Dianna Cowern

This #scicomm tip is free: I write a lot of my video scripts by telling the story to a friend or family member, and recording it on a voice memo. Then I transcribe that, and remove 14 "likes" 20 "ums" and 23 "so cools."

Step 1. Register here: forms.office.com/pages/response… Step 2. Receive a welcome email (took a while) and follow instructions Step 3. Comment on trial here: recover-tlc.org/secure/public-… (it’s 23 pages. Pace yourself 🥺)

The Stellate Ganglion Block NIH clinical trial is open for public comment! My husband worked hard to advise on this. As did I, when I was feeling a bit better. But I would love to see more input from the community. There are 3 steps. I’ll link them in the next tweet

😂

Welp. I broke my wrist. I can’t catch a break… 😏 I suspect that after being bedbound for two years, my bone density is low. Can that happen??

@andyweirauthor CANNOT WAIT!

And so it begins! youtube.com/watch?v=m08TxI…

Two days ago, my dad William “Bill” Cowern passed away somewhat unexpectedly. I flew last minute to Hawaii to be with him and my family for his last days. I feel incredibly lucky to be healthy enough I could finally see him after years of missing him. My dad was joking, and swearing, and crying until his last moments. You asked how he was doing and he replied with a smile, “I’m dyin’ here!” His humor and warmth were a gift he gave until the very end. Some of you might know my dad from my videos talking about getting hit by lightning (twice!) or interrupting our filming to ask me why his PDF was printing small. (Holiday time was always dad tech support time.) But I knew him as a 6’3 gentle giant. He gave the biggest bear hugs as he welcomed anyone and everyone into his home, and into his life. He was curious about people and the universe. He’s the reason I love science, math, qnd scifi. He’s the reason I’m curious about the world. He was a Vietnam war helicopter pilot in the Marines. But much of the island of Kauai (where I grew up) knew him as “The Tree Man.” He was a tree farmer, and true tree lover his whole life. He could talk to you endlessly, and humorously slowly, about trees, vitamin D, Larry Bird, or one of his many other obsessions. He just loved to share. He shared his knowledge, his kindness, his stories, and his warm love with everyone. I will miss him every day. He was the reason I went into science communication. I hope even half of his warmth and greatness lives on through me, my 4 wonderful siblings, and my amazing mom. I love you forever, Dad. 🖤💔🖤

What’s the most interesting science I missed over the last 2 years??

@thephysicsgirl Dianna, you held my story like it was yours. Thank you for giving it a voice and for being a light when things felt unbearably dark 💜

I made a new video about the status of my health. I’m finally talking and walking! And thank you to my friend @992tobias for letting me share his ME/CFS story, too. youtu.be/vqeIeIcDHD0

You made this, D! (@thephysicsgirl) You gave my pain a voice and wrapped it in love. Thank you for your friendship, for the love you, Kyle, and Levi give so effortlessly, and for being home in human form. I’m beyond grateful 💜 #MECFS #LongCOVID youtu.be/vqeIeIcDHD0

This is me—before and after becoming bed bound with Long COVID and ME/CFS. Two years ago, I made videos on YouTube. I ran half-marathons. I traveled. I lived fully. Then my body collapsed. I lost my energy, my independence, and my ability to connect. I lost my life. This illness isn't "just fatigue." It's a devastating, invisible disease that left me in a dark room, unable to sit up, talk, or tolerate light and sound. But slowly—very slowly—I'm starting to improve. Each small step feels like a quiet victory. Please listen. Please learn. Please share. #MECFS #MillionsMissing #MEAwarenessDay #MECFSAwarenessday

First birthday in 3 years I’ve been healthy enough to celebrate. 🎊 Now if only I weren’t 3 years older…

@epenser @AirZeroG Omg I would love to. If I could travel. Maybe one day!!

@AirZeroG @thephysicsgirl Let’s go again, Dianna !!!

I want to start making videos again. I don’t even know where to start. I’m a lost science puppy

@diegolicenciado Crazy!!

@thephysicsgirl Felt it over here in Palm Desert.

Whoa pretty long earthquake just now in San Diego

Kyle tells me my hair is the envy of every 90s tween boy 😒😅

I’m still getting used to having short hair. I keep running my hands through “ghost hair” that’s not there, looking like a weirdo 🤣 But at least I got the blonde back!

One of my diseases is MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) where mast cells, that are supposed to alert your immune system there’s something harmful in your body, react to something benign. It makes my cheeks (mostly the right one) flush red. Plus makes me dizzy, nauseous, and exhausted. In this case it was probably the hypoallergenic unscented soap I used on my face. 🫠

@cottagescape @alieward @Ologies I’m ok. Thanks for asking. Not back to my previous baseline but feeling ok. I started playing the piano again! So that’s progress? I think? I still can’t really read. 😢 it’s weird what things my body/mind lets me do and not do