Dr Vanessa
@hpsvanessa.bsky.social
historian of science, medicine, food, sport and exploration; other content generally but not limited to: my dinner, a weird bug, feminist beer 🏳️⚧️, complaining about bad parking. Latest book: tinyurl.com/HigherColder
I really dislike unsolicited advice.
I really dislike unsolicited advice.
Pinned
Dr Vanessa
@hpsvanessa.bsky.social
· Dec 20
NEW FOLLOWERS: you MUST have a profile pic (not neccessarily of yourself!) and/or a header image, a biog + a couple of posts or I'll assume you are a bot/troll/bad faith person and block you.
Please do the *minimum* to show you're not a scammer!
Please do the *minimum* to show you're not a scammer!
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
Thanks to Champagne for linking to another article of mine, which offers further justification as to why telling students to audit a ChatGPT essay for errors is also ill advised. bsky.app/profile/mich...
These assignments encourage people to become DIY detectives, exacerbating a boom in conspiracy theories. The “permission structure of doubt” normalises suspicion as a default setting and suggests that another algorithm (like Google’s search) can discover the truth.
By @sonjadrimmer.bsky.social:
By @sonjadrimmer.bsky.social:
AI-Generated Images Are Spreading Paranoia and Misinformation. Can Art Historians Help?
An art historian argues that provenance research—rather than connoisseurship—is our best tool for authentication.
www.artnews.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Thanks to Champagne for linking to another article of mine, which offers further justification as to why telling students to audit a ChatGPT essay for errors is also ill advised. bsky.app/profile/mich...
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
This is not the way, and @cnygren.bsky.social and I lay out in detail why it isn’t in this essay here. static1.squarespace.com/static/55577...
November 24, 2025 at 1:16 PM
This is not the way, and @cnygren.bsky.social and I lay out in detail why it isn’t in this essay here. static1.squarespace.com/static/55577...
🗃️
Two #histmed CFPs with deadline for abstracts Jan 2026!
Life Histories in Mind: Mental Ill Health and Learning Disability in Context (Manchester) &
Blood is the price of coal: Coal communities, health and welfare in Britain and beyond from the 19th century to the present (Warwick)
For more details 👇
Life Histories in Mind: Mental Ill Health and Learning Disability in Context (Manchester) &
Blood is the price of coal: Coal communities, health and welfare in Britain and beyond from the 19th century to the present (Warwick)
For more details 👇
History of Medicine CFPs
If you wish to share your CFPs on the SSHM website please contact the Exec Sec, Dr Justine Pick [email protected] Life Histories in Mind: Mental Ill Health and Learning Disability in Context Location:…
sshm.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:17 PM
🗃️
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
I have a birthday coming up and a Christmas and I never know what to ask for, so inspired by @mxfrankduffy.bsky.social please link me to your art and craft and other offerings
November 24, 2025 at 11:35 AM
I have a birthday coming up and a Christmas and I never know what to ask for, so inspired by @mxfrankduffy.bsky.social please link me to your art and craft and other offerings
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
But where else to go for the rest of us? Everybody I speak to from every sort of industry says their sector is in complete meltdown
I’m 60, and a professor. HE will probably survive just about long enough to take me to retirement, but not much longer. A kind of ‘merrie old England’ version of Oxbridge will survive, but the rest will be unrecognisable in a decade or so.
November 24, 2025 at 12:01 PM
But where else to go for the rest of us? Everybody I speak to from every sort of industry says their sector is in complete meltdown
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
Seriously, just one of the best onscreen presences to ever grace the silver screen. The definition of raw magnetism. RIP, Udo.
November 24, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Seriously, just one of the best onscreen presences to ever grace the silver screen. The definition of raw magnetism. RIP, Udo.
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
November 24, 2025 at 9:28 AM
come on folks surely the spillover isn't the last word on this. I'll take pophist, or even non-pop sci at this point!
what're the hashtags I need for this? #Episky? 🧪
what're the hashtags I need for this? #Episky? 🧪
Has anyone written a good popsci book on zoonotic diseases post-covid?
November 24, 2025 at 10:54 AM
come on folks surely the spillover isn't the last word on this. I'll take pophist, or even non-pop sci at this point!
what're the hashtags I need for this? #Episky? 🧪
what're the hashtags I need for this? #Episky? 🧪
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
What are the associations between #AMR 💊 & #climatechange 🌦️?
In Nature Climate Change, we evaluate existing evidence & define a challenge-oriented research agenda to uncover best equitable practice for synergistic governance responses:
doi.org/10.1038/s415...
@cermes3.bsky.social
In Nature Climate Change, we evaluate existing evidence & define a challenge-oriented research agenda to uncover best equitable practice for synergistic governance responses:
doi.org/10.1038/s415...
@cermes3.bsky.social
A research agenda advancing climate change and antimicrobial resistance as interconnected issues - Nature Climate Change
Interactions between climate change and antimicrobial resistance across terrestrial, aquatic and health systems reveal shared drivers, synergies and trade-offs that shape health and environmental outc...
doi.org
November 24, 2025 at 10:22 AM
What are the associations between #AMR 💊 & #climatechange 🌦️?
In Nature Climate Change, we evaluate existing evidence & define a challenge-oriented research agenda to uncover best equitable practice for synergistic governance responses:
doi.org/10.1038/s415...
@cermes3.bsky.social
In Nature Climate Change, we evaluate existing evidence & define a challenge-oriented research agenda to uncover best equitable practice for synergistic governance responses:
doi.org/10.1038/s415...
@cermes3.bsky.social
fishing email from org called scip0d [0=o in case they name search] offering to 'turn my article into a podcast'. I get the impression they charge, I've never heard of them, no evidence they actually have any reach. Any good reason I should say yes?
November 24, 2025 at 10:15 AM
fishing email from org called scip0d [0=o in case they name search] offering to 'turn my article into a podcast'. I get the impression they charge, I've never heard of them, no evidence they actually have any reach. Any good reason I should say yes?
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
On 24 November 1639 the British astronomers Jeremiah Horrocks and William Crabtree became the first observers to record a transit of Venus. #histsci
thonyc.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/a...
thonyc.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/a...
An important anniversary in the history of science.
The 24th of November is a very significant date in the history of science. On this date an event took place that would contribute to a major change in the way humanity viewed the world and its plac…
thonyc.wordpress.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:25 AM
On 24 November 1639 the British astronomers Jeremiah Horrocks and William Crabtree became the first observers to record a transit of Venus. #histsci
thonyc.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/a...
thonyc.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/a...
top ten baby, top ten. that spreadsheet showing I cost the uni money because I don't have a big, FEC grant is going to be in my face a lot I guess. Yay!!!!
These are HEPI estimates of the 20 institutions affected: I think this illustrates the impact if the tariff is absorbed in full by institutions.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
What share of the 6% tariff different universities may try to pass on to fees - or the impact might be on demand if they did - is not publicly known.
November 24, 2025 at 8:26 AM
top ten baby, top ten. that spreadsheet showing I cost the uni money because I don't have a big, FEC grant is going to be in my face a lot I guess. Yay!!!!
Oh. But, I guess, yay that UUK finally discovered they had a voice and could actually use it to mention, politely, in passing, the utter destruction of one of the UK's major industries. Decade too late but ho hum.
'Ahead of the autumn budget on 26 November, Universities UK (UUK) has calculated that funding per student for teaching in 2025-26 is at 64 per cent of the level it was in 2015-16.' 1/3
University teaching income ‘£6.4 billon less’ than 10 years ago
UUK says shortfall in teaching money is ‘baked in’ to higher education funding system as institutions brace for new tax in upcoming budget
www.timeshighereducation.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Oh. But, I guess, yay that UUK finally discovered they had a voice and could actually use it to mention, politely, in passing, the utter destruction of one of the UK's major industries. Decade too late but ho hum.
#MondayNetwork - a regular appeal to any #skystorians with intersecting interests: food /nutrition, surviving climate change, environmental determinism, race science, exploration, acclimatisation & physiology, cit sci, Indigenous knowledge, & related topics to say hi or share link to your work! 🗃️
November 24, 2025 at 7:53 AM
#MondayNetwork - a regular appeal to any #skystorians with intersecting interests: food /nutrition, surviving climate change, environmental determinism, race science, exploration, acclimatisation & physiology, cit sci, Indigenous knowledge, & related topics to say hi or share link to your work! 🗃️
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
Not long ago, when I raised a concern about a former college Fellow who is a regular visitor and a known sexual harasser, about whom others had also raised concerns, I was met with startling dismissiveness--until someone told the official concerned to respond properly and say the right things.
Another case of a long-term sexual harassment, bullying, and retaliation scandal going on for decades under the eyes of elite institutions, this time, Oxford, cos "genius" is an excuse for rape culture
The name is Miles Hewstone. He has many honorary positions
What is wrong with social psych?
The name is Miles Hewstone. He has many honorary positions
What is wrong with social psych?
Oxford University Has Failed Women Over Harassment Concerns, Staff Say
The university has repeatedly been slow to act against male academics accused of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior, a Bloomberg investigation found.
www.bloomberg.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:05 AM
Not long ago, when I raised a concern about a former college Fellow who is a regular visitor and a known sexual harasser, about whom others had also raised concerns, I was met with startling dismissiveness--until someone told the official concerned to respond properly and say the right things.
Extractive Capitalism is not, and can never be, compatible with the long term survival of our species. Hope that helps!!!!
Maybe we shouldn't have created an economic system that depends on a constantly accelerating throughput of material resources, combined with an ideology of individual consumer responsibility?
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
"Device hoarding" lol. Do you have any idea how much phones cost? Upgrading is expensive and produces a ton of e-waste!
If you want to talk about hoarding, the conversation should be around billionaires hoarding wealth!
If you want to talk about hoarding, the conversation should be around billionaires hoarding wealth!
November 24, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Extractive Capitalism is not, and can never be, compatible with the long term survival of our species. Hope that helps!!!!
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
She sees your fandom as affirmation, your money as funding for the harm she causes to trans people.
It doesn't matter how you feel about her work, whether it was a formative touchstone or not. If you still buy the merch or hype up Harry Potter, you are complicit.
It doesn't matter how you feel about her work, whether it was a formative touchstone or not. If you still buy the merch or hype up Harry Potter, you are complicit.
Hey yall not what I wanted to do on my birthday but let it be clear
"Death of the artist" is all well & good but you cannot Seperate the art from the artist when the artist is still alive, a terf & every penny they recieve reinforces their beliefs & is used to actively harm Trans folks!
Let it Go!
"Death of the artist" is all well & good but you cannot Seperate the art from the artist when the artist is still alive, a terf & every penny they recieve reinforces their beliefs & is used to actively harm Trans folks!
Let it Go!
'Harry Potter' author J.K. Rowling says 'a ton' of fans are 'still with me' after trans remarks
J.K. Rowling addressed her controversial comments about transgender women on 'The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling' podcast, saying many 'Harry Potter' fans were 'grateful that I'd said what I said,' and ...
share.google
November 23, 2025 at 3:01 PM
She sees your fandom as affirmation, your money as funding for the harm she causes to trans people.
It doesn't matter how you feel about her work, whether it was a formative touchstone or not. If you still buy the merch or hype up Harry Potter, you are complicit.
It doesn't matter how you feel about her work, whether it was a formative touchstone or not. If you still buy the merch or hype up Harry Potter, you are complicit.
personally this applies for everything, not just medical conditions to me (hence caveat in profile), but it applies double for medical matters. It's rude, it's intrusive, it's not kind, don't do it. Just don't.
PSA: if someone mentions a health condition they have it is NOT an invitation for you to give them advice.
It IS an invitation if they ask for advice. Otherwise: shut your mouth and keep your advice to yourself.
Unless (and this is the ONLY exception) you are that specific person’s doctor.
It IS an invitation if they ask for advice. Otherwise: shut your mouth and keep your advice to yourself.
Unless (and this is the ONLY exception) you are that specific person’s doctor.
November 23, 2025 at 7:17 PM
personally this applies for everything, not just medical conditions to me (hence caveat in profile), but it applies double for medical matters. It's rude, it's intrusive, it's not kind, don't do it. Just don't.
This is, explicitly, the direction of travel for the UK's higher education system too - endorsed as far as I can tell by all three "major" parties (read: traditional major parties) + Reform. Artisanal for the wealthy and a few scholarship students to make it seem 'fair', slop for everyone else.
The wealthy will get artisinal education built on human interaction, creativity, and critical thinking. Everyone else will get AI mush and multiple choice.
My hot take is that over the next 10 years, we're going to see more emphasis on and investment in the humanities at Ivy League and other fancy schools just as state schools and small privates continue to decimate and even eliminate the humanities.
November 23, 2025 at 5:25 PM
This is, explicitly, the direction of travel for the UK's higher education system too - endorsed as far as I can tell by all three "major" parties (read: traditional major parties) + Reform. Artisanal for the wealthy and a few scholarship students to make it seem 'fair', slop for everyone else.
The one thing i miss about twitter is that you used to be able to search a few keywords and get answers (or at least informed speculation) about breaking local news, rather than just having to listen to the police plane circling for hours.
November 23, 2025 at 3:54 PM
The one thing i miss about twitter is that you used to be able to search a few keywords and get answers (or at least informed speculation) about breaking local news, rather than just having to listen to the police plane circling for hours.
Q for my #HistSTM and #BookHist friends - the right hand illustration here of an insect on a flower looks really familiar. I am sure it’s a style used in late 19/early 20thc children’s book but I can’t place it- any ideas? 🗃️
Here's a couple of 20th century fragments recently found on the foreshore: part of a lovely hand-painted tile, and a very curious large piece depicting an insect landing on something I can't quite identify! This was probably from a jug or vase; the style of decoration is particularly unusual.
November 23, 2025 at 12:31 PM
B is taking the “decanting everything because we have open storage shelves” to extremes (vitamin d tablets)
November 23, 2025 at 11:43 AM
B is taking the “decanting everything because we have open storage shelves” to extremes (vitamin d tablets)
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
Buying #2026 calendars. Want to support artists, but am also not super flush. Looking especially for printmaking, wildlife, nature, landscape. (I usually get an Eric Ravilious and an Angela Harding-type.)
Recommendations please. Self noms welcome. Extra points for UK, Ireland or Netherlands-based.
Recommendations please. Self noms welcome. Extra points for UK, Ireland or Netherlands-based.
a drawing of a calendar that says apr and mar on it
Alt: Animated drawing of a pink calendar on a dark blue background, with pages flicking from January to April
media.tenor.com
November 23, 2025 at 10:52 AM
Buying #2026 calendars. Want to support artists, but am also not super flush. Looking especially for printmaking, wildlife, nature, landscape. (I usually get an Eric Ravilious and an Angela Harding-type.)
Recommendations please. Self noms welcome. Extra points for UK, Ireland or Netherlands-based.
Recommendations please. Self noms welcome. Extra points for UK, Ireland or Netherlands-based.
Reposted by Dr Vanessa
Has anyone written a good popsci book on zoonotic diseases post-covid?
November 22, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Has anyone written a good popsci book on zoonotic diseases post-covid?
Exciting plane experience y’day as pilot announces visibility so bad we’ll be doing a “guided landing” which means all electronics turned off - not just in airplane mode. Turns out an alarmingly large % of people on Ryanair flights don’t know how to turn their phones off, especially while panicking.
November 23, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Exciting plane experience y’day as pilot announces visibility so bad we’ll be doing a “guided landing” which means all electronics turned off - not just in airplane mode. Turns out an alarmingly large % of people on Ryanair flights don’t know how to turn their phones off, especially while panicking.