Brian Stevenson Ph.D. spirochete lab
@bstevensonlab.bsky.social
Mostly about bacterial gene/protein regulation & function, esp. with Borrelia burgdorferi and Lyme disease. Professor at U Kentucky, views are my own. He/him
Lab= http://microscopist.net/Stevenson_Lab.html
UK= https://medicine.uky.edu/users/bstev0
Lab= http://microscopist.net/Stevenson_Lab.html
UK= https://medicine.uky.edu/users/bstev0
Pinned
Matters Microbial #31: Spirochetes do things...differently
Today, Dr. Brian Stevenson of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss a twisty twirling form of life, spirochetes,...
m.youtube.com
Recently interviewed by Mark Martin for his “Matters Microbial” podcast!
m.youtube.com/watch?si=O6w...
m.youtube.com/watch?si=O6w...
Sent a response to a postdoc applicant:
"Your 'Dear Professor' message is generic, and says nothing about why we should work together. I usually trash such messages immediately. Why should I spend time writing a response if you can't be bothered to spend time writing a message directly to me?"
"Your 'Dear Professor' message is generic, and says nothing about why we should work together. I usually trash such messages immediately. Why should I spend time writing a response if you can't be bothered to spend time writing a message directly to me?"
a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a staircase with the bet logo in the corner
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a staircase with the bet logo in the corner
media.tenor.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:03 PM
Sent a response to a postdoc applicant:
"Your 'Dear Professor' message is generic, and says nothing about why we should work together. I usually trash such messages immediately. Why should I spend time writing a response if you can't be bothered to spend time writing a message directly to me?"
"Your 'Dear Professor' message is generic, and says nothing about why we should work together. I usually trash such messages immediately. Why should I spend time writing a response if you can't be bothered to spend time writing a message directly to me?"
Nature research paper: Rare microbial relict sheds light on an ancient eukaryotic supergroup
go.nature.com/486YtjW
go.nature.com/486YtjW
Rare microbial relict sheds light on an ancient eukaryotic supergroup - Nature
The discovery of an unusual protist named Solarion arienae, which has a mitochondrial genome with some intriguing features, provides insight into the early radiation of eukaryotic groups.
go.nature.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Reposted by Brian Stevenson Ph.D. spirochete lab
I sat next to a women and her 10ish yo daughter on a plane last night. I overheard them talking on the jetway about the daughter's interest in becoming a paleontologist or herpetologist, and the mom saying she always wished to be an entomologist. I introduced myself after sitting down.
a man with a beard is making a funny face and saying ask me anything
ALT: a man with a beard is making a funny face and saying ask me anything
media.tenor.com
November 14, 2025 at 10:53 PM
I sat next to a women and her 10ish yo daughter on a plane last night. I overheard them talking on the jetway about the daughter's interest in becoming a paleontologist or herpetologist, and the mom saying she always wished to be an entomologist. I introduced myself after sitting down.
NIH study section that was originally scheduled for this coming Tuesday is back on track, will meet on Tuesday. No delay.
Other study sections are being rescheduled for early 2026.
Other study sections are being rescheduled for early 2026.
the white rabbit from alice in wonderland is crying while holding a clock and saying whew ! right on schedule !
Alt: the white rabbit from alice in wonderland is crying while holding a clock and saying whew ! right on schedule !
media.tenor.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:15 PM
NIH study section that was originally scheduled for this coming Tuesday is back on track, will meet on Tuesday. No delay.
Other study sections are being rescheduled for early 2026.
Other study sections are being rescheduled for early 2026.
NIH study sections are back!
PCMB is probably going to meet in early January.
PCMB is probably going to meet in early January.
two cartoon characters standing next to each other with the words " we 're back " on the bottom
Alt: two cartoon characters standing next to each other with the words " we 're back " on the bottom
media.tenor.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:33 PM
NIH study sections are back!
PCMB is probably going to meet in early January.
PCMB is probably going to meet in early January.
Reposted by Brian Stevenson Ph.D. spirochete lab
The diderm cell envelope is not a stack of layers but a unified scaffold of Inner Membrane–Peptidoglycan–Outer Membrane.
We discuss how tethering the OM to the PG in E. coli preserves integrity — and extend the concept across diderm bacteria.
Curr Opin Microbiol: doi.org/10.1016/j.mi...
#microsky 🔬
We discuss how tethering the OM to the PG in E. coli preserves integrity — and extend the concept across diderm bacteria.
Curr Opin Microbiol: doi.org/10.1016/j.mi...
#microsky 🔬
Redirecting
doi.org
November 13, 2025 at 12:17 PM
The diderm cell envelope is not a stack of layers but a unified scaffold of Inner Membrane–Peptidoglycan–Outer Membrane.
We discuss how tethering the OM to the PG in E. coli preserves integrity — and extend the concept across diderm bacteria.
Curr Opin Microbiol: doi.org/10.1016/j.mi...
#microsky 🔬
We discuss how tethering the OM to the PG in E. coli preserves integrity — and extend the concept across diderm bacteria.
Curr Opin Microbiol: doi.org/10.1016/j.mi...
#microsky 🔬
My Granddad, William Robert Fleming Stevenson, received these medals (and shrapnel in his knee) for 4 years in the European trenches, fighting The War to End All Wars.
#VeteransDay
#RemembranceDay
#VeteransDay
#RemembranceDay
November 11, 2025 at 12:09 PM
My Granddad, William Robert Fleming Stevenson, received these medals (and shrapnel in his knee) for 4 years in the European trenches, fighting The War to End All Wars.
#VeteransDay
#RemembranceDay
#VeteransDay
#RemembranceDay
November 10, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Congratulations to Tim Saylor for successfully defending his MS thesis!
After my trainees complete their defense, I give them a custom-engraved julep cup, then we share a drink together 🥃
After my trainees complete their defense, I give them a custom-engraved julep cup, then we share a drink together 🥃
November 7, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Congratulations to Tim Saylor for successfully defending his MS thesis!
After my trainees complete their defense, I give them a custom-engraved julep cup, then we share a drink together 🥃
After my trainees complete their defense, I give them a custom-engraved julep cup, then we share a drink together 🥃
On interactions between Midichloria and Borrelia in Ixodes ricinus ticks: a multifaceted phenomenon likely driven by molecular mechanisms that regulate tick feeding, modulate host immunity, and provide nutritional support.
www.clinicalkey.com#!/content/pl...
#MicroSky
#TickSky
www.clinicalkey.com#!/content/pl...
#MicroSky
#TickSky
October 31, 2025 at 6:48 PM
On interactions between Midichloria and Borrelia in Ixodes ricinus ticks: a multifaceted phenomenon likely driven by molecular mechanisms that regulate tick feeding, modulate host immunity, and provide nutritional support.
www.clinicalkey.com#!/content/pl...
#MicroSky
#TickSky
www.clinicalkey.com#!/content/pl...
#MicroSky
#TickSky
Reposted by Brian Stevenson Ph.D. spirochete lab
🎃🕷️Tick or treat?
Just in time for spooky season... I found a tick on an electric eel in the MCZ collections.
Not even the fish are safe!
Check it out here: doi.org/10.1093/jme/...
Just in time for spooky season... I found a tick on an electric eel in the MCZ collections.
Not even the fish are safe!
Check it out here: doi.org/10.1093/jme/...
An eclectic encounter: ticks feeding on an electric eel and the untapped potential of natural history collections
Abstract. Parasites are quite likely the most diverse guild of species on earth. Nevertheless, they remain under-documented despite their impact on the hea
doi.org
October 29, 2025 at 5:05 PM
🎃🕷️Tick or treat?
Just in time for spooky season... I found a tick on an electric eel in the MCZ collections.
Not even the fish are safe!
Check it out here: doi.org/10.1093/jme/...
Just in time for spooky season... I found a tick on an electric eel in the MCZ collections.
Not even the fish are safe!
Check it out here: doi.org/10.1093/jme/...
“No -canonical” cell division machinery
#MicroSky
#MicroSky
Excited to share my latest postdoctoral work in the Shen Lab at Tufts! In this study, we follow up on an exciting finding by former grad student @shailab.bsky.social that C diff uses its Class A PBP (PBP1) to drive cell division (unlike previously studied bacteria)! journals.plos.org/plosgenetics...
Molecular dissection of Class A PBP function uncovers novel features of the non-canonical Clostridioides difficile divisome complex
Author summary Bacterial cell division is an ancient and essential process, but our molecular understanding of this process is primarily based on studies in a select few model systems. Recent work fou...
journals.plos.org
October 28, 2025 at 11:34 PM
“No -canonical” cell division machinery
#MicroSky
#MicroSky
Beautiful painting of a Dermacentor variabilis
@petrathepostdoc.bsky.social
@petrathepostdoc.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Beautiful painting of a Dermacentor variabilis
@petrathepostdoc.bsky.social
@petrathepostdoc.bsky.social
“It was not wounds of battle that killed most of these men…
“The attrition of the army is extraordinary,” Dr. Harper said, “and underscores how much prior to the 20th century what we think of as wars are primarily medical events.”
The infections, he added, “are diseases that exploit human suffering”
“The attrition of the army is extraordinary,” Dr. Harper said, “and underscores how much prior to the 20th century what we think of as wars are primarily medical events.”
The infections, he added, “are diseases that exploit human suffering”
DNA Identifies 2 Bacterial Killers That Stalked Napoleon’s Army
www.nytimes.com
October 25, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Nice insights on a function of EbfC in Bacillus.
EbfC is a nucleoid-associated protein/"histone-like" protein that is produced by almost all species of Eubacteria. Functions vary between species, probably correlating with presence of other NAPs. It is an essential protein in Lyme Borrelia.
#MicroSky
EbfC is a nucleoid-associated protein/"histone-like" protein that is produced by almost all species of Eubacteria. Functions vary between species, probably correlating with presence of other NAPs. It is an essential protein in Lyme Borrelia.
#MicroSky
Nucleoid structure and dynamics influence natural chromosomal transformation in Bacillus subtilis: the role of EbfC url: academic.oup.com/nar/article/...
Nucleoid structure and dynamics influence natural chromosomal transformation in Bacillus subtilis: the role of EbfC
Abstract. Natural chromosomal transformation (NCT) in Bacillus subtilis requires RecA and its accessory proteins including RecX and RecD2. Inactivation of
academic.oup.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:18 PM
Nice insights on a function of EbfC in Bacillus.
EbfC is a nucleoid-associated protein/"histone-like" protein that is produced by almost all species of Eubacteria. Functions vary between species, probably correlating with presence of other NAPs. It is an essential protein in Lyme Borrelia.
#MicroSky
EbfC is a nucleoid-associated protein/"histone-like" protein that is produced by almost all species of Eubacteria. Functions vary between species, probably correlating with presence of other NAPs. It is an essential protein in Lyme Borrelia.
#MicroSky
Louse-borne Relapsing Fever contributed to the demise of Napoleon's army during the retreat from Russia in 1812.
Borrelia recurrentis Relapsing Fever has been an important problem in many situations of crowding and poor hygiene, including the trenches of WW1
www.cell.com/current-biol...
#MicroSky
Borrelia recurrentis Relapsing Fever has been an important problem in many situations of crowding and poor hygiene, including the trenches of WW1
www.cell.com/current-biol...
#MicroSky
Paratyphoid fever and relapsing fever in 1812 Napoleon's devastated army
By implementing a phylogeny-driven approach for authenticating ultra-low-coverage
pathogen aDNA, Barbieri et al. detect Salmonella enterica Paratyphi C and Borrelia
recurrentis, agents of paratyphoid ...
www.cell.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Louse-borne Relapsing Fever contributed to the demise of Napoleon's army during the retreat from Russia in 1812.
Borrelia recurrentis Relapsing Fever has been an important problem in many situations of crowding and poor hygiene, including the trenches of WW1
www.cell.com/current-biol...
#MicroSky
Borrelia recurrentis Relapsing Fever has been an important problem in many situations of crowding and poor hygiene, including the trenches of WW1
www.cell.com/current-biol...
#MicroSky
If you ever wondered what happened next at a tick bite site in terms of Borrelia dissemination ....wonder no more. Wonderful collaborative work between my lab and my collaborators Marie Vancova,Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, #NatureComms
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Targeted volume imaging reveals early vascular interactions of Lyme disease pathogen in skin - Nature Communications
Authors utilise scanning electron microscopy to show that Borrelia burgdorferi initiates systemic vascular spread by targeting pericytes, while crossing of the lymphatic endothelium occurs via sequent...
www.nature.com
October 22, 2025 at 5:50 PM
For those who are wondering about grant proposal reviews in the USA
October 21, 2025 at 12:27 PM
For those who are wondering about grant proposal reviews in the USA
Reposted by Brian Stevenson Ph.D. spirochete lab
We’re hiring! KUMC's Dept. of Microbiol., Mol. Genet. & Immunol. seeks a new Asst. Professor in Immunology. Be part of a vibrant department and benefit from association with the NCI-designated KU Cancer Center. Come join us in Kansas City! Apply here: kumc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/kumc-j...
October 20, 2025 at 8:57 PM
We’re hiring! KUMC's Dept. of Microbiol., Mol. Genet. & Immunol. seeks a new Asst. Professor in Immunology. Be part of a vibrant department and benefit from association with the NCI-designated KU Cancer Center. Come join us in Kansas City! Apply here: kumc.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/kumc-j...
Dr. Petra Levin, the George and Irene Freiberg Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis (and of TWiM!) joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss her work with bacterial cell size, environmental stress on bacteria, and antibiotic resistance
📺👇
📺👇
Matters Microbial #112: Bacterial Size, Stress, and Antibiotic Resistance
YouTube video by MicrobeTV
youtu.be
October 17, 2025 at 6:59 PM
We were visited a couple of weeks ago by Dr. Tomasz Bykowski and his family, on vacation around the US from their home in Warsaw, Poland.
Tomek was a postdoc in our lab from 2004-2007, and is currently Director of Strategy and Development of Horus and Member of the Supervisory Board of Genomed SA
Tomek was a postdoc in our lab from 2004-2007, and is currently Director of Strategy and Development of Horus and Member of the Supervisory Board of Genomed SA
October 14, 2025 at 4:32 PM
We were visited a couple of weeks ago by Dr. Tomasz Bykowski and his family, on vacation around the US from their home in Warsaw, Poland.
Tomek was a postdoc in our lab from 2004-2007, and is currently Director of Strategy and Development of Horus and Member of the Supervisory Board of Genomed SA
Tomek was a postdoc in our lab from 2004-2007, and is currently Director of Strategy and Development of Horus and Member of the Supervisory Board of Genomed SA
Lab alumna Dr. Jen Miller, presenting today at ILADS conference. Jen is currently Vice President of Clinical and Scientific Operations at Galaxy Diagnostics. She was my second PhD student.
October 13, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Lab alumna Dr. Jen Miller, presenting today at ILADS conference. Jen is currently Vice President of Clinical and Scientific Operations at Galaxy Diagnostics. She was my second PhD student.
On the way to Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference 2025, in St Charles, Illinois!
Hosted by Loyola University Chicago
#MMPC2025
#MicroSky
www.mmpconference2025.com
Hosted by Loyola University Chicago
#MMPC2025
#MicroSky
www.mmpconference2025.com
October 3, 2025 at 4:01 PM
On the way to Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Conference 2025, in St Charles, Illinois!
Hosted by Loyola University Chicago
#MMPC2025
#MicroSky
www.mmpconference2025.com
Hosted by Loyola University Chicago
#MMPC2025
#MicroSky
www.mmpconference2025.com
Freakin’ cool anti-anti-phage mechanism!
#MicroSky
#MicroSky
Now online at @nature.com we show how the Panoptes defense system protects against viruses that attempt immune evasion - and expands our understanding of the role of oligonucleotides in immunity.
Check out this work co-led with @benadler.bsky.social here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Check out this work co-led with @benadler.bsky.social here:
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A miniature CRISPR–Cas10 enzyme confers immunity by inhibitory signalling - Nature
Panoptes, an anti-phage defence system against virus-mediated immune suppression, is revealed.
www.nature.com
October 2, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Freakin’ cool anti-anti-phage mechanism!
#MicroSky
#MicroSky
The Department of Biology at the University of Kentucky is hiring a Microbiologist (broadly defined). Microbial eco-evo folks, this is your sign to come work with us. Not in the search committee, but happy to answer questions.
ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/600...
#microbiology #ecology
ukjobs.uky.edu/postings/600...
#microbiology #ecology
Assistant or Associate Professor in Microbiology
The Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY seeks to fill a tenure-eligible faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor le...
ukjobs.uky.edu
October 1, 2025 at 3:30 PM