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Lzvolk

@lzvolk.bsky.social

1K followers 700 following 3.1K posts

Retired biologist (pathology). Living in an intellectual desert, interested in everything. Citizen of Pangea. Aspie.

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Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · Mar 18

Things to consider: losing scientists in US means ⬇️ science projects begun & finished. ⬇️ publications by US scientists, ⬇️ opportunities for future scientists.
Science in this country will come to a halt. Public health & quality of life will ⬇️ & loss of life will ⬆️.
It’s our present & future.

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Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 1h

What this #govtshutdown is about: public health is being held hostage, and neither side trusts the other (with good reason).
The GOP wants the Dems to sign off on the bill now and negotiate later. We all know the GOP renigs/lies on most everything; who can blame the Dems for not trusting them?

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 1h

Sunday morning reading:
"But to most Americans, such tendentious bloviating falls on deaf ears."

I had to laugh at the irony of this statement. Why? Because most Americans don't know what "tendentious bloviating" means. 🙄😏

Democrats Still Haven't Learned Any Lessons

It is far from obvious what exactly Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries expect to accomplish as the shutdown barrels ahead toward its third week.

www.newsweek.com

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 22h

eDNA is finally taking off in a variety of fields. In 2016 few knew what it was, even (wildlife)biologists. eRNA is more inherently problematic (mentioned in thread 👇🏼). Hopefully that, too, shall advance.
The challenge might interest Eske Willerslev 😏

Kai Kupferschmidt @kakape.bsky.social · 1d

I am fascinated by how viruses evolve - and not just since #SARSCoV2 has shown us at the global stage how consequential virus evolution can be for us.
In my new story in @science.org I got to explore how researchers are probing deeper into the past with old RNA virus genome.
So a 🧪 thread…

On an Arctic archipelago, frozen soil may preserve a hidden history of viruses

Scientists are hunting for ancient RNA in Svalbard’s permafrost, hoping to shed light on the evolution of viral diseases

www.science.org

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 23h

In other words, RNA viruses are exposed to greater selective pressure, and evolves more/faster than DNA viruses?
I recall a brief discussion on this in my pathology class, albeit 1980’s. (When CoV’s were only 1/2 page in our textbook. 😏)

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 1d

Interesting! A very complex topic requiring a tome. Psychology is an integral component to put the biology into context.

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

We agree to disagree. I had to learn all this (aka the social games) because I was in academia, & a woman. I had to learn to mask & 'perform'. "Abrasiveness", etc can cost you promotions (I learned that first hand), even your job (happened multiple times to a fellow Asperger).

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

Normally I dislike colloquial phrases, but take great delight in the "Enshittocene" (and "enshittification").

Jennifer Ouellette @jenlucpiquant.bsky.social · 2d

Yes, everything online sucks now—but it doesn’t have to. Ars chats with Cory Doctorow about his new book "Enshittification.: arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025...

Yes, everything online sucks now—but it doesn’t have to

Ars chats with Cory Doctorow about his new book Enshittification.

arstechnica.com

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

Abbott is more a puppet. The string holder is conniving Ken Paxton; he's evil.
I lived in TX for 16 years, observing it's political/cultural climate. Ken Paxton is like the devil pulling strings on Abbott, Cruz, etc puppets. Religion is one of their major instruments; one big cult.

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

I propose it's both.

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Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

Perfect word to describe the online experience! My sister and I chatted about this 2 weeks ago (unaware of the term), both agreeing that AI has accelerated and exacerbated it. She's a prof accountant; she mentioned a website/program(?) she & her staff use that filters much of that shit out.

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

I wonder if the latter is bc I had to take 2 terms of technical writing & speech in undergrad. I was taught how to speak "correctly". In academia, presentation is paramount. But it's exhausting, & why I avoided teaching (strictly research). 2/2

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

Interesting! A trainer @ my gym (I suspect he's on Spectrum), repeats what others say but rearranged. I do too, but not always. My speech was delayed & I don't talk much. When I do there's a pause in my sentences while I subconsciously arrange words to convey thoughts (I was bullied for this). 1/2

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Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

Exactly. It took me 16 years to do that, even w/ family members. But now, living in the US and national tribalism with prejudice, it's back in the closet again.

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

It's a great opportunity to help increase public understanding of ND people (of all ages). BUT we need to be inclusive, not just another curiosity to showcase or patronize. We are real humans, too.

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

That's downgrades my respect for Canada. I thought they had their shit together more than this. Especially so close to US and learning from our mistakes (we never seem to, that's for sure).

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

Also, I hope, increase awareness that ADHD is another dot on the big ND Venn diagram board that may be different for most. ADHD is often co-morbid with autism, aphantasia, bipolar, severe anxiety, ODD, depression, etc.
Public perceptions are cookie-cutter based.

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

Depends on who's perspective. From the receiver, it equates with kindness, or so I was told.
I'm now 71 yo and still not adept at his social game. Which is why I like being around other NDs. It's not part of 'our' game.
It's also why I avoid talking to most NT women; they misconstrue too much.

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 2d

Doesn’t matter how big or small, old or young. Weight/resistance training should be in everyone’s schedule. As well as some form of cardiovascular work. Humans evolved around that.

Lot of scientists workout!
I wear my Scientists Who Lift t-shirts to the gym. Conversation starters 😏

Scientific Fitness Clothing | Scientists Who Lift

A scientific community of STEM scientists and medical professionals all dedicated to living a fit and healthy lifestyle. We provide fitness clothing that helps the community represent who they are!

www.scientistswholift.com

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Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 3d

Couple weeks ago I saw a parked Tesla Ugly Truck with a letter-sized paper taped to the back: "FU@K YOU MUSK!!" in big black lettering.
Wish I had my phone on me then. Or a marker to write "Right on!".

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 3d

Attention all #powerlifter and #Olympic lifters! We all know the deadlift rocks over the squat. It's in our genes. ;)

Dr. Sandra Steingraber 🏳️‍🌈 @ssteingraber1.bsky.social · 3d

POV: You’re a CrossFitter checking out the public art in Mexico City:

“Nice form, girl, but who took your barbell?”

#RomanianDeadlift

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Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 3d

As a former competitive powerlifter, this rocks!
T-shirt material, for sure ;)

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Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 3d

“It feels like getting hit by a car right after you’ve barely survived a train wreck.” - anonymous agricultural scientist.

I think a huge segment of the population are feeling this way, too. #USdystopia

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 7d

(went to 2 of his spoken word events in Dallas many years ago)

Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 7d

A bit overwhelmed with the insanity of the American Bullshit and now moving myself+ to a new place 2+ hours away.
Making sure I get workouts in amidst my personal and the national chaos. 🏋️🏃‍♀️ 😅

I'm reminded of Henry Rollins...... 😏

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Lzvolk @lzvolk.bsky.social · 7d

A few moments of human magical spirits that remind me of the good of our species.

That Preppy Black Girl @tmwillia.bsky.social · 9d

#AMomentofJoy
“La Bohème”