Oxford Biology
@biology.ox.ac.uk
Exploring the breadth and diversity of life on Earth 🌍 Updates on research & teaching at @ox.ac.uk. Merged from Departments of Plant Sciences and Zoology August 2022
www.biology.ox.ac.uk
www.biology.ox.ac.uk
Pinned
Oxford Biology
@biology.ox.ac.uk
· Oct 20
Want to do a PhD in biology? Our projects for 2026 are now live! If you're considering a PhD, or know someone who is, we have projects that span the biosciences to serve as inspiration.
Reach out to our academics to discuss these or more options if you have an idea of your own 👇
bit.ly/dphilbio25
Reach out to our academics to discuss these or more options if you have an idea of your own 👇
bit.ly/dphilbio25
Reposted by Oxford Biology
About 30% of island-restricted reptiles are currently threatened with extinction (vs 12% of mainland reptile species). Yet, just 6.7% of the published research from 1960-2021 is devoted to island species @mongabay.com
@biology.ox.ac.uk @jesusoxford.bsky.social
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
@biology.ox.ac.uk @jesusoxford.bsky.social
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
Island-confined reptiles face high extinction risk, but low research interest
Reptile species found only on islands are significantly more vulnerable to extinction than their mainland counterparts, yet remain vastly overlooked by researchers, according to a recent study. “Repti...
news.mongabay.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:26 AM
About 30% of island-restricted reptiles are currently threatened with extinction (vs 12% of mainland reptile species). Yet, just 6.7% of the published research from 1960-2021 is devoted to island species @mongabay.com
@biology.ox.ac.uk @jesusoxford.bsky.social
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
@biology.ox.ac.uk @jesusoxford.bsky.social
news.mongabay.com/short-articl...
Reposted by Oxford Biology
Hope amidst disappointment 🌎 Dr Aline Soterroni shares key takeaways from #COP30, where she has been sharing her research showing that "there is no net zero climate solution in Brazil without nature-based solutions..."
@biology.ox.ac.uk
@oxfordnetzero.bsky.social
@smithschool.ox.ac.uk
@biology.ox.ac.uk
@oxfordnetzero.bsky.social
@smithschool.ox.ac.uk
November 25, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Hope amidst disappointment 🌎 Dr Aline Soterroni shares key takeaways from #COP30, where she has been sharing her research showing that "there is no net zero climate solution in Brazil without nature-based solutions..."
@biology.ox.ac.uk
@oxfordnetzero.bsky.social
@smithschool.ox.ac.uk
@biology.ox.ac.uk
@oxfordnetzero.bsky.social
@smithschool.ox.ac.uk
Reposted by Oxford Biology
Wildlife corridors are vital for biodiversity, but new research warns they can also spread diseases, invasive species & wildfires.
A Nature Reviews Biodiversity paper from Josh Firth @universityofleeds.bsky.social Sarah Knowles @biology.ox.ac.uk & Ivan Jarić @ivanjaric.bsky.social
bit.ly/4iisAJR
A Nature Reviews Biodiversity paper from Josh Firth @universityofleeds.bsky.social Sarah Knowles @biology.ox.ac.uk & Ivan Jarić @ivanjaric.bsky.social
bit.ly/4iisAJR
Researchers warn of hidden risk of wildlife corridors
Efforts to reconnect fragmented habitats are vital for biodiversity, but new research warns that ecological corridors can also create unintended risks.
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Wildlife corridors are vital for biodiversity, but new research warns they can also spread diseases, invasive species & wildfires.
A Nature Reviews Biodiversity paper from Josh Firth @universityofleeds.bsky.social Sarah Knowles @biology.ox.ac.uk & Ivan Jarić @ivanjaric.bsky.social
bit.ly/4iisAJR
A Nature Reviews Biodiversity paper from Josh Firth @universityofleeds.bsky.social Sarah Knowles @biology.ox.ac.uk & Ivan Jarić @ivanjaric.bsky.social
bit.ly/4iisAJR
Reposted by Oxford Biology
2024 Impact Report available!
Research is at the heart of all we do, with excellent science leading to demonstrable conservation impacts.
The report gives a snapshot of how our team are achieving this worldwide thanks to the generous support of many.
👉 tinyurl.com/mth52xm9
@biology.ox.ac.uk
Research is at the heart of all we do, with excellent science leading to demonstrable conservation impacts.
The report gives a snapshot of how our team are achieving this worldwide thanks to the generous support of many.
👉 tinyurl.com/mth52xm9
@biology.ox.ac.uk
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
2024 Impact Report available!
Research is at the heart of all we do, with excellent science leading to demonstrable conservation impacts.
The report gives a snapshot of how our team are achieving this worldwide thanks to the generous support of many.
👉 tinyurl.com/mth52xm9
@biology.ox.ac.uk
Research is at the heart of all we do, with excellent science leading to demonstrable conservation impacts.
The report gives a snapshot of how our team are achieving this worldwide thanks to the generous support of many.
👉 tinyurl.com/mth52xm9
@biology.ox.ac.uk
Reposted by Oxford Biology
This week’s seminar will be given by Prof Daniel Field of @zoologymuseum.bsky.social & @cambridge-earthsci.bsky.social on the origins of modern birds. 3.30pm Friday 28 Nov in LT1 in the Life & Mind Building @biology.ox.ac.uk - all welcome & see below for live streaming joining information
November 24, 2025 at 9:20 AM
This week’s seminar will be given by Prof Daniel Field of @zoologymuseum.bsky.social & @cambridge-earthsci.bsky.social on the origins of modern birds. 3.30pm Friday 28 Nov in LT1 in the Life & Mind Building @biology.ox.ac.uk - all welcome & see below for live streaming joining information
Reposted by Oxford Biology
NEWS: Sir Paul Nurse officially opens the Life and Mind building
The Life and Mind building is one of the largest building projects in the University’s history, and home to @biology.ox.ac.uk and @oxexppsy.bsky.social, as well as @ineosoxford.bsky.social
The Life and Mind building is one of the largest building projects in the University’s history, and home to @biology.ox.ac.uk and @oxexppsy.bsky.social, as well as @ineosoxford.bsky.social
Sir Paul Nurse officially opens the Life and Mind building
The Life and Mind building, a £200 million world-class teaching and research facility, has been officially opened by Sir Paul Nurse, Principal Group Leader, The Francis Crick Institute, President Elect of the Royal Society, and 2001 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine.
www.medsci.ox.ac.uk
November 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
NEWS: Sir Paul Nurse officially opens the Life and Mind building
The Life and Mind building is one of the largest building projects in the University’s history, and home to @biology.ox.ac.uk and @oxexppsy.bsky.social, as well as @ineosoxford.bsky.social
The Life and Mind building is one of the largest building projects in the University’s history, and home to @biology.ox.ac.uk and @oxexppsy.bsky.social, as well as @ineosoxford.bsky.social
Reposted by Oxford Biology
New research reveals that a lion’s full-throated roar is unique to each individual and identification could soon help scientists to count lions and estimate population density.
Read the study led by Jonathan Growcott 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
[1/3] @biology.ox.ac.uk @exeter.ac.uk
Read the study led by Jonathan Growcott 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
[1/3] @biology.ox.ac.uk @exeter.ac.uk
November 21, 2025 at 10:38 AM
New research reveals that a lion’s full-throated roar is unique to each individual and identification could soon help scientists to count lions and estimate population density.
Read the study led by Jonathan Growcott 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
[1/3] @biology.ox.ac.uk @exeter.ac.uk
Read the study led by Jonathan Growcott 👉 onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
[1/3] @biology.ox.ac.uk @exeter.ac.uk
The Life & Mind Building: from foundations to a new home for Biology.
As we celebrate its official opening, here’s a look back at how far this building has come over the past six years.
We can’t wait to see everything it will make possible.
As we celebrate its official opening, here’s a look back at how far this building has come over the past six years.
We can’t wait to see everything it will make possible.
November 21, 2025 at 12:34 PM
The Life & Mind Building: from foundations to a new home for Biology.
As we celebrate its official opening, here’s a look back at how far this building has come over the past six years.
We can’t wait to see everything it will make possible.
As we celebrate its official opening, here’s a look back at how far this building has come over the past six years.
We can’t wait to see everything it will make possible.
The Life & Mind Building officially opened on Tuesday, marked by a visit from Sir Paul Nurse. A major milestone for Biology, this new £200 million home brings cutting-edge labs, teaching spaces, and research communities together under one roof.
bit.ly/4pbzoeg
📸C.Mower
bit.ly/4pbzoeg
📸C.Mower
November 20, 2025 at 6:18 PM
The Life & Mind Building officially opened on Tuesday, marked by a visit from Sir Paul Nurse. A major milestone for Biology, this new £200 million home brings cutting-edge labs, teaching spaces, and research communities together under one roof.
bit.ly/4pbzoeg
📸C.Mower
bit.ly/4pbzoeg
📸C.Mower
Join us for our annual lecture on 16 December! We will delve into the wonders of animal seismic senses, from spider webs to elephant rumbles, with Dr Beth Mortimer 🐘🕷️
16 December 17:15, in the Life and Mind Building, Oxford & online 👇
www.biology.ox.ac.uk/event/biolog...
16 December 17:15, in the Life and Mind Building, Oxford & online 👇
www.biology.ox.ac.uk/event/biolog...
November 20, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Join us for our annual lecture on 16 December! We will delve into the wonders of animal seismic senses, from spider webs to elephant rumbles, with Dr Beth Mortimer 🐘🕷️
16 December 17:15, in the Life and Mind Building, Oxford & online 👇
www.biology.ox.ac.uk/event/biolog...
16 December 17:15, in the Life and Mind Building, Oxford & online 👇
www.biology.ox.ac.uk/event/biolog...
To achieve Net Zero by 2050, Brazil needs to use nature as an ally 🌳
New article (in Portuguese) from Aline Soterroni of @naturebasedsols.bsky.social 👇
theconversation.com/para-alcanca...
New article (in Portuguese) from Aline Soterroni of @naturebasedsols.bsky.social 👇
theconversation.com/para-alcanca...
Para alcançar o Net Zero até 2050, Brasil precisa usar a natureza como aliada
Diferente do resto do mundo, onde 75% das emissões de carbono vêm do setor de energia, no Brasil este mesmo percentual vem das emissões de metano do setor agropecuário. O setor de energia é apenas o t...
theconversation.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:40 PM
To achieve Net Zero by 2050, Brazil needs to use nature as an ally 🌳
New article (in Portuguese) from Aline Soterroni of @naturebasedsols.bsky.social 👇
theconversation.com/para-alcanca...
New article (in Portuguese) from Aline Soterroni of @naturebasedsols.bsky.social 👇
theconversation.com/para-alcanca...
Reposted by Oxford Biology
NEW: A study from @biology.ox.ac.uk has found kissing first evolved around 21 million years ago in the common ancestor of humans and other great apes – and even Neanderthals probably kissed too.
The research also suggests that humans and Neanderthals likely kissed each other.
The research also suggests that humans and Neanderthals likely kissed each other.
Ape ancestors and Neanderthals likely kissed, new analysis finds |
A new study led by the University of Oxford has found evidence that kissing evolved in the common ancestor of humans and other large apes around 21 million years ago, and that Neanderthals likely
www.ox.ac.uk
November 19, 2025 at 12:52 PM
NEW: A study from @biology.ox.ac.uk has found kissing first evolved around 21 million years ago in the common ancestor of humans and other great apes – and even Neanderthals probably kissed too.
The research also suggests that humans and Neanderthals likely kissed each other.
The research also suggests that humans and Neanderthals likely kissed each other.
Reposted by Oxford Biology
What a brilliant study from @biology.ox.ac.uk! The deep timeline & evolution of the kiss! xxx💋xxx
I'm setting a reminder now to repost this story on #valentinesday 😍😘😗because nothing says 'romance' like 'oral microbes', right? Mwah!
theconversation.com/when-did-kis...
I'm setting a reminder now to repost this story on #valentinesday 😍😘😗because nothing says 'romance' like 'oral microbes', right? Mwah!
theconversation.com/when-did-kis...
When did kissing evolve and did humans and Neanderthals get off with each other? New research
Humans are not the only animal to kiss.
theconversation.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:10 AM
What a brilliant study from @biology.ox.ac.uk! The deep timeline & evolution of the kiss! xxx💋xxx
I'm setting a reminder now to repost this story on #valentinesday 😍😘😗because nothing says 'romance' like 'oral microbes', right? Mwah!
theconversation.com/when-did-kis...
I'm setting a reminder now to repost this story on #valentinesday 😍😘😗because nothing says 'romance' like 'oral microbes', right? Mwah!
theconversation.com/when-did-kis...
New research shows that kissing evolved in the common ancestor of humans and other large apes around 21 million years ago, and Neanderthals likely engaged in kissing too 💋
New study from @matildabrindle.bsky.social @stuwest.bsky.social 👇
New study from @matildabrindle.bsky.social @stuwest.bsky.social 👇
Ape ancestors and Neanderthals likely kissed
bit.ly
November 19, 2025 at 9:18 AM
New research shows that kissing evolved in the common ancestor of humans and other large apes around 21 million years ago, and Neanderthals likely engaged in kissing too 💋
New study from @matildabrindle.bsky.social @stuwest.bsky.social 👇
New study from @matildabrindle.bsky.social @stuwest.bsky.social 👇
Reposted by Oxford Biology
💙It’s #WorldAMRAwarenessWeek!
80 years ago, penicillin changed modern medicine - but how does it work? And how do bacteria resist?
👉Read more to learn how the IOI protects our life-saving antibiotics: ineosoxford.shorthandstories.com/80-years-of-...
#WAAW #KeepAntibioticsWorking
80 years ago, penicillin changed modern medicine - but how does it work? And how do bacteria resist?
👉Read more to learn how the IOI protects our life-saving antibiotics: ineosoxford.shorthandstories.com/80-years-of-...
#WAAW #KeepAntibioticsWorking
November 18, 2025 at 9:16 AM
💙It’s #WorldAMRAwarenessWeek!
80 years ago, penicillin changed modern medicine - but how does it work? And how do bacteria resist?
👉Read more to learn how the IOI protects our life-saving antibiotics: ineosoxford.shorthandstories.com/80-years-of-...
#WAAW #KeepAntibioticsWorking
80 years ago, penicillin changed modern medicine - but how does it work? And how do bacteria resist?
👉Read more to learn how the IOI protects our life-saving antibiotics: ineosoxford.shorthandstories.com/80-years-of-...
#WAAW #KeepAntibioticsWorking
Reposted by Oxford Biology
I passed my viva! 🎊
I’m very happy to share that yesterday, after ~4 years of research, I successfully defended my DPhil thesis and will be awarded the title of doctor 😎
Thank you to my examiners, supervisors, and collaborators for all the advice and support given along the way.
I’m very happy to share that yesterday, after ~4 years of research, I successfully defended my DPhil thesis and will be awarded the title of doctor 😎
Thank you to my examiners, supervisors, and collaborators for all the advice and support given along the way.
November 14, 2025 at 12:43 PM
I passed my viva! 🎊
I’m very happy to share that yesterday, after ~4 years of research, I successfully defended my DPhil thesis and will be awarded the title of doctor 😎
Thank you to my examiners, supervisors, and collaborators for all the advice and support given along the way.
I’m very happy to share that yesterday, after ~4 years of research, I successfully defended my DPhil thesis and will be awarded the title of doctor 😎
Thank you to my examiners, supervisors, and collaborators for all the advice and support given along the way.
Reposted by Oxford Biology
🌎COP30 Week One: Signals of progress and what must come next ⬇️
Read our reflections on climate, nature & justice at COP30: www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/reflect...
#PeoplesSummit #COP30 #ClimateJustice
📷: The Peoples' March, COP30 Belém, 15th November.
Photo Credit: Aline Soterroni
Read our reflections on climate, nature & justice at COP30: www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/reflect...
#PeoplesSummit #COP30 #ClimateJustice
📷: The Peoples' March, COP30 Belém, 15th November.
Photo Credit: Aline Soterroni
November 17, 2025 at 3:19 PM
🌎COP30 Week One: Signals of progress and what must come next ⬇️
Read our reflections on climate, nature & justice at COP30: www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/reflect...
#PeoplesSummit #COP30 #ClimateJustice
📷: The Peoples' March, COP30 Belém, 15th November.
Photo Credit: Aline Soterroni
Read our reflections on climate, nature & justice at COP30: www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/reflect...
#PeoplesSummit #COP30 #ClimateJustice
📷: The Peoples' March, COP30 Belém, 15th November.
Photo Credit: Aline Soterroni
In the heart of the Amazon at COP30, Nathalie Seddon answers the question: 'If trees could talk, what would they say?'
Watch the full interview on WaterBear! For every minute spent watching the new series, a tree will be planted and protected 🌳
www.waterbear.com/title/watch-...
Watch the full interview on WaterBear! For every minute spent watching the new series, a tree will be planted and protected 🌳
www.waterbear.com/title/watch-...
WaterBear: Nathalie Seddon
Live from COP30 in the heart of the Amazon, Professor Nathalie Seddon of Oxford University shares what the trees would say if they could speak: slow down, listen, and honor the...
www.waterbear.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:49 AM
In the heart of the Amazon at COP30, Nathalie Seddon answers the question: 'If trees could talk, what would they say?'
Watch the full interview on WaterBear! For every minute spent watching the new series, a tree will be planted and protected 🌳
www.waterbear.com/title/watch-...
Watch the full interview on WaterBear! For every minute spent watching the new series, a tree will be planted and protected 🌳
www.waterbear.com/title/watch-...
Reposted by Oxford Biology
Great @scienceofthetimes.bsky.social podcast on the science of the microbiome with the brilliant @auraulo.bsky.social and @eveliinahanski.bsky.social. Can't recommend it enough. @sykhalid.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
🎙️ Just published a new episode of Science Of The Times: The Microbial Majority. Have a listen:
The Microbial Majority
Inside your stomach, on your skin, in your mouth, and up your nose are...
share.transistor.fm
November 17, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Great @scienceofthetimes.bsky.social podcast on the science of the microbiome with the brilliant @auraulo.bsky.social and @eveliinahanski.bsky.social. Can't recommend it enough. @sykhalid.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
Connecting isolated wildlife habitats boosts biodiversity but comes with risk - opening pathways for disease, invasive species or wildfires.
New research with University of Leeds recommends strategies in high-risk settings. Thoughtful design is the key. 👇
bit.ly/4oyzVqS
New research with University of Leeds recommends strategies in high-risk settings. Thoughtful design is the key. 👇
bit.ly/4oyzVqS
Reducing the risks of connecting wildlife habitats
bit.ly
November 14, 2025 at 9:49 AM
Connecting isolated wildlife habitats boosts biodiversity but comes with risk - opening pathways for disease, invasive species or wildfires.
New research with University of Leeds recommends strategies in high-risk settings. Thoughtful design is the key. 👇
bit.ly/4oyzVqS
New research with University of Leeds recommends strategies in high-risk settings. Thoughtful design is the key. 👇
bit.ly/4oyzVqS
Reposted by Oxford Biology
“There is no net zero in Brazil without nature” -Dr Aline Soterroni at our #COP30 side event yesterday in Belém
A collaboration for biodiversity-climate synergies with @greenpeace.org @wwfbrasil.bsky.social @sosmataatlantica.bsky.social
Read the summary by @iisd.org ⬇️
enb.iisd.org/climate-biod...
A collaboration for biodiversity-climate synergies with @greenpeace.org @wwfbrasil.bsky.social @sosmataatlantica.bsky.social
Read the summary by @iisd.org ⬇️
enb.iisd.org/climate-biod...
From Trade-offs to Synergies: Aligning Climate and Biodiversity Policies
What would it take to unite climate and biodiversity agendas? Speakers from science and policy stress that neither can succeed alone, urging collaboration, better data, and funding to bridge divides a...
enb.iisd.org
November 12, 2025 at 4:36 PM
“There is no net zero in Brazil without nature” -Dr Aline Soterroni at our #COP30 side event yesterday in Belém
A collaboration for biodiversity-climate synergies with @greenpeace.org @wwfbrasil.bsky.social @sosmataatlantica.bsky.social
Read the summary by @iisd.org ⬇️
enb.iisd.org/climate-biod...
A collaboration for biodiversity-climate synergies with @greenpeace.org @wwfbrasil.bsky.social @sosmataatlantica.bsky.social
Read the summary by @iisd.org ⬇️
enb.iisd.org/climate-biod...
From trade offs to synergies: Aligning climate and biodiversity policies.
Reps from Oxford Biology joined experts from government, academia and NGOs at COP30 at this side event.
With Greenpeace, SOS Atlantic Forest foundation, WWF and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social.
📸 L.Jardim & A.Vasconcelos
Reps from Oxford Biology joined experts from government, academia and NGOs at COP30 at this side event.
With Greenpeace, SOS Atlantic Forest foundation, WWF and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social.
📸 L.Jardim & A.Vasconcelos
November 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
From trade offs to synergies: Aligning climate and biodiversity policies.
Reps from Oxford Biology joined experts from government, academia and NGOs at COP30 at this side event.
With Greenpeace, SOS Atlantic Forest foundation, WWF and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social.
📸 L.Jardim & A.Vasconcelos
Reps from Oxford Biology joined experts from government, academia and NGOs at COP30 at this side event.
With Greenpeace, SOS Atlantic Forest foundation, WWF and @oxfordgeography.bsky.social.
📸 L.Jardim & A.Vasconcelos
Reposted by Oxford Biology
Welcome to this week's EGI seminar in @biology.ox.ac.uk when Prof Craig White @craig-white.bsky.social from @monashbiol.bsky.social will talk on The Evolution of Metabolic Rate and Life History: 3.30pm Fri 14 Nov in Lecture Theatre 2 in the Life & Mind Building. Also live-streamed: instructions ⬇️
November 10, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Welcome to this week's EGI seminar in @biology.ox.ac.uk when Prof Craig White @craig-white.bsky.social from @monashbiol.bsky.social will talk on The Evolution of Metabolic Rate and Life History: 3.30pm Fri 14 Nov in Lecture Theatre 2 in the Life & Mind Building. Also live-streamed: instructions ⬇️
Reposted by Oxford Biology
Our new study shows that island populations of grey long-eared #bats have distinct DNA haplotypes compared to mainland populations, reflecting long-term isolation & independent evolutionary trajectories: link.springer.com/article/10.1... @iccs.bsky.social @jesusoxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
November 10, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Our new study shows that island populations of grey long-eared #bats have distinct DNA haplotypes compared to mainland populations, reflecting long-term isolation & independent evolutionary trajectories: link.springer.com/article/10.1... @iccs.bsky.social @jesusoxford.bsky.social @biology.ox.ac.uk
Reposted by Oxford Biology
COP30 kicks off in Belém! 🌎
From pledges to practice: why COP30 could mark a turning point towards justice, reciprocity and regeneration
Our team is on the ground working to connect research with policy and practice
Our hopes for COP30➡️ www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/belem-c...
From pledges to practice: why COP30 could mark a turning point towards justice, reciprocity and regeneration
Our team is on the ground working to connect research with policy and practice
Our hopes for COP30➡️ www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/belem-c...
November 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
COP30 kicks off in Belém! 🌎
From pledges to practice: why COP30 could mark a turning point towards justice, reciprocity and regeneration
Our team is on the ground working to connect research with policy and practice
Our hopes for COP30➡️ www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/belem-c...
From pledges to practice: why COP30 could mark a turning point towards justice, reciprocity and regeneration
Our team is on the ground working to connect research with policy and practice
Our hopes for COP30➡️ www.naturebasedsolutionsinitiative.org/news/belem-c...