Professor Mary J O'Connell
@evol-molly.bsky.social
Evolutionary Biologist, Mammals, Phylogenies, Comparative Genomics, Art and Running
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Povilus et al. examined DNA methylation and genetic imprinting in water lily species, finding that maternal gene expression and parent-specific DNA methylation in the endosperm likely represent the ancestral condition of seed development.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
November 24, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Povilus et al. examined DNA methylation and genetic imprinting in water lily species, finding that maternal gene expression and parent-specific DNA methylation in the endosperm likely represent the ancestral condition of seed development.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf271
#evobio #molbio #PlantSky
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Happy to present TOGA2, developed by Yury Malovichko @ymalovichko.bsky.social, the faster, memory-efficient & more accurate TOGA1 successor (github.com/hillerlab/TO...). And annotations, orthologs & gene loss/dup data generated with 4 references for 883 placental mammal and with 5 refs for 676 ...
November 23, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Happy to present TOGA2, developed by Yury Malovichko @ymalovichko.bsky.social, the faster, memory-efficient & more accurate TOGA1 successor (github.com/hillerlab/TO...). And annotations, orthologs & gene loss/dup data generated with 4 references for 883 placental mammal and with 5 refs for 676 ...
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Latest work out today in @currentbiology.bsky.social
We find the fly development gene bicoid is much older than previously thought (~20 million yrs older!) 🪰🧬
To pinpoint its origins we tackled the Diptera phylogeny, providing some resolution (many open questions remain).
🔗 tinyurl.com/2vyuevpy
We find the fly development gene bicoid is much older than previously thought (~20 million yrs older!) 🪰🧬
To pinpoint its origins we tackled the Diptera phylogeny, providing some resolution (many open questions remain).
🔗 tinyurl.com/2vyuevpy
Revised evolutionary relationships within Brachycera and the early origin of bicoid in flies
Mulhair et al. uncover a functional bicoid in non-cyclorrhaphan flies, pushing the
gene's origin back by ∼20 million years. Reassessing the Diptera phylogeny using the
largest dataset to date permits ...
www.cell.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Latest work out today in @currentbiology.bsky.social
We find the fly development gene bicoid is much older than previously thought (~20 million yrs older!) 🪰🧬
To pinpoint its origins we tackled the Diptera phylogeny, providing some resolution (many open questions remain).
🔗 tinyurl.com/2vyuevpy
We find the fly development gene bicoid is much older than previously thought (~20 million yrs older!) 🪰🧬
To pinpoint its origins we tackled the Diptera phylogeny, providing some resolution (many open questions remain).
🔗 tinyurl.com/2vyuevpy
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are called the unicorn of the sea — for obvious reasons.
This illustration by Louis A. Sargent comes from "The wild beasts of the world", v. 2 (1909), contributed to BHL by @uoftlibraries.bsky.social: www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/19657038 #SciArt #ILoveBHL 🧪 📖 🌊
This illustration by Louis A. Sargent comes from "The wild beasts of the world", v. 2 (1909), contributed to BHL by @uoftlibraries.bsky.social: www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/19657038 #SciArt #ILoveBHL 🧪 📖 🌊
November 22, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are called the unicorn of the sea — for obvious reasons.
This illustration by Louis A. Sargent comes from "The wild beasts of the world", v. 2 (1909), contributed to BHL by @uoftlibraries.bsky.social: www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/19657038 #SciArt #ILoveBHL 🧪 📖 🌊
This illustration by Louis A. Sargent comes from "The wild beasts of the world", v. 2 (1909), contributed to BHL by @uoftlibraries.bsky.social: www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/19657038 #SciArt #ILoveBHL 🧪 📖 🌊
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
A series of before/after satellite images comparing areas of high ecological importance in the Caspian Sea tell the story of 20 years of falling water levels. The Caspian is rapidly heading towards severe consequences for biodiversity and people living in the region.
goodmanlab.org/2025/11/22/t...
goodmanlab.org/2025/11/22/t...
Tracking Caspian Sea level decline in satellite imagery
Pictures from NASA’s MODIS earth observation satellites tell the story of falling water levels in the Caspian Sea The Caspian Sea is the largest landlocked waterbody on the planet. Located at…
goodmanlab.org
November 22, 2025 at 1:01 PM
A series of before/after satellite images comparing areas of high ecological importance in the Caspian Sea tell the story of 20 years of falling water levels. The Caspian is rapidly heading towards severe consequences for biodiversity and people living in the region.
goodmanlab.org/2025/11/22/t...
goodmanlab.org/2025/11/22/t...
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
In a new MBE Perspective, @jomcinerney.bsky.social introduces the concepts of epaktovars and xenotypes, providing a framework for describing phenotypic convergence and shared genetic material resulting from gene transfer across diverse lineages.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf279
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf279
#evobio #molbio
Classifying Convergences in the Light of Horizontal Gene Transfer: Epaktovars and Xenotypes
Abstract. The classification of living systems presents significant challenges due to the prevalence of gene transfer between genomes. Traditional taxonomi
doi.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:48 PM
In a new MBE Perspective, @jomcinerney.bsky.social introduces the concepts of epaktovars and xenotypes, providing a framework for describing phenotypic convergence and shared genetic material resulting from gene transfer across diverse lineages.
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf279
#evobio #molbio
🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msaf279
#evobio #molbio
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
🚨🦜🐧Cover reveal! Thrilled to show off the cover of my upcoming book: The Story of Birds!
Coming April 28. The whole history of birds, from their dinosaur origins to colossal extinct penguins & terror birds, to the 10,000+ species today. From @marinerbooks.bsky.social
Preorder 👇
Coming April 28. The whole history of birds, from their dinosaur origins to colossal extinct penguins & terror birds, to the 10,000+ species today. From @marinerbooks.bsky.social
Preorder 👇
November 21, 2025 at 1:51 PM
🚨🦜🐧Cover reveal! Thrilled to show off the cover of my upcoming book: The Story of Birds!
Coming April 28. The whole history of birds, from their dinosaur origins to colossal extinct penguins & terror birds, to the 10,000+ species today. From @marinerbooks.bsky.social
Preorder 👇
Coming April 28. The whole history of birds, from their dinosaur origins to colossal extinct penguins & terror birds, to the 10,000+ species today. From @marinerbooks.bsky.social
Preorder 👇
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Fast females, slow males: accelerated ageing and reproductive senescence in Drosophila melanogaster females across diverse social environments url: academic.oup.com/evlett/artic...
Fast females, slow males: accelerated ageing and reproductive senescence in Drosophila melanogaster females across diverse social environments
Abstract. Females and males typically differ in lifespan, patterns of ageing, and reproduction. General explanations for variation in the magnitude of this
academic.oup.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Fast females, slow males: accelerated ageing and reproductive senescence in Drosophila melanogaster females across diverse social environments url: academic.oup.com/evlett/artic...
HipHipHorray for a fabulous first day… at the University of Manchester!:) excited for the future and looking forward to some wonderful sciencing together !:) once I find my way through all my boxes lol
November 4, 2025 at 9:53 PM
HipHipHorray for a fabulous first day… at the University of Manchester!:) excited for the future and looking forward to some wonderful sciencing together !:) once I find my way through all my boxes lol
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
#Evolution of complex adaptations can involve changes in multiple traits that lack standalone function. @benitoexplains.bsky.social &co show that leaf masquerade in #katydids evolved via concurrent modification in wing colour & shape, driven by evolutionary synergy @plosbiology.org 🧪 plos.io/4oUE741
November 4, 2025 at 1:55 PM
#Evolution of complex adaptations can involve changes in multiple traits that lack standalone function. @benitoexplains.bsky.social &co show that leaf masquerade in #katydids evolved via concurrent modification in wing colour & shape, driven by evolutionary synergy @plosbiology.org 🧪 plos.io/4oUE741
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Life-changing eye implant helps blind patients read again. 🧪 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Life-changing eye implant helps blind patients read again
The results are astounding and a major advance, say surgeons involved in international research using the pioneering technology.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 20, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Life-changing eye implant helps blind patients read again. 🧪 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Working from home works for everyone 🧪 #Zoom
Hybrid working from home improves retention without damaging performance - Nature
A trial investigating the effects of a hybrid working schedule in a Chinese technology firm in 2021–2022 shows that working from home two days a week improved job satisfaction, reduced quitting and did not affect performance.
www.nature.com
September 29, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Working from home works for everyone 🧪 #Zoom
MicroRNAs at the centre of this success story for treatment of Huntington’s disease.. truly wonderful and inspiring progress. Well done to all involved : www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Huntington's disease successfully treated for first time
One of the most devastating diseases finally has a treatment that can slow its progression and transform lives, tearful doctors tell BBC.
www.bbc.co.uk
September 24, 2025 at 9:02 PM
MicroRNAs at the centre of this success story for treatment of Huntington’s disease.. truly wonderful and inspiring progress. Well done to all involved : www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
🧪microRNA treatment success for Huntington's disease announced. It sounds promising but hasn't published yet. Will it pass the peer-review sniff test? Will it get licensed in the US in 2026?
Also, how did it take this long for me to realize BBC doesn't use the Oxford comma?
Also, how did it take this long for me to realize BBC doesn't use the Oxford comma?
a new mRNA therapy apparently can cut the rate of Huntington's disease progression by ~75%. yet more miracle shit www.bbc.com/news/article...
Huntington's disease successfully treated for first time
One of the most devastating diseases finally has a treatment that can slow its progression and transform lives, tearful doctors tell BBC.
www.bbc.com
September 24, 2025 at 6:56 PM
🧪microRNA treatment success for Huntington's disease announced. It sounds promising but hasn't published yet. Will it pass the peer-review sniff test? Will it get licensed in the US in 2026?
Also, how did it take this long for me to realize BBC doesn't use the Oxford comma?
Also, how did it take this long for me to realize BBC doesn't use the Oxford comma?
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
There are two weeks to go in the fundraising campaign for the Natural History Society of Maryland's new shark science and conservation exhibit, and we have to raise about $1,400 more.
Please consider chipping in to help. Thank you!
www.southernfriedscience.com/help-support... #SciComm 🧪🦑🌎
Please consider chipping in to help. Thank you!
www.southernfriedscience.com/help-support... #SciComm 🧪🦑🌎
Help support a new shark science and conservation exhibit in Maryland!
The Natural History Society of Maryland is redoing their public exhibit halls, including a new exhibit on shark science and conservation. I’m helping them to design it, we’re fundraisin…
www.southernfriedscience.com
September 22, 2025 at 12:57 PM
There are two weeks to go in the fundraising campaign for the Natural History Society of Maryland's new shark science and conservation exhibit, and we have to raise about $1,400 more.
Please consider chipping in to help. Thank you!
www.southernfriedscience.com/help-support... #SciComm 🧪🦑🌎
Please consider chipping in to help. Thank you!
www.southernfriedscience.com/help-support... #SciComm 🧪🦑🌎
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Grad school is HARD. Feels like everyone else has it together—but newsflash: everyone struggles, even your PI! These faculty interviews discussing their grad school struggles made me feel less alone. Share these with your cohort and be nicer to yourself 🧪🌿🎓
risecenter.asu.edu/fail-safe
risecenter.asu.edu/fail-safe
Fail Safe Science | RISE Center
risecenter.asu.edu
September 15, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Grad school is HARD. Feels like everyone else has it together—but newsflash: everyone struggles, even your PI! These faculty interviews discussing their grad school struggles made me feel less alone. Share these with your cohort and be nicer to yourself 🧪🌿🎓
risecenter.asu.edu/fail-safe
risecenter.asu.edu/fail-safe
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
It’s almost Ctenophore Day! I set up a BioBlitz on @inaturalist.bsky.social to celebrate. Spread the word, and let’s see how many people we can get out looking for ctenos!
🐙🦑🌿🧪
www.inaturalist.org/projects/cte...
🐙🦑🌿🧪
www.inaturalist.org/projects/cte...
September 15, 2025 at 7:14 PM
It’s almost Ctenophore Day! I set up a BioBlitz on @inaturalist.bsky.social to celebrate. Spread the word, and let’s see how many people we can get out looking for ctenos!
🐙🦑🌿🧪
www.inaturalist.org/projects/cte...
🐙🦑🌿🧪
www.inaturalist.org/projects/cte...
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
How location drives productivity #Science
"Life scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology publish top research papers at a rate that is among the highest in the world"
www.science.org/content/arti...
"Life scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology publish top research papers at a rate that is among the highest in the world"
www.science.org/content/arti...
September 6, 2025 at 10:17 AM
How location drives productivity #Science
"Life scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology publish top research papers at a rate that is among the highest in the world"
www.science.org/content/arti...
"Life scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology publish top research papers at a rate that is among the highest in the world"
www.science.org/content/arti...
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Launching soon! R for Biochemists 101 begins on Monday 8 September 2025. Don’t miss your chance to boost your data skills and gain confidence in R. Secure your place today🧪 : buff.ly/cyJve1t
September 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Launching soon! R for Biochemists 101 begins on Monday 8 September 2025. Don’t miss your chance to boost your data skills and gain confidence in R. Secure your place today🧪 : buff.ly/cyJve1t
En Route to ESEB. @eseb2025.bsky.social .. Looking forward to a week chocka block with wonderful people and science ! Dont be shy - just come say hi !;-)
August 17, 2025 at 11:06 AM
En Route to ESEB. @eseb2025.bsky.social .. Looking forward to a week chocka block with wonderful people and science ! Dont be shy - just come say hi !;-)
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
I have arrived in Barcelona for ESEB 2025!
I will be talking about microRNA and the evolution of the mammalian placenta on Tuesday at 14:30 in Meeting Room 113
@eseb2025.bsky.social
I will be talking about microRNA and the evolution of the mammalian placenta on Tuesday at 14:30 in Meeting Room 113
@eseb2025.bsky.social
August 17, 2025 at 9:11 AM
I have arrived in Barcelona for ESEB 2025!
I will be talking about microRNA and the evolution of the mammalian placenta on Tuesday at 14:30 in Meeting Room 113
@eseb2025.bsky.social
I will be talking about microRNA and the evolution of the mammalian placenta on Tuesday at 14:30 in Meeting Room 113
@eseb2025.bsky.social
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Lots of invaluable advice here for both early stage researchers and well established folk. Well thought out impactful figures are key to getting your points across, and it's all too common to see poor practice 🧪🧬🖥️🌍 #datavis #bioinformatics
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A checklist for designing and improving the visualization of scientific data - Nature Cell Biology
Creating clear and engaging scientific figures is crucial to communicate complex data. In this Comment, I condense principles from design, visual perception and data visualization research in a checkl...
www.nature.com
July 4, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Lots of invaluable advice here for both early stage researchers and well established folk. Well thought out impactful figures are key to getting your points across, and it's all too common to see poor practice 🧪🧬🖥️🌍 #datavis #bioinformatics
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Birds have an excellent ability to learn to discriminate harmless insects from those that they mimic on the basis of subtle differences in appearance, according to a study in Nature. go.nature.com/44yj4M5 🧪
July 3, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Birds have an excellent ability to learn to discriminate harmless insects from those that they mimic on the basis of subtle differences in appearance, according to a study in Nature. go.nature.com/44yj4M5 🧪
Reposted by Professor Mary J O'Connell
Take a look at our work on miRNAs and their involvement with placental phenotypes. It's great to see this work finally see the light of day - huge thanks to everyone involved with the manuscript.
How did mammal placental diversity evolve? miRNAs play a significant role - indeed their repertoire is predictive of phenotype. Congrats to all: esp 1st author @jfennbio.bsky.social & all in @niamhforde.bsky.social group. Thanks to @ukri.org and @leverhulme.ac.uk. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Mammal placental phenotypes are predictable from microRNA repertoires.
Despite >100 million years of mammal diversification, similar placental morphologies have independently evolved multiple times, presenting a long-standing evolutionary puzzle: what genetic mechanisms ...
www.biorxiv.org
July 2, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Take a look at our work on miRNAs and their involvement with placental phenotypes. It's great to see this work finally see the light of day - huge thanks to everyone involved with the manuscript.