Héctor
@hltorresvera.com
& fjord, my toothless king
structural biologist and science yapper
en la brega 🇵🇷 y bien pato 🏳️⚧️
libertad al oprimido
structural biologist and science yapper
en la brega 🇵🇷 y bien pato 🏳️⚧️
libertad al oprimido
Reposted by Héctor
Seeking scientist volunteers for the 2026 spring semester! Want to practice science communication and help author a 🌟comic🌟 about your research? Apply by 1/25. Please share widely. bit.ly/comicscollabspring2026
January 15, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Seeking scientist volunteers for the 2026 spring semester! Want to practice science communication and help author a 🌟comic🌟 about your research? Apply by 1/25. Please share widely. bit.ly/comicscollabspring2026
Reposted by Héctor
📰 Have you heard of science news being reported through poetry, satire & art? The NYT did it in 1969 to cover the Apollo 11 moonwalk. As we prepare to return to the Moon, at @scicommbites.bsky.social we analyzed the relevance of this science news innovation for the Space Race 2.0 👇
shorturl.at/kk501
shorturl.at/kk501
Talking to the Moon: Is The New York Times’ Creative Coverage of the 1969 Apollo 11 Moonwalk Relevant for Space Race 2.0? - SciCommBites
In the return of Beyond the Research, Nik Kliapets revisits NYT's media coverage of the Apollo 11 moonwalk and considerations for scicomm today.
shorturl.at
January 15, 2026 at 11:50 AM
📰 Have you heard of science news being reported through poetry, satire & art? The NYT did it in 1969 to cover the Apollo 11 moonwalk. As we prepare to return to the Moon, at @scicommbites.bsky.social we analyzed the relevance of this science news innovation for the Space Race 2.0 👇
shorturl.at/kk501
shorturl.at/kk501
Reposted by Héctor
Did you know that when @nytimes.com covered the moon landing in 1969, they chose to report on the story using poetry and cultural criticism? Read @nikkliapets.bsky.social's latest Beyond to dive into the topic of science communication beyond mere factual reporting. scicommbites.org/talking-to-t...
Talking to the Moon: Is The New York Times’ Creative Coverage of the 1969 Apollo 11 Moonwalk Relevant for Space Race 2.0? - SciCommBites
In the return of Beyond the Research, Nik Kliapets revisits NYT's media coverage of the Apollo 11 moonwalk and considerations for scicomm today.
scicommbites.org
January 15, 2026 at 7:38 PM
Did you know that when @nytimes.com covered the moon landing in 1969, they chose to report on the story using poetry and cultural criticism? Read @nikkliapets.bsky.social's latest Beyond to dive into the topic of science communication beyond mere factual reporting. scicommbites.org/talking-to-t...
Fjord is back home, eating and sitting in laps. Will have to dome drip subcutaneous fluids every so often moví forward.
Very sad and scary to know his kidneys are doing him wrong. Will do what I can to make sure he’s comfy and cared for, until he says so.
Very sad and scary to know his kidneys are doing him wrong. Will do what I can to make sure he’s comfy and cared for, until he says so.
January 15, 2026 at 5:12 AM
Fjord is back home, eating and sitting in laps. Will have to dome drip subcutaneous fluids every so often moví forward.
Very sad and scary to know his kidneys are doing him wrong. Will do what I can to make sure he’s comfy and cared for, until he says so.
Very sad and scary to know his kidneys are doing him wrong. Will do what I can to make sure he’s comfy and cared for, until he says so.
That poor baby…
The red dot is a baby North Atlantic right whale trying to migrate up the east coast of the United states.
The blue streaks are fast moving shipping vessels entering and leaving New York City harbor.
One collision and the whale is dead.
We need *mandatory* speed limits for these vessels! 🧪🦑🌍
The blue streaks are fast moving shipping vessels entering and leaving New York City harbor.
One collision and the whale is dead.
We need *mandatory* speed limits for these vessels! 🧪🦑🌍
January 14, 2026 at 5:42 PM
That poor baby…
Also Fjord the light behind my eyes is not feeling super hot right now. Vet is sure his kidneys are going through it. He’s doing his best to eat but I can tell it’s a struggle. Lots of hiding.
I’m holding out for hope, and also being very cautious about it all. My heart is hurting already.
I’m holding out for hope, and also being very cautious about it all. My heart is hurting already.
January 13, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Also Fjord the light behind my eyes is not feeling super hot right now. Vet is sure his kidneys are going through it. He’s doing his best to eat but I can tell it’s a struggle. Lots of hiding.
I’m holding out for hope, and also being very cautious about it all. My heart is hurting already.
I’m holding out for hope, and also being very cautious about it all. My heart is hurting already.
Sinking feeling in the stomach. To see Puerto Rico there. For hundreds of years, extorted. Till this day, used. It’s people considered dispensable. El lelolai a susurros.
Like all empires, this one too shall fall.
Like all empires, this one too shall fall.
Well, would you look at this? I spotted a P-8 Poseidon — which is a modified 737 airframe — with no reg # coming out of dark mode in flight data I posted the day of the first boat strike.
January 13, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Sinking feeling in the stomach. To see Puerto Rico there. For hundreds of years, extorted. Till this day, used. It’s people considered dispensable. El lelolai a susurros.
Like all empires, this one too shall fall.
Like all empires, this one too shall fall.
Cat needing an emergency vet visit was not the Monday I hoped for. Keep Fjord in your thoughts.
January 12, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Cat needing an emergency vet visit was not the Monday I hoped for. Keep Fjord in your thoughts.
Reposted by Héctor
The creators of these apps make choices. Grok was created with the production of deep-fake abuse imagery as an option and that was a choice. The fact that the app is still producing these images, for free, with no restrictions, for anyone who wants them, is also an ongoing choice by its creators.
I've been testing Grok vs. ChatGPT and how they compare when generating deepfakes.
- ask the chatbot to search the web for photos of me and then regenerate me in a bikini: Grok complies; ChatGPT refuses
- upload a photo of myself (not id'ing as a public figure): Grok complies; ChatGPT refuses
- ask the chatbot to search the web for photos of me and then regenerate me in a bikini: Grok complies; ChatGPT refuses
- upload a photo of myself (not id'ing as a public figure): Grok complies; ChatGPT refuses
January 9, 2026 at 9:56 PM
The creators of these apps make choices. Grok was created with the production of deep-fake abuse imagery as an option and that was a choice. The fact that the app is still producing these images, for free, with no restrictions, for anyone who wants them, is also an ongoing choice by its creators.
A tamagotchi paradise spotted, my heart rejoiced
They both earned new nicknames this morning. Burly is Cookie Monster (cooking herself on the vents). Leap is Special Agent Dale Gooper (begging for wet food).
January 9, 2026 at 8:25 PM
A tamagotchi paradise spotted, my heart rejoiced
Reposted by Héctor
Kristi Noem, herself, supplied the method used to ID the agent. She said he "been dragged by a vehicle” in an earlier incident.
@startribune.com reporters, who know their way around court records, quickly unearthed his name and confirmed his identity.
@startribune.com reporters, who know their way around court records, quickly unearthed his name and confirmed his identity.
The agent, Jonathan Ross, was dragged by a vehicle and injured during a June operation in the Twin Cities, court records show.
ICE agent who fatally shot woman in Minneapolis is identified
Jonathan Ross, a Minnesota-based agent, was dragged in a separate incident last year by a fleeing motorist.
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 7:10 PM
Kristi Noem, herself, supplied the method used to ID the agent. She said he "been dragged by a vehicle” in an earlier incident.
@startribune.com reporters, who know their way around court records, quickly unearthed his name and confirmed his identity.
@startribune.com reporters, who know their way around court records, quickly unearthed his name and confirmed his identity.
Reposted by Héctor
Just seen Grok putting the body of the victim of the ICE shooting in Minneapolis into a bikini. Digital corpse desecration now available to the public.
January 8, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Just seen Grok putting the body of the victim of the ICE shooting in Minneapolis into a bikini. Digital corpse desecration now available to the public.
Reposted by Héctor
“'The guy, I’m telling him like, "Please step off the school grounds," and this dude comes up and bumps into me and then tells me that I pushed him, and he knocked me down,' an official at Roosevelt High School said. 'They don’t care. They’re just animals. I’ve never seen people behave like this.'"
Minneapolis schools cancel classes after Border Patrol clash disrupts dismissal at Roosevelt
Minneapolis schools closed for the week citing safety concerns after an encounter involving armed Border Patrol agents near Roosevelt High School.
www.mprnews.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:09 PM
“'The guy, I’m telling him like, "Please step off the school grounds," and this dude comes up and bumps into me and then tells me that I pushed him, and he knocked me down,' an official at Roosevelt High School said. 'They don’t care. They’re just animals. I’ve never seen people behave like this.'"
Reposted by Héctor
"Nuance" meaning "cops encountered a situation regular Americans deal with every single day and responded with murderous gunfire"
Three videos taken of the scene and reviewed by CNN, however, show nuance. What took place prior to the shooting remains unclear. | Analysis
DHS says woman attempted to run over ICE officers before being shot in Minneapolis. Here’s what the videos show. | CNN
Three videos taken of the scene and reviewed by CNN show nuance. What took place prior to the shooting remains unclear.
www.cnn.com
January 8, 2026 at 6:13 AM
"Nuance" meaning "cops encountered a situation regular Americans deal with every single day and responded with murderous gunfire"
Reposted by Héctor
I am impeaching Secretary Kristi Noem, who is an incompetent leader and a disgrace to our democracy.
She wreaked havoc in the Chicagoland area and has brought her reign of terror to Minneapolis. One of her rogue ICE agents shot and killed an innocent woman today. It must come to an end.
She wreaked havoc in the Chicagoland area and has brought her reign of terror to Minneapolis. One of her rogue ICE agents shot and killed an innocent woman today. It must come to an end.
January 8, 2026 at 12:00 AM
I am impeaching Secretary Kristi Noem, who is an incompetent leader and a disgrace to our democracy.
She wreaked havoc in the Chicagoland area and has brought her reign of terror to Minneapolis. One of her rogue ICE agents shot and killed an innocent woman today. It must come to an end.
She wreaked havoc in the Chicagoland area and has brought her reign of terror to Minneapolis. One of her rogue ICE agents shot and killed an innocent woman today. It must come to an end.
Reposted by Héctor
Your reminder that what happened to Renee Nicole Good is something that happens regularly in America. This is not new, but it is an expanded version of militarized people targeting Black people in particular.
From ICE detention to murder with impunity, we've been doing it. Now it's broadened.
From ICE detention to murder with impunity, we've been doing it. Now it's broadened.
January 8, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Your reminder that what happened to Renee Nicole Good is something that happens regularly in America. This is not new, but it is an expanded version of militarized people targeting Black people in particular.
From ICE detention to murder with impunity, we've been doing it. Now it's broadened.
From ICE detention to murder with impunity, we've been doing it. Now it's broadened.
Reposted by Héctor
FINALLY
I refuse to stay silent while Secretary Noem breaks the rule of law and terrorizes our communities. I am introducing Articles of Impeachment against her for violating the public trust, obstructing Congress, and self-dealing. Read my full statement: robinkelly.house.gov/media-center...
Rep. Kelly announces plans to impeach Secretary Kristi Noem
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) announced plans to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem following the fatal shooting by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
robinkelly.house.gov
January 8, 2026 at 12:04 AM
FINALLY
So abolish ICE. Want to make that abundantly clear.
January 7, 2026 at 8:31 PM
So abolish ICE. Want to make that abundantly clear.
Reposted by Héctor
I have three departments seminars booked so far for Spring 2026, and one public talk.
I’d love to get more seminars, public talks, and professional development training workshops booked.
Interested? Let’s chat.
🧪🌎🦑 #SciComm
I’d love to get more seminars, public talks, and professional development training workshops booked.
Interested? Let’s chat.
🧪🌎🦑 #SciComm
January 7, 2026 at 1:37 PM
I have three departments seminars booked so far for Spring 2026, and one public talk.
I’d love to get more seminars, public talks, and professional development training workshops booked.
Interested? Let’s chat.
🧪🌎🦑 #SciComm
I’d love to get more seminars, public talks, and professional development training workshops booked.
Interested? Let’s chat.
🧪🌎🦑 #SciComm
Reposted by Héctor
I need a mood booster, let's talk about capybaras.
Here's a capy demonstrating one of MANY ways they can move through the water: running along the bottom.
They're 'semi-aquatic' mammals, just like hippos, seals & beavers. They LOVE water.
(📷: Fernando Maidana)
Here's a capy demonstrating one of MANY ways they can move through the water: running along the bottom.
They're 'semi-aquatic' mammals, just like hippos, seals & beavers. They LOVE water.
(📷: Fernando Maidana)
January 6, 2026 at 1:49 PM
I need a mood booster, let's talk about capybaras.
Here's a capy demonstrating one of MANY ways they can move through the water: running along the bottom.
They're 'semi-aquatic' mammals, just like hippos, seals & beavers. They LOVE water.
(📷: Fernando Maidana)
Here's a capy demonstrating one of MANY ways they can move through the water: running along the bottom.
They're 'semi-aquatic' mammals, just like hippos, seals & beavers. They LOVE water.
(📷: Fernando Maidana)
Post a famous bathroom scene?
The real ones know.
The real ones know.
January 5, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Post a famous bathroom scene?
The real ones know.
The real ones know.
Reposted by Héctor
This is the kind of scholarship that is being attacked by cuts at universities
A deluge of work on regime change after the 2003 invasion of Iraq yielded strong (and rare) agreement in IR: it doesn't work & has terrible consequences. @profdownes.bsky.social's book Catastrophic Success lays it out, but it's right there in the title. www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501...
January 3, 2026 at 1:52 PM
This is the kind of scholarship that is being attacked by cuts at universities
Instagram as it stands right now is a horrible app overrun with mindless generative AI content, engagement farming, and sponsored content.
Redownloaded after a 6-month hiatus. Big Miss Steak. 🥩
Anyways, stay boycotting Meta and X.
Redownloaded after a 6-month hiatus. Big Miss Steak. 🥩
Anyways, stay boycotting Meta and X.
January 2, 2026 at 10:49 PM
Instagram as it stands right now is a horrible app overrun with mindless generative AI content, engagement farming, and sponsored content.
Redownloaded after a 6-month hiatus. Big Miss Steak. 🥩
Anyways, stay boycotting Meta and X.
Redownloaded after a 6-month hiatus. Big Miss Steak. 🥩
Anyways, stay boycotting Meta and X.
Reposted by Héctor
Reminding people who are talking about Mayor Adam's IHRA definition for antisemitism being reversed -- its own author agrees with Mamdani on this.
And that is because it's not about fighting antisemitism, but protecting Israel by USING antisemitism.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
And that is because it's not about fighting antisemitism, but protecting Israel by USING antisemitism.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
I drafted the definition of antisemitism. Rightwing Jews are weaponizing it | Kenneth Stern
The ‘working definition of antisemitism’ was never intended to silence speech, but that’s what Trump’s executive order accomplished this week
www.theguardian.com
January 2, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Reminding people who are talking about Mayor Adam's IHRA definition for antisemitism being reversed -- its own author agrees with Mamdani on this.
And that is because it's not about fighting antisemitism, but protecting Israel by USING antisemitism.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
And that is because it's not about fighting antisemitism, but protecting Israel by USING antisemitism.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...