Why viral reservoirs are a prime suspect for long COVID sleuths
In order to treat a chronic condition, we need to have a better understanding of its pathology. We still have so much to learn about long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). It is so disheartening to know that so many people are suffering from long-term complications after COVID, and yet they are being ignored.
Ed Yong was one of the first journalists to speak with long haulers, and he continues to amplify their voices: Long COVID Is Being Erased—Again.
Related: Angels baseball player Jared Walsh has been contending with neurological issues, such as headaches and insomnia for a year and a half, which have rendered him unable to play baseball (never mind making everyday life challenging).
“Walsh also told reporters he's been developing these issues since testing positive for COVID three times since June 2020.”
It seems pretty clear that Jared Walsh is a long hauler. I hope he has a safe and complete recovery.
How trauma’s effects can pass from generation to generation
Generational trauma can be passed down through epigenetic inheritance. The Nature Careers podcast spoke with Isabelle Mansuy, a researcher in the new and growing field of neuroepigenetics. There is a transcript as well if you would prefer to read the discussion.
I highly recommend reading Stephanie Foo’s What My Bones Know for a personal reflection and professional investigation on the topic of trauma and health.
Related: How some therapists are helping patients heal by tackling structural racism
Addressing the Problematic Past of Animal Behavior Research
As we move towards alternatives to animal use, and increased 3Rs compliance, I am sure we will have more discussions (like this one) about acknowledging previous research.
Jerry Craft drew a positive Black story. Then the calls for a ban began.
I ran across this article as I was buying a copy of Jerry Craft’s School Trip. My 8 year old son and I started reading New Kid together, but he was so eager to continue that he read the rest of the book on his own, followed very quickly by Class Act. The series has been an opportunity for us to talk about a few different issues around race, but it’s hardly inflammatory or provocative.
Related: Book ban attempts soared in 2022. I just read Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer and I highly recommend it.
How Bookshop.org Survives—and Thrives—in Amazon’s World
I first learned about Bookshop.org in the early days of the pandemic. But I knew nothing about their history, and clearly the website didn’t just magically appear overnight.
“Bookshop became the sourdough of ecommerce.”
Much like sourdough, it took Bookshop.org some time to get started.
When I can’t order directly from an independent bookstore, I go to Bookshop.org.
Change Up — Baseball Shrugs Off Pitch Clock’s Possible Blow to Beer Sales
I really enjoyed this article from Kate Bernot. If you have been watching MLB games this season, you have most certainly noticed that the new rules to improve the pace of play have had their intended effect - baseball games go much, much more quickly now! Of course, that will have an impact on concessions and beer sales. Originally teams did not seem concerned - or at least, they were uncertain. But five weeks into the season, some teams have adapted by changing the long established rule prohibiting beer sales after the 7th inning.
Bernot recently spoke with Walt Hickey from Numlock, where they discussed beer sales at baseball games.
“The fact that at least four teams have made the switch indicates that there was a noticeable impact on beer sales, and they weren't just going to let that money go down the drain.”
They also discussed Bud Light’s advertising campaign with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney. It’s well worth a read.
Magazine Publishes Serious Errors in First AI-Generated Health Article
As if there isn’t already a problem with health misinformation and disinformation spreading on the internet… Sports Illustrated and Men’s Health are the latest perpetrators.
Related: ChatGPT’s growing carbon footprint
SpaceX links
Presented without comment.
SpaceX is grounded after rocket explosion caused extensive environmental damage
Port Isabel residents report ‘particles’ falling after SpaceX launch
SpaceX celebrated Starship's 1st launch. Some locals called it 'truly terrifying'
SpaceX launch torched part of state park, sent debris flying, feds say
SpaceX Starbase expansion plans will harm endangered species, according to Fish and Wildlife Service