ScienceUpFirst

@scienceupfirst

An initiative of the Canadian Association of Science Centres. We are a broad networks of experts and researchers addressing misinformation on social media in clear and creative ways. Consult our referenced posts and vetted resources: ScienceUpFirst.com

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ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 7d

We’re officially in Pride season 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️. Whether you are a new ally or simply trying to be a better one, this post is for you 👇 scienceupfirst.com/2slgbtqia/ho... #ScienceUpFirst

A heart and 2 bands in the colours of the pride flag are shown. The text reads: “How to be a good ally.”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 8d

Electrolytes are essential for your body, but that doesn't mean most people need electrolyte drinks. Swipe through to learn when they can help, when water is enough, and how to naturally replace electrolytes. 👇 scienceupfirst.com/nutrition/ar... #ScienceUpFirst

A person is drinking water. Above them is a text that reads: “Electrolytes. Are electrolytes and sport drinks really better than water? Not usually.”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 13d

Have you ever looked for alternatives to liquid sunscreen? There’s a problem with sunscreen sticks, powder, pumps and aerosol sprays… 👇 scienceupfirst.com/seasonal/sun... #ScienceUpFirst

Sand is shown in the background with the shadow of a hand holding a rectangular bottle. A multicolored text over it reads: “Sun Protection: It's not the size that counts… it's the quantity! Sprays. Sticks. Powders. If you don't apply enough, you don't get the SPF indicated on the packaging.”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 14d

Smoke crosses borders… and so do the impacts of climate policy and climate change. 👇 scienceupfirst.com/climate/clim... #ScienceUpFirst

A forest is burning in the background with the border of a fire advancing. A text underneath reads: “Climate change has no borders.”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 15d

Did you know suicide rates in Canada tend to peak during the summer months? 💛 Check in on your loved ones, even on the brightest days.👇 scienceupfirst.com/mental-healt... #ScienceUpFirst

Glasses are laying on some sand. In the background there is a blue sky with seagulls and a sun. The text reads: “We often think sunny days bring brighter moods. But that’s not always the case. Mental health matters in every season.”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 19d

This myth is recirculating but the facts remain the same: COVID-19 vaccines DO NOT cause cancer. Headlines can be misleading, read carefully. More details here 👇 scienceupfirst.com/vaccines/cov... #ScienceUpFirst

Image description: A photo of a stethoscope in the lower right half of the slide. Text in slide: "No, COVID-19 vaccines do not increase cancer risk. This myth is recirculating, let's clear things up." #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 21d

Climate change is driving the wildfires we're seeing: more frequent, more intense, more destructive. That part's settled science. 1/2 🧵 More details👇 scienceupfirst.com/climate/rapi...

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 22d

Here's why makeup with SPF isn't the same as tinted sunscreen. 👇 scienceupfirst.com/lifestyle-be... #ScienceUpFirst

A pink background with flowers. In the foreground is a glass container with foundation in it. A text around it reads: “Your foundation says SPF 30 but are you actually getting that? Probably not (sorry!). Read the caption to find out why.”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 26d

Climate change is caused by humans. Simple. Proven. And yet more and more Canadians are starting to believe it's equally caused by natural changes. That's not accurate, and it didn't happen by accident. 👇 scienceupfirst.com/climate/clim... #ScienceUpFirst

A black background. A text in the centre reads: “Climate change is caused by burning fossil fuel.”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 26d

Supplement companies don’t have to lie to sell you a product that doesn’t work… they can just promise to ‘support’, ‘optimize’, or ‘boost’’ something – language that is vague enough to avoid breaking regulations. Before buying – verify the facts. 🔍 scienceupfirst.com/nutrition/yo...

A yellow supplement pill appears in the centre of the slide. The text around it reads: “YOU HAVE TO TRY
THIS NEW SUPPLEMENT. It preserves your cognitive function, and boosts your immune system, and slows your aging, and gives you energy, and gives you beautiful skin, nails, and hair, and strengthens your bones, and lowers stress, and… Sound familiar?
What’s up with all the ‘miracle’ supplements with little to no scientific backing, and why are companies allowed to sell misleading products?”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· 27d

Fibroids can affect people very differently. Some never have symptoms, while others experience heavy bleeding, pain, or fertility challenges. Check out our latest post to learn more about the symptoms, common myths, and treatment options.👇 scienceupfirst.com/womens-healt... 1/2 🧵

A purple background with a pink circle in the middle. A text reads: "Did you know? 79-80% of women and gender-diverse people with a uterus will develop fibroids during their lifetime. Swipe to learn the signs, symptoms, and torment options."

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jul 8

Do you know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke? In this warm weather it’s a good idea to know what to do if someone is affected. See our post for how to combat these heat induced illnesses and how to avoid them altogether. 👇 scienceupfirst.com/seasonal/kno... #ScienceUpFirst

Infographic comparing the signs of heat exhaustion (fatigue, cramps, sweating, nausea) and those of heat stroke (temperature >39.5°C, confusion, loss of consciousness, red and dry skin). Colors: orange for heat exhaustion, red for heat stroke. #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jul 3

Ever notice how some hot days feel way more intense than others, even though it’s the exact same temperature? Learn more about humidex and how it can become dangerous 👇 scienceupfirst.com/science-101/... #ScienceUpFirst

A heat index chart titled “‘It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity’… Actually, it’s both!” showing how relative humidity and air temperature combine to create perceived heat. The table has relative humidity percentages (40%–100%) on the left and air temperature (28°C–42°C) across the top. Each cell shows the “feels like” temperature in °C, colour-coded: yellow for Caution, light orange for Extreme Caution, orange for Danger, and red for Extreme Danger. A note says "Don't forget: these numbers are for shady spots. Full sun? Add up to 8°C more." The hashtag #ScienceUpFirst is in the top right.

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jul 2

“If the government recommends healthier food choices, soon they'll decide what everyone is allowed to eat, soon cakes and pies will be illegal.” Sound extreme? Claiming that a relatively minor thing will inevitably lead to disaster is a slippery slope. Read more👇 scienceupfirst.com/misinformati...

Two stick figures are talking. One says “Fossil fuels are non-renewable so we should develop wind and solar energy.” The other one standing right next to a muddy and slippery looking slope answers “If we develop renewable energy, we'll shut down all oil and gas production…”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 30

Does cannabis really improve your mood? NO. In fact studies show it may worsen existing mental health conditions. To read more about cannabis and your mood see today’s post.👇 scienceupfirst.com/lifestyle-be... This post was made in collaboration with @camhnews.bsky.social

On a yellow and purple background with different shapes, a text reads: “Have you ever heard: ‘I smoke weed because it helps with my mood’ and wondered ‘Could it help me too?’ Here is what the science says
about Cannabis and your mood.”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 25

Tragic events can lead to intense emotions. Your mental health matters. Log off when you need a break, take good care, and check in on the people around you. Resources in our stories and here too 👇 tinyurl.com/SUFMentalHealthResources

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 24

Undetectable = Untransmittable Not “almost never”. Not “with a small risk”. Zero transmission of HIV. Read more: scienceupfirst.com/sexual-healt... Sources : tinyurl.com/SUFUequalU This has been a collaboration between @scienceupfirst.bsky.social and @pwhrcanada.bsky.social #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 23

If a river is out of bounds for swimming it’s probably for a good reason and you shouldn’t jump in, even if it’s really hot outside. There is a risk of coming in contact with pathogens! Let’s clear things up 👇 scienceupfirst.com/public-healt... #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 18

Harm reduction is often misunderstood. Read more on how it may reduce the harms associated with the unregulated drug supply, focusing on ‘meeting people where they are at’ here👇 scienceupfirst.com/public-healt... Everyone deserves care and safety, no matter what their life circumstances are.

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 18

Does your makeup contain endocrine disruptors? Maybe. Are they bad for you? Watch our video to find out. For more info on endocrine disruptors and you, see our full article. 👇 tinyurl.com/SUFCosmeticsEndocrineFull #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 17

Ebola is back in the headlines. The outbreak is serious and requires a coordinated international response. However, the risk of Ebola for people living in Canada remains very low. Click to learn more 👇 scienceupfirst.com/public-healt... #ScienceUpFirst

A pastel pink background. The text reads: “Talking about Ebola in 2026. What is Ebola? How does Ebola spread? 2026 Ebola outbreak. Why are experts concerned? Do travel bans work? What can be done? Takeaway.” #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 11

GMOs tend to get a bad reputation but they are not simply “good” or “bad.” Understanding how they are made, used, and regulated helps put many of these concerns into context. 👇 scienceupfirst.com/nutrition/wh... What’s your take on GMOs? #ScienceUpFirst

Text is overlaid on a background of different shades of green and blue. There is a yellow butterfly on a blade of grass in the upper left corner. The text reads: “What are
GMOs? A definition. GMO
(Genetically Modified Organism). They describe plants, animals or even microorganisms who had their genetic material, a.k.a their DNA, intentionally modified either naturally or artificially. A lot of people think GMOs are rotten, but let's dig deeper.” A shovel in the bottom right corner points towards the next slide.

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 10

Although bracelets, stickers or patches may look attractive, they offer minimal, if any, protection against mosquito bites or ticks. We explain it all to you here 👇 www.scienceupfirst.com/project/are-... #ScienceUpFirst

The background is a picture of grass with a hand covered in bugs holding a thumbs up while wearing an insect repelling patch. The text above reads: “Ticks and mosquitoes don't care about your wristband
(or patches, or stickers). Those have little to no evidence behind them. Don't get bitten by bad advice!” #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 9

Brains love conspiracy theories. While some people may be more prone to conspiratorial thinking, everyone is susceptible. Check out the rest of the post to learn more about why our brains are hardwired for conspiracy, and how you can help reason win out.👇 scienceupfirst.com/misinformati...

A man wearing a tin foil hat is looking at a small globe of earth through a magnifying glass. The text in the centre reads: “No one is immune to conspiracy theories, not even
You! So, if our brains are built for conspiratorial thinking… Can we avoid it?”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 4

Emergency contraception myths, busted 👀 No, it does not affect future fertility. No, Plan B is not the only option. And no, it does not only work the “morning after.” Learn more in our latest post 👇 scienceupfirst.com/sexual-healt... This post was made in collaboration with #PWHRCanada

A pink background with what looks like pills is shown. At the foreground is an IUD device and a contraceptive pill. Above it, the text reads: "Emergency contraception. Myths busted." #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 4

While measles isn't always fatal, it's far from harmless. It wasn't widely discussed at the time because the number of deaths had already declined, not because it wasn't serious. Vaccination has helped prevent the disease and avoid its serious consequences. 👉 scienceupfirst.com/public-healt...

A speech bubble features a message about measles with an old perspective "Back in the day, measles wasn't a big deal... We never heard of people dying from it or being sick." Contrasted below is bold text stating measles was and still is a big deal. The background has red virus illustrations.

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· Jun 3

Ever notice how some debates never move forward? No matter the evidence, the standard keeps changing. That’s called moving the goalposts, and it’s a common misinformation tactic. Read more about it here 👇 scienceupfirst.com/misinformati... #ScienceUpFirst

A character on the left says "Prove to me the moon landing isn't fake." The one on the right is holding up pictures and says "Here are photos from the mission." The title above reads "Moving the goalpost" #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· May 27

There’s been a lot of discussion online lately about hantavirus and the recent cruise ship outbreak. So here’s a quick science-based roundup of what hantaviruses are, how the Andes virus spreads, and why this situation is very different from COVID-19. 👇 scienceupfirst.com/public-healt...

A table of content is presented. The headline reads “Hantavirus Round-Up (May 2026 edition)” Below it are listed the different topics covered on different slides: “What are Hantaviruses? What is the Andes virus? May 2026 Cruise Ship Outbreak. Hantavirus outbreak vs COVID-19 pandemic. Final thoughts” #ScienceUpFirst

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· May 25

PCOS is getting a new name: PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome). Why? Because despite the name, PCOS never involved ovarian cysts 😱 (Say what?!) The new name better reflects the wide-ranging effects of the conditions on hormonal and metabolic health. 1/2 🧵

A poster with bold text. A woman yawns in the corner. "PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is so last year. Times have changed. Now it's called: PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome). Because it was never about cysts. Read the caption to learn about PCOS's new name.”

ScienceUpFirst@scienceupfirst· May 22

No, making your own sunscreen at home should not be a DIY project. Homemade sunscreens do not offer sufficient protection against UV rays and can increase your risk of sunburn, skin damage, and of developing cancer. 👇 www.scienceupfirst.com/project/plea... #ScienceUpFirst