ScienceUpFirst

Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, can be serious, and it is important to be well informed. Here are 5 things about ticks and Lyme disease that you may not know: Ticks are not just in the USA and are a big problem in Canada too. There is no such thing as a tick season. Not all ticks and tick bites will result in a Lyme disease infection. All Canadians are at risk of being infected by Lyme disease. Not every infected person develops the target-like, also known as bull's eye, rash after being bitten. 🎯 The best way to prevent any tick-borne disease is to avoid being bitten by a tick so make sure to check our reference list for all the tips on how to do just that! Source: tinyurl.com/SUFLymeDisease Think you know everything about ticks already? Try this quiz from Tick Talk: /tick-facts/survey-form/ #ScienceUpFirst #LaSciencedAbord #EnsembleContreLaDésinformation

Heard of the “manosphere”? It’s often used to refer to a collection of online communities and influencers who claim to promote men’s health and well being. It unfortunately rarely stops there. Manosphere influencers will often rely on narrow and exaggerated definitions of masculinity. They will use anecdotes and negative experiences to degrade women. To them, the world must be seen through rigid “men”/”women” differences. What's more, they spread harmful myths and create content meant to elicit a reaction out of you, whether you agree with them or not. Don’t be swayed by these manipulation tactics and read how these myths fall apart under scrutiny. As always, do not feed the trolls! Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFManosphereMyths #ScienceUpFirst #LaSciencedAbord #TogetherAgainstMisinformation

A strawman argument happens when someone twists what you said into something easier to attack. So instead of responding to the real point, they respond to a distorted version of it (1,2). Example: Person A: “We should reduce plastic waste.” Person B: “So you think we should ban all plastic and make life impossible?” This tactic can take different forms, like exaggerating a point, oversimplifying it, or taking it out of context. It works because the new version is simpler, more extreme, and easier to reject. It can also make the original idea seem unreasonable, which can turn people against it and rally support for the person attacking it (1). This is different from simply misunderstanding someone. We can all misinterpret things sometimes, especially in fast conversations. If you’re not sure you understood, it’s better to ask questions or ask the person to clarify their point before assuming (3). If someone is using a strawman argument against you, here’s what you can say or do: Clearly state “That’s not what I said” and restate your point clearly. Then ask them to respond to your actual argument (3,4). Spot the distortion, and bring the conversation back to what was actually said. Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFStrawman #ScienceUpFirst #LaSciencedAbord #TogetherAgainstMisinformation

You’ve probably seen products labeled “paraben-free” or “endocrine disruptor-free” and wondered if that’s something you should be worried about. That’s a fair question. When something is marketed as “free from” an ingredient, it’s easy to assume that ingredient must be harmful. But that’s not always the case. These claims are often used as marketing tools. So what’s the deal with endocrine disruptors in cosmetics? 👉 Read more in the slides Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFCosmeticsEndocrine #ScienceUpFirst #LaSciencedAbord #TogetherAgainstMisinformation

Ever seen a conversation like this? Person A: “Prove to me the moon landing isn’t fake.” Person B: “Here are photos from the mission.” Person A: “Those are photoshopped.” Person B: “Okay, here’s video footage.” Person A: “It was filmed in a studio.” Person B: “We brought back rocks from the moon.” Person A: “Those could be fake.” Person B: “You can observe the landing sites from Earth.” Person A: “I still don’t believe it.” And it keeps going… No matter what proof you bring, it’s never enough. This is called moving the goalposts (1). It happens when someone keeps changing what “counts” as proof. No matter how strong the evidence is, they ask for something new instead of engaging with what’s already there (2,3,4). In real discussions, this can look like (3,5): • Dismissing evidence without explaining why • Asking for more and more proof • Ignoring what was already shared If you notice this happening, you can gently point it out: “Hey, it seems like the goal keeps changing. What kind of evidence would actually convince you?” (4). That said, not every conversation will go somewhere. If someone isn’t open to changing their view, it’s okay to step away and save your energy (6,7). Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFMovingGoalposts #ScienceUpFirst #LaSciencedAbord #TogetherAgainstMisinformation

Share what’s true, not what’s trending. Across Canada, creators are coming together to make science-based information clear, accessible, and easy to trust. Learn about vaccination, from sexual health and the HPV vaccine, to flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and vaccination during pregnancy, through content from your favourite influencers. With them, you can access clear, reliable, expert-verified information without the noise. Because better decisions about your health start with better information. Explore all the content and resources on our website: scienceupfirst.com/science-champions/ #ScienceUpFirst #NIAW2026 #TheTimeIsNow #GetImmunized

A year ago, RFK Jr. suggested a child’s measles death was due to poor nutrition (1). Not only was this claim insensitive, it was also misleading. First, there was no evidence that this child was malnourished, and second, it misrepresents how nutrition impacts diseases like measles. Eating a well-balanced diet supports your immune system. Nutrients like vitamins A, C, D and E help maintain the body’s physical barriers (like your skin and the lining of your lungs), support immune cells that detect and fight pathogens, and help your body respond to and recover from infections (2,3,4,5). This is why malnutrition can make infectious diseases harder to fight off and recover from (2,4,6,7,8). At the same time, even the most well-nourished people get sick. No food, diet or vitamin can prevent infectious diseases (3). Healthy and young people have been hospitalized or died from infections like COVID-19, the flu, or measles (9,10,11). Vaccines work in a different way. They train your immune system to recognize specific pathogens ahead of time, reducing the risk of severe illness, complications and death. They also help protect those who are unable to get vaccinated, such as infants, individuals with certain medical conditions, and those with compromised immune systems (12). We’re constantly being fed marketing on “boosting” our immune system through “super foods” and supplements. That may sound appealing, but it's not really how it works. Too much immune activity can actually be harmful. Good nutrition and sleep help keep your immune system healthy, including helping your body respond well to vaccines (3,4). Vaccines go a step further, by training your immune system - both are important to your health but they play different roles (3,6). Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFDietVaccines #ScienceUpFirst #NIAW2026 #TheTimeIsNow #GetImmunized

Nervous about needles? You are not alone. The majority of children, 20-50% of adolescents, and 20-30% of adults have needle fears (1). Here’s the good news: There are evidence-based practices you can try that are proven to reduce fear and pain. Try the CARD system (2) • Comfort • Ask • Relax • Distract Here are some ideas for each category (3): Get comfortable 🧋 Wear a comfy short sleeve shirt. Have a snack before and after your shot. Apply numbing cream 30 - 60 minutes before your shot to reduce pain. Ask questions ❓ What will happen at the appointment? Can I get the vaccine in a private space? Relax 🧘 Take some deep belly breaths. Listen to music that makes you feel calm. Bring someone with you for support. Distract yourself 🎮 Talk to someone. Watch something on your phone. Read a book. Fear of needles is real. There is no shame in needle fear. If you need accommodations, ask. You deserve quality care. Bringing someone with you who can help advocate for you can also really help manage anxiety. CARD is a fantastic tool for those with low to moderate needle fears. If you are severely phobic, interventions from a registered psychologist could be more helpful (4). Let us know tools you have used to help manage needle anxiety 👇 Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFNeedleNervous #ScienceUpFirst #NIAW2026 #TheTimeIsNow #GetImmunized

Story time! 📖 You have probably heard the myth that “vaccines cause autism”. But do you know where this fallacy began? The answer: a fraudulent study conducted in 1998. This post was made in collaboration between @immunize.ca , @scienceupfirst , and @camhnews . #TheTimeIsNow #NIAW2026 #Vaccines #Vaccine #Immunization #Immunizations #VaccinesWork #TogetherAgainstMisinformation #Fraud #MMR #Mythbusting #StoryTime

It is a temporary copy of the information contained in our DNA, used by cells to build proteins. DNA contains the master score for building proteins that keep our bodies functioning (e.g. hemoglobin that carries oxygen, insulin that helps control blood sugar). DNA is safely locked inside each cell’s nucleus, while proteins are built outside of it in an area called the cytoplasm. To build the correct protein, a cell needs to make a temporary copy of our genetic master copy (a.k.a our DNA) to carry the information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. This copy is called messenger RNA (mRNA). Using mRNA the cell builds a protein. The mRNA has now done its job. It can be sent to the shredder, where the mRNA is quickly broken down (degraded) by the cell machinery before being recycled (8,9). Beyond naturally-occurring mRNA, scientists are testing new types of RNA that could help treat diseases. This post was made in collaboration with the Bridge Research Consortium. Special thanks to Dr. Lisa Opsomer (@rnatalk_with_drlisa ) for her help with these posts. Check out our website to learn more: /bridge-research-consortium/ Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFRNAUnwrapped #ScienceUpFirst #LaSciencedAbord #TogetherAgainstMisinformation

Let’s unwrap some facts about RNA👇 DNA holds all our genetic information and stays safely locked inside the cell’s nucleus. It contains the blueprint for building proteins that keep our bodies functioning (e.g. hemoglobin that carries oxygen, insulin that helps control blood sugar). Since proteins are built outside the nucleus, the cell makes a temporary copy of just the needed instructions. The copy, called messenger RNA (mRNA), carries the information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm to enable the protein to be produced. Once its job is done, the mRNA is quickly broken down by the cell’s machinery before being recycled (8,9). RNA therapies build on this natural system to treat disease. Canada has played an important role in developing these technologies. Researchers at the University of British Columbia, including Pieter Cullis and colleagues, helped develop lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) – tiny delivery vehicles that protect RNA and help it enter cells. This innovation made modern mRNA vaccines and several RNA medicines possible. Other Canadian scientists also helped unlock how RNA works, including discoveries about mRNA translation at McGill University and RNA splicing at the University of Toronto and Université de Sherbrooke. Today, RNA therapies are being explored for rare diseases, cancer, infectious diseases, and more. This post was made in collaboration with the Bridge Research Consortium. Special thanks to Dr. Lisa Opsomer (@rnatalk_with_drlisa ) for her help with these posts. Check out our website to learn more: /bridge-research-consortium/ Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFRNAUnwrapped #ScienceUpFirst #LaSciencedAbord #TogetherAgainstMisinformation

You probably don’t notice it, but RNA is part of everything living. From the food you eat to the air you breathe, it’s at work in every cell. As far as scientists know, every living thing on Earth, from humans and plants to bacteria and even microrgansims who live in the most extreme conditions have RNA. Scientists are now harnessing RNA in new ways, from vaccines to therapies for cancer and genetic diseases. By studying how RNA works naturally, researchers are opening doors to treatments that were unimaginable just a few years ago. It’s a reminder that what might seem “new” or “risky” in medicine often comes straight from the biology that’s already inside us. This post was made in collaboration with the Bridge Research Consortium. Check out our website to learn more: /bridge-research-consortium/ Special thanks to Dr. Lisa Opsomer (@rnatalk_with_drlisa ) for her help with these posts. Sources: tinyurl.com/SUFRNAUnwrapped #ScienceUpFirst #LaSciencedAbord #TogetherAgainstMisinformation