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Val Cortez

@virologistval.bsky.social
446 followers 386 following 12 posts

Parent-scientist | Chicana |Assistant Professor @UCSC studying astroviruses, mucosal microbiology and immunology

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Reposted by Val Cortez
Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽 @needhibhalla.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Our institutions should be mounting as strong and as organized a response to the canceling of grants along ideological and partisan lines as they did against the illegal change to F&A costs. And our emails and/or letters to our research administrators and campus counsel should be asking for this.
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Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽 @needhibhalla.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I think this is a point we need to hammer home: These decisions about which grants are not getting reviewed or funded and which grants are being canceled are being done by an explicitly non-transparent process.
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UC Santa Cruz Science @ucscscience.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
What would federal funding cuts do to a community's local economy, its people, & the next generation? UC Santa Cruz Science Professors Needhi Bhalla, Susan Carpenter, & Carol Greider state it plainly and painfully in yesterday's Santa Cruz Sentinel article. www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/03/20/g...
santacruzsentinel.com
Guest Commentary | Trump is turning off the lights on biomedical research: Why it matters for Santa Cruz
“These cuts aren’t just about UCSC; they’re about Santa Cruz,” writes Needhi Bhalla, Susan Carpenter and Carol Greider in a Guest Commentary. “This crucial NIH support fuels our l…
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Thelonevirologist @thelonevirologist.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
SARS-CoV-2 cellular coinfection is limited by superinfection exclusion journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
journals.asm.org
SARS-CoV-2 cellular coinfection is limited by superinfection exclusion | Journal of Virology
Since SARS-CoV-2 first emerged in 2019, it has continued to evolve, occasionally generating variants of concern. One of the ways that SARS-CoV-2 can evolve is through recombination, where genetic info...
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Stuart Neil @tetherin.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Great opportunities for young virology investigators in Heidelberg. I’m sure there will be lots of adverts like this over the next few months. To our US colleagues - come to Europe. We will actually value you.
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MwahahahahahadScientist @mads100tist.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Eveerybodeeeeeeee wish @needhibhalla.bsky.social the happiest of birthdays in this date and day by posting your favorite jam that's absolute fire
media.tenor.com
elmo from sesame street is surrounded by flames and says yasssss
Alt: elmo from sesame street is surrounded by flames and says yasssss.
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Drug Monkey @drugmonkey.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
This is the clear reveal. It is about eliminating qualified competition from brown people. If it were about a supposed non-meritorious leg up, they would just prevent programmatic selection from using any measures to enhance diversity.
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Dan Sloan @sloanevolab.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
The NIH study section I'm serving on for student/postdoc fellowships has been rescheduled for late April (good). But the diversity fellowship apps have been eliminated from the review list (very bad). Extremely frustrating that they couldn't even be reclassified as standard fellowship apps.
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Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽 @needhibhalla.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Opinion piece in the @scsentinel.bsky.social by me, @carpenterlab.bsky.social and Carol Greider: Trump is turning off the lights on biomedical research: Why it matters for Santa Cruz www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/03/20/g...
santacruzsentinel.com
Guest Commentary | Trump is turning off the lights on biomedical research: Why it matters for Santa Cruz
“These cuts aren’t just about UCSC; they’re about Santa Cruz,” writes Needhi Bhalla, Susan Carpenter and Carol Greider in a Guest Commentary. “This crucial NIH support fuels our l…
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Michal Caspi Tal, PhD @immunofever.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Join us for the hybrid launch event of our new menstruation science initiative! Unlocking the secrets of the hormone-immunity nexus! If you've never heard Hilary Critchley speak you are in for such a mind blowing keynote! cgr.mit.edu/2025/03/17/s...
cgr.mit.edu
Save the Date: MIT Menstruation Science Launch Event – April 9, 2025 • The MIT Center for Gynepathology Research
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Science Homecoming @sciencehomecoming.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
‘NIH programs like PREP provided my first introduction to research,’ Steven Mesquiti, a San Antonio, Texas native writes, “Without these programs, countless students—regardless of race, gender, or political affiliation—will lose their chance to break into fields that shape our nation’s future.” 🧪🏠
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Sarah Ross @sarahhross.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
ICYMI by First release - now in print @science.org Identification of APCs in the gut that promote Treg differentiation and how tolerance to food antigens is influenced by helminth infection. buff.ly/3DjNQ1e By @cicacanesso.bsky.social @danmucida.bsky.social @victora.bsky.social et al
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Christopher Mims @mims.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Meet Gracie Himes, age 20. Her goal: Fight cancer by developing new medicines. On March 3, her dreams were shattered when Trump admin cuts hit West Virginia University, which rescinded her PhD program offer. www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
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Rita Strack @ritastrack.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
I was in Beijing last summer talking science; imho they are already there. It's good for science and good for humanity. Not good for America. Truly a very bad time to cripple American science.
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Soragni:Lab @alice.soragnilab.com · 14/03/2025
Yay! @needhibhalla.bsky.social is coming to visit us at UCLA soon!!! One good thing to look forward to, so well needed at this time :)
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Emily Bruce @brucelab.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Grants that people spent enormous effort writing and were already submitted are being politically withdrawn because of who they are. This is wrong.
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Jia Liu @jialiu.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
If your grant is "reassigned" or removed this week before the study section review. This may be due to a new round of review on NIH research priorities under NIH's statutory and regulatory authorities. Hang in there.
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Science Homecoming @sciencehomecoming.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Prof. Lauren Haack writes to her Wisconsin hometown 🧀 that science funding ‘matters for every student with a passion for science, every family with a loved one in a medical trial, and every young professional entering health care.’ 🧪🏠 @laurenmhaackphd.bsky.social www.gmtoday.com/daily_news/c...
gmtoday.com
Government must protect health research funding
It’s hard to stand out when you’re one of nine “new kids” in a class of 26, and that’s who I was after moving to Hartland during the mid-’90s subdivision
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Bella Rauch @rauchlab.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Let's not forget that apart from science advocacy the Rauch lab also does kick-ass science! Together with the @psmitchej.bsky.social and Tait Wojno labs, we show that #tuftcells can induce specific protective signaling after recognition of intracellular bacterial infection via the #inflammasome!
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Journal of Experimental Medicine @jem.org · 13/03/2025
First authors Madeline Churchill and Ankit Pandeya @nkeet50.bsky.social from @rauchlab.bsky.social show that tuft cells, known for their role in anti-parasite defenses, can also contribute to anti-bacterial responses in the small intestine. rupress.org/jem/article/... #InfectiousDisease
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Darren Obbard @darrenobbard.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
More on #Drosophila #Viruses from @salehlabparis.bsky.social !! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
biorxiv.org
Persistent viral infections impact key biological traits in Drosophila melanogaster
Persistent viral infections have been assumed to have minimal fitness costs for insects. Using Drosophila melanogaster , we established persistent mono-infections with four different enteric RNA virus...
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Lisa Jarvis @lisamjarvis.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
🧪 The attack on science could have a generational effect. We risk losing a wave of early-career researchers to these cuts. And biomedical science in the US will be less ambitious, less competitive & lead to fewer breakthroughs. So much is at stake. My latest for @opinion.bloomberg.com (🎁 link):
bloomberg.com
NIH Cuts Create a Lost Generation of Scientists
Trump administration attacks on the National Institutes of Health mean biomedical research will become less ambitious, less competitive and result in fewer breakthroughs.
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Val Cortez @virologistval.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
Some bright light during an absolute 💩 time— big thanks to the faculty @ UGA for hosting me this week! #IDSky @ceirrnetwork.bsky.social
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Angeline J. Dukes, PhD @heydrdukes.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Excited to be protesting today with my UMN colleagues because #ScienceIsForEveryone 🧪🧬 🧠 I’ll also be giving a brief speech at the MN state capitol about why diverse perspectives are an integral & necessary component for us to do good science ✨ #standupforscience2025 #ScienceNotSilence
Hot pink poster that reads Science is for Everyone
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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Great crowd in Pittsburgh Standing Up for Science. Thanks to all of the other great speakers sharing their stories!
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Patrick S. Mitchell @psmitchej.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Joining colleagues and concerned citizens across the US and around the world today who are Standing Up For Science. Why? ✔️research creates cures ✔️science grows the economy ✔️for my colleagues, our trainees, and the future of research and healthcare ✔️because science is for everyone
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Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽 @needhibhalla.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
And I will be participating and speaking at the #StandUpForScience2025 rally @ucsantacruz.bsky.social this afternoon!
Sign for the Stand Up For Science 2025 Rally at UCSC at noon today with a picture of the Statue of Liberty and a banner that reads "Science is for Everyone"
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Needhi Bhalla 💅🏽 @needhibhalla.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Just in time for #StandUpForScience2025, I spoke with @jackjlee.bsky.social at the @sfchronicle.com about the impacts of cutting federal funding of science and biomedical research: “We’re...wondering why something that has benefited from bipartisan support for 70 years is now currently a target.”
sfchronicle.com
‘It’s just chaos’: How California scientists are facing attacks on science by Trump and DOGE
The administration has attempted to limit research funds from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
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Science Homecoming @sciencehomecoming.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Steve Parker, professor of Computational Medicine, writes to NC ⛰️: “The stunning landscapes & kind-hearted people make this place magical” but a looming threat to federal science funding could undermine both their health & economy. 🧪🏠 @theparkerlab.bsky.social www.reflector.com/opinion/edit...
reflector.com
Stephen C.J. Parker: NIH funding critical to North Carolina economy
My home-grown roots and education drive my love for North Carolina, but new executive orders that block federal science funding have me deeply concerned about the health and economy of
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Shelly Flagel @flagel-lab.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
I am from Middletown, OH, (the same hometown as JD Vance) and was especially compelled by the @sciencehomecoming.bsky.social movement. I am happy to have my article out on this #standupforscience2025 day. #sciencenotsilence www.daytondailynews.com/ideas-voices...
daytondailynews.com
VOICES: Stand up for science in Ohio
I was born and raised in Middletown, went to public schools, and am a proud graduate of Middletown High School. Thirty years ago, I left Middletown and went north to attend the University of Michigan....
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Katherine J. Wu @katherinejwu.com · 07/03/2025
if you've had an NIH grant terminated, I want to hear about it. Signal: katherinejwu.12
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Tina Termini @cterminiphd.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
We were delighted to have @king5news.com.web.brid.gy visit us in the Termini Lab to discuss how NIH funding cuts could affect cancer research: m.youtube.com/watch?v=Szo9... We NEED indirect costs to provide funding needed complete research studies that will lead to life saving discoveries.
m.youtube.com
Potential NIH funding cuts could affect local cancer research
YouTube video by KING 5 Seattle
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Minnesota Reformer @minnesotareformer.com · 06/03/2025
Commentary from University of Minnesota researcher: Chaotic cuts to NIH will threaten America’s leadership in innovation, hurt American families minnesotareformer.com/2025/03/06/c...
minnesotareformer.com
Chaotic cuts to NIH will threaten America's leadership in innovation, hurt American families • Minnesota Reformer
NIH research delivers an estimated $2.50 of economic activity for every $1 spent.
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Nicole Tersigni @nicsigni.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
you’re fired. wait you’re rehired. email us a list of things you’ve done today wait forget it you’re fired again. come back your job was important. you’re fired. or hired. come in to the office. wait the office has no computers go home. we are the department of government efficiency.
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DEI Virologist @kyt-thatsme.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
!!!!!!!!
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Crystal Rogers, PhD @rogerslabucd.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Huge thank you to Chancellor May and our wonderful @ucdavis.bsky.social donors for choosing me as a Chancellor’s Fellow! The UC Davis SVM did a lovely write up if you are interested in learning more about me and this award! www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/news/crystal...
vetmed.ucdavis.edu
Crystal Rogers Honored as Chancellor's Fellow
Associate Professor Crystal Rogers is one of eight faculty members who comprise the newest class of UC Davis Chancellor’s Fellows, given to early career academics doing exemplary work in their fields.
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Eric Topol @erictopol.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
In the US alone, each year, norovirus causes ~20 million acute gastroenteritis cases, 70,000 hospitalizations, up to 800 deaths, at a cost of ~$10.6 billion annually. An pill vaccine shows considerable promise in a clinical trial, establishing mucosal immunity www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
science.org
An oral norovirus vaccine tablet was safe and elicited mucosal immunity in older adults in a phase 1b clinical trial
An oral norovirus vaccine tablet is safe and induces strong mucosal and systemic immune responses in adults aged 55 to 80 years.
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Bella Rauch @rauchlab.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
@laurenrodda.bsky.social, @nicelab.bsky.social , @jnpruneda.bsky.social and I wrote an OpEd on the impacts of NIH cuts on Oregon: www.bizjournals.com/portland/new... It was signed by over 450 OHSU researchers! It’s unfortunately paywalled, DM me if you’d like a gift link or a pdf of it.
bizjournals.com
Opinion: Scientists on how NIH cuts will hurt all Oregonians. - Portland Business Journal
"These cuts will cripple biomedical research and drug development in the U.S. We should be investing more in science, not less."
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Gabe Ortíz @tusk81.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
Rep. Al Green (D-TX): "It's worth it to let people know that there are some people who are going to stand up.”
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Phil Williams @philinvestigates.com · 14/02/2025
EXCLUSIVE: Tennessee universities, medical centers warn Trump administration cuts will 'devastate' search for cures www.newschannel5.com/news/newscha...
newschannel5.com
Tennessee universities, medical centers warn Trump administration cuts will 'devastate' search for cures
Now, the people on the forefront of medical research across the Volunteer State are sounding the alarm.
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Chrystal Starbird @drstarbird.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Sharing this brave piece that echos a lot of what I have been feeling. The silence around DEI from institutions means the damage is already done. Leadership asking us to keep our heads down to prevent actual damage ignore that it’s already here for people like me. stanforddaily.com/2025/03/03/f...
stanforddaily.com
From the Community | I am more than a researcher, but Stanford doesn’t care
Assistant Professor Elliott White Jr. denounces the University's faint response to political threats against DEI, especially compared to the robust support its research initiatives in the wake of NIH ...
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Julia O'Malley @jomalley17.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Full page in today’s Anchorage Daily News:
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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Before I start, let me thank the brave folks within NIH who have shared information, hints, and other materials that have helped me sort this out. I don’t know most of your names and, even if I did, no one would ever hear them from me. So here is what appears to be going on… 1/n
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Andy Pekosz @andrewpekosz.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
A massive loss to the virology community. Ann was an amazing scientist and mentor, whose service to UW and the virology community in general will be sorely missed. www.cressfuneralservice.com/obituaries/a...
cressfuneralservice.com
Ann Carol Palmenberg, Ph.D Obituary February 20, 2025 - Cress Funeral and Cremation Services
View Ann Carol Palmenberg, Ph.D's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.
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Nate Sherer @natesherer.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Sad to share news of the loss of a virology legend after a long battle with cancer. We will miss you dearly, Ann Palmenberg. www.cressfuneralservice.com/obituaries/a...
cressfuneralservice.com
Ann Carol Palmenberg, Ph.D Obituary February 20, 2025 - Cress Funeral and Cremation Services
View Ann Carol Palmenberg, Ph.D's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.
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David Jurgens @davidjurgens.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
I'm grateful for the chance to write this and so impressed by all the amazing things scientists are doing in Central Illinois and the impact the NSF/NIH are having in my hometown. Many thanks to the folks at @sciencehomecoming.bsky.social for this initiave and all the resources to get started
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Sean Ryder @seanryderphd.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Taking a cue from @cantlonlab.bsky.social, I have written an op-ed for my local newspaper about the impact of the NIH funding chaos. I'd appreciate it if you read and share. #NIH #Research #Science #Worcester www.telegram.com/story/opinio...
telegram.com
Opinion/Guest column: Gutting NIH a disaster in the marking for research, local economy
Less research equates to less business between the university and these Worcester companies, spreading the pain far beyond campus borders.
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Science Homecoming @sciencehomecoming.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Neuroscientist Sarah Heilbronner is a proud product of Martin County schools in Florida 🌴. However, federal budget cuts threaten important work she's doing in brain research. 🧪🏠 @srheilbronner.bsky.social www.tcpalm.com/story/opinio...
tcpalm.com
Federal budget cuts threaten the work of neuroscientist with Martin County roots | Opinion
Sarah Heilbronner is a proud product of Martin County schools. However, federal budget cuts threaten important work she's doing in brain research.
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