Abril Herrera

Her journey isn’t over, and many others are still fighting to reclaim their lives from Long Covid.

Let’s keep talking about this. My thoughts are with all those still in the battle.

#LongCovid #MECFS #ScienceCommunication #PhysicsGirl

YouTube video by Physics Girl Dianna stands for the first time in 2 years!

Covid didn’t just affect the "vulnerable"—it changed lives in ways many still refuse to acknowledge.

But after incredible support from her husband and friends, Dianna just took her first steps in two years. A huge milestone.
youtube.com/shorts/2ntx9...

Dianna caught Covid in 2022 during her honeymoon. Since then, she’s faced severe illness, leading to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS).

She went from sharing the wonders of science to being bedridden, unable to enjoy her life for nearly two years.

YouTube video by Physics Girl What Schrödinger’s cat REALLY means

If you love science communication, you should check out DiannaCowern ( @PhysicsGirl on YouTube).
youtu.be/Q8bn-NXgOOk?...

Her videos are fun and full of physics joy. But I later learned through @joescott.bsky.social that she’s been battling something far bigger than science experiments: Long Covid.

Impacts of daily household activities on indoor particulate and NO2 concentrations; a case study from oxford UK This study explores indoor air pollutant (PM1, PM2.5 and NO2) concentrations over a 15-week period during the COVID-19 pandemic in a typical suburban household in Oxford, UK. A multi-room intensive mo...

Read the paper here
tinyurl.com/2s3urfjc

At WM-Net Zero we are working on actionable solutions to improve indoor environments.

Follow our journey here on Bluesky (@WMNetZero) as we explore how to make every breath a healthier one. 🌿 #IndoorAirQuality #ScienceForHealth

Why does this matter?

Long-term exposure to indoor air pollution can harm our respiratory and cardiovascular health.

This study highlights the urgent need for better ventilation, cleaner appliances, and simple behaviour changes to safeguard our health. 🌬️💡

Shockingly, indoor NO₂ levels in the kitchen were consistently higher than outdoor air—even in a city with significant air quality challenges like Oxford.

Poor ventilation amplified these effects, particularly in upstairs rooms converted into home offices. 🏢⬆️

The results? Eye-opening.

Cooking—especially with gas stoves—was a major culprit, causing sharp spikes in pollutants. One frying session sent particulate matter levels soaring over WHO guidelines.

Even simple tasks like printing raised pollution in enclosed spaces. 🍳🖨️

During the pandemic, we spent unprecedented amounts of time indoors. This study, conducted in a suburban home in Oxford, monitored air quality over 3 months to understand how everyday activities impact pollutants like PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and NO₂. 🤔

a picture of a dog with the words what 's that smell written below it ALT: a picture of a dog with the words what 's that smell written below it

Hi everyone, I'm thrilled to kick off this space!

Ever thought about what’s really in the air inside your home?

Let me share some insights from the recent work on indoor air pollutants from my colleagues of @wmnetzero.bsky.social 🏠🌬️

Happy to join the next one (going to a sunnier country on that date)!