Lindsey R. F. Backman
@lbackman.bsky.social
Whitehead Fellow and PI at Whitehead Institute | Exploring how human microbiome anaerobes cope with oxidative stress | Chemistry PhD at MIT, Chemistry BS at UF | she/her | Opinions are my own
Pinned
Brief intro to the Backman lab at @whiteheadinstitute.bsky.social:
The anaerobic microbes in us and around us rely on oxygen-vulnerable chemistry… but how do they perform this chemistry in a world full of oxygen, much less in the presence of stronger oxidants? We think about this question everyday!
The anaerobic microbes in us and around us rely on oxygen-vulnerable chemistry… but how do they perform this chemistry in a world full of oxygen, much less in the presence of stronger oxidants? We think about this question everyday!
My best friend from childhood visited my lab with her kids today. One of her sons asked if lava is ever involved in my experiments… I disappointedly had to say no… not yet 😂🫠
July 1, 2025 at 12:41 AM
My best friend from childhood visited my lab with her kids today. One of her sons asked if lava is ever involved in my experiments… I disappointedly had to say no… not yet 😂🫠
Woke up to a note I had apparently written on my phone in the middle of the night that just said “think about solubility”. I do know what I was trying to troubleshoot, but I love that my subconscious self thought that was an important, helpful note. Maybe I’ll just “think about solubility” today.
June 23, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Woke up to a note I had apparently written on my phone in the middle of the night that just said “think about solubility”. I do know what I was trying to troubleshoot, but I love that my subconscious self thought that was an important, helpful note. Maybe I’ll just “think about solubility” today.
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
CHEMISTS
We experiment, muse, observe interactions
(...and constantly work to achieve a reaction!).
POETS
We experiment, muse, observe interactions
(...and constantly work to achieve a reaction!).
We experiment, muse, observe interactions
(...and constantly work to achieve a reaction!).
POETS
We experiment, muse, observe interactions
(...and constantly work to achieve a reaction!).
June 11, 2025 at 11:20 AM
CHEMISTS
We experiment, muse, observe interactions
(...and constantly work to achieve a reaction!).
POETS
We experiment, muse, observe interactions
(...and constantly work to achieve a reaction!).
We experiment, muse, observe interactions
(...and constantly work to achieve a reaction!).
POETS
We experiment, muse, observe interactions
(...and constantly work to achieve a reaction!).
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
I urge others to similarly support our patriots at NIH who use their training and talents to improve human health and position the US as the world’s leader in biomedical discovery, innovation and technology development 🙏
Stanford's professor and Bethesda Declaration signatory @carolynbertozzi.bskyverified.social notes that the declaration “represents the voices of the highly trained Americans at NIH who want to serve their country and steward the biomedical enterprise.” 🧪
www.science.org/content/arti...
www.science.org/content/arti...
NIH staff and biomedical community sound alarm about agency politicization, funding slowdown
In test of NIH director’s support of dissent, NIH staff sign Bethesda Declaration urging reversal of grant cuts and freezes
www.science.org
June 9, 2025 at 3:40 PM
I urge others to similarly support our patriots at NIH who use their training and talents to improve human health and position the US as the world’s leader in biomedical discovery, innovation and technology development 🙏
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
As a structural biologist starting her independent lab, this is an exciting rite of passage 🤩
New Member Alert: @lbackman.bsky.social from @whiteheadinstitute.bsky.social joined SBGrid in April. Welcome!!
May 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
As a structural biologist starting her independent lab, this is an exciting rite of passage 🤩
A colleague said something today that really conveyed how I was feeling… they expressed how, not only does everything feel so overwhelming right now, but even the moments that would typically be celebrated and give us motivation and purpose, feel too heavy at this moment. These are bizarre times.
May 23, 2025 at 3:48 AM
A colleague said something today that really conveyed how I was feeling… they expressed how, not only does everything feel so overwhelming right now, but even the moments that would typically be celebrated and give us motivation and purpose, feel too heavy at this moment. These are bizarre times.
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
This is scary.
Especially that someone who does not know the meaning of habeus corpus or due process is allowed to wield so much power.
These are not ‘the best people’.
Especially that someone who does not know the meaning of habeus corpus or due process is allowed to wield so much power.
These are not ‘the best people’.
NEW: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem tells Harvard if they want to enroll international students this fall, then they have 72 hours to turn over **all audio and video footage of any protest activity involving international students** from the past 5 years
www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
Trump administration ends Harvard's ability to enroll international students
The Department of Homeland Security called the move "a warning to all universities."
www.nbcnews.com
May 22, 2025 at 7:07 PM
This is scary.
Especially that someone who does not know the meaning of habeus corpus or due process is allowed to wield so much power.
These are not ‘the best people’.
Especially that someone who does not know the meaning of habeus corpus or due process is allowed to wield so much power.
These are not ‘the best people’.
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
Do people in the same household share strains when they have the same species?
How many cells transmit when a strain is shared?
Can strain composition be dynamic when species composition is stable?
We answer these and related questions for the facial skin microbiome in our latest paper.
🧵[1/10]
How many cells transmit when a strain is shared?
Can strain composition be dynamic when species composition is stable?
We answer these and related questions for the facial skin microbiome in our latest paper.
🧵[1/10]
May 1, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Do people in the same household share strains when they have the same species?
How many cells transmit when a strain is shared?
Can strain composition be dynamic when species composition is stable?
We answer these and related questions for the facial skin microbiome in our latest paper.
🧵[1/10]
How many cells transmit when a strain is shared?
Can strain composition be dynamic when species composition is stable?
We answer these and related questions for the facial skin microbiome in our latest paper.
🧵[1/10]
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
Congratulations Yukiko. So well deserved.
Congratulations to Whitehead Institute Member Yukiko Yamashita, who has been elected as a member to the National Academy of Sciences! www.nasonline.org/news/2025-na... @nasonline.org
April 29, 2025 at 10:29 PM
Congratulations Yukiko. So well deserved.
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
At least 28 Florida State University students experienced their *second* mass shooting last week - they were at Parkland.
They've written an open letter to Ron DeSantis against campus carry and attempts to lower the gun purchase age and for a stronger safe storage law and mental health services.
They've written an open letter to Ron DeSantis against campus carry and attempts to lower the gun purchase age and for a stronger safe storage law and mental health services.
PUBLIC: Governor DeSantis from Parkland/FSU Students
Governor DeSantis, We are students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and Florida State University. Two campuses terrorized by deadly shootings. Two communities forever shaped by a crisis your...
docs.google.com
April 22, 2025 at 6:13 PM
At least 28 Florida State University students experienced their *second* mass shooting last week - they were at Parkland.
They've written an open letter to Ron DeSantis against campus carry and attempts to lower the gun purchase age and for a stronger safe storage law and mental health services.
They've written an open letter to Ron DeSantis against campus carry and attempts to lower the gun purchase age and for a stronger safe storage law and mental health services.
Spending the weekend in Cape Cod with my parents, but we found a way to be part of today’s #HandsOff protests! Provicetown’s official rally isn’t until Monday, but we joined a small but passionate group today at their town hall.
April 19, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Spending the weekend in Cape Cod with my parents, but we found a way to be part of today’s #HandsOff protests! Provicetown’s official rally isn’t until Monday, but we joined a small but passionate group today at their town hall.
I defended my PhD thesis 3 years ago… it’s surreal to now be leading my own academic team. Times in science are bizarre and hard… the bacterial chemistry we’re studying is also bizarre, yet fun. I’m grateful to sometimes escape the stress of the world by focusing on how cool nature and microbes are.
April 15, 2025 at 1:53 AM
I defended my PhD thesis 3 years ago… it’s surreal to now be leading my own academic team. Times in science are bizarre and hard… the bacterial chemistry we’re studying is also bizarre, yet fun. I’m grateful to sometimes escape the stress of the world by focusing on how cool nature and microbes are.
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
Fred Greene was very kind to me when I started my faculty position at MIT Chemistry in 1999. He made me feel welcome and I will always appreciate that.
We are saddened by the recent loss of Fred Greene, professor emeritus and physical organic chemist. A member of our community for over 40 years, he was a beloved professor and mentor, celebrated for his lasting impact on generations of chemists.
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
chemistry.mit.edu/chemistry-ne...
April 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Fred Greene was very kind to me when I started my faculty position at MIT Chemistry in 1999. He made me feel welcome and I will always appreciate that.
Before and after… Time for a spring haircut for our unique chihuahua/poodle/yorkie mutt, Lumo ❤️🌸🌼🌱
April 5, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Before and after… Time for a spring haircut for our unique chihuahua/poodle/yorkie mutt, Lumo ❤️🌸🌼🌱
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
Job opportunity in SF to work at a small startup with the first PhD graduate of the Lieberman Lab!
Taxa is hiring! We're looking for a Computational Biologist to spearhead the analysis of massive genomic datasets for our flagship probiotics. Exciting science, great team, and transparent compensation. Apply here 👇
Taxa hiring Computational Biologist in San Francisco, CA | LinkedIn
Posted 4:13:15 PM. The OpportunityWe are looking for a talented Computational Biologist to spearhead the analysis of…See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn.
www.linkedin.com
April 4, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Job opportunity in SF to work at a small startup with the first PhD graduate of the Lieberman Lab!
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
I am right there with you Krystle - the cancellation of MOSAIC started me crying in my office. Programs that support young scientists in the US are all being cancelled. It is heartbreaking.
Yesterday's announcement canceling MARC, PREP, IMSD & IRACDA finally broke me. Spent most of the morning in my office crying. I think I'd been clinging to a glimmer of hope, but as an IRACDA alum,watching the the scale of loss for young scientists was heartbreaking. 🧪
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/o...
www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/o...
Opinion | The Uncertain Fate of the Young American Scientist
Young researchers are choosing between staying in science and staying in the United States.
www.nytimes.com
April 4, 2025 at 12:09 PM
I am right there with you Krystle - the cancellation of MOSAIC started me crying in my office. Programs that support young scientists in the US are all being cancelled. It is heartbreaking.
Today marks 2 years since I got my lab space. Being a new PI isn't easy, especially during these times... but my lab has grown, I've written many grants, and we've had some of the most exciting discoveries of my life that we are only on the cusp of exploring. Times are hard, but we are persisting.
April 4, 2025 at 3:26 AM
Today marks 2 years since I got my lab space. Being a new PI isn't easy, especially during these times... but my lab has grown, I've written many grants, and we've had some of the most exciting discoveries of my life that we are only on the cusp of exploring. Times are hard, but we are persisting.
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
You look at science (or at least talk of it) as some sort of demoralizing invention of man, something apart from real life, and which must be cautiously guarded and kept separate from everyday existence. But science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.
Rosalind Franklin (to father)
Rosalind Franklin (to father)
April 1, 2025 at 11:18 AM
You look at science (or at least talk of it) as some sort of demoralizing invention of man, something apart from real life, and which must be cautiously guarded and kept separate from everyday existence. But science and everyday life cannot and should not be separated.
Rosalind Franklin (to father)
Rosalind Franklin (to father)
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
1. Another Friday afternoon massacre of sorts:
NIH just rescinded its Scientific Integrity Policy.
h/t @lizborkowski.bsky.social
NIH just rescinded its Scientific Integrity Policy.
h/t @lizborkowski.bsky.social
NOT-OD-25-080: Rescission of the Final Scientific Integrity Policy of the National Institutes of Health
NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices in the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts: Rescission of the Final Scientific Integrity Policy of the National Institutes of Health NOT-OD-25-080. OD
grants.nih.gov
March 30, 2025 at 4:03 AM
1. Another Friday afternoon massacre of sorts:
NIH just rescinded its Scientific Integrity Policy.
h/t @lizborkowski.bsky.social
NIH just rescinded its Scientific Integrity Policy.
h/t @lizborkowski.bsky.social
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
Our 28-yr U-RISE/MARC NIH grant that has served over 500 students and made us one of the top institutions producing African American students who go on to receive MD/PhDs in the United States was just cancelled yesterday. What a unnecessary and tragic end to such an impactful program...
March 28, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Our 28-yr U-RISE/MARC NIH grant that has served over 500 students and made us one of the top institutions producing African American students who go on to receive MD/PhDs in the United States was just cancelled yesterday. What a unnecessary and tragic end to such an impactful program...
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
This is finally out!!! Nitric oxide (NO) irreversibly inhibits glycyl radical and radical SAM enzymes associated with anaerobic central metabolism relevant to numerous human pathogens.
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/... 1/n
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/... 1/n
Nitric Oxide Inhibition of Glycyl Radical Enzymes and Their Activases
Innate immune response cells produce high concentrations of the free radical nitric oxide (NO) in response to pathogen infection. The antimicrobial properties of NO include nonspecific damage to essen...
pubs.acs.org
March 26, 2025 at 5:40 PM
This is finally out!!! Nitric oxide (NO) irreversibly inhibits glycyl radical and radical SAM enzymes associated with anaerobic central metabolism relevant to numerous human pathogens.
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/... 1/n
pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/... 1/n
Reposted by Lindsey R. F. Backman
As unbelievably brazen and bizarre #Signalgate revealing US classified information is, I wonder how many academics feel a grudging kinship with some folks in the group based on their multiple academic experiences in 'reply-all' disasters...
"Please take me off this email thread." indeed.
"Please take me off this email thread." indeed.
March 25, 2025 at 6:21 PM
As unbelievably brazen and bizarre #Signalgate revealing US classified information is, I wonder how many academics feel a grudging kinship with some folks in the group based on their multiple academic experiences in 'reply-all' disasters...
"Please take me off this email thread." indeed.
"Please take me off this email thread." indeed.