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Paulina (they/them)

@wheelimm.bsky.social
361 followers 155 following 522 posts

Immunology PhD and multidisciplinary artist. Queer, non-binary, multiply disabled person living in unceded Treaty 13 territory (Tkaronto).

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Reposted by Paulina (they/them)
Gabrielle Peters @mssinenomine.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I am dealing with multiple health issues at the moment but I wrote something about today's announcement by Min of Justice re legislation to expand MAiD to allow for advance directives. mssinenomine.substack.com/p/canadas-ki...
mssinenomine.substack.com
Canada’s Killing Regime To Expand - Again
My Statement About Today’s Announcement Regarding MAiD for Advance Directives.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
As an Ontarian, I'm in the London Bridge camp.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Oof. Sending hugs and your drink of choice.
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Chise @sailorrooscout.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
WELL NOW, would you look at that? A massive, 4-YEAR-LONG study of NEARLY 30 MILLION people in France found that individuals who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine had a 74% LOWER risk of death from severe COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated individuals and ZERO increased risk of all-cause mortality.
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Reposted by Paulina (they/them)
Nick Pettigrew @nick-pettigrew.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
I'm convinced AI is our generation's radium - a discovery with genuinely useful applications in specific, controlled circumstances that we stupidly put in everything from kid's toys to toothpaste until we realised the harm far too late where future generations will ask if we were out of our minds.
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Kayli Jamieson @wanderingkayli.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Excited for the hybrid Long COVID Web Symposium in 2 weeks at UBC! I’ll be presenting on our photovoice exhibition, and on a virtual care access guidebook in a lightning talk and poster. Register here: www.longcovidweb.ca/events/2026-...
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Reposted by Paulina (they/them)
Jeff Doctor @jeff.doctor · 30/09/2026
If Canadians are serious about "Truth and Reconciliation", they should stop supporting Israel's livestreamed genocide of Palestinians. It's hard to take Canadians seriously when they can't even acknowledge the basic truth that from Turtle Island to Palestine, colonization is a crime.
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J. Offir, PhD @joffirphd.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
A new study "linked 2.3 million new cancer cases to an infection. Most were caused by just five pathogens: Helicobacter pylori (4%), human papillomavirus, or HPV (4%), hepatitis B (2%), Epstein-Barr virus (1%) and hepatitis C (under 1%). These infections can... theconversation.com/one-in-eight...
theconversation.com
One in eight cancers are likely caused by an infection worldwide – new study
Four viruses and one bacteria were responsible for 12% of the world’s cancer cases in 2024. Does this mean they’re preventable?
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The Evil Dr. Joanna and Her Two Giant Demon Dogs @jlphistory.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
One thing that infuriated me when I was on strike was how the media and social media would present striking workers as being the problem and the poor innocent employer as just wanting to do what was right for everyone. Only workers have agency, the university was innocent. 🙃🙃🙃
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Jeff Doctor @jeff.doctor · 29/09/2026
funny how proponents of Bill C-22 aren't saying they need increased surveillance powers to fight white supremacy 🤔
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Oooh, proper pressure is so important. When I moved in with spouse, I brought my own handheld shower head, and it made such a huge difference, particularly since I bought a longer hose which was needed because the provided one by the apartment ... was not fit for purpose.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Oooh! Not me getting all distracted by the Hiedelberg press photos in her wiki article.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
So very you!
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Paris Marx @parismarx.com · 24/09/2026
Just when I think I can’t hate OpenAI and Sam Altman any more, new details come out about how ChatGPT helped a shooter plan one of the worst mass shootings in Canadian history in Tumbler Ridge, BC. OpenAI made an explicit decision not to report the user to authorities.
motherjones.com
ChatGPT helped the Tumbler Ridge school shooter focus on guns, tactics, and terror, our investigation reveals
OpenAI’s chatbot fed the shooter’s violent fantasies and planning up to the massacre.
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Jeff Doctor @jeff.doctor · 24/09/2026
I thought for sure that Carney would use this case as an excuse to push Bill C-22, but this story shows that surveillance bill wouldn't have made a difference. OpenAI already had the capability to track and then report this, and just... didn't. "Cops need lawful access to keep us safe" is bullshit.
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The Evil Dr. Joanna and Her Two Giant Demon Dogs @jlphistory.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"Business groups, however, were favourable." it's \not that hard to avoid strikes. For example, flight attendants wouldn't have gone on strike if they were paid for all the hours they work in the first place. But ok, talk about how unions have "responsibilities" to end strikes but not businesses.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Woo well done! We are on an organizing kick spurred by getting a 3D printer and printing all the organizing things, and feels so good.
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Ashley ShooOOOooo @ashleyshoo.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
It’s my bookaversary — 3 yrs since Against Technoableism launched! Thanks to editors of @wwnorton.com + special shout-out to their art dept for such a fun and fitting cover. Available in paperback ($12), audiobook, and ebook! wwnorton.com/books/978132...
bookshop.org
Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement
When bioethicist and professor Ashley Shew became a self-described "hard-of-hearing chemobrained amputee with Crohn's disease and tinnitus," there was no returning to "normal." Suddenly well-meaning p...
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Makes sense. It is still a significant factor for me, but also complicated by having multiple GI disorders and allergies.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Since that target keeps moving, being adventurous with a system means I can keep having options that make eating while travelling or experiencing flares is always possible.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I definitely have ARFID, peer diagnosed, but also just came back from picking up a massive amount of new and very far from my Ukrainian childhood diet. But alternatively, having practised trying new foods to keep as large as possible a variety of foods that meet my sensory and dietary criteria.
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Usdi Crittenden @lilusdi.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
It's very funny meeting much of the criteria for arfid while also being an extremely adventurous eater
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I have a hand towel sized microfiber towel in my 3L minimum bag for leaving the house for anything beyond walking Lou, and as a wheelchair user, it is absolutely necessary to have dry hands and nothing short of towels work.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Syringes that are commonly available are 1mL or larger, and so trying to inject too small a volume makes it more likely that you don't deliver enough antigen/pathogen depending on the vaccine to actually elicit the desired immune response.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Not only would this not be sufficient to mount an immune response that is neutralizing (stops infection from the pathogen the vaccine is for), but it also is only a tiny fraction of the 0.5mL is antigen or pathogen, but you don't want to be vaccinating with a volume too small.
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Reposted by Paulina (they/them)
J. Offir, PhD @joffirphd.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
It's like Trump & RFK have a list titled "Bad Ideas the Public Might Go For" & they're just working through it. Trump said yesterday the regime "is planning to recommend that certain childhood immunizations be broken up into five separate shots, each with a 'small... 🧵 www.cnn.com/2026/09/18/h...
cnn.com
Trump says some routine immunizations will be split into five separate shots. Vaccine experts say it won’t work | CNN
President Donald Trump said Friday that his administration is planning to recommend that certain childhood immunizations be broken up into five separate shots, each with a “small amount of the vaccine...
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J. Offir, PhD @joffirphd.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Interesting new work on why some folks have a harder time handling mRNA vaccines than other people do. (I can't do them at all anymore; hoo, boy.) www.technologynetworks.com/tn/news/why-...
technologynetworks.com
Why Do Some People Feel Worse After A Vaccine?
People with stronger baseline interferon responses were more likely to experience pronounced vaccine side effects. A second dose may amplify innate immune activity, according to the researchers of a n...
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Reposted by Paulina (they/them)
J. Offir, PhD @joffirphd.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Folks, please get vaxxed or check your measles titers, if you aren't sure you got 2 doses or were born b/t 1963-1967 (when a less effective, killed vax was used for a bit). An unvaxxed passenger "rode across the country" on trains & Amtrak buses & is now hospitalized. www.ktvu.com/news/califor...
ktvu.com
California health department notifies of measles exposure from unvaccinated Amtrak passenger
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging residents to get their measles vaccination after notifying the public of an exposure from an Amtrak passenger who traveled on the rail syste...
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Reposted by Paulina (they/them)
J. Offir, PhD @joffirphd.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Yet another reason to get your MMR vaccine. (Stuff does, uh, happen at SDSU.) "As of Sept. 18, five confirmed and probable cases have been identified, all among student athletes on a single team." "Mumps is a contagious viral illness that spreads easily... www.countynewscenter.com/county-confi...
countynewscenter.com
County Confirms Mumps Outbreak at San Diego State University
County Public Health Services (PHS) has confirmed a mumps outbreak at San Diego State University (SDSU) and is coordinating with school leadership on notifications to the campus community.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I am reasonably certain I can regulate at least a handful of related industries, based on education and life experience with healthcare, both with regard to running hospitals, pharmacare, DME and transit.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
May you get the sleep stick back. I am winding down for bed - today has been a time. Such a busy day. Did 2x my pushing target, got to see two contra friends, ride on a new transit line (level boarding, nice stations with bathrooms, including a self-contained decent accessible bathroom.
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Reposted by Paulina (they/them)
J. Offir, PhD @joffirphd.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
🚨🚨 Now there are *two* days left to comment. If you're American & care about vaccine access, please do - by Sunday! The article below (no paywall) walks readers through why this is so important, & how to submit a comment - it specifically names parents,... 🧵 www.cidrap.umn.edu/childhood-va...
cidrap.umn.edu
CIDRAP Op-Ed: HHS is asking what to call vaccine recommendations. You have 4 days to weigh in.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
So hecking cute! Worth it!
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Rizatriptan mostly works for me, but sometimes I need to throw the whole cabinet at it, which includes rizatriptan, ondasetron, Cefaly, plus other pain meds as adjuncts.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
That is a really interesting set of parallels. It is fascinating how much medicine is still rooted in similar principles.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
*rapid blinking of a confused macrophage immunologist* That's some impressive confidently wrong bullshit. On vaccines, on COVID pathology, on atherosclerosis and on the pathophysiology of MIs.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
L'shana tovah!
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
BC, AB, ON, QC, NS, NL for me.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Right there with you.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Lou is 11, and I'm right there with you.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Thanks. There is so much to balance as a multiply disabled person, and particularly living in an affordable accessible apartment which means a lot of concessions because of conflicting access needs of all sorts.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Yup. Having fought to breathe while on a CPAP, I do not recommend. It is in so many ways a case of tradeoffs all the way down. Living here means access to a first floor apartment, which is huge with the state of the elevator tech shortage as a wheelchair user, but has unfortunate knockon effects.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I do, but it doesn't work with my BiPAP mask and the amount of sensory nope it results in. The joy of pick your cardiac risk factor: light, or hypoxia. Got to love living in affordable housing. /s
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
It really underscores the eugenics bent of institutional culture in states like Florida, because saving a few dollars is more important than making sure kids are safe at school.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
It truly boggles me, as someone who runs a grassroots disability dance organization, which not only chooses accessible venues, but provides a range of accessibility supports from ASL interpreting, to N95 masks because they are necessary for our community to participate in our programming.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
It is very clear that their position is keeping kids safe from a known, high risk unpredictable deadly threat is not necessary, and in fact a waste of money. It is perverse to have schools so underfunded that they don't have nurses or even the capacity to be nut free in terms of cafeteria purchases.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I am allergic to sulphites, which are top 10 in Canada and the EU, but not in the US, which developed as an adult during my immunology PhD. Even so, it was stressful to visit the US despite having an Epipen and all the relevant knowledge. Making toddlers and children responsible for that is not ok.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Even worse news if you are a wheelchair user, whose bedroom blinds don't actually block light from the illuminated courtyard. In my old apartment, the window allowed blocking it by adding curtains, but in this apartment the windows are recessed and two stories tall and it hasn't been possible yet.
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
It really is best, so here for your trans flag inspired outfit!
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Paulina (they/them) @wheelimm.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Particularly as someone who mostly worked with mouse brains, of which you can fit multiple sections on one standard size slide (75 x 25mm), the scale though understandable was just stunning to hold in hand. Such precious gifts that make such a difference for other people living with MS.
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