Mark Zervas, PhD

mRNA vaccines have been proven safe by the scientific and medical communities. Before use, they undergo extensive testing involving thousands of participants, monitored by regulatory agencies.

Once again, the anti-science movement impacts all of us. What will we do if there is a #BirdFlu pandemic?

Hi Dr. Beckman,
The article is not yet available via my university library. Can you provide a PDF copy?
Thanks,
Mark

It should be noted that a significant contributing factor to the anti-vaccination movement was the 1998 publication by A. Wakefield. The paper included a very small sample size & numerous problems, which are well-documented. The paper was later RETRACTED. Unfortunately, the damage has continued…

No worries and I didn’t take it that way. I follow your account and think you do a great job with engagement! Most importantly is for the scientific community to remain vigilant & I try to be a good advocate for life sciences. It may get frustrating at times, but I’m sure you make a real difference!

Hi Dr. Jacobs,
I completely agree and certainly have many concerns regarding the current state of science. But, I wanted to offer up a solution to the pressing issue you posed.
Mark

You can still use Europe PMC (europepmc.org), which includes BioRxiv preprints in searches.

It is not a political statement to note the fact that science enhances our well being, expands our knowledge of the world, and drives economic growth 🧪

Thanks for sharing Dr. Mack!

Congrats! I look forward to reading it this weekend. :)

Fantastic live album!

Thanks for sharing the article! I believe that reputable outlets, like The NY Times, should eliminate the paywall for articles written to broadly benefit the general public with helpful & timely information. It’s critical to keep engaging with well-written articles such Apoorva Mandavilli’s.

Unfortunate that the article is behind a paywall.

Mouse embryo at embryonic day 10.5 expressing fluorescent protein (green) under control of the Wnt1 gene. Arrow points to ventral mesencephalon (v. mes) with Wnt1-expressing progenitors that will become dopamine neurons of the adult Ventral Tegmental Area and Substantia Nigra. The rhombencephalon (rhom) contains progenitors that will become the hindbrain.

#FluorescentFriday

World Autism Day 2025! Research of complex neurological disorders including autism is necessary to continue to make advances.

World Autism Day 2025

Vaccines don’t cause autism.

Vaccines aren’t even associated with autism.

The biggest predictor of autism?
GENETICS.

We have decades of data and millions of data points that to show this.

This lie insults people with autism too — as if it’s an “adverse effect” of medicine.

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Providence Stands up for Science at Providence RI
#standupforscience @standupforscience.bsky.social

Brown University Faculty Stand up for Science at Providence RI
#standupforscience @standupforscience.bsky.social

Brown University Grad Students Stand up for Science at Providence RI
#standupforscience @standupforscience.bsky.social

Tell me there is no anti-science movement. In 2023, scientists gave the Nobel Prize to those who developed mRNA vaccines. This is how much we trust and believe in them. To have vaccines *BANNED* less than 2 years later can't have other intentions rather than just causing more sickness and suffering

Reminds me of 1970 Black Sabbath album cover.

We are experiencing an assault on science unparalleled by anything I’ve seen in my life. It’s not one issue or another anymore, the entire institution is under attack by the most powerful individuals in the country.

This Friday, where will you be?

standupforscience2025.org

For all of you who cannot access pubmed, here is a good alternative:
europepmc.org

Happy Microscope Monday!
Stem cell derived neurons (green) and nuclei (blue)

Dr. Beckman,
It’s a difficult time to be a scientist, but it’s critical that talented folks (such as yourself) don’t abandon the commitment to communicate effectively with the public. Your explanation of complex scientific ideas & providing images is powerful!
I look forward to your posts :)
Mark

In honor of today’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science, The Transmitter spoke with eight women neuroscientists leading initiatives that strive to promote women in the field.

www.thetransmitter.org/qa/how-eight...

#WomenInScience #February11

International Day of Women and Girls in Science | United Nations The purpose of the day is to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.

Acknowledging the 10th anniversary of the “International Day of Women and Girls in Science”

www.un.org/en/observanc...

www.thetransmitter.org/qa/how-eight...

Trump Killed a Major Report on Nature. They’re Trying to Publish It Anyway. (Gift Article) The first full draft of the assessment, on the state of America’s land, water and wildlife, was weeks from completion. The project leader called the study “too important to die.”

As I shared last week, the US's first National Nature Assessment has been shut down: but the authors, led by @phillevin.bsky.social, are determined to continue. Read more: www.nytimes.com/2025/02/10/c...

It is so heartbreaking when the anti-science movement affects the most vulnerable ones. Vaccine for measles saves millions of lives every year.

Here is a link and image of the original Wakefield article (1998) that falsely made the claim and caused much harm.
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...