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ScienceUpFirst

@scienceupfirst.bsky.social

An initiative of the Canadian Association of Science Centres. We are a broad networks of experts and researchers addressing misinformation on social media in clear and creative ways. Consult our referenced posts and vetted resources: ScienceUpFirst.com

726 Followers  |  83 Following  |  185 Posts  |  Joined: 28.11.2024  |  1.8408

Latest posts by scienceupfirst.bsky.social on Bluesky


A light yellow and green checkerboard background. A tablet in the centre. Text in graphic: "Trying to cut back on your screen time? Skip the ‘social media detox’ – Try these 5 evidence-based tips instead." #ScienceUpFirst

A light yellow and green checkerboard background. A tablet in the centre. Text in graphic: "Trying to cut back on your screen time? Skip the ‘social media detox’ – Try these 5 evidence-based tips instead." #ScienceUpFirst

What’s your average screen time? ⏳

You may have seen bold claims about the benefits of a "social media detox". But the evidence is mixed. Like most habits, reshaping your relationship with your phone takes time and effort.

Check out these evidence-based tips👇
scienceupfirst.com/mental-healt...

24.02.2026 17:06 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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It’s okay to be surprised when snow doesn’t behave the way we expect. That doesn’t mean it’s fake. ❄️

Asking questions and looking deeper often reveals a simple explanation. Read more here 👇
scienceupfirst.com/misinformati...

#ScienceUpFirst

23.02.2026 16:01 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Online, misinformation about birth control is everywhere, which opportunists then exploit through fear.

You deserve care that listens to your experiences and is backed by solid evidence.👇

scienceupfirst.com/sexual-healt...

#ScienceUpFirst @pwhrcanada.bsky.social

18.02.2026 20:35 — 👍 5    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
A purple background. White bold text reads: "Are you up to speed oil how artificial intelligence is affecting our sexual health and rights? Let's dial in!"

A purple background. White bold text reads: "Are you up to speed oil how artificial intelligence is affecting our sexual health and rights? Let's dial in!"

AI is in every aspect of our lives—even our sexual health! 🧐

Get ready for the AI future by taking the SexPlus Trivia Challenge to:
-Test your knowledge
-Uncover truths
-Break through barriers that keep us from knowing more.

Take the quiz at www.sexplusweek.ca

#ScienceUpFirst

17.02.2026 16:56 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Shout out to the sci comm fam! 🔥

Let us know who your favourite science accounts are!

11.02.2026 19:11 — 👍 19    🔁 4    💬 2    📌 0
A vintage textbook style illustration with halftone earth on the top and bottom. Text in graphic: "Yes, it's cold outside. Yes global warming is still real. Read the caption to learn more." #ScienceUpFirst

A vintage textbook style illustration with halftone earth on the top and bottom. Text in graphic: "Yes, it's cold outside. Yes global warming is still real. Read the caption to learn more." #ScienceUpFirst

Some people use cold snaps and big winter storms as ‘evidence’ that the world isn’t warming. But global warming – or, more broadly, climate change – is about more than hot weather. 🌨️

👇 scienceupfirst.com/climate/glob...

#ScienceUpFirst

09.02.2026 20:27 — 👍 28    🔁 11    💬 0    📌 0
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Correlation does NOT equal causation. Just because two lines move together on a graph does not mean that one causes the other. More on this in today’s video.

For more critical thinking resources: tinyurl.com/SUFCriticalThinking

#ScienceUpFirst #LaSciencedAbord #TogetherAgainstMisinformation

05.02.2026 17:12 — 👍 5    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
An upside down wine glass is shown on the right side of the slide. The left side of the slide reads: “No amount of alcohol is good for your health. Research doesn't support the idea that alcohol benefits your health. Major health organizations agree that there is no amount of alcohol that can be considered "healthy".”

An upside down wine glass is shown on the right side of the slide. The left side of the slide reads: “No amount of alcohol is good for your health. Research doesn't support the idea that alcohol benefits your health. Major health organizations agree that there is no amount of alcohol that can be considered "healthy".”

For years, many of us heard that “a glass of wine a day” was good for your health. We now know that isn’t true.

How do we know that? 👇
scienceupfirst.com/nutrition/no...

This post was made in collaboration between @camhnews.bsky.social and @scienceupfirst.bsky.social

02.02.2026 21:23 — 👍 20    🔁 10    💬 1    📌 1

Rather trying to warn. We have another post coming very soon about what is a healthy amount of alcohol to consume. Spoiler alert: research suggests that even consuming small amounts can have negative impacts and there doesn't seem to be any health benefits to it.

29.01.2026 20:40 — 👍 0    🔁 0    💬 1    📌 0
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Pregnant?
Getting the Tdap vaccine is the best way to protect you and your baby against pertussis (whooping cough).

Learn more about pertussis: tinyurl.com/PertussisInP...

This post was made in collaboration between (@Immunize.ca) and (@ScienceUpFirst)

27.01.2026 17:01 — 👍 5    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
A stack of textbooks and graduation cap on the left. Text: "Some people use a journal’s impact factor as proof that an article must be trustworthy. But even high–impact factor journals can publish flawed or harmful work.Impact factors are not a measure of journal quality, but a measure of influence. "

A stack of textbooks and graduation cap on the left. Text: "Some people use a journal’s impact factor as proof that an article must be trustworthy. But even high–impact factor journals can publish flawed or harmful work.Impact factors are not a measure of journal quality, but a measure of influence. "

Impact factors get brought up sometimes in scientific debates, but many people are not familiar with what they mean.

Learn more about impact factors, and what they can – and can't! – tell you about a journal here. 👇
scienceupfirst.com/science-101/...

#ScienceUpFirst

26.01.2026 15:34 — 👍 9    🔁 5    💬 0    📌 0
Five wine glasses in the middle. Text: "Binge drinking is excessive consumption of alcohol in a short period"

Five wine glasses in the middle. Text: "Binge drinking is excessive consumption of alcohol in a short period"

The amount for what is considered binge drinking, which is tied to many health risks, might surprise you.

For more information see our site: scienceupfirst.com/lifestyle-be...

#ScienceUpFirst

22.01.2026 17:45 — 👍 7    🔁 4    💬 2    📌 0
What is the scientific consensus? 

Scientific consensus 
The collective position experts share after repeatedly testing and reviewing the full body of evidence available.

It is not a matter of opinions, preferences, or beliefs.

What is the scientific consensus? Scientific consensus The collective position experts share after repeatedly testing and reviewing the full body of evidence available. It is not a matter of opinions, preferences, or beliefs.

Reaching a consensus about where you and your friends should eat on Friday night is not the same as reaching a scientific consensus.

Scientific consensus takes a lot of time and effort, and not every subject currently has one.

Learn more here👇
scienceupfirst.com/science-101/...

#ScienceUpFirst

21.01.2026 16:49 — 👍 20    🔁 7    💬 0    📌 1
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Flu season is still in effect | ScienceUpFirst Even healthy people can be hospitalized, and in Canada, influenza and pneumonia are among the top 10 causes of death.

The flu can be dangerous, do you know how to protect yourself in the best way possible?

See our post on it here. scienceupfirst.com/public-healt...

#ScienceUpFirst

20.01.2026 17:54 — 👍 13    🔁 2    💬 1    📌 0
A grey background of medical masks with a red stop sign shape on top. Text in graphic: "This flu season is bad. Swipe to see what's normal and when you should seek care." #ScienceUpFirst

A grey background of medical masks with a red stop sign shape on top. Text in graphic: "This flu season is bad. Swipe to see what's normal and when you should seek care." #ScienceUpFirst

Flu is high right now, and this year H3N2 is spreading fast. Most people hospitalized because of the flu are not vaccinated.

Even if the vaccine isn’t a perfect match, it still helps reduce severe illness and hospitalization.

👉 scienceupfirst.com/public-healt...

#ScienceUpFirst

19.01.2026 20:56 — 👍 5    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0
A mustard yellow background with a line of pills at the top. Text in graphic: " No. “Big Pharma” is not withholding effective cancer cures to profit off existing treatments. We explain everything here" #ScienceUpFirst

A mustard yellow background with a line of pills at the top. Text in graphic: " No. “Big Pharma” is not withholding effective cancer cures to profit off existing treatments. We explain everything here" #ScienceUpFirst

There’s no secret cancer cure being hidden by “Big Pharma.”

Cancer research is global, complex, and driven by people who dedicate their lives to helping patients.

Learn why this myth doesn’t hold up here
👉 scienceupfirst.com/misinformati...

#ScienceUpFirst

15.01.2026 17:20 — 👍 23    🔁 7    💬 1    📌 0
A graphic of a stomach fills the image with text over top that says: "Your gut does not need to be "cleansed" of toxic buildup. #ScienceUpFirst"

A graphic of a stomach fills the image with text over top that says: "Your gut does not need to be "cleansed" of toxic buildup. #ScienceUpFirst"

There is no toxic buildup in your intestine, because…

• There’s a regular turnover of your intestine lining.
• Your body is built to effectively neutralize and eliminate toxins.

Read more 👇
www.scienceupfirst.com/project/your...

#ScienceUpFirst

12.01.2026 21:39 — 👍 10    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
A scrapbook style page in a notebook. Text in graphic: 2026. Ins: Asking yourself, “Hmm, is this accurate?”. Being able to say “I don’t know, let me do some research on that”. Checking credentials and multiple sources. Learning about the different misinformer tactics. Nuance. Starting conversations with “I’m open to changing my mind…”. Outs: Sharing articles after only reading the headline, Fully trusting AI summaries, Thinking others fall for misinfo but not you, Only counting on social media for news, Putting ideology over evidence, Trusting charisma over expertise.

A scrapbook style page in a notebook. Text in graphic: 2026. Ins: Asking yourself, “Hmm, is this accurate?”. Being able to say “I don’t know, let me do some research on that”. Checking credentials and multiple sources. Learning about the different misinformer tactics. Nuance. Starting conversations with “I’m open to changing my mind…”. Outs: Sharing articles after only reading the headline, Fully trusting AI summaries, Thinking others fall for misinfo but not you, Only counting on social media for news, Putting ideology over evidence, Trusting charisma over expertise.

In 2026 it’s cool to care. Myth busting and critical thinking are the in thing. But relying on AI answers, charming personalities and other less than accurate sources are all out baby!

Check out our site for more “in” tips on spotting misinformation.
www.ScienceUpFirst.com

#ScienceUpFirst

07.01.2026 17:24 — 👍 3    🔁 1    💬 0    📌 0

#PWHRCanada

06.01.2026 21:17 — 👍 1    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Our team is taking a short break over the next two weeks to recharge, reflect, and get ready for 2026

While we’re away, let us know the topics you would like us to cover in the new year. 👇

#ScienceUpFirst

18.12.2025 22:13 — 👍 7    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Two people looking frustrated with a turkey dinner on a dinner table and speech bubbles that aren't saying anything between them. Text in graphic: "Conversations on polarizing topics can often be challenging and can quickly become unproductive. Here are a few evidence-based tips we have found to be helpful." #ScienceUpFirst

Two people looking frustrated with a turkey dinner on a dinner table and speech bubbles that aren't saying anything between them. Text in graphic: "Conversations on polarizing topics can often be challenging and can quickly become unproductive. Here are a few evidence-based tips we have found to be helpful." #ScienceUpFirst

Talking about polarizing topics can be difficult. Regardless of who the conversation is with it’s better for everyone if it goes positively.

Here are a few tips to help you get through these difficult discussions.😵‍💫

www.scienceupfirst.com/project/our-...

#ScienceUpFirst

18.12.2025 17:48 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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Does it feel like there are difficult conversations hiding around every corner this month?

We know this can be a stressful time of year and we wanted to give you a few tips to hopefully help make it easier.

Happy holidays from the team at #ScienceUpFirst

17.12.2025 20:16 — 👍 2    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
Large bolded text on a teal background reads: “SHOULD YOU GO HERE TO THE HOSPITAL? Kids Edition” Under a flag that says “Start here” there is a question that asks “Does your child have a fever?” with three different options branching out and leading to more decisions.

Large bolded text on a teal background reads: “SHOULD YOU GO HERE TO THE HOSPITAL? Kids Edition” Under a flag that says “Start here” there is a question that asks “Does your child have a fever?” with three different options branching out and leading to more decisions.

Deciding whether or not to go to the ER with your child is stressful.

We've broken down key factors for you to look for in this decision tree, we hope it alleviates some of your stress. 👇
scienceupfirst.com/kids-health/...

#ScienceUpFirst

15.12.2025 20:58 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
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TikTok can be fun, but when it comes to cancer advice, a lot of what you see can be unsafe or unreliable. Let’s clear some things up 👇

#ScienceUpFirst

11.12.2025 14:51 — 👍 5    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
Six red flags in the centre, each one has a warning sign. There's a magnifying glass in the upper right. Text in the graphic: "Trusted Health Source Starting to Feel Off? 6 Signs A Source Is Unreliable. Breaks from broad expert consensus. Uses studies or data in a selective or misleading way. Ignores corrections or credible scientific criticism. Uses ideological or politicized language. Keeps moving the goalposts. Asking for impossible proof or proof of a negative” #ScienceUpFirst

Six red flags in the centre, each one has a warning sign. There's a magnifying glass in the upper right. Text in the graphic: "Trusted Health Source Starting to Feel Off? 6 Signs A Source Is Unreliable. Breaks from broad expert consensus. Uses studies or data in a selective or misleading way. Ignores corrections or credible scientific criticism. Uses ideological or politicized language. Keeps moving the goalposts. Asking for impossible proof or proof of a negative” #ScienceUpFirst

Science is built on many voices, not one institution.

A single surprising statement, even from a familiar or historically trusted source, doesn’t replace the wider consensus.

But how to gauge reliability?👇
scienceupfirst.com/misinformati...

#ScienceUpFirst

10.12.2025 18:14 — 👍 4    🔁 2    💬 0    📌 0
A night sky cityscape with shooting stars. Text in the graphic: "The sun is setting by 5PM. That's tough on a lot of us. Here are some evidence-based approaches to managing seasonal depression." #ScienceUpFirst

A night sky cityscape with shooting stars. Text in the graphic: "The sun is setting by 5PM. That's tough on a lot of us. Here are some evidence-based approaches to managing seasonal depression." #ScienceUpFirst

Every year, as the days get shorter and darker, some people will experience seasonal depression.

Learn about what can help and what won’t help with seasonal depression symptoms here 🌨️
www.scienceupfirst.com/project/the-...

#ScienceUpFirst

09.12.2025 21:12 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
The text at the top reads “Red Herring.” There are multiple items shown with a background that has a colour palette ranging from burgundy red to creamy white, passing through silver grey. Some of the pictures include black and white stiletto shoes, a black hat, a silver fish, some beige gloves, a red camera, a black hand bag, and a woman in a black attire and a beige coat. The text underneath reads “Misinformer tactics mood board.”

The text at the top reads “Red Herring.” There are multiple items shown with a background that has a colour palette ranging from burgundy red to creamy white, passing through silver grey. Some of the pictures include black and white stiletto shoes, a black hat, a silver fish, some beige gloves, a red camera, a black hand bag, and a woman in a black attire and a beige coat. The text underneath reads “Misinformer tactics mood board.”

What if different misinformation tactics came with different moods and styles?

What would cherry picking look like? What about an appeal to nature? Check out this post to see them all!

👉 scienceupfirst.com/misinformati...

#ScienceUpFirst

08.12.2025 16:07 — 👍 6    🔁 1    💬 1    📌 0
A dark blue background with an angry red emoji swearing in the centre. Some text above and below the emoji reads: “The Oxford word of 2025 is rage bait. Read why this misinformer tactic is so popular in the caption.” #ScienceUpFirst

A dark blue background with an angry red emoji swearing in the centre. Some text above and below the emoji reads: “The Oxford word of 2025 is rage bait. Read why this misinformer tactic is so popular in the caption.” #ScienceUpFirst

Did you know that misinformation on the internet and social media often plays on your emotions to go viral?

Rage bait can hinder our critical thinking. Read more on that and how to protect yourself here 👇 www.scienceupfirst.com/project/misi...

#ScienceUpFirst

04.12.2025 17:55 — 👍 14    🔁 6    💬 0    📌 0
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Ever find yourself watching something on social media and wondering if you’ve been transported to another universe?

In honour of the Stranger Things season 5 premiere we made a video of the Upside Down…except it’s a wellness influencer.

#ScienceUpFirst

27.11.2025 16:32 — 👍 3    🔁 0    💬 0    📌 0
A layered, rainbow-coloured pyramid, with each layer tied to a different part of the hierarchy of evidence. Text in graphic: "The Hierarchy of Evidence: Risk of Bias, Systematic Review/Meta Analysis, Randomised Controlled Trials, Cohort Studies, Case Control Studies, Case Series/Reports, Editorials/Expert Opinion. Not all evidence is the same. #ScienceUpFirst

A layered, rainbow-coloured pyramid, with each layer tied to a different part of the hierarchy of evidence. Text in graphic: "The Hierarchy of Evidence: Risk of Bias, Systematic Review/Meta Analysis, Randomised Controlled Trials, Cohort Studies, Case Control Studies, Case Series/Reports, Editorials/Expert Opinion. Not all evidence is the same. #ScienceUpFirst

Did you know that not all scientific evidence has the same weight?

The more the study relies on an expert's opinion, rather than many data points and peer-review, the higher the risk of bias.

🔺https://www.scienceupfirst.com/project/hierarchy-of-evidence/

#ScienceUpFirst

26.11.2025 17:41 — 👍 31    🔁 11    💬 2    📌 0

@scienceupfirst is following 20 prominent accounts