Ruth Ann Crystal

Ruth Ann Crystal

@drruth.bsky.social

Also known as @CatchTheBaby on Twitter OBGYN physician, innovator, baker Weekly newsletter at https://drruth.substack.com/ #Medsky #LongCOVID

15.2K followers1K following2K posts

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Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

✨UPDATED✨ New to Bluesky? HELPFUL LINKS: Welcome Post, explains many things: buff.ly/3CAeIKe Medsky starter packs: buff.ly/3ZgguJ3 🧵of some Medsky specialties buff.ly/4ghdhir Directory of Starter Packs by keyword to find people to follow: buff.ly/3AAmJxW To Bookmark a skeet, reply with 📌.

Kyle Swanson, MD, FAANS, FCNS@kiswanson.medsky.network

Looking for medical professionals to follow? Just added the 6th installment *Medsky Sanguine Six* #medsky 🩺🧪 Round 1 go.bsky.app/Qg2TA9p Round 2 go.bsky.app/9ziyYqt Round 3 go.bsky.app/9WQtZh6 Round 4 go.bsky.app/HRaNhEt Round 5 go.bsky.app/DvGjDh6 Round 6 go.bsky.app/TzRhec3

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Ebola Tracker
@ebola-tracker.org

Replying to @drruth.bsky.social

Hi there, if you're interested: I’m doing a daily follow-up of the Ebola outbreak in the DRC based on official SitReps, with an interactive map, charts, and detailed data. Feel free to take a look: ebola-tracker.org/en

ebola-tracker.orgDRC Ebola 2026 — Live outbreak trackingEbola in the DRC: daily cases and deaths, map by province and health zone, database. And outside the DRC: Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda. Official sources.
Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

🚨 Bird flu has raged on a Utah mink farm for 2 months and officials won't act. #PublicHealth facts to know: 🦠 COVID immune evasion 📈 PJ.2.1 rising in BC 🧠 Long COVID memory deficits 🚨 US measles hits 4,588 (2x 2025) 🌍 Ebola spreads Full breakdown here 👉 buff.ly/ZCzIzEs #medsky 😷🧪

buff.lyDr. Ruth Report, 10/25/26SARS-CoV-2 RBD evolving to evade immune recognition, PJ.2.1 rising in BC, Verbal memory deficits in Long COVID, H5N1 raging on mink farm, US measles cases now more than double 2025, & Ebola spreading

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Jon Douglas
@atranscendedman.bsky.social

Five minutes to share how we’re bringing research closer to everyday life.

Jon Douglas@atranscendedman.bsky.social

Final presentations for the TOP × HHS Tech Sprint are today! 🤞 We built TrialPilot to bring research closer to everyday life. Wish us luck! www.trialpilot.app

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

TRAstonDrs
@castltrastondrs.medsky.network

#Medsky🧪#IDsky #vaccinesmatter #publichealth @cidrap.bsky.social A comprehensive review of the latest peer-reviewed research on the safety, effectiveness, and epidemiology of vaccines against #influenza, #COVID, and #RSV vaxintegrity.cidrap.umn.edu/2026-27-resp...

vaxintegrity.cidrap.umn.edu2026-27 Respiratory Season | Vaccine Integrity ProjectCIDRAP provides advice, information and analysis on the prevention, control and treatment of targeted infectious diseases and in public health preparedness.
Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Antibiotic info needed? Check this out!

BK. Titanji@boghuma.bsky.social

It took me a lot of time to put this together. I share it to residents & medical students when I'm rounding. The feedback has been very positive. I wanted something that could be foldable, fit into a pocket etc. Born out of my frustrations on antibiotics decisions residents make esp on night float.

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

BK. Titanji
@boghuma.bsky.social

In a timeline of very bad news this is the best news that I have read today. The controversial Hepatitis B study planned by Danish researchers in Guinea Bissau has now been halted. It was unethical when it was proposed and is still unethical today. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...

theguardian.comControversial US-backed vaccine trial in African newborns haltedHepatitis B study in Guinea-Bissau that was to be funded by CDC and that drew global backlash ‘will not move forward’

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

National Security Counselors 🕵
@nationalsecuritylaw.org

🎶The shin bone's connected to the...wait WHAT

Ruth Ann Crystal@drruth.bsky.social

Could squeezing the shinbone help heal an injured brain? In mice and pigs, controlled shinbone compression improved brain injury recovery. PIEZO1, a force sensor in bone cells, sent out protective signals to the brain. buff.ly/YE2QJIo #medsky #TBI

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Super interesting article with parallels to today's anti-vaccine policy from HHS.

Angie Rasmussen@angierasmussen.bsky.social

In 1984, a cult carried out the largest bioterrorist attack on US soil in modern history. They weren’t trying to cause a pandemic. They were trying to rig an election. rasmussenretorts.substack.com/p/measles-in...

rasmussenretorts.substack.comMeasles in the Midterms or Salmonella in the Salad Bar?Sadly this is not the first time a cult has weaponized infectious disease to mess with an election
Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

What if Long COVID leaves clues in T cells?🔎 This week's news: a potential marker of persistent viral antigen, COVID's effects on sperm & offspring in mice, the Bone-Brain Axis, and EBV in Long COVID & lupus. Plus: Measles, H5N1, Dengue in Florida, & Ebola Read here👉 buff.ly/OZ4rWJO #medsky

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

A simple, life-saving innovation for Amazon wildlife! 🐒 Biologist Fernanda Abra’s rope bridges have enabled over 15,000 safe animal crossings. Six primate species use the bridges, including threatened marmosets and the critically endangered Alta Floresta titi monkey. buff.ly/eiQhs8J

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Could squeezing the shinbone help heal an injured brain? In mice and pigs, controlled shinbone compression improved brain injury recovery. PIEZO1, a force sensor in bone cells, sent out protective signals to the brain. buff.ly/YE2QJIo #medsky #TBI

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

ProPublica
@propublica.org

Our analysis found that from 2020 to 2025, the rate of deaths involving ectopic pregnancies nearly doubled compared with the previous six-year period. The uptick was steeper in states with abortion bans.

propublica.orgEctopic Pregnancy Deaths Have Nearly Doubled. It’s Worse in States With Abortion Bans.With prompt and appropriate medical care, experts say, people shouldn’t die from an ectopic pregnancy. Women in Texas and Oklahoma have sued over delays in care, which, coupled with our new analysis, ...

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

BK. Titanji
@boghuma.bsky.social

When members of the IRB that reviewed a study are resigning in protest because they recognize the unethical design of the study and the avoidable harm it will cause, maybe it is a sign to no proceed with said study. Great reporting in the guardian. www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

theguardian.comControversial vaccine trial touted by RFK Jr gets go-ahead in Guinea-BissauRecommended dose of hepatitis B vaccine will be withheld from thousands of newborns by Danish researchers

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Josh Rodefer
@rodefer.bsky.social

interesting study w potential long term effects on offspring

Ruth Ann Crystal@drruth.bsky.social

What if childhood COVID infections left a mark on fertility years later? A new mouse study asks exactly that. Prepubertal male mice were given synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA (no live virus). It triggered strong systemic inflammatory response, cytokine surge, lung inflammation. 1/6 🧵

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

What if childhood COVID infections left a mark on fertility years later? A new mouse study asks exactly that. Prepubertal male mice were given synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA (no live virus). It triggered strong systemic inflammatory response, cytokine surge, lung inflammation. 1/6 🧵

View full thread
Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Big caveats: Synthetic RNA used, not infection. Dose was high. COVID infections in human children are often mild. Reversibility is unknown. Small groups of animals tested. Human data are mostly from adult men, where semen changes after COVID infection are usually transient. 5/6

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

The question worth asking: Could severe inflammation before puberty affect reproductive health in boys? No one knows. Long-term follow-up of children infected with COVID before puberty will be important. Wu et al., Molecular Human Reproduction 2026 buff.ly/gLds0FD

buff.lyPrepubertal exposure to SARS-CoV-2 single-stranded RNA disrupts spermatogenesis and causes intergenerational effects in miceAbstract. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread morbidity and mortality worldwide, with emerging evidence documenting transient reproductive impairme
Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

What if childhood COVID infections left a mark on fertility years later? A new mouse study asks exactly that. Prepubertal male mice were given synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA (no live virus). It triggered strong systemic inflammatory response, cytokine surge, lung inflammation. 1/6 🧵

View full thread
Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

How did this effect the next generation? Pups sired by the COVID recovered males were born smaller and had impaired glucose metabolism at 8 weeks. Litter sizes were normal, so fertility had looked fine on the surface. 3/6

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

How the effect reached the next generation of mice is unknown. The authors suggest altered sperm quality, epigenetic changes, or sperm-borne factors. But, this is an association, not proven inheritance. 4/6

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

What if childhood COVID infections left a mark on fertility years later? A new mouse study asks exactly that. Prepubertal male mice were given synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA (no live virus). It triggered strong systemic inflammatory response, cytokine surge, lung inflammation. 1/6 🧵

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Four weeks later, the testes were damaged. The blood-testis barrier was disrupted, sperm concentration and motility dropped, and testosterone fell sharply. The RNA didn't accumulate in the testis, so the damage points to inflammation, not direct viral invasion. 2/6

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

A plague lab accident🧪, a football team mumps outbreak🏈, and a 5th measles death🪦. Here’s what you may have missed this week: 🦠 COVID waves in US, UK & Europe 🌊 Flu rising in Pacific states 🧠 HHV-7 linked to neuro-Long COVID Full Dr Ruth Report: buff.ly/i1LhWfm #medsky #nursesky

buff.lyDr. Ruth Report, 10/4/26Flu arrives to Pacific states; COVID wave seen in US, England, and Europe; Neuro-Long COVID and HHV-7; a 5th Pennsylvania measles death; Plague lab accident in Siberia; and much more.

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Bouquet of assorted dahlias that I picked at Beeline Blooms yesterday. I had so much fun! #Flowers #BloomScrolling #Dahlias

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Judy Stone
@drjudystone.bsky.social

Very cool re #DrugRepurposing: Washington State U researchers developed a modified form of #niclosamide engineered to seek out the macrophages that drive #endometriosis progression, reducing pain responses and lesion size in a mouse model. www.nature.com/articles/d41... via @drruth.bsky.social

nature.comThe ‘missed disease’ that affects 190 million: endometriosis drug shows early promiseModified medication targets the cells implicated in the condition’s tell-tale lesions.

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

George Gantsoudes
@pedsortho.bsky.social

I think most orthos are still on Twitter, but if any are here, please fill this out for my friend Dave. It’s a quick survey.

This post is unavailable.
Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

A plague lab accident🧪, a football team mumps outbreak🏈, and a 5th measles death🪦. Here’s what you may have missed this week: 🦠 COVID waves in US, UK & Europe 🌊 Flu rising in Pacific states 🧠 HHV-7 linked to neuro-Long COVID Full Dr Ruth Report: buff.ly/i1LhWfm #medsky #nursesky

buff.lyDr. Ruth Report, 10/4/26Flu arrives to Pacific states; COVID wave seen in US, England, and Europe; Neuro-Long COVID and HHV-7; a 5th Pennsylvania measles death; Plague lab accident in Siberia; and much more.
Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

It turns out that when you don't get an MMR vaccine, you are also at risk for Mumps. Mumps can cause infertility in young men. MMR protects against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. #medsky

NBC News@nbcnews.com

Public health officials confirm a mumps outbreak, numbering fourteen cases so far, on the San Diego State football team.

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Curtis Sliwais, founder of the Guardian Angels, admitted that he was scared to get a shot. Mayor Mamdani told him, "I can hold your hand." And he did. Curtis barely even felt it.

Dr. Lucky Tran@luckytran.com

Mayor Zohran Mamdani held hands Curtis Sliwa as they got their flu shots 😂

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Kimberly Beatty
@beattylab.bsky.social

Please share: OHSU is hiring an Assistant Prof. in the Dept. of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry. We are looking for a chemical biologist who will apply novel chemical tools in physiological systems. Apply online: www.ohsu.edu/human-resour... (Job # 2026-41667).

ohsu.eduOHSU Faculty, Physician and Academic Jobs in OregonFind higher education faculty, physician and research jobs and build your academic health career at OHSU in Portland, Oregon.
Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Is your AI chatbot getting its news from partisan "pink slime" sites? 🤖 New reporting says it's easier to fool than you'd think. Plus this week's COVlD news, split into 2 parts. Check it out!👇

Ruth Ann Crystal@drruth.bsky.social

Viral remnants causing vascular damage. Long COVID claims surging 2-3 weeks post-ER. AI chatbots duped by political "pink slime." This week's newsletter was so packed I had to split it into 2 parts! Part I (COVID): buff.ly/nSoGZsi Part II (Med News): buff.ly/MEx3iKr #medsky #IDsky

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Whoa! 98% of airport air samples had COVID in them!😷 This week: 🦠 Gut microbiome tracks with Long COVID onset 💊 Bezisterim helps Long COVID subgroups in Phase II 🏛 Kennedy renews vaccine attacks ⏳ HHS delays kids' COVID shots What are we missing? 👉 Read the Dr. Ruth Report buff.ly/Bh6sGTi

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Guardian US
@us.theguardian.com

The “jaw-dropping” El Niño currently heating up the planet has burst through the highest temperature ever recorded for the phenomenon, several months before its expected peak.

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Whoa! 98% of airport air samples had COVID in them!😷 This week: 🦠 Gut microbiome tracks with Long COVID onset 💊 Bezisterim helps Long COVID subgroups in Phase II 🏛 Kennedy renews vaccine attacks ⏳ HHS delays kids' COVID shots What are we missing? 👉 Read the Dr. Ruth Report buff.ly/Bh6sGTi

Ruth Ann Crystal
@drruth.bsky.social

Good news re: Pancreatic cancer screening

Nature Portfolio@natureportfolio.nature.com

In a prospective study reported in Nature Medicine, the PANXEON exosome-based biomarker, combined with carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels, achieves high sensitivity for the detection of early-stage pancreatic cancer. go.nature.com/4iCH4Xe #medsky 🧪

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

Papertis
@papertis.bsky.social

This highlights a recurring tension in public health infrastructure: approval timelines vs. distribution logistics. As clinicians, we often find ourselves caught between 'this is approved' and 'this is actually available to my patients.' The gap creates real confusion at the point of care.

Ruth Ann Crystal@drruth.bsky.social

Three weeks after the FDA approved updated COVID vaccines, the CDC has not yet opened ordering through Vaccines for Children, a program covering about half of US kids. HHS says procurement decisions are being finalized, leaving states and families waiting. buff.ly/Mrk0j2z #pedsky #medsky

buff.lyCovid-19 vaccines delayed for about half of US children as access through federal program stalls | CNNThe federal government approved updated Covid-19 vaccines for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season last month, but the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet made these vaccines ava...

Ruth Ann Crystal reposted

J. Offir, PhD
@joffirphd.bsky.social

Folks, please get vaxxed or check your measles titers, if you aren't sure you got 2 doses or were born b/t 1963-1967 (when a less effective, killed vax was used for a bit). An unvaxxed passenger "rode across the country" on trains & Amtrak buses & is now hospitalized. www.ktvu.com/news/califor...

ktvu.comCalifornia health department notifies of measles exposure from unvaccinated Amtrak passengerThe California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is urging residents to get their measles vaccination after notifying the public of an exposure from an Amtrak passenger who traveled on the rail syste...