Jonathan Lambert
@jonlambert.bsky.social
Science journalist at NPR covering global health. Minnesotan in DC. [email protected]. On signal @jonlambert.12
https://jonathanmlambert.com/
https://jonathanmlambert.com/
Pinned
Jonathan Lambert
@jonlambert.bsky.social
· Jun 13
A plan to get lifesaving food to malnourished kids was working -- until it wasn't
Through an innovative program, parents in Senegal had easy access to a therapeutic food that's a boon for malnourished kids. Now there are shortages. Health specialists say U.S. aid cuts are to blame.
www.npr.org
I traveled to Senegal to see how aid cuts are imperiling efforts to bring malnutrition treatment to kids.
Mothers whose kids had been improving told me of relapsing, as clinics often have nothing to give.
"Whenever your child is suffering, you suffer with them."
www.npr.org/2026/06/13/n...
Mothers whose kids had been improving told me of relapsing, as clinics often have nothing to give.
"Whenever your child is suffering, you suffer with them."
www.npr.org/2026/06/13/n...
The WHO adopted the pandemic agreement over a year ago, but it's still not in effect because countries can't agree on the most contentious part — how to share pathogen data, and the fruits of those data like vaccines.
My deep dive into the negotiations:
www.npr.org/2026/09/25/g...
My deep dive into the negotiations:
www.npr.org/2026/09/25/g...
There's a global pandemic treaty that's signed -- and in 'limbo.' What's the holdup?
The treaty aims to help the countries of the world prepare for — and defeat — any future pandemic. Why hasn't it gone into effect?
www.npr.org
September 25, 2026 at 4:18 PM
The WHO adopted the pandemic agreement over a year ago, but it's still not in effect because countries can't agree on the most contentious part — how to share pathogen data, and the fruits of those data like vaccines.
My deep dive into the negotiations:
www.npr.org/2026/09/25/g...
My deep dive into the negotiations:
www.npr.org/2026/09/25/g...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
People are using AI to impersonate real science journalists.
And one even got PUBLISHED.
In Science. www.linkedin.com/posts/caroli...
And one even got PUBLISHED.
In Science. www.linkedin.com/posts/caroli...
Fake Caroline update:
The person who was impersonating me managed to get an article published in Science, under my by-line. And they got paid for it!
I've seen the pitches (bad), and the email…...
Fake Caroline update:
The person who was impersonating me managed to get an article published in Science, under my by-line. And they got paid for it!
I've seen the pitches (bad), and the email chai...
www.linkedin.com
September 17, 2026 at 3:28 PM
People are using AI to impersonate real science journalists.
And one even got PUBLISHED.
In Science. www.linkedin.com/posts/caroli...
And one even got PUBLISHED.
In Science. www.linkedin.com/posts/caroli...
"For many U.S. scientists funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the agency they know and loved died on 10 September."
A deep dive into the memo that marks the end of how NSF has done business for 76 years www.science.org/content/arti...
NSF memo implementing Trump’s ‘golden age’ of science unsettles researchers
New document emphasizes support for White House priorities over curiosity-driven ideas
www.science.org
September 15, 2026 at 2:29 PM
"For many U.S. scientists funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the agency they know and loved died on 10 September."
Since 2008, air pollution monitors at US embassies helped drive down smog in many cities around the globe.
In 2025, the Trump administration ended that program. Months later, air pollution in many cities went up, according to a new study.
www.npr.org/2026/09/15/n...
In 2025, the Trump administration ended that program. Months later, air pollution in many cities went up, according to a new study.
www.npr.org/2026/09/15/n...
Air pollution spiked after the Trump administration stopped embassy monitoring
In 2025, the Trump administration ended a long-running program to collect air pollution data at U.S. embassies. A new study suggests that led to a 24-33% increase in local pollution levels.
www.npr.org
September 15, 2026 at 1:18 PM
Since 2008, air pollution monitors at US embassies helped drive down smog in many cities around the globe.
In 2025, the Trump administration ended that program. Months later, air pollution in many cities went up, according to a new study.
www.npr.org/2026/09/15/n...
In 2025, the Trump administration ended that program. Months later, air pollution in many cities went up, according to a new study.
www.npr.org/2026/09/15/n...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
HHS is canceling infant mortality and postpartum grants to focus instead on research related to what the department says are “root causes” like sperm counts and erectile dysfunction.
https://www.notus.org/health-science/hhs-cancels-infant-mortality-postpartum-grants-focus-infertility
https://www.notus.org/health-science/hhs-cancels-infant-mortality-postpartum-grants-focus-infertility
HHS Cancels Infant Mortality, Postpartum Grants to Focus on Sperm Counts, ED
Officials at the Office of Minority Health told grantees that they’re prioritizing “root causes” of infertility and promoting exercise.
www.notus.org
September 4, 2026 at 10:24 PM
HHS is canceling infant mortality and postpartum grants to focus instead on research related to what the department says are “root causes” like sperm counts and erectile dysfunction.
https://www.notus.org/health-science/hhs-cancels-infant-mortality-postpartum-grants-focus-infertility
https://www.notus.org/health-science/hhs-cancels-infant-mortality-postpartum-grants-focus-infertility
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
I wrote about what's happening to the Academy of Natural Sciences Museum in Philadelphia
defector.com/how-the-u-s-...
defector.com/how-the-u-s-...
How The U.S.'s Oldest Natural History Museum Might Meet Its End | Defector
In 1858, William Parker Foulke, a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences—a group of naturalists committed to public education and outreach—was on vacation in the quiet Quaker community of Haddonfie...
defector.com
September 4, 2026 at 2:31 PM
I wrote about what's happening to the Academy of Natural Sciences Museum in Philadelphia
defector.com/how-the-u-s-...
defector.com/how-the-u-s-...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
I'm not going to devote too much time on the whole "White House Arcade" website because it feels a bit passé, given their propensity for these stunts.
But my bosses asked me if I thought it was vibe coded and here's what I found.
But my bosses asked me if I thought it was vibe coded and here's what I found.
September 4, 2026 at 2:08 PM
I'm not going to devote too much time on the whole "White House Arcade" website because it feels a bit passé, given their propensity for these stunts.
But my bosses asked me if I thought it was vibe coded and here's what I found.
But my bosses asked me if I thought it was vibe coded and here's what I found.
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Feeling very honored and grateful today. Some of the journalists whose work I admire most have received this prize in the past and at a time when journalism is under threat in so many ways it’s just really heartening to be recognized by people who care deeply about journalism.
Congratulations to @kakape.bsky.social for winning the 2026 Victor Cohn Prize! Judges called his reporting on infectious diseases and misinformation bold, urgent and groundbreaking.
And big thanks to Michelson Philanthropies for underwriting the award.
casw.org/news/kai-kup...
And big thanks to Michelson Philanthropies for underwriting the award.
casw.org/news/kai-kup...
August 31, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Feeling very honored and grateful today. Some of the journalists whose work I admire most have received this prize in the past and at a time when journalism is under threat in so many ways it’s just really heartening to be recognized by people who care deeply about journalism.
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Interior has reassigned ~30 of its most senior career staffers.
Among those losing their longtime positions? The woman who directed the National Wildlife Refuge System for the last 10 years, and the man who ran the migratory bird program for the last 15.
Among those losing their longtime positions? The woman who directed the National Wildlife Refuge System for the last 10 years, and the man who ran the migratory bird program for the last 15.
‘They Want Us All To Leave’: Interior Reassigns Dozens of Senior Staff
Around 30 top staffers have been reshuffled, with some people moving to teams outside their areas of expertise.
www.notus.org
August 25, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Interior has reassigned ~30 of its most senior career staffers.
Among those losing their longtime positions? The woman who directed the National Wildlife Refuge System for the last 10 years, and the man who ran the migratory bird program for the last 15.
Among those losing their longtime positions? The woman who directed the National Wildlife Refuge System for the last 10 years, and the man who ran the migratory bird program for the last 15.
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
OMB's proposal to remake federal grantmaking was flooded with comments
Now, they are withdrawing some from the public record — including some that point out Russell Vought's connection to the federally funded research that led to Trikafta
www.statnews.com/2026/08/25/r...
Now, they are withdrawing some from the public record — including some that point out Russell Vought's connection to the federally funded research that led to Trikafta
www.statnews.com/2026/08/25/r...
Comments on OMB research rule mysteriously removed from federal website
Some comments on a proposed OMB research rule have been mysteriously removed from a public-facing government webpage.
www.statnews.com
August 25, 2026 at 2:53 PM
OMB's proposal to remake federal grantmaking was flooded with comments
Now, they are withdrawing some from the public record — including some that point out Russell Vought's connection to the federally funded research that led to Trikafta
www.statnews.com/2026/08/25/r...
Now, they are withdrawing some from the public record — including some that point out Russell Vought's connection to the federally funded research that led to Trikafta
www.statnews.com/2026/08/25/r...
Some news from Africa CDC.
Jean Kaseya says they're going forward with clinical trials testing an existing Ebola vaccine, which targets the Zaire species.
There's debate on whether this will work against Bundibugyo, but with so large an outbreak, they may be thinking any help is worth trying.
Jean Kaseya says they're going forward with clinical trials testing an existing Ebola vaccine, which targets the Zaire species.
There's debate on whether this will work against Bundibugyo, but with so large an outbreak, they may be thinking any help is worth trying.
August 6, 2026 at 1:51 PM
Some news from Africa CDC.
Jean Kaseya says they're going forward with clinical trials testing an existing Ebola vaccine, which targets the Zaire species.
There's debate on whether this will work against Bundibugyo, but with so large an outbreak, they may be thinking any help is worth trying.
Jean Kaseya says they're going forward with clinical trials testing an existing Ebola vaccine, which targets the Zaire species.
There's debate on whether this will work against Bundibugyo, but with so large an outbreak, they may be thinking any help is worth trying.
Seeing more PR emails that clearly use AI to "personalize" pitches. Fills me with a deep loathing.
August 5, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Seeing more PR emails that clearly use AI to "personalize" pitches. Fills me with a deep loathing.
The America First Global Health strategy is very focused on American-made, tech-forward solutions like drones.
Drones can deliver lifesaving supplies in hard-to-reach places, but they can't replace the people and systems sapped by aid cuts. By Fatma Tanis:
www.npr.org/2026/08/04/g...
Drones can deliver lifesaving supplies in hard-to-reach places, but they can't replace the people and systems sapped by aid cuts. By Fatma Tanis:
www.npr.org/2026/08/04/g...
They're a world leader in using drones for healthcare. But drones can't do it all
Drones carrying medical supplies constantly crisscross the skies of Rwanda. The Trump administration is giving a major grant to the effort — and at the same time cutting aid to the country.
www.npr.org
August 4, 2026 at 1:58 PM
The America First Global Health strategy is very focused on American-made, tech-forward solutions like drones.
Drones can deliver lifesaving supplies in hard-to-reach places, but they can't replace the people and systems sapped by aid cuts. By Fatma Tanis:
www.npr.org/2026/08/04/g...
Drones can deliver lifesaving supplies in hard-to-reach places, but they can't replace the people and systems sapped by aid cuts. By Fatma Tanis:
www.npr.org/2026/08/04/g...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Ebola may have been spreading for months in the DRC before anyone recognized it.
A new reconstruction suggests the outbreak was already widespread in the gold-mining town of Mongbwalu by January. It wasn’t officially declared until 15 May.
Why did no-one raise the alarm?
My story for @science.org 🧪
A new reconstruction suggests the outbreak was already widespread in the gold-mining town of Mongbwalu by January. It wasn’t officially declared until 15 May.
Why did no-one raise the alarm?
My story for @science.org 🧪
EXCLUSIVE: Congo’s Ebola epidemic started at least 4 months before it was detected
A remote mining town gripped by fear saw hundreds of suspected cases before the government declared an outbreak, report says
www.science.org
July 30, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Ebola may have been spreading for months in the DRC before anyone recognized it.
A new reconstruction suggests the outbreak was already widespread in the gold-mining town of Mongbwalu by January. It wasn’t officially declared until 15 May.
Why did no-one raise the alarm?
My story for @science.org 🧪
A new reconstruction suggests the outbreak was already widespread in the gold-mining town of Mongbwalu by January. It wasn’t officially declared until 15 May.
Why did no-one raise the alarm?
My story for @science.org 🧪
Ebola outbreak in DRC is now the second largest ever, according to Africa CDC head Jean Kaseya.
Over 3,400 cases have been confirmed, and deaths rose by nearly 50% over the past week. More than 80% of new cases are still coming outside of known contact lists, the spread is out of control.
Over 3,400 cases have been confirmed, and deaths rose by nearly 50% over the past week. More than 80% of new cases are still coming outside of known contact lists, the spread is out of control.
July 30, 2026 at 1:26 PM
Ebola outbreak in DRC is now the second largest ever, according to Africa CDC head Jean Kaseya.
Over 3,400 cases have been confirmed, and deaths rose by nearly 50% over the past week. More than 80% of new cases are still coming outside of known contact lists, the spread is out of control.
Over 3,400 cases have been confirmed, and deaths rose by nearly 50% over the past week. More than 80% of new cases are still coming outside of known contact lists, the spread is out of control.
Fauci is declining to answer any questions from Senator Paul at the hearing, invoking his 5th amendment rights.
He says he's answered all these questions repeatedly in previous hearings. Paul keeps asking questions, Fauci keeps invoking his 5th amendment rights.
He says he's answered all these questions repeatedly in previous hearings. Paul keeps asking questions, Fauci keeps invoking his 5th amendment rights.
July 29, 2026 at 1:01 PM
Fauci is declining to answer any questions from Senator Paul at the hearing, invoking his 5th amendment rights.
He says he's answered all these questions repeatedly in previous hearings. Paul keeps asking questions, Fauci keeps invoking his 5th amendment rights.
He says he's answered all these questions repeatedly in previous hearings. Paul keeps asking questions, Fauci keeps invoking his 5th amendment rights.
This is such a devastating and infuriating story.
@science.org and @retractionwatch.com partner on a feature today on a clinical trial death that's the saddest, and longest, science story I've edited. But it's also one of the best IMO. Beautifully written and reported by @bborrell.bsky.social We’re grateful to the parents of "Mei" 1/
July 23, 2026 at 6:40 PM
This is such a devastating and infuriating story.
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
To get slightly ahead of the virus, health officials need to quickly identify people at risk of infection, a practice known as contact tracing. That's a challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo. n.pr/4x3HuKd
Why health officials do not have a good handle on the current Ebola outbreak
To get slightly ahead of the virus, health officials need to quickly identify people at risk of infection, a practice known as contact tracing. That's a challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
n.pr
July 23, 2026 at 3:54 PM
To get slightly ahead of the virus, health officials need to quickly identify people at risk of infection, a practice known as contact tracing. That's a challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo. n.pr/4x3HuKd
The Ebola outbreak in DRC just passed a grim milestone — 1,000 deaths.
More than two months into the epidemic, health officials are struggling to keep up. Too much transmission is happening outside the view of contact tracers, and too many patients aren't getting care.
www.npr.org/2026/07/23/g...
More than two months into the epidemic, health officials are struggling to keep up. Too much transmission is happening outside the view of contact tracers, and too many patients aren't getting care.
www.npr.org/2026/07/23/g...
Why health officials do not have a good handle on the current Ebola outbreak
To get slightly ahead of the virus, health officials need to quickly identify people at risk of infection, a practice known as contact tracing. That's a challenge in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
www.npr.org
July 23, 2026 at 1:22 PM
The Ebola outbreak in DRC just passed a grim milestone — 1,000 deaths.
More than two months into the epidemic, health officials are struggling to keep up. Too much transmission is happening outside the view of contact tracers, and too many patients aren't getting care.
www.npr.org/2026/07/23/g...
More than two months into the epidemic, health officials are struggling to keep up. Too much transmission is happening outside the view of contact tracers, and too many patients aren't getting care.
www.npr.org/2026/07/23/g...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
Both Marco Rubio and Elon Musk, who led the effort to sunset the foreign aid agency, have said that no deaths have been linked to the cutting of its funding. These parents tell a different story. n.pr/4fFJzG7
Trump's team says 'no children' died from USAID cuts. Consider these 3 cases
Both Marco Rubio and Elon Musk, who led the effort to sunset the foreign aid agency, have said that no deaths have been linked to the cutting of its funding. These parents tell a different story.
n.pr
July 17, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Both Marco Rubio and Elon Musk, who led the effort to sunset the foreign aid agency, have said that no deaths have been linked to the cutting of its funding. These parents tell a different story. n.pr/4fFJzG7
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
i talked to several pollution + health experts about the wildfire smoke blanketing much of the northeast right now, and everyone agreed that even able-bodied adults may want to take some precautions today!!
Smoke From Canada’s Wildfires Turns Skies Sickly Orange Across the Eastern US
Roughly 100 fires are raging out of control in Ontario, sending smoke streaming 1,000 miles to the south and east.
www.wired.com
July 16, 2026 at 2:33 PM
i talked to several pollution + health experts about the wildfire smoke blanketing much of the northeast right now, and everyone agreed that even able-bodied adults may want to take some precautions today!!
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
New: An analysis of a huge wave of public comments on a White House proposal to change federal grant-making found that about 95% were posted in opposition. Via @aniloza.bsky.social @jaspar.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/07/15/t...
www.statnews.com/2026/07/15/t...
Flood of comments on White House grantmaking overhaul is largely negative, analysis shows
An analysis of public comments on a White House proposal to change the way federal contracts and grants are doled out shows widespread opposition
www.statnews.com
July 15, 2026 at 12:48 PM
New: An analysis of a huge wave of public comments on a White House proposal to change federal grant-making found that about 95% were posted in opposition. Via @aniloza.bsky.social @jaspar.bsky.social
www.statnews.com/2026/07/15/t...
www.statnews.com/2026/07/15/t...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
"It changed my life."
How putting fish on rice farms can prevent a debilitating disease, boost rice yields and improve livelihoods.
My story from Senegal is now out in radio — take a listen!
www.npr.org/2026/07/12/n...
How putting fish on rice farms can prevent a debilitating disease, boost rice yields and improve livelihoods.
My story from Senegal is now out in radio — take a listen!
www.npr.org/2026/07/12/n...
A promising tale from Senegal of fish, rice .... and dangerous worms
Farmers in Senegal are welcoming fish into their rice paddies. The hope is they'll fertilize the crop, be a source of food ... and eat the snails that carry parasitic worms.
www.npr.org
July 14, 2026 at 1:20 PM
"It changed my life."
How putting fish on rice farms can prevent a debilitating disease, boost rice yields and improve livelihoods.
My story from Senegal is now out in radio — take a listen!
www.npr.org/2026/07/12/n...
How putting fish on rice farms can prevent a debilitating disease, boost rice yields and improve livelihoods.
My story from Senegal is now out in radio — take a listen!
www.npr.org/2026/07/12/n...
Reposted by Jonathan Lambert
“The wilderness has about 1,900 campsites that need to be checked” and it sounds like there are only eight “firefighter-qualified rangers” working in pairs to do the sweeps.
Superior National Forest lost 100 of its 350 employees in the DOGE cuts.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Superior National Forest lost 100 of its 350 employees in the DOGE cuts.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Forest Service closing Boundary Waters amid extreme heat, wildfires
The U.S. Forest Service is temporarily closing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as concerns grow over the multiple wildfires burning in northeastern Minnesota and an extremely hot, dry weathe...
www.mprnews.org
July 14, 2026 at 1:27 PM
“The wilderness has about 1,900 campsites that need to be checked” and it sounds like there are only eight “firefighter-qualified rangers” working in pairs to do the sweeps.
Superior National Forest lost 100 of its 350 employees in the DOGE cuts.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
Superior National Forest lost 100 of its 350 employees in the DOGE cuts.
www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...
"It changed my life."
How putting fish on rice farms can prevent a debilitating disease, boost rice yields and improve livelihoods.
My story from Senegal is now out in radio — take a listen!
www.npr.org/2026/07/12/n...
How putting fish on rice farms can prevent a debilitating disease, boost rice yields and improve livelihoods.
My story from Senegal is now out in radio — take a listen!
www.npr.org/2026/07/12/n...
A promising tale from Senegal of fish, rice .... and dangerous worms
Farmers in Senegal are welcoming fish into their rice paddies. The hope is they'll fertilize the crop, be a source of food ... and eat the snails that carry parasitic worms.
www.npr.org
July 14, 2026 at 1:20 PM
"It changed my life."
How putting fish on rice farms can prevent a debilitating disease, boost rice yields and improve livelihoods.
My story from Senegal is now out in radio — take a listen!
www.npr.org/2026/07/12/n...
How putting fish on rice farms can prevent a debilitating disease, boost rice yields and improve livelihoods.
My story from Senegal is now out in radio — take a listen!
www.npr.org/2026/07/12/n...