Brian Dilkes
@briandilkes.bsky.social
Takes things apart to figure out what's inside.
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
Nicotine biosynthesis completed by cryptic activating glucosylation https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.04.692101v1
December 7, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Nicotine biosynthesis completed by cryptic activating glucosylation https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.04.692101v1
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
We all assumed nicotine biosynthesis was long elucidated, didn't we? :)
Well, it wasn't but now it is thanks to this work led by @benschwabe.bsky.social @lichmanlab.bsky.social
Learned about these results last summer, a pleasure to see the preprint out, congratulations!
#natprod
#PlantScience
Well, it wasn't but now it is thanks to this work led by @benschwabe.bsky.social @lichmanlab.bsky.social
Learned about these results last summer, a pleasure to see the preprint out, congratulations!
#natprod
#PlantScience
Nicotine biosynthesis completed by cryptic activating glucosylation https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.04.692101v1
December 7, 2025 at 1:35 PM
We all assumed nicotine biosynthesis was long elucidated, didn't we? :)
Well, it wasn't but now it is thanks to this work led by @benschwabe.bsky.social @lichmanlab.bsky.social
Learned about these results last summer, a pleasure to see the preprint out, congratulations!
#natprod
#PlantScience
Well, it wasn't but now it is thanks to this work led by @benschwabe.bsky.social @lichmanlab.bsky.social
Learned about these results last summer, a pleasure to see the preprint out, congratulations!
#natprod
#PlantScience
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
Happy to see this out - started with some crosses almost 15 years ago... finally ready to share this resource with the community. Massive team effort over the years to make the NIL panel. Special shout out to fantastic post-doc Sam Mantel for leading the charge on the experiment and manuscript.
December 4, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Happy to see this out - started with some crosses almost 15 years ago... finally ready to share this resource with the community. Massive team effort over the years to make the NIL panel. Special shout out to fantastic post-doc Sam Mantel for leading the charge on the experiment and manuscript.
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
A panel of near-isogenic lines derived from locally adapted populations of a wild plant: A powerful tool for dissecting additive and non-additive effects on ecologically important traits https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.03.692110v1
December 4, 2025 at 10:33 AM
A panel of near-isogenic lines derived from locally adapted populations of a wild plant: A powerful tool for dissecting additive and non-additive effects on ecologically important traits https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2025.12.03.692110v1
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed legislation that formally establishes a process for state-level vaccine guidelines and expands pharmacy access to COVID-19 and other shots for young children across Illinois.
Gov. JB Pritzker signs law on Illinois vaccine guidelines amid ongoing tumult with Trump administration
The new law, part of the Illinois governor’s ongoing battle with the Trump administration, expands pharmacy access to COVID-19 and other shots for young children across Illinois, among other …
trib.al
December 3, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed legislation that formally establishes a process for state-level vaccine guidelines and expands pharmacy access to COVID-19 and other shots for young children across Illinois.
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
one of my favorite parts of making the film was being able to show my corn plants around Brooklyn 🌽
December 2, 2025 at 7:26 PM
one of my favorite parts of making the film was being able to show my corn plants around Brooklyn 🌽
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
This semester I ran a class where we read recent papers in phylogenetics / systematics. I'd prepare an intro for each with background, then we'd dig in. I'd write a blog post after each as well. All the papers, slides and posts are now available at brianomeara.info/posts/phylop...
🧪 #AcademicSky
🧪 #AcademicSky
December 1, 2025 at 1:43 PM
This semester I ran a class where we read recent papers in phylogenetics / systematics. I'd prepare an intro for each with background, then we'd dig in. I'd write a blog post after each as well. All the papers, slides and posts are now available at brianomeara.info/posts/phylop...
🧪 #AcademicSky
🧪 #AcademicSky
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
I have a new preprint demonstrating a genome-architecture-aware approach to inferring species trees and introgression landscapes from a small number of genomes. If you are interested in phylogenomics, birds, or hybridization, this is for you! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
December 1, 2025 at 7:35 PM
I have a new preprint demonstrating a genome-architecture-aware approach to inferring species trees and introgression landscapes from a small number of genomes. If you are interested in phylogenomics, birds, or hybridization, this is for you! www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
My proposal: Hire the Michigan high-school coach with best 3 year record at $200K per year. If they get over 50% wins in 3rd year in Big10, re-hire at $500K per year. Otherwise, rinse and repeat. Or something roughly like that. It might even work, and would generate a lot of local enthusiasm.
SOURCES: Michigan State is firing head coach Jonathan Smith, @theathletic.com has learned.
He went 9-15 in two seasons, including 1-8 in the Big Ten this year. (ESPN first reported).
MSU players meeting called for 2:45. Smith has a $33 million buyout (with offset).
He went 9-15 in two seasons, including 1-8 in the Big Ten this year. (ESPN first reported).
MSU players meeting called for 2:45. Smith has a $33 million buyout (with offset).
December 1, 2025 at 12:30 AM
My proposal: Hire the Michigan high-school coach with best 3 year record at $200K per year. If they get over 50% wins in 3rd year in Big10, re-hire at $500K per year. Otherwise, rinse and repeat. Or something roughly like that. It might even work, and would generate a lot of local enthusiasm.
Great profile of Raj at his new home at U of Wisconsin-Madison.
New faculty profile: Rajdeep Khangura studies cereal crop genetics
ecals.cals.wisc.edu
December 1, 2025 at 12:31 AM
Great profile of Raj at his new home at U of Wisconsin-Madison.
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
Dear Biology professors, prep for this if you teach Evolution.
the primary thing that TPUSA provides to young conservatives is a blueprint for weaponizing the abject cowardice of university administrators against individual teachers and instructors, and university admins should take a long look in the mirror and think about what that says about them
OU has put the professor here on administrative leave:
November 30, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Dear Biology professors, prep for this if you teach Evolution.
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
I always get reminded of this when physicists dismiss other fields
November 28, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
The take-home message when I give talks about race science: “for bad science to persist, you need (1) a core of ethically or methodologically compromised people who are willing to fabricate data or create misleading evidence & (2) a larger group of people who are willing to promote these ideas”
Sociology of science: What does it take for erroneous or fraudulent claims to take hold? | Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social Science
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu
November 27, 2025 at 7:55 PM
The take-home message when I give talks about race science: “for bad science to persist, you need (1) a core of ethically or methodologically compromised people who are willing to fabricate data or create misleading evidence & (2) a larger group of people who are willing to promote these ideas”
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
🌿☀️ RESEARCH ☀️🌿
Wang et al. show that Ycf1 overaccumulation inhibits chloroplast-encoded core subunits synthesis, causing imbalance between photosynthetic core & light-harvesting complexes, leading to hyperstacked non-functional grana thylakoids.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/jxb/...
#PlantScience 🧪
Wang et al. show that Ycf1 overaccumulation inhibits chloroplast-encoded core subunits synthesis, causing imbalance between photosynthetic core & light-harvesting complexes, leading to hyperstacked non-functional grana thylakoids.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/jxb/...
#PlantScience 🧪
November 27, 2025 at 3:42 PM
🌿☀️ RESEARCH ☀️🌿
Wang et al. show that Ycf1 overaccumulation inhibits chloroplast-encoded core subunits synthesis, causing imbalance between photosynthetic core & light-harvesting complexes, leading to hyperstacked non-functional grana thylakoids.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/jxb/...
#PlantScience 🧪
Wang et al. show that Ycf1 overaccumulation inhibits chloroplast-encoded core subunits synthesis, causing imbalance between photosynthetic core & light-harvesting complexes, leading to hyperstacked non-functional grana thylakoids.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/jxb/...
#PlantScience 🧪
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
A stunning visual of Chicago's 20-year death gap, mapped on the L, via @myersjustinc.bsky.social @chicago.suntimes.com. Here's what residents & community leaders are doing to close this gap: tinyurl.com/47r2vcj5 @wbez.org @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social @watchdogdiva.bsky.social @kffhealthnews.org
November 21, 2025 at 5:31 PM
A stunning visual of Chicago's 20-year death gap, mapped on the L, via @myersjustinc.bsky.social @chicago.suntimes.com. Here's what residents & community leaders are doing to close this gap: tinyurl.com/47r2vcj5 @wbez.org @chjreportinghealth.bsky.social @watchdogdiva.bsky.social @kffhealthnews.org
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
Influenza remains an important cause of illness and death. In a phase 3 trial, a nucleoside-modified mRNA (modRNA) quadrivalent vaccine was found to be superior to a standard quadrivalent vaccine in preventing influenza illness. Full trial results and Research Summary: nej.md/43udoTG
November 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Influenza remains an important cause of illness and death. In a phase 3 trial, a nucleoside-modified mRNA (modRNA) quadrivalent vaccine was found to be superior to a standard quadrivalent vaccine in preventing influenza illness. Full trial results and Research Summary: nej.md/43udoTG
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
Live within 40 miles of Norwich and think you might be low in vitamin D? 📍
Take part in our study investigating whether tomatoes biofortified through gene editing to be high in vitamin in D can help boost vitamin D levels🌞
➡️ buff.ly/eH1w2rB
@johninnescentre.bsky.social
Take part in our study investigating whether tomatoes biofortified through gene editing to be high in vitamin in D can help boost vitamin D levels🌞
➡️ buff.ly/eH1w2rB
@johninnescentre.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Live within 40 miles of Norwich and think you might be low in vitamin D? 📍
Take part in our study investigating whether tomatoes biofortified through gene editing to be high in vitamin in D can help boost vitamin D levels🌞
➡️ buff.ly/eH1w2rB
@johninnescentre.bsky.social
Take part in our study investigating whether tomatoes biofortified through gene editing to be high in vitamin in D can help boost vitamin D levels🌞
➡️ buff.ly/eH1w2rB
@johninnescentre.bsky.social
Another successful @purduecpbta.bsky.social
Huge congratulations to Dr! Zhiwei Luo of the Chapple Lab. Fabulous defense seminar.
November 21, 2025 at 10:49 PM
Another successful @purduecpbta.bsky.social
Huge congratulations to Dr! Zhiwei Luo of the Chapple Lab. Fabulous defense seminar.
November 21, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Huge congratulations to Dr! Zhiwei Luo of the Chapple Lab. Fabulous defense seminar.
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
We are hiring!! Biological Sciences as UNC Charlotte has a broad search for a new assistant professor.
Apps reviewed 12/15.
Please spread the word! 💚⛏️
#PlantSci 🧪🦠🧬
jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/65141
Apps reviewed 12/15.
Please spread the word! 💚⛏️
#PlantSci 🧪🦠🧬
jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/65141
Assistant Professor
Applicants should possess a Ph.D. in the biological sciences or related fields.Candidates are expected to document expertise in their specialty by a record of postdoctoral training, peer reviewed publ...
jobs.charlotte.edu
November 17, 2025 at 2:52 PM
We are hiring!! Biological Sciences as UNC Charlotte has a broad search for a new assistant professor.
Apps reviewed 12/15.
Please spread the word! 💚⛏️
#PlantSci 🧪🦠🧬
jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/65141
Apps reviewed 12/15.
Please spread the word! 💚⛏️
#PlantSci 🧪🦠🧬
jobs.charlotte.edu/postings/65141
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
Applications due by Dec. 1
I recently moved my lab to Purdue University and am looking for graduate students. We are working at the interface of population genomics, quantitative genetics and functional genomics to understand how plants adapt to extreme environments. Reach out if you would like to discuss potential projects.
November 8, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Applications due by Dec. 1
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
I am looking to hire a postdoc interested in combining genetics and evolution to understand why telomeres vary so much in plants. My group has been developing Mimulus a genetic model for studying plant telomeres and we have really cool research brewing. Please check ad for detail. Deadline is 12/31.
November 16, 2025 at 8:29 PM
I am looking to hire a postdoc interested in combining genetics and evolution to understand why telomeres vary so much in plants. My group has been developing Mimulus a genetic model for studying plant telomeres and we have really cool research brewing. Please check ad for detail. Deadline is 12/31.
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
We are looking for a new colleague and department head for #Horticulture and Landscape #Architecture at #Colorado State #University! #highered #academicsky #agsky #Agriculture. Apply by December 31! jobs.colostate.edu/postings/169...
Professor & Head, Dept of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture
Colorado State University invites applications and nominations for the position of Professor and Head of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture (HLA) in the College of Agricultural ...
jobs.colostate.edu
November 16, 2025 at 10:37 PM
We are looking for a new colleague and department head for #Horticulture and Landscape #Architecture at #Colorado State #University! #highered #academicsky #agsky #Agriculture. Apply by December 31! jobs.colostate.edu/postings/169...
Reposted by Brian Dilkes
Known for his cosmic-stoner songwriting and freewheeling tunes, Todd Snider's career spanned three decades. n.pr/4pgYetu
Americana troubadour Todd Snider, alt-country singer-songwriter, dies at 59
Known for his cosmic-stoner songwriting and freewheeling tunes, Todd Snider's career spanned three decades.
n.pr
November 15, 2025 at 8:20 PM
Known for his cosmic-stoner songwriting and freewheeling tunes, Todd Snider's career spanned three decades. n.pr/4pgYetu
There are ways to appear in the Epstein emails that are positive. Standing up for the vulnerable and holding people in authority to account.
@skepchick.org saw you in the epstein emails DEMANDING to know why weirdo @lkrauss1.bsky.social was defending him well after sexual violence was known.
WELL DONE!
INCREDIBLE WORK
I NOTICED
WELL DONE!
INCREDIBLE WORK
I NOTICED
November 15, 2025 at 6:39 PM
There are ways to appear in the Epstein emails that are positive. Standing up for the vulnerable and holding people in authority to account.