Natasha Loder
@natashaloder.bsky.social
Health Editor, The Economist.
#Science #medicine #health, aspiring optimist, omnivorous information eater, mother of dragons.
Free words at: Overmatter.substack.com
#Science #medicine #health, aspiring optimist, omnivorous information eater, mother of dragons.
Free words at: Overmatter.substack.com
Pinned
Natasha Loder
@natashaloder.bsky.social
· Mar 20
The dream of enhancing humanity is becoming a reality, with investments pouring into the human enhancement industry, aiming to make us stronger, smarter, and longer-lived. Notable investors like Christian Angermayer, Peter Thiel, Elon Musk are at the forefront #HumanEnhancement #TechRevolution
Reposted by Natasha Loder
Welcome to slot-machine Britain! Our cover this week is on First Past the Post, the voting system that turns multi-party politics into a lottery.
Featuring our new modelling of British elections: www.economist.com/interactive/...
Featuring our new modelling of British elections: www.economist.com/interactive/...
December 4, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Welcome to slot-machine Britain! Our cover this week is on First Past the Post, the voting system that turns multi-party politics into a lottery.
Featuring our new modelling of British elections: www.economist.com/interactive/...
Featuring our new modelling of British elections: www.economist.com/interactive/...
Yes, this is exactly how messed up things are at the FDA. Pazdur has lasted a few weeks and now he is leaving.
www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/r...
www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/r...
Top drug regulator Richard Pazdur set to leave FDA
Top drug regulator Richard Pazdur filed papers to retire from the Food and Drug Administration at the end of this month, but could withdraw them.
www.statnews.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Yes, this is exactly how messed up things are at the FDA. Pazdur has lasted a few weeks and now he is leaving.
www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/r...
www.statnews.com/2025/12/02/r...
Reposted by Natasha Loder
Look what just arrived. A new book by Deb Cohen out January. Has the internet hijacked your health? Read her book.
November 28, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Look what just arrived. A new book by Deb Cohen out January. Has the internet hijacked your health? Read her book.
Reposted by Natasha Loder
Today @who.int recommended GLP-1 drugs for obesity. That’s good! What was downplayed though was that these drugs are life-saving for people with obesity & coronary disease and the number of lives saved could be huge. @natashaloder.bsky.social and I got ya covered open.substack.com/pub/singerp/...
The $6 revolution. How generic weight loss drugs could save millions of lives.
The arrival of generic semaglutide is an unheard of opportunity for global public health
open.substack.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:51 AM
Today @who.int recommended GLP-1 drugs for obesity. That’s good! What was downplayed though was that these drugs are life-saving for people with obesity & coronary disease and the number of lives saved could be huge. @natashaloder.bsky.social and I got ya covered open.substack.com/pub/singerp/...
Look what just arrived. A new book by Deb Cohen out January. Has the internet hijacked your health? Read her book.
November 28, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Look what just arrived. A new book by Deb Cohen out January. Has the internet hijacked your health? Read her book.
Reposted by Natasha Loder
This week on my Substack I write about what goes wrong when chatbots engage with people with poor mental health and how we should think about the problem. Please read it and share it if you like it.
My newsletter Overmatter is completely free and always has been.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
My newsletter Overmatter is completely free and always has been.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly
The world needs better insight on how LLMs are handling mental health crises
open.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:52 PM
This week on my Substack I write about what goes wrong when chatbots engage with people with poor mental health and how we should think about the problem. Please read it and share it if you like it.
My newsletter Overmatter is completely free and always has been.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
My newsletter Overmatter is completely free and always has been.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
This week on my Substack I write about what goes wrong when chatbots engage with people with poor mental health and how we should think about the problem. Please read it and share it if you like it.
My newsletter Overmatter is completely free and always has been.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
My newsletter Overmatter is completely free and always has been.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly
The world needs better insight on how LLMs are handling mental health crises
open.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:52 PM
This week on my Substack I write about what goes wrong when chatbots engage with people with poor mental health and how we should think about the problem. Please read it and share it if you like it.
My newsletter Overmatter is completely free and always has been.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
My newsletter Overmatter is completely free and always has been.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Interested in getting a multi-cancer blood test? This radio programme by Deborah Cohen takes an honest look at the realities of what they can and cannot do.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - File on 4 Investigates, Multi-Cancer Testing - Hype or Hope?
Could multi-cancer detection tests help improve earlier diagnosis for NHS patients?
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Interested in getting a multi-cancer blood test? This radio programme by Deborah Cohen takes an honest look at the realities of what they can and cannot do.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Reposted by Natasha Loder
The third runway will be disastrous for parts of west london. At the moment there are periods of respite from the health-damaging effects of noise—which is far above what it needs to be.
on.ft.com/49EcW9s UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
on.ft.com/49EcW9s UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
Proposal to expand London hub will require moving part of the M25 motorway
on.ft.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:33 PM
The third runway will be disastrous for parts of west london. At the moment there are periods of respite from the health-damaging effects of noise—which is far above what it needs to be.
on.ft.com/49EcW9s UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
on.ft.com/49EcW9s UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
Reposted by Natasha Loder
"An index that leaves out the seven high-flying tech firms — call it the S&P 493 — reveals a far weaker picture, as smaller and lower-tech companies report lackluster sales and declining investment"
Its becoming more difficult to pick the good growth opportunities amongst the smaller companies.
Its becoming more difficult to pick the good growth opportunities amongst the smaller companies.
The ‘S&P 493’ reveals a very different U.S. economy
A few trillion-dollar companies are powering the market’s gains. Here’s what’s happening to most other businesses in the United States.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:12 PM
"An index that leaves out the seven high-flying tech firms — call it the S&P 493 — reveals a far weaker picture, as smaller and lower-tech companies report lackluster sales and declining investment"
Its becoming more difficult to pick the good growth opportunities amongst the smaller companies.
Its becoming more difficult to pick the good growth opportunities amongst the smaller companies.
And for me personally, I’m sad that a third runway will spoil the moments of peace that can still be enjoyed in places like Kew Gardens or Richmond Park. Or on a walk along the Thames pathway. All so we can be a hub for transit passengers. Very disappointing.
November 24, 2025 at 7:35 PM
And for me personally, I’m sad that a third runway will spoil the moments of peace that can still be enjoyed in places like Kew Gardens or Richmond Park. Or on a walk along the Thames pathway. All so we can be a hub for transit passengers. Very disappointing.
The third runway will be disastrous for parts of west london. At the moment there are periods of respite from the health-damaging effects of noise—which is far above what it needs to be.
on.ft.com/49EcW9s UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
on.ft.com/49EcW9s UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
Proposal to expand London hub will require moving part of the M25 motorway
on.ft.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:33 PM
The third runway will be disastrous for parts of west london. At the moment there are periods of respite from the health-damaging effects of noise—which is far above what it needs to be.
on.ft.com/49EcW9s UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
on.ft.com/49EcW9s UK ministers back Heathrow airport’s £49bn plan for third runway
Trials of oral semaglutide (GLP-1) fail in Alzheimer's unfortunately.
www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
Novo Nordisk A/S: Evoke phase 3 trials did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in Alzheimer's disease progression
Bagsværd, Denmark, 24 November 2025 – Novo Nordisk today announced the top-line results from the 2-year primary analysis of evoke and evoke+ phase 3 trials...
www.globenewswire.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Trials of oral semaglutide (GLP-1) fail in Alzheimer's unfortunately.
www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
www.globenewswire.com/news-release...
My newsletter Overmatter has always been free.
So if you are interested in what to do when chatbots go awry in mental health, then head on over....
So if you are interested in what to do when chatbots go awry in mental health, then head on over....
This week I have written about what goes wrong when chatbots engage with people with poor mental health and how we should think about the problem.
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly
The world needs better insight on how LLMs are handling mental health crises
open.substack.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:15 PM
My newsletter Overmatter has always been free.
So if you are interested in what to do when chatbots go awry in mental health, then head on over....
So if you are interested in what to do when chatbots go awry in mental health, then head on over....
Reposted by Natasha Loder
This week I have written about what goes wrong when chatbots engage with people with poor mental health and how we should think about the problem.
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly
The world needs better insight on how LLMs are handling mental health crises
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:25 AM
This week I have written about what goes wrong when chatbots engage with people with poor mental health and how we should think about the problem.
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Reposted by Natasha Loder
This is very good
A few thoughts on the future of science journalism from a talk I gave recently--at UCL for the American Association of Science Journalism.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
From Print to Prompts
What the past tells us about the future of science journalism
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:31 AM
This is very good
Reposted by Natasha Loder
This is really great, a good jumping off point for @absw.bsky.social discussions perhaps? Do I detect @tomstandage.bsky.social's influence in the "what the past tells us..." angle?
November 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
This is really great, a good jumping off point for @absw.bsky.social discussions perhaps? Do I detect @tomstandage.bsky.social's influence in the "what the past tells us..." angle?
This week I have written about what goes wrong when chatbots engage with people with poor mental health and how we should think about the problem.
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly
The world needs better insight on how LLMs are handling mental health crises
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 11:25 AM
This week I have written about what goes wrong when chatbots engage with people with poor mental health and how we should think about the problem.
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Chatbots behaving badly, by @natashaloder open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Reposted by Natasha Loder
Thank you for sharing this, @natashaloder.bsky.social!
November 17, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Thank you for sharing this, @natashaloder.bsky.social!
Reposted by Natasha Loder
Thoughtful and informed post about the past and future of science journalism, based on an excellent talk
A few thoughts on the future of science journalism from a talk I gave recently--at UCL for the American Association of Science Journalism.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
From Print to Prompts
What the past tells us about the future of science journalism
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Thoughtful and informed post about the past and future of science journalism, based on an excellent talk
Reposted by Natasha Loder
Interessante lezing over de toekomst van de wetenschapsjournalistiek en de rol van AI:
A few thoughts on the future of science journalism from a talk I gave recently--at UCL for the American Association of Science Journalism.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
From Print to Prompts
What the past tells us about the future of science journalism
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Interessante lezing over de toekomst van de wetenschapsjournalistiek en de rol van AI:
A few thoughts on the future of science journalism from a talk I gave recently--at UCL for the American Association of Science Journalism.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
From Print to Prompts
What the past tells us about the future of science journalism
open.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:28 AM
A few thoughts on the future of science journalism from a talk I gave recently--at UCL for the American Association of Science Journalism.
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
open.substack.com/pub/overmatt...
Do women need testosterone supplements? Sometimes, yes. www.economist.com/science-and-...
Do women need testosterone supplements?
It can be helpful in some cases, but it’s no fountain of youth
www.economist.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Do women need testosterone supplements? Sometimes, yes. www.economist.com/science-and-...
Great to see this by @michaelsavage which recognises the key role of one journalist-- @deb_cohen--in breaking the key transgender medicine stories at the BBC. Deb is one of the bravest journalists I know; without her would Cass have even happened?
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
BBC reporter who covered gender dysphoria questions claim of ‘systemic bias’
Deborah Cohen says she is not aware of any attempts within corporation to stop or shape her reporting on trans issues
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Great to see this by @michaelsavage which recognises the key role of one journalist-- @deb_cohen--in breaking the key transgender medicine stories at the BBC. Deb is one of the bravest journalists I know; without her would Cass have even happened?
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...
www.theguardian.com/media/2025/n...