Vaughn Cooper
@vscooper.micropopbio.org
Evangelist for the study of evolution in action by everyone.
Pitt Prof | EvolvingSTEM | biofilms | EvMed | genomics entrepreneur (@SeqCoast.bsky.social, @midauthorbio.bsky.social) | ASM President-Elect | exercise addict ~ swim bike run
Pitt Prof | EvolvingSTEM | biofilms | EvMed | genomics entrepreneur (@SeqCoast.bsky.social, @midauthorbio.bsky.social) | ASM President-Elect | exercise addict ~ swim bike run
Pinned
Vaughn Cooper
@vscooper.micropopbio.org
· Jan 21
I'm incredibly honored by this opportunity to serve as President-Elect of @asm.org starting this summer. Looking forward to working with the Board, ASM leadership ,and staff to help advance the microbial sciences. I'm also glad to share my Vision statement, please join us!
asm.org/Press-Releas...
asm.org/Press-Releas...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
Phage therapy offers a powerful tool against AMR infections—but only if we move from isolated cases to coordinated systems. The first initiative of the ASM Health Unit, led by Colleen Kraft and Dev Mittar, will tackle this. Delighted by this scientific leadership, join us!
asm.org/about-asm/as...
asm.org/about-asm/as...
Phage Therapy Coordination Network | ASM.org
ASM Health is unlocking bacteriophage therapies for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through coordinated access and regulatory approvals.
asm.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Phage therapy offers a powerful tool against AMR infections—but only if we move from isolated cases to coordinated systems. The first initiative of the ASM Health Unit, led by Colleen Kraft and Dev Mittar, will tackle this. Delighted by this scientific leadership, join us!
asm.org/about-asm/as...
asm.org/about-asm/as...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
New paper out in @pnas.org, and it made the cover! 👁️
We represent plasmids as circles and mutations as dots, resembling an eye, because in this paper we literally 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ plasmids evolve.
‼️Check Paula’s 🧵 and the paper👇
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
We represent plasmids as circles and mutations as dots, resembling an eye, because in this paper we literally 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ plasmids evolve.
‼️Check Paula’s 🧵 and the paper👇
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
January 27, 2026 at 8:23 PM
New paper out in @pnas.org, and it made the cover! 👁️
We represent plasmids as circles and mutations as dots, resembling an eye, because in this paper we literally 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ plasmids evolve.
‼️Check Paula’s 🧵 and the paper👇
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
We represent plasmids as circles and mutations as dots, resembling an eye, because in this paper we literally 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑐ℎ plasmids evolve.
‼️Check Paula’s 🧵 and the paper👇
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗺𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Phage therapy offers a powerful tool against AMR infections—but only if we move from isolated cases to coordinated systems. The first initiative of the ASM Health Unit, led by Colleen Kraft and Dev Mittar, will tackle this. Delighted by this scientific leadership, join us!
asm.org/about-asm/as...
asm.org/about-asm/as...
Phage Therapy Coordination Network | ASM.org
ASM Health is unlocking bacteriophage therapies for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through coordinated access and regulatory approvals.
asm.org
January 27, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Phage therapy offers a powerful tool against AMR infections—but only if we move from isolated cases to coordinated systems. The first initiative of the ASM Health Unit, led by Colleen Kraft and Dev Mittar, will tackle this. Delighted by this scientific leadership, join us!
asm.org/about-asm/as...
asm.org/about-asm/as...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
Using machine learning to sort over 80,000 bacterial genomes into aerobes and anaerobes, researchers find that oxygen-breathing bacteria likely evolved in local oxygen-rich environments 200–400 million years before the Great Oxidation Event. In PNAS: https://ow.ly/jZWQ50Y3LhU
January 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Using machine learning to sort over 80,000 bacterial genomes into aerobes and anaerobes, researchers find that oxygen-breathing bacteria likely evolved in local oxygen-rich environments 200–400 million years before the Great Oxidation Event. In PNAS: https://ow.ly/jZWQ50Y3LhU
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
More microbiologists need to think about goop! We only found 31 studies to compare our results to, mostly clinical gammaproteobacteria.
Erin Gloag's review is a great starting point pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33447803/
Erin Gloag's review is a great starting point pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33447803/
January 23, 2026 at 6:20 PM
More microbiologists need to think about goop! We only found 31 studies to compare our results to, mostly clinical gammaproteobacteria.
Erin Gloag's review is a great starting point pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33447803/
Erin Gloag's review is a great starting point pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33447803/
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
Vaughn Cooper’s new Scientific American article offers a clear look at the potential threats posed by mirror‑life. He trained with MGI's Rich Lenski @relenski.bsky.social, whose contributions to the field are referenced in the piece. Important context for a complex topic.
What could mirror bacteria do in nature if created? A story of these prospects and a plan to prevent them.
Titles aside, I hope you'll read it (the tech is NOT close). Thanks to Tom Freeman for writing help & @jfischman.bsky.social for ace editing! www.scientificamerican.com/article/life...
Titles aside, I hope you'll read it (the tech is NOT close). Thanks to Tom Freeman for writing help & @jfischman.bsky.social for ace editing! www.scientificamerican.com/article/life...
Life’s evil twins, called mirror cells, could wipe us out if scientists don’t stop them
Researchers are close to making “reversed” cells that may wipe us off the planet
www.scientificamerican.com
January 22, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Vaughn Cooper’s new Scientific American article offers a clear look at the potential threats posed by mirror‑life. He trained with MGI's Rich Lenski @relenski.bsky.social, whose contributions to the field are referenced in the piece. Important context for a complex topic.
Gram negative bacteria may get skewered when settling onto the wrong animal surfaces. Nice writeup of research on @asm.org
asm.org/articles/202...
asm.org/articles/202...
Piercing Pathogens: A New Anti-Biofilm Strategy | ASM.org
Mechano-bactericidal surfaces are patterned with nanostructures that poke, cut and tear bacteria to death. Can they transform how we combat biofilms to protect human health?
asm.org
January 23, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Gram negative bacteria may get skewered when settling onto the wrong animal surfaces. Nice writeup of research on @asm.org
asm.org/articles/202...
asm.org/articles/202...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
Looking for something new to integrate into an #evolution or #microbiology course? Useful for lectures, labs, homework?
Have a look at our STEPS program, which simulates bacterial evolution, including the #LTEE. Easy web-based interface & lab manual w/ exercises to help develop students' intuition.
Have a look at our STEPS program, which simulates bacterial evolution, including the #LTEE. Easy web-based interface & lab manual w/ exercises to help develop students' intuition.
Excited to share new #program, STEPS, which can simulate #dynamics of the E. coli Long-Term Evolution Experiment (#LTEE) or other microbes in serial transfer regime.
telliamedrevisited.wordpress.com/2025/08/12/s...
STEPS developed by @devinmlake.bsky.social, Zachary Matson, Minako Izutsu, and me.
telliamedrevisited.wordpress.com/2025/08/12/s...
STEPS developed by @devinmlake.bsky.social, Zachary Matson, Minako Izutsu, and me.
STEPS To It
Announcing a new program, called STEPS, to simulate the dynamics of evolving microbial populations.
telliamedrevisited.wordpress.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:12 PM
Looking for something new to integrate into an #evolution or #microbiology course? Useful for lectures, labs, homework?
Have a look at our STEPS program, which simulates bacterial evolution, including the #LTEE. Easy web-based interface & lab manual w/ exercises to help develop students' intuition.
Have a look at our STEPS program, which simulates bacterial evolution, including the #LTEE. Easy web-based interface & lab manual w/ exercises to help develop students' intuition.
What could mirror bacteria do in nature if created? A story of these prospects and a plan to prevent them.
Titles aside, I hope you'll read it (the tech is NOT close). Thanks to Tom Freeman for writing help & @jfischman.bsky.social for ace editing! www.scientificamerican.com/article/life...
Titles aside, I hope you'll read it (the tech is NOT close). Thanks to Tom Freeman for writing help & @jfischman.bsky.social for ace editing! www.scientificamerican.com/article/life...
Life’s evil twins, called mirror cells, could wipe us out if scientists don’t stop them
Researchers are close to making “reversed” cells that may wipe us off the planet
www.scientificamerican.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:20 PM
What could mirror bacteria do in nature if created? A story of these prospects and a plan to prevent them.
Titles aside, I hope you'll read it (the tech is NOT close). Thanks to Tom Freeman for writing help & @jfischman.bsky.social for ace editing! www.scientificamerican.com/article/life...
Titles aside, I hope you'll read it (the tech is NOT close). Thanks to Tom Freeman for writing help & @jfischman.bsky.social for ace editing! www.scientificamerican.com/article/life...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
ALERT: Abstract submission deadline is tomorrow (21 January) for the ASM Applied & Environmental Microbiology Meeting within ASM Microbe 2026 in Washington, D.C. (4-7 June). @asm.org
asm.org/events/asm-m...
🧵 for more information including themes for Contributed Abstracts for In-Depth Sessions:
asm.org/events/asm-m...
🧵 for more information including themes for Contributed Abstracts for In-Depth Sessions:
ASM Microbe | Abstracts
ASM Microbe showcases the best microbial sciences in the world and provides a one-of-a-kind forum to explore everything from basic microbiology to translation and application.
asm.org
January 20, 2026 at 3:10 PM
ALERT: Abstract submission deadline is tomorrow (21 January) for the ASM Applied & Environmental Microbiology Meeting within ASM Microbe 2026 in Washington, D.C. (4-7 June). @asm.org
asm.org/events/asm-m...
🧵 for more information including themes for Contributed Abstracts for In-Depth Sessions:
asm.org/events/asm-m...
🧵 for more information including themes for Contributed Abstracts for In-Depth Sessions:
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
We just released #anvio v9, "eunice" 🎉
This version represents over 2,000 changes in the codebase since v8, increasing the total number of programs in the anvi'o ecosystem to 176.
Read the release notes:
github.com/merenlab/anv...
Visit our up-to-date web page:
anvio.org
This version represents over 2,000 changes in the codebase since v8, increasing the total number of programs in the anvi'o ecosystem to 176.
Read the release notes:
github.com/merenlab/anv...
Visit our up-to-date web page:
anvio.org
January 20, 2026 at 11:48 AM
We just released #anvio v9, "eunice" 🎉
This version represents over 2,000 changes in the codebase since v8, increasing the total number of programs in the anvi'o ecosystem to 176.
Read the release notes:
github.com/merenlab/anv...
Visit our up-to-date web page:
anvio.org
This version represents over 2,000 changes in the codebase since v8, increasing the total number of programs in the anvi'o ecosystem to 176.
Read the release notes:
github.com/merenlab/anv...
Visit our up-to-date web page:
anvio.org
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
279 postdoctoral fellowships!
Download freely our database of postdoctoral fellowships and grants. For each entry, we provide eligibility criteria, $ amount, deadline, etc.
Good luck!
Here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-...
Download freely our database of postdoctoral fellowships and grants. For each entry, we provide eligibility criteria, $ amount, deadline, etc.
Good luck!
Here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-...
January 20, 2026 at 1:22 PM
279 postdoctoral fellowships!
Download freely our database of postdoctoral fellowships and grants. For each entry, we provide eligibility criteria, $ amount, deadline, etc.
Good luck!
Here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-...
Download freely our database of postdoctoral fellowships and grants. For each entry, we provide eligibility criteria, $ amount, deadline, etc.
Good luck!
Here: research.jhu.edu/rdt/funding-...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
We are accepting applications for up to 3 Peggy Cotter Travel Awards ($1,650 each) to support early-career professionals attending ASM Microbe 2026. Apply by Feb 16, 2026 by emailing a 1-page letter to [email protected]. ASM membership required; branch membership may be completed once that is live.
January 19, 2026 at 6:25 PM
We are accepting applications for up to 3 Peggy Cotter Travel Awards ($1,650 each) to support early-career professionals attending ASM Microbe 2026. Apply by Feb 16, 2026 by emailing a 1-page letter to [email protected]. ASM membership required; branch membership may be completed once that is live.
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
I’m thrilled to share our work on phage triggers of the bacterial immune system in its final form @natmicrobiol.nature.com www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A phage protein screen identifies triggers of the bacterial innate immune system - Nature Microbiology
A library of 400 phage protein-coding genes is used to find a trove of antiphage systems, revealing systems that target tail fibre and major capsid proteins.
www.nature.com
January 18, 2026 at 10:45 PM
I’m thrilled to share our work on phage triggers of the bacterial immune system in its final form @natmicrobiol.nature.com www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
This is how we first teach chirality to our undergrads !
Loved this from @simonmaechling.bsky.social - chemistry FTW…
@dereklowe.bsky.social @carolynbertozzi.bskyverified.social
@dereklowe.bsky.social @carolynbertozzi.bskyverified.social
January 19, 2026 at 5:54 PM
This is how we first teach chirality to our undergrads !
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
Chiming in here because we’re hiring a Research Technologist - Life Sciences (Advanced Professional) to design, implement, support, analyze, and report on rigorous research in molecular biology of symbiosis. Please consider and/or share with others.
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/jo...
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/jo...
Research Technologist - Life Sciences Advance Professional - Bordenstein Lab
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, a...
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com
January 17, 2026 at 10:55 PM
Chiming in here because we’re hiring a Research Technologist - Life Sciences (Advanced Professional) to design, implement, support, analyze, and report on rigorous research in molecular biology of symbiosis. Please consider and/or share with others.
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/jo...
psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Staff/jo...
84% of Americans say government investments in scientific research aimed at advancing knowledge are worthwhile.
Yet a large and increasing share of Americans from both parties say we are losing ground.
So, let's elect reps who support science!
www.pewresearch.org/science/2026...
Yet a large and increasing share of Americans from both parties say we are losing ground.
So, let's elect reps who support science!
www.pewresearch.org/science/2026...
Do Americans Think the Country Is Losing or Gaining Ground in Science?
Republicans and Democrats agree that it’s important the U.S. is a world leader in science, but sharply diverge on how the U.S. is faring.
www.pewresearch.org
January 16, 2026 at 4:19 PM
84% of Americans say government investments in scientific research aimed at advancing knowledge are worthwhile.
Yet a large and increasing share of Americans from both parties say we are losing ground.
So, let's elect reps who support science!
www.pewresearch.org/science/2026...
Yet a large and increasing share of Americans from both parties say we are losing ground.
So, let's elect reps who support science!
www.pewresearch.org/science/2026...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
A new platform for scientific collaboration is here. The ASM Applied & Environmental Microbiology (AEM) Scientific Unit unites experts in the microbial sciences to translate discovery into solutions for climate resilience, food security, & sustainability. asm.social/2LI
January 15, 2026 at 9:48 PM
A new platform for scientific collaboration is here. The ASM Applied & Environmental Microbiology (AEM) Scientific Unit unites experts in the microbial sciences to translate discovery into solutions for climate resilience, food security, & sustainability. asm.social/2LI
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
The #preprint movement has changed the academic ecosystem for the better: wider dissemination, community review, democratisation of access.
Brave, disruptive & pioneering 🙌🏽🧪
Thank you
@richardsever.bsky.social
@johninglis.bsky.social
@biorxivpreprint.bsky.social @medrxivpreprint.bsky.social
Brave, disruptive & pioneering 🙌🏽🧪
Thank you
@richardsever.bsky.social
@johninglis.bsky.social
@biorxivpreprint.bsky.social @medrxivpreprint.bsky.social
Terrific origin story, history, and future of bioRxiv and medRxiv by @richardsever.bsky.social in @mbio.bsky.social
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
The Story behind the Science: Preprints of pandemic potential—how bioRxiv and medRxiv brought preprints to the life sciences | mBio
When we launched medRxiv in mid-2019, we never could have anticipated that just a
few months later, New York would be at the epicenter of a rapidly escalating global
pandemic, and we would be handling...
journals.asm.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:51 PM
The #preprint movement has changed the academic ecosystem for the better: wider dissemination, community review, democratisation of access.
Brave, disruptive & pioneering 🙌🏽🧪
Thank you
@richardsever.bsky.social
@johninglis.bsky.social
@biorxivpreprint.bsky.social @medrxivpreprint.bsky.social
Brave, disruptive & pioneering 🙌🏽🧪
Thank you
@richardsever.bsky.social
@johninglis.bsky.social
@biorxivpreprint.bsky.social @medrxivpreprint.bsky.social
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
![Comic. Standard 16-Part Epoxy. [Epoxy applicator with multiple labeled chambers in different colors: resin; hardener; filler, softener; rosin; stuff that bonds permanently to skin and nothing else; stuff that will turn white and crack over a few days, for decorative appearance; placebo; minced duct tape; acetone Fragrance; powdered bar magnets; polyethylvinylesteracetate; 2-polyethylvinylesteracetate; salt and pepper to taste; blood sample from the Gorilla Glue gorillas; stuff that bonds to every known material except yours]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreiamknds4yiai44hrtq3eiau3fqxjfzufclkb64uaxdnnig5klsck4@jpeg)
January 15, 2026 at 8:37 PM
Are you a graduate student or postdoc who wants to apply your science to policy?
The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship provides experience for one year on the staff of federal, state, local, NGO in the Gulf region and impt networking.
www.nationalacademies.org/programs/GUL...
The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship provides experience for one year on the staff of federal, state, local, NGO in the Gulf region and impt networking.
www.nationalacademies.org/programs/GUL...
Gulf Research Program Science Policy Fellowships
The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship helps scientists hone their skills by putting them to practice for the benefit of Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. Fellows gain first-hand e...
www.nationalacademies.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:14 PM
Are you a graduate student or postdoc who wants to apply your science to policy?
The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship provides experience for one year on the staff of federal, state, local, NGO in the Gulf region and impt networking.
www.nationalacademies.org/programs/GUL...
The Gulf Research Program’s Science Policy Fellowship provides experience for one year on the staff of federal, state, local, NGO in the Gulf region and impt networking.
www.nationalacademies.org/programs/GUL...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
hey Mom can you come pick me up. yeah everyone on the niche microblogging website is arguing about who has the correct emotional posture to the unknowable future again
January 15, 2026 at 6:09 PM
hey Mom can you come pick me up. yeah everyone on the niche microblogging website is arguing about who has the correct emotional posture to the unknowable future again
Terrific origin story, history, and future of bioRxiv and medRxiv by @richardsever.bsky.social in @mbio.bsky.social
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
The Story behind the Science: Preprints of pandemic potential—how bioRxiv and medRxiv brought preprints to the life sciences | mBio
When we launched medRxiv in mid-2019, we never could have anticipated that just a
few months later, New York would be at the epicenter of a rapidly escalating global
pandemic, and we would be handling...
journals.asm.org
January 15, 2026 at 7:04 PM
Terrific origin story, history, and future of bioRxiv and medRxiv by @richardsever.bsky.social in @mbio.bsky.social
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
Reposted by Vaughn Cooper
Present your research at the 20th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology in Auckland, from 16 - 21 August 2026! When submitting your abstract, make sure to check whether you are eligible for one of the travel grants.
isme-microbes.org/call-for-abs...
#microbialecology #isme20
isme-microbes.org/call-for-abs...
#microbialecology #isme20
January 15, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Present your research at the 20th International Symposium on Microbial Ecology in Auckland, from 16 - 21 August 2026! When submitting your abstract, make sure to check whether you are eligible for one of the travel grants.
isme-microbes.org/call-for-abs...
#microbialecology #isme20
isme-microbes.org/call-for-abs...
#microbialecology #isme20