produce, money, and workers flow. sciencepolitics.org/2026/08/19/f...
sciencepolitics.org
‘Farm to Fork’ Misses a Key Ingredient of the Food System: Families - Science Politics
Extended transnational families form a core, essential part of the food system, making possible a multi-billion dollar agricultural industry. Whether family members are forced to move or forced to sta...
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Pediatric neurologist Suzanne Goh describes in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social a simple solution for autism care. The most effective model involves physicians, therapists, counselors, and care coordinators collaborating toward shared goals for the same child. sciencepolitics.org/2026/08/14/a...
sciencepolitics.org
A Surprisingly Simple Solution to Autism Care - Science Politics
The most effective model involves physicians, therapists, counselors, and care coordinators collaborating toward shared goals for the same child.
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Reposted by Emily Mendenhall
Science Politics @sciencepolitics.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
SCIENCE POLITICS ISSUE 1 OUT NOW! 🎉 “Together, these pieces tell a story of how #development could function in a new #worldorder, built from the ground up.” —Emily Mendenhall, Editor-In-Chief. Read more from our Editor-In-Chief, and the first issue of Science Politics, here: lnkd.in/gGREC8nz
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Reposted by Emily Mendenhall
Washington Independent Review of Books @wirobooks.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Kelly J. Kelly and Emily Mendenhall explain why they recently launched Science Politics, a “journazine” dedicated to "flooding the zone with great ideas." www.washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com/features/int... @georgetown-sfs.bsky.social #booksky #sciencepolitics
washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com
Introducing Science Politics | Washington Independent Review of Books
The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Check out this great new piece by Pooja Doshi in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social! She asks us to consider not what the data show but how the data gets made. sciencepolitics.org/2026/08/12/a...
sciencepolitics.org
A Better Question to Ask About Equity Data in School Health Screenings - Science Politics
Not what does the data show, but how does the data get made?
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Reposted by Emily Mendenhall
Seeking Boston Marathon @seekingboston.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
New Podcast drop. We chat with Georgetown University Professor and author of "Invisible Illness, @emendenhall.bsky.social. She interviewed over 150 long Covid patients and experts for the book incl me. We hit some hot issues like FND, GET, and Anthony Fauci. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i...
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Fish comics are back! Elle Wibisono, Ph.D. published a new comic about summer seafood in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social. Can summer seafood be political? sciencepolitics.org/2026/08/11/s...
sciencepolitics.org
Summer Seafood - Science Politics
Can it be political?
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
In @sciencepolitics.bsky.social today we have a piece by Roni Ellington, who argues to make progress in artificial intelligence, biotech, and medicine, we need to understand the social forces that make talented thinkers flourish. sciencepolitics.org/2026/08/10/s...
sciencepolitics.org
Social Science Is a Good Investment in Future Innovation - Science Politics
To make progress in artificial intelligence, biotech, and medicine, we need to understand the social forces that make talented thinkers flourish.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
This morning in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social we have a great essay by Gina Clark addressing the hundreds of millions of people who already use AI for psychological support. She argues that accountability is not only an ethical imperative but a competitive one. sciencepolitics.org/2026/08/05/a...
sciencepolitics.org
AI, Mental Health, and the Competitive Advantage of Accountability - Science Politics
Hundreds of millions of people already use AI for psychological support. Accountability is not only an ethical imperative but a competitive one.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Today in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social Ryan Prior makes the case for green tariffs. He explains why taxing high-pollution imports could generate revenue, create a more even playing field for U.S. firms, and incentivize cleaner manufacturing globally. sciencepolitics.org/2026/08/03/t...
sciencepolitics.org
The Bipartisan Case for Green Tariffs - Science Politics
Taxing high-pollution imports could generate revenue, create a more even playing field for U.S. firms, and incentivize cleaner manufacturing globally.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Our commentary by Daniel Affsprung, Andrew Mattson and Olivia A. Asher in Science Politics today explains how US science can stay independent but scientists will need better ways to demonstrate their work’s connection to society’s needs. sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/31/u...
sciencepolitics.org
US Science Can Stay Independent - Science Politics
The executive branch wants to take control of the scientific enterprise. To stay independent, scientists will need better ways to demonstrate their work’s connection to society’s needs.
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Reposted by Emily Mendenhall
reginalabelle.bsky.social @reginalabelle.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Grateful to Science Politics and @emendenhall.bsky.social for publishing my piece on how the next Congress can move forward, in a bipartisan way, to address untreated addiction and overdose.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Adam Koon wrote in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social that effective food reform demands institutional capacity, durable statutory authority, and a willingness to constrain industry behavior — not merely swapping one ingredient for another. sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/29/w...
sciencepolitics.org
What MAHA Could Learn from the British About Regulating Unhealthy Food - Science Politics
Effective food reform demands institutional capacity, durable statutory authority, and a willingness to constrain industry behavior — not merely swapping one ingredient for another.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Sanjay Basu argues in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social that instead of relying on a single act of Congress, U.S. states could implement an evidenced-based, step-by-step sequence that could get the country to single-payer health care coverage. sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/28/a...
sciencepolitics.org
A Realistic Path to Single-Payer Health Care - Science Politics
Instead of relying on a single act of Congress, U.S. states could implement an evidenced-based, step-by-step sequence that could get the country to single-payer health care coverage.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Today Megan Carney explains in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social that women have stewarded food and water resources for generations. As climate change impacts our eating, policymakers should especially protect women and their ability to be creative and resourceful. sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/27/m...
sciencepolitics.org
Migrant Women Feed the World - Science Politics
Women have stewarded food and water resources for generations. As climate change impacts our eating, policymakers should especially protect women and their ability to be creative and resourceful.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Today Regina LaBelle writes in Science Politics that incoming lawmakers have an opportunity to build an addiction response that is accountable, effective, and prepared for an evolving public health landscape. sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/23/t...
sciencepolitics.org
The Next Congress Can Reset the Nation’s Approach to Addiction - Science Politics
Incoming lawmakers have an opportunity to build an addiction response that is accountable, effective, and prepared for an evolving public health landscape.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Lisa Palmer writes today in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social on how a week working with people trying to build a more rigorous framework for international cooperation when the stakes are high and interests diverge. sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/22/l...
sciencepolitics.org
Letter from Laxenburg: How to Make Decisions Amid Uncertainty - Science Politics
My week with people trying to build a more rigorous framework for international cooperation when the stakes are high and interests diverge.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
MegLeta Jones's cartoon in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social provides some guidance. She says, "After thinking, praying, reading, researching, and talking about whether to use AI, here are the three questions I ask myself — and instruct my students to ask themselves." sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/21/s...
sciencepolitics.org
Should I Use AI? Three Questions to Ask Yourself - Science Politics
After thinking, praying, reading, researching, and talking about whether to use AI, here are the three questions I pose.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Brandon Kohrt responds in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social to RFK Jr's proposal to reduce the number of people relying on psychiatric medications. He argues that deprescribing works only when people have somewhere else to go. sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/20/w...
sciencepolitics.org
What RFK Jr. Is Missing in His Push to Deprescribe Psychiatric Medication - Science Politics
Deprescribing works only when people have somewhere else to go.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Great reading for the weekend! Kate Salen Tekinbas writes in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social about how we can manage online spaces for children. In well-designed play environments, safety is not achieved by eliminating risk but by designing for it. sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/17/o...
sciencepolitics.org
Online Spaces for Children Don’t Have to Be Outlawed. They Just Have to Be Safe Enough. - Science Politics
In well-designed play environments, safety is not achieved by eliminating risk but by designing for it.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
What's Blue Crime? Today Yogi Putranto writes in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social to explain why better human rights protections at sea could reduce forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage, and violence. #fisheries #humanrights sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/15/b...
sciencepolitics.org
‘Blue Crime’ Is Making the Ocean a Dangerous Place - Science Politics
Better human rights protections at sea could reduce forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage, and violence.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Good morning! Take a look at environmental historican, @dagomardegroot.bsky.social's essay in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social. It describes how cold, rain, drought, and warming have both helped and harmed Americans' efforts at pivotal moments. sciencepolitics.org/2026/07/13/h...
sciencepolitics.org
How Climate Change and Weather Shaped 250 Years of U.S. History - Science Politics
Cold, rain, drought, and warming have both helped and harmed Americans' efforts at pivotal moments.
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Reposted by Emily Mendenhall
ghpoliticspodcast.bsky.social @ghpoliticspodcast.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Now on the #GlobalHealth #Politics #Podcast, Susan Erikson talks about her new @mitpress.bsky.social book Investable! When #Pandemic #Risk Meets Speculative #Finance podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t... @emendenhall.bsky.social @ethnography911.bsky.social @thurka149.bsky.social @dadakim.bsky.social
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Important piece on climate science politics by John Doherty by @sciencepolitics.bsky.social. New scenarios don’t mean that climate change isn’t real or risky. We still have to decide what kind of future we will accept. sciencepolitics.org/2026/06/29/w...
sciencepolitics.org
What Revised Emissions Scenarios Mean — And Don’t Mean — For Climate Governance - Science Politics
New scenarios don’t mean that climate change isn’t real or risky. We still have to decide what kind of future we will accept.
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Reposted by Emily Mendenhall
Lee Morgenbesser @lmorgenbesser.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
PUBLISHED! My latest piece addresses the inactivity and passivity of the anti-Trump resistance. From my vantage point, it is not doing enough 🫣 I highlight seven lessons from those who have resisted authoritarian rule around the world. theconversation.com/has-the-trum...
theconversation.com
Has the Trump resistance been too passive? Here are 7 ways to effectively protest authoritarian rule
The ‘No Kings’ protests have been important, but smaller, more sustained acts of resistance have proven successful in other countries around the world.
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Pratik Chakrabarti @pratik-hstm.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
A great opportunity for historians of science "Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor to the School of History and Philosophy of Science" usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/USYD_EXTERNA...
usyd.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Professor to the School of History and Philosophy of Science
2 x full time, continuing positions, located on the Camperdown Campus in the Faculty of Science Build your research and apply your expertise by contributing as a Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate Pro...
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Rebecca Sear @rebeccasear.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
The right takes academia seriously, and is pouring money into neutering it. Would be good to see left wing politicians taking academia equally seriously, and taking action to support it www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
theguardian.com
‘Dialogue is all the rage’: why is the right pouring millions into ‘civil discourse’ initiatives on US campuses?
Universities looking for a fix to relentless controversy are flocking to ‘civility’ initiatives. Critics say these efforts mask a darker project
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Check out this great piece by @null in @null! Commercial space is booming, but governments still set the rules. To harness innovation, states need to proactively involve the private sector. #space #spacepolicy sciencepolitics.org/2026/06/25/w...
sciencepolitics.org
Why States Still Anchor Space Norms - Science Politics
Commercial space is booming, but governments still set the rules. To harness innovation, states need to proactively involve the private sector.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
We published a great piece today on health insurance reform in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social by Alison Hoover & Amit Chandra. They argue, "Meaningful reform requires..confronting the gap between what health insurance promises and what it currently delivers." sciencepolitics.org/2026/06/24/u...
sciencepolitics.org
US Healthcare Was Never Built to Work – Here’s What Could Replace It - Science Politics
Meaningful reform requires acknowledging the gap between what health insurance promises and what it currently delivers.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Sanjay Basu writes in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social about the critical problem that insurance algorithms are WORKING as designed: maximizing revenue by charging taxpayers and minimizing payment by denying claims. sciencepolitics.org/2026/06/23/i...
sciencepolitics.org
Insurance Algorithms Are Increasingly Determining Patient Care - Science Politics
The history of insurance shows a privatized public insurance market is working as designed: maximizing revenue by charging taxpayers and minimizing payment by denying claims.
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Emily Mendenhall @emendenhall.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
New piece in @sciencepolitics.bsky.social on drones by James Wang. As the U.S. restricts Chinese drones, American manufacturers are focusing on military systems — leaving firefighters, search teams, and other civilian users without affordable alternatives. sciencepolitics.org/2026/06/22/n...
sciencepolitics.org
No One Is Building America's $500 Drone - Science Politics
As the U.S. restricts Chinese drones, American manufacturers are focusing on military systems — leaving firefighters, search teams, and other civilian users without affordable alternatives.
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