Michael Pollard
@kmichaelpollard.bsky.social
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📥 188
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Assoc. Prof Scripps Research working on how non-biological exposures lead to autoimmunity.
Some call cricket a boring, complex, and, for the 5 days of test cricket, a ridiculously long game. But Garry Sobers could turn it into a glorious display of uncanny skills. He was pure magic. Vale Sir Garfield Sobers.
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Sir Garry Sobers obituary
Peerless West Indies cricketer who excelled at all aspects of the game
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/17/sir-garry-sobers-garfield-sobers-obituary?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
4 days ago
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He was a great actor but his own character was impeccable. Vale Sam Neill.
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7 days ago
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Some deaths really hurt. 😢
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Remembering our 'honorary Aussie' Sam Neill
Actor Sam Neill might have officially been a Kiwi but he did some of his best work in Australian film and television. At home on either side of the ditch, this is Sam Neill's story.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-13/sam-neill-remembered-obituary-honorary-australian/102963260
8 days ago
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Michael Pollard
Science Magazine
10 days ago
Hundreds of scientists who study cancer and aging have made an easily avoidable but significant mistake, deploying the wrong antibody to test for a key protein, according to a researcher who exposes errors in the biomedical literature. Learn more:
https://scim.ag/4wbc18V
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Michael Pollard
Jan Rosenow
10 days ago
My critics ran out of arguments. Latest attack: I’m bald. Guilty. Rather than hair transplant to hide my age (46), I spend the money on gym. 3 years ago I could barely pull 40kg. Here’s 180kg. Hair never helped anyone deadlift or do research. I’ll continue focusing on things that matter to me.
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Why am I not surprised. 🧪
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Scientists find no link between Tylenol and autism, again, after Trump warning
After Trump's claims, Tylenol usage dropped during pregnancies.
https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/07/trump-and-rfk-jr-still-wrong-about-tylenol-and-autism-another-study-finds/
18 days ago
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Michael Pollard
Kristian G. Andersen
20 days ago
Thanks to the Gates Foundation for their continued support of our environmental surveillance programs ⭐🙏. I can't tell you have critically important this is, given that federal support for this type of research has all but collapsed.
www.scripps.edu/news-and-eve...
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Scripps Research scientists awarded $2M to advance global disease surveillance
https://www.scripps.edu/news-and-events/press-room/2026/20260701-gates-foundation.html
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Michael Pollard
John C. Baez
23 days ago
The publisher Springer claims it can only discuss why it retracted Planck's paper with... Planck! But until they hold a seance, they are happy to sell you a completely redacted version: a blank page for $39.95.
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Michael Pollard
Max Kozlov
24 days ago
NIH grants have been under political scrutiny since early 2025. But what does the screening process actually look like? What is being flagged? I spent a month digging into leaked docs and emails. We've published the 235-word list that are being flagged by an internal AI tool. And so much more. 🧵
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Inside the new political screening that’s stalling NIH grants
Mandatory reviews by top health officials and checks for 235 disfavoured terms have left hundreds of vetted grant applications in administrative limbo.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01924-8
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Michael Pollard
Scripps Research
28 days ago
Scripps Research, in collaboration with
UC San Diego
and the Lowy Medical Research Institute, found in a new
Nature Neuroscience
study that while erucamide levels drop as photoreceptors begin to die, restoring the molecule activates cellular responses that support retinal stability.
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Newly identified molecule strengthens the eye’s response to damage in retinal disease
https://ow.ly/M68a50Zfmzk
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2-0 Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. Oi, Oi, Oi. 🎉🎉🎊💪
about 1 month ago
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This is such a sad but incredibly uplifting story. Richard Scolyer, a truly remarkable individual.
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'What a legacy': Pioneering researcher Richard Scolyer dies aged 59
The 2024 Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer has died. In his final message he urged all Australians to "pursue their dreams and passion with humility, love and compassion".
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-08/professor-richard-scolyer-dies-from-brain-cancer-aged-59/104442396?utm_source=abc_news_web&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_web
about 1 month ago
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Michael Pollard
Scripps Research
about 2 months ago
Congratulations to Scripps Research Professor Jin-Quan Yu, who has been elected to the Fellowship of
The Royal Society
, the U.K.’s national academy of sciences, for his pioneering work in synthetic organic chemistry and carbon–hydrogen (C–H) activation research. More:
https://ow.ly/GWJr50Z4TaP
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Scripps Research
about 2 months ago
We’re still celebrating the Skaggs Graduate School Class of 2026 🎓✨
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Prof Gavin Yamey
about 2 months ago
Oh. My. God. Y’all need to stop what you’re doing and give yourself the gift of watching this.
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Michael Pollard
Kristian G. Andersen
about 2 months ago
The Proximal Origin of the MV Hondius Andes virus outbreak.
virological.org/t/potential-...
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Potential geographical and ecological origin of the MV Hondius Andes virus outbreak
The recent outbreak aboard the MV Hondius caused by Andes virus raises two key questions [1]: (i) where do the outbreak genomes cluster geographically, and (ii) how can the phylogenetic signal be reco...
https://virological.org/t/potential-geographical-and-ecological-origin-of-the-mv-hondius-andes-virus-outbreak/1039
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"NIH director Jayanta Bhattacharya has said that the agency needs reform and must move away from ‘politicized’ science." Hmmm, what's in a word...............away or toward?
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2 months ago
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Science Magazine
2 months ago
Key human defenses against pathogens were forged billions of years ago in microbial battles with viruses. Learn more this week in Science:
https://scim.ag/3RTyCap
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"The situation is still murky." Just another example of the darkness enveloping NIAID and the NIH itself.
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2 months ago
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The final few seconds of the last episode (season 3) of Good Omens is the most appropriate ending for a TV series I've seen in quite a while. Terry with the universe in his glass.
2 months ago
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Michael Pollard
Tom Cox
2 months ago
Quick note to anyone thinking of buying my books: please purchase the new Swift Press versions, NOT the relatively small number of Unbound versions still knocking about, & being sold by OOINYA. Unbound stopped paying me for my work early in 2024 and I will never see a penny for these books.
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"mildly PCR positive." Mildly? Really!
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2 months ago
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An interesting mix of reflections on how self-doubt can impact a career in science. My career has been no different...it ain't an easy life choice. But self-doubt can be overcome. Imposter syndrome! Not so easily defeated. 🧪
2 months ago
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I love it when a book expands my understanding of scientific enquiry. The Jewel House is an amazing glimpse into the men and women of 16th century London and their contributions to the beginnings of the scientific revolution. 🧪
2 months ago
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Tom Cox
2 months ago
READ THIS BOOK:
bsky.app/profile/dj-a...
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Scripps Research has very smart, very productive faculty. One of them, Jeff Kelly, is a standout example of how to translate research into significant contributions to human health.
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2 months ago
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He's far more than just a hero to the Brits. His love and concern for everything on our planet has made him the epitome of what it means to be a unique individual.
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2 months ago
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"To some public health experts, the alarming thing about this situation is not the hantavirus ............. It is that the administration’s sluggish response and lack of communication suggest the United States is ill prepared for a larger health crisis, such as another pandemic." 🧪
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Hantavirus Response Shows How Trump Cuts Have Compromised U.S. Preparedness
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/07/health/hantavirus-americans-cdc.html?smid=bs-share
2 months ago
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Michael Pollard
The Guardian
2 months ago
‘The greatest ambassador for life on Earth’: Tributes paid to David Attenborough on his 100th birthday
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‘The greatest ambassador for life on Earth’: Tributes paid to David Attenborough on his 100th birthday
Naturalist says he has been ‘overwhelmed by greetings’ as milestone is marked with event at Royal Albert Hall David Attenborough said he had been “completely overwhelmed by birthday greetings” for his centenary on Friday and thanked wellwishers “most sincerely”. The naturalist said he had hoped to celebrate his 100th birthday quietly. Instead, the milestone will be marked with a live event at the Royal Albert Hall broadcast on BBC One, featuring music from his programmes as well as stories and reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world. In a recorded audio message shared on Thursday night, Attenborough said: “I had rather thought that I would celebrate my 100th birthday quietly, but it seems that many of you have had other ideas. Continue reading...
https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/may/08/david-attenborough-100th-birthday?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=bluesky&CMP=bsky_gu
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Another episode in The US CDC Versus Viruses.....one is very much present, the other is missing in action.
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What Happened on the Hantavirus Cruise, According to a Doctor on Board
A passenger helped manage the outbreak after the ship’s doctor on the MV Hondius fell ill.
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/2026/05/hantavirus-cruise-doctor/687095/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Jeremy Berg
3 months ago
Worth a read...
www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/nih-...
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The NIH director’s visit has only deepened my concerns about him
I expected scientific ignorance, right-wing pandering and victimisation claims from Jay Bhattacharya. I was not disappointed, says David Sanders
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/opinion/nih-directors-visit-has-only-deepened-my-concerns-about-him
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Scripps Research
3 months ago
New national rankings place
@scripps.edu
at #3 in the U.S. and #1 in the West in the inaugural 2026
#CureInnovationIndex
, recognizing top-performing biomedical institutes and centers that translate scientific discovery into real-world healthcare solutions. More:
ow.ly/sOUR50YSzUN
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Kristian G. Andersen
3 months ago
Dr. David Morens - who is 78 years old and served his country for nearly 50 years - used Gmail, which he shouldn't have done. However, "[he] was stripped and handcuffed [by] a half-dozen federal agents carrying guns and wearing tactical gear [..] and jailed".
www.science.org/content/arti...
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Guns and bulletproof vests: How federal agents arrested Fauci aide
David Morens, 78, was stripped and handcuffed for email violations
https://www.science.org/content/article/guns-and-bulletproof-vests-how-federal-agents-arrested-fauci-aide
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Scripps Research
3 months ago
Scripps Research Prof. Jin-Quan Yu has been elected to
@nasonline.org
, recognized for his pioneering work in C-H bond activation. His methodologies have simplified the construction and modification of complex molecules, with potential applications in medicine, agriculture and materials science.
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Michael Pollard
Scripps Research
3 months ago
Congrats to Scripps Research Professor Benjamin Cravatt on being named the 2026 laureate of the Emanuel Merck Lectureship, which recognizes his pioneering work in chemical biology, particularly in reactive proteomics and activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). More:
https://ow.ly/4tpU50YQRWm
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"Is there anything else I can help you with?" Yes, finding the lab EXIT sign.
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3 months ago
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Are we going for a walk? Please, please can we go for a walk.
3 months ago
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"Senator Bill Cassidy, the Republican chairman of the Senate health committee, asked about the author of the study; Mr. Kennedy gave him the author’s name. Later in the hearing, Mr. Cassidy produced the paper and told Mr. Kennedy he had taken it out of context." In other words, he lied.
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Kennedy Says His Department Advises All Children to Get Measles Vaccine
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/22/us/politics/kennedy-measles-vaccine.html?unlocked_article_code=1.dVA.fgfr.YhIdz-osnzlo&smid=bs-share
3 months ago
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This is a rare event..Maggie with a paw resting on Finnigan. Such tenderness. Or is it? Fin no doubt is enjoying the attention. He loves dogs. But that look says Maggie was contemplating something more sinister.
3 months ago
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Scripps Research
3 months ago
🎓🌟 These six Scripps Research alumni have taken their training in many directions, from vaccine design and drug discovery to entrepreneurship, public service, and science advocacy, each making their own unique impact far beyond campus. More:
https://ow.ly/MaOp50YN9uX
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I've been watching Robbie Cumming's Canal Boat Diaries and his adventures on the Thames and it reminded me of Jerome K Jerome's little book. Life on the Thames in 1889 and 2025. You need a dog Robbie.
3 months ago
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Forgotten in a cool, dark place for far too long. No head when poured but, man, the richness of the flavors was excellent. Would have been wonderful if only I had remembered to open it earlier!
3 months ago
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Michael Pollard
🍁🇨🇦Team Canada Forever🇨🇦🍁
3 months ago
Charlie Kirk: “If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, boy, I hope he’s qualified.” Meet the pilot. 🧑🏾🚀🚀🌔💙🤘🏾✨
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Michael Pollard
Scripps Research
3 months ago
In
@usnews.com
’s 2026 Best Science Schools rankings, the Skaggs Graduate School ranked No. 1 in Biological Sciences and No. 7 in Chemistry, rising from No. 9 in Biological Sciences and reaffirming its strength in chemistry education. More:
ow.ly/qRgo50YGIqc
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Michael Pollard
Eric Topol
3 months ago
Pathetic. gift link
wapo.st/4ccudpF
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"the pandemic was an accident of mind-control bioweapons research" Yep, sounds believable to me. 🤪
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3 months ago
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Michael Pollard
Blue Wave
3 months ago
Dogs ❤️
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reposted by
Michael Pollard
Flo Débarre
3 months ago
In March, Matt Ridley gave the inaugural "Scientific Freedom Lecture" at NIH, on a lab leak origin of COVID-19. The talk was so full of misrepresentations, omissions, falsehoods and lies that I will need several blog posts to debunk it. Here's Part I:
pandemonium.hypotheses.org/995
🧪
#covidorigin
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Fact-checking Matt Ridley’s “Scientific Freedom Lecture” at NIH (Part I)
Matt Ridley, global warming skeptic and co-author with Alina Chan of a book promoting a lab origin of SARS-CoV-2, was invited by Jay Bhattacharya, the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NI...
https://pandemonium.hypotheses.org/995
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Michael Pollard
Scripps Research
4 months ago
In a new
@natchembio.nature.com
study, Scripps Research scientists report first-in-class compounds that block a key protein interaction in immune cells, reducing inflammatory signaling in autoimmune disease without compromising immune defense.
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Study shows new drug compounds dial down inflammation without compromising immunity
https://ow.ly/cp7H50YEzhy
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Study says economic value of grey-headed flying fox poo worth millions
Bats are often thought of as smelly, ugly and noisy, but a study has revealed the economic and ecological value of one Australian species's poo.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-04/economic-value-australian-grey-headed-flying-fox-bat-poo/106507002?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web
4 months ago
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