Reposted by Katy StephensonThe Great Pumpkin Papers 🎃🎃🎃 @professormusgrave.bsky.social · 29/09/2026As a professor, most of what I do is log in to things 471428195
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 28/09/2026A+ good story. These young scientists rule www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/s...nytimes.comIn an $80 Motel Room, a Discovery to Shed Light on the Origins of Life (Gift Article)A scrappy science project led to a significant discovery: two new species of a rare organism that could elucidate a fundamental transition in the history of life on our planet. 2133
Reposted by Katy StephensonApoorva Mandavilli @apoorvanyt.bsky.social · 26/09/2026I’ve been reporting on the CDC for years, and have written about many of its troubles over the past year. I was still shocked by the extent of the staff losses and political interference I found when reporting this one. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/26/h...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. 381374572
Reposted by Katy StephensonYonatan Grad @yhgrad.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Postdoc position in infectious disease epi, genomics, applied stats to join our work on sampling strategies for pathogen genomics surveillance. Based in Shirlee Wohl’s group at BWH but to work closely with my team. See ad here: massgeneralbrigham.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/MGBExt...massgeneralbrigham.wd1.myworkdayjobs.comPostdoctoral FellowSite: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts t... 0818
Reposted by Katy StephensonThe Ferrari Lab @theferrarilab.bsky.social · 27/08/2026I have quantified measles deaths globally on behalf of the WHO since 2012. We attribute any death within 4 weeks of a measles case to measles. Measles is immunosuppressive and the proximate cause is often a secondary infection that would otherwise not have led to death. 325496
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 11/08/2026A statement from the society that represents all the infectious diseases doctors in America 04511
Reposted by Katy StephensonJessica Nix @jessicanix.bsky.social · 26/06/2026The US public health workers sent to staff an Ebola facility in Kenya described a shambolic and hurried effort to stand up an isolation unit, leaving behind state of the art facilities back home. Latest for @bloomberg.com : www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...bloomberg.comChaotic Push to Train Staff for US Ebola Outbreak Facility Alarms Health WorkersThe three-day session focused more on administrative tasks than spread prevention. 01812
Reposted by Katy StephensonClinical Infectious Diseases @cidjournal.bsky.social · 21/06/2026Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra for the Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Tuberculous Meningitis ✅ Just Accepted 🔗 bit.ly/4uZQ1wk 002
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 19/06/2026This is a travesty for many reasons, but one is the continued deterioration of scientific collaboration which will only harm the US in the end. There are no major advances in HIV medicine without South Africa. U.S. Plans to End AIDS Funding for South Africa www.nytimes.com/2026/06/19/w...nytimes.comU.S. Plans to End AIDS Funding for South Africa 12711
Reposted by Katy StephensonDimitri Drekonja, MD, MS @dimitridrekonja.bsky.social · 18/06/2026Every infectious disease clinician and epidemiologist knew this would happen. Because duh...and because #vaccinesworknytimes.comScores Fall Ill at Air Force Base After Hegseth Makes Flu Vaccine Optional 78316
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 18/06/2026The OMB and the Politicization of Science | New England Journal of Medicine www.nejm.org/doi/full/10....nejm.orgThe OMB and the Politicization of Science | NEJMThe Editors highlight three aspects of OMB’s recently proposed rule changes as particularly striking: that decisions on research funding would be made by political appointees, that funding could be... 011
Reposted by Katy StephensonApoorva Mandavilli @apoorvanyt.bsky.social · 17/06/2026Even as the world is racing to contain the deadly Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Trump administration is moving ahead with a plan that could decimate support for programs that detect and snuff out exactly such outbreaks. 🎁 🔗 www.nytimes.com/2026/06/17/h...nytimes.comNew Plan Scales Back C.D.C.’s Work on Diseases Abroad 815784
Reposted by Katy StephensonHarmit Singh Malik @harmitmalik.bsky.social · 17/06/2026One of the world's most tightly controlled experimental evolution projects is underway in DC, and I hope someone has had the foresight to collect a time series of algal samples. www.cnn.com/2026/06/16/p...cnn.comReflecting Pool woes: Trump administration turns to hydrogen peroxide in latest bid to beat back algae | CNN PoliticsPresident Donald Trump’s more than $14 million Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation was completed just over a week ago, with its more than 300,000 square feet refilled with 6.5 million gallons ... 1534477
Reposted by Katy StephensonSTAT @statnews.com · 19/05/2026Sources say USAID cuts damaged epidemic preparedness and hampered the DRC's Ebola response, a perfect storm fueling third-largest outbreak in history. www.statnews.com/2026/05/19/u...statnews.comTrump’s cuts to foreign aid are undermining the Ebola response, insiders sayTrump's cuts to foreign aid likely hampered the detection of the Ebola outbreak and the response to it. 5164113
Reposted by Katy StephensonProf Gavin Yamey MD MPH @gavinyamey.bsky.social · 23/05/2026We need to call this what it is: Trump is holding vulnerable people to ransom (“give us your minerals & your sensitive health data—or else we shut down your antiretroviral program & people with HIV will get sick or die”) I wrote about this in today’s @bmj.com www.bmj.com/content/393/... 45838
Reposted by Katy StephensonBK. Titanji @boghuma.bsky.social · 19/05/2026Important to read the seminal paper on the discovery of the Bundibugyo virus. It is a different species from Zaire Ebola virus, differing in its genome by up to 32%. The vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for Zaire virus are unlikely to be effective here. journals.plos.org/plospathogen...journals.plos.orgNewly Discovered Ebola Virus Associated with Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreak in UgandaAuthor Summary In this report we describe a newly discovered ebolavirus species which caused a large hemorrhagic fever outbreak in western Uganda. The virus is genetically distinct, differing by more ... 510353
Reposted by Katy StephensonScience Magazine @science.org · 19/05/2026Confirmation on Friday that a rare Ebola virus was sickening people in the DRC shocked many scientists—mainly because of the outbreak’s sheer size. Since then, researchers and public health experts have been sprinting to make up for lost time. scim.ag/4ftcyx5scim.agScientists play catch-up to startling Ebola outbreakTesting, sequencing, and clinical trial efforts spring to life as Bundibugyo virus spreads 26017
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 18/05/2026Follow @helenbranswell.bsky.social for the best outbreak coverage btw 000
Reposted by Katy StephensonKrutika Kuppalli, MD FIDSA @krutikakuppalli.bsky.social · 17/05/2026As someone who worked on Ebola and was once admitted to be ruled out for Ebola — I can say this is frightening for these Americans in DRC. They deserve support, compassion, and every effort from the to bring them home to receive advanced care if needed. www.statnews.com/2026/05/17/e...statnews.comIn Ebola outbreak, a number of Americans in the Congo believed to have had exposure to suspected casesA number of Americans who are in the Congo are believed to have had exposure to suspected cases in the country’s latest Ebola outbreak, sources have told STAT. 15216
Reposted by Katy StephensonWHO @who.int · 17/05/2026Under the IHR (2005), @drtedros.who.int, the Director General of WHO, having consulted the States Parties where the event is occurring, has determined that the Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus in DRC & Uganda constitutes a public health emergency of international concern bit.ly/3P4ZDac 8231135
Reposted by Katy StephensonOni Blackstock, MD MHS @oniblackstock.bsky.social · 14/05/2026I was interviewed about what's next for the CDC. My contribution was to remind the public that many staff still remain at the CDC, working hard, doing the often invisible work of public health. A special kudos to the courageous Dr. Robyn Fanfair, who leads the Division of HIV Prevention.thebodypro.comCDC Future: Should the Agency Be Rebuilt, Reformed, or Regionalized?Explore the future of the CDC, including proposals to rebuild, reform, or regionalize the agency for better public health outcomes. 1316
Reposted by Katy StephensonIan M. Mackay, PhD (he/him) 🦠🤧🧬📑🦟🧀 @mackayim.bsky.social · 12/05/2026Version 3. I've extended the orange-shaded area to cover the full 45 days (WHO number) and indicated each week since the date post-onset of Case 1's symptoms (dpo). May 10th was a day when 2 people became symptomatic and also tested positive. I've used green 46427
Reposted by Katy StephensonHelen Branswell 🇨🇦 @helenbranswell.bsky.social · 09/05/20261. #CDC issued its 1st alert to health providers & public health depts on the cruise ship #hantavirus outbreak overnight. I got it at 12:45 am ET This should have happened days ago. CDC's communications are tightly controlled by HHS in this administration. This isn't the way CDC normally functions. 5222102
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 09/05/2026For my virology friends, simple but I liked it 1259
Reposted by Katy StephensonJon Cohen @cohenjon.bsky.social · 08/05/2026www.science.org/content/arti...science.orgTrump administration cuts CDC’s key role in global program to stop HIVState Department would send PEPFAR money directly to countries, which could then pay fees to health agency for help 12922
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 23/04/2026This story is not funny of course, but … it must be shared www.nytimes.com/2026/04/20/u...nytimes.comScientist Irritated by Lab Colleague Accused in Poisoning Attempt 010
Reposted by Katy StephensonApoorva Mandavilli @apoorvanyt.bsky.social · 17/04/2026Credited with saving 26 million lives, PEPFAR suffered big blows to its impact after the Trump administration’s abrupt stop and restart of its activities last year, according to the first tranche of data from the program since 2024. Gift link: www.nytimes.com/2026/04/17/h...nytimes.comNew PEPFAR Data Show Worrying Declines in Testing and Treatment for H.I.V. 02015
Reposted by Katy StephensonThe Journal of Infectious Diseases @jidjournal.bsky.social · 13/04/2026The long-term effect of two and three doses of bivalent HPV vaccination against HPV infections: a comparison between two observational cohort studies ✅ Just Accepted 🔗 bit.ly/4c7zYq2 175
Reposted by Katy StephensonDr. Skylar Grayson @skylargrayson.bsky.social · 04/04/2026NASA just dropped this image of Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch looking back at us. The first woman to ever see our planet in its entirety. I’m not crying you’re crying 🥹🔭🧪 📸: NASA 345362957568
Reposted by Katy StephensonMelissa Barber @mbarber.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Today, MSF is going public with something we've been fighting behind closed doors for months: Gilead will not sell us their new HIV drug, lenacapavir. The sticking point isn't even price, they just refuse to sell. Open letter linked + explainer 🧵1/ www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/gilea...doctorswithoutborders.orgGilead refuses to sell groundbreaking HIV prevention drug to MSFBlocking humanitarian organizations from accessing a medical breakthrough puts vulnerable people across the world in danger. 2217121361
Reposted by Katy StephensonDimitri Drekonja, MD, MS @dimitridrekonja.bsky.social · 26/03/2026I would greatly appreciate anyone amplifying this or contributing. The Alex Pretti nursing scholarship is being created. An endowed scholarship awarded to a student with financial need. Preference will be given to students with an interest in supporting America's veterans. Link below. Thank you.crowdfund.umn.eduI'm supporting the University of Minnesota Foundation!Help support academics and scholarships at the University of Minnesota. 110886
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 08/03/2026Yes Helen!! It’s very special to see your mentees thriving in the wild, but this makes me doubly proud. 🥹❤️ 050
Reposted by Katy StephensonGregg Gonsalves @gregggonsalves.bsky.social · 06/03/2026Vinay Prasad has been an a noxious influence on public health and drug regulation. Good riddance. UCSF should not take him back. He should wander in the wilderness forever. www.cnn.com/2026/03/06/h...cnn.comFDA’s controversial vaccine chief will exit agency next month | CNNThe US Food and Drug Administration’s head of vaccines and biologic medicines will leave the agency at the end of April, a spokesperson confirmed to CNN on Friday. 31923228
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 01/03/2026My friend has run a camp for kids affected by HIV/AIDS for 28 years and they’ve expanded to include children impacted by stigma against the LGBTQIA+ community. Please donate! www.mightycause.com/story/rock2026mightycause.comHelp Camp Starlight reach for the stars on MightycauseMore than ever, we need your help! 0113
Reposted by Katy StephensonEric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · 26/02/2026This week's cover @thelancet.com 4131031441
Reposted by Katy StephensonLetters of Note @lettersofnote.com · 12/02/2026Happy birthday to one of my favourite haters, Charles Darwin 157102973045
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 11/02/2026The thing about this that is so enraging to me is that the FDA blessed running this study and 41,000 volunteers (heroes!) put their bodies on the line so we can benefit and that data is thrown away for nothing. (Btw I have no stock in Moderna or any other pharma) www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/h...nytimes.comF.D.A. Refuses to Review Moderna Flu Vaccine 0125
Reposted by Katy StephensonNEJM.org @nejm.org · 29/01/2026Physicians throughout Minnesota bear witness to the devastation that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is wreaking. They implore physicians everywhere to raise their voices. Read “We Do Care” by Bernard E. Trappey, MD, for Minnesota Physician Voices: nej.md/4akke1G 012051
Reposted by Katy StephensonSherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · 25/01/2026I cannot imagine the devastation this family is experiencing today. This statement is powerful and must be read. 5337061414
Reposted by Katy StephensonAaron Stewart-Ahn @badideas.bsky.social · 25/01/2026A video of Alex Pretti reading out the final salute of an unnamed veteran he cared for until the end of his life in the ICU, posted to Facebook by his son. 10054690218038
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 21/01/2026“Reporters were told the CDC scientist could not be identified by name as a condition of participating in the briefing.” Is there a super secret society of genomic epidemiologists I don’t know about?? @kgandersen.bsky.social @billhanage.bsky.social @helenbranswell.bsky.social 3156
Reposted by Katy StephensonHIVMA @hivma.bsky.social · 10/01/2026The House is proposing nearly $2 billion cuts in federal HIV funding, wiping out CDC’s HIV prevention program, core Ryan White services, and the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. Contact your representatives and senators to urge them to fully fund federal HIV programs: bit.ly/4rG38lzbit.lyWe cannot go back: Act now to save HIV fundingUrge your members of Congress to fully fund federal HIV programs as they negotiate final funding levels for the FY 2026 LHHS spending bill. 032
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 08/01/2026It’s not too late in the season to be vaccinated and children can get the vaccine down to 6 months old. The vaccine is not great this year but it’s better than nothing! 071
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 05/01/2026IDSA is the association of all the infectious diseases doctors in America 084
Reposted by Katy StephensonBoston Public Health Commission @publichealth.boston.gov · 05/01/2026We continue to follow evidence-based science that protects the health of children across Boston. If you have questions about vaccines, talk to your health care provider and visit boston.gov/vaccines. 03113
Katy Stephenson @kstephensonmd.bsky.social · 04/01/2026#VaccinesWork (to do a lot of things) www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/h...nytimes.comVaccines Are Helping Older People More Than We Knew 02010
Reposted by Katy StephensonJoseph M. Adelman @jmadelman.bsky.social · 01/01/2026Magic Johnson was the grand marshal of the Rose Parade today, and as someone who remembers his November 1991 HIV announcement: if you had told anybody that day that he would be alive and healthy 34+ years later, I don't think they would have believed you. Medicine and research—they work. 535324976