Spencer LaVere Smith
@spencerlaveresmith.bsky.social
Prof. @ucsantabarbara.bsky.social - Runs a lab slslab.org - Works on computation, neuroscience, behavior, vision, optics, imaging, 2p / multiphoton, optical computing, machine learning / AI - Blogs at labrigger.com - Founded @pacificoptica.bsky.social
Science & Humanity: “Because science rejects claims to truth based on authority and depends on the criticism of established ideas, it is the enemy of autocracy. Because scientific knowledge is tentative and provisional, it is the enemy of dogma.” 1/2
November 10, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Science & Humanity: “Because science rejects claims to truth based on authority and depends on the criticism of established ideas, it is the enemy of autocracy. Because scientific knowledge is tentative and provisional, it is the enemy of dogma.” 1/2
UCSB does the letter of recommendation submission system well. No ranking games, required or otherwise. You don't even have to type your name in, like so many places require. (Which seems like authentication theatre.) Just upload the letter and get back to whatever you were doing.
November 9, 2025 at 11:57 PM
UCSB does the letter of recommendation submission system well. No ranking games, required or otherwise. You don't even have to type your name in, like so many places require. (Which seems like authentication theatre.) Just upload the letter and get back to whatever you were doing.
Stanford Grad Admissions-- Drop these required questions for people writing letters of recommendation, or at least make them optional.
I agreed to provide a letter of recommendation, and I spent hours writing a thoughtful one that I hope helps your process. I did not agree to do your ranking.
I agreed to provide a letter of recommendation, and I spent hours writing a thoughtful one that I hope helps your process. I did not agree to do your ranking.
November 9, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Stanford Grad Admissions-- Drop these required questions for people writing letters of recommendation, or at least make them optional.
I agreed to provide a letter of recommendation, and I spent hours writing a thoughtful one that I hope helps your process. I did not agree to do your ranking.
I agreed to provide a letter of recommendation, and I spent hours writing a thoughtful one that I hope helps your process. I did not agree to do your ranking.
Much was written & cited this past week on the Watson & Crick DNA paper-- which was a race-to-first, rather than an isolated insight.
Who has made discoveries that have pushed science, technology, or medicine forward faster? Einstein, Curie, Nakamura, McClintock, Salk, Borlaug, etc.
Who else?
Who has made discoveries that have pushed science, technology, or medicine forward faster? Einstein, Curie, Nakamura, McClintock, Salk, Borlaug, etc.
Who else?
November 8, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Much was written & cited this past week on the Watson & Crick DNA paper-- which was a race-to-first, rather than an isolated insight.
Who has made discoveries that have pushed science, technology, or medicine forward faster? Einstein, Curie, Nakamura, McClintock, Salk, Borlaug, etc.
Who else?
Who has made discoveries that have pushed science, technology, or medicine forward faster? Einstein, Curie, Nakamura, McClintock, Salk, Borlaug, etc.
Who else?
Make your calcium imaging videos look great even on the worst projectors.
Here's a blog post with an explanation of the processing and some code for generating videos like this. labrigger.com/blog/2025/11...
Here's a blog post with an explanation of the processing and some code for generating videos like this. labrigger.com/blog/2025/11...
Can you tell what the mouse is thinking? (imaging and processing by Filip Tomaska) #FluorescenceFriday
November 8, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Make your calcium imaging videos look great even on the worst projectors.
Here's a blog post with an explanation of the processing and some code for generating videos like this. labrigger.com/blog/2025/11...
Here's a blog post with an explanation of the processing and some code for generating videos like this. labrigger.com/blog/2025/11...
Happy bday, Marie Curie, the 1st woman to win a Nobel prize in physics.
*2-photon imaging* depends on her work, and that of the two subsequent women to win Nobel Prizes in physics: Maria Goeppert Meyer and Donna Strickland. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_G... and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_S...
*2-photon imaging* depends on her work, and that of the two subsequent women to win Nobel Prizes in physics: Maria Goeppert Meyer and Donna Strickland. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_G... and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_S...
(1/2) Marie Skłodowska-Curie, the first woman Nobel laureate and the only person awarded in both Chemistry and Physics, opened new frontiers in science.
Her spirit inspires researchers through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme that supports excellence and collaboration across borders 🧪
Her spirit inspires researchers through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme that supports excellence and collaboration across borders 🧪
November 7, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Happy bday, Marie Curie, the 1st woman to win a Nobel prize in physics.
*2-photon imaging* depends on her work, and that of the two subsequent women to win Nobel Prizes in physics: Maria Goeppert Meyer and Donna Strickland. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_G... and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_S...
*2-photon imaging* depends on her work, and that of the two subsequent women to win Nobel Prizes in physics: Maria Goeppert Meyer and Donna Strickland. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_G... and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donna_S...
It’s a small thing, but one of the more useful points to make to help people understand diffraction. They probably already understand interference.
November 6, 2025 at 7:38 AM
It’s a small thing, but one of the more useful points to make to help people understand diffraction. They probably already understand interference.
Reposted by Spencer LaVere Smith
🐸 Xenopus laevis 💚 The frog that shaped modern developmental biology! ✨ Xenopus embryos have revealed how the body axis forms, cells choose their fate, and tissues self-organize during early development 📹 Video by Bioquest Sudio and Xenbase #ModelMonday #DevBio
November 3, 2025 at 8:01 PM
🐸 Xenopus laevis 💚 The frog that shaped modern developmental biology! ✨ Xenopus embryos have revealed how the body axis forms, cells choose their fate, and tissues self-organize during early development 📹 Video by Bioquest Sudio and Xenbase #ModelMonday #DevBio
Every single person, no matter who they are, deserves food to eat. My taxes usually cover this, and I gave a bit extra just now due to the current circumstances.
Just posting in case anyone appreciates the reminder that their local food bank might be able to use a few extra bucks. foodbanksbc.org
Just posting in case anyone appreciates the reminder that their local food bank might be able to use a few extra bucks. foodbanksbc.org
November 3, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Every single person, no matter who they are, deserves food to eat. My taxes usually cover this, and I gave a bit extra just now due to the current circumstances.
Just posting in case anyone appreciates the reminder that their local food bank might be able to use a few extra bucks. foodbanksbc.org
Just posting in case anyone appreciates the reminder that their local food bank might be able to use a few extra bucks. foodbanksbc.org
Reposted by Spencer LaVere Smith
Wide viewing angle!
October 31, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Wide viewing angle!
Reposted by Spencer LaVere Smith
What if retinal prostheses could speak the brain’s language? 👁️🧠🧪
Prof. Yossi Mandel and team built a hybrid implant that merges neurons and electrodes to restore high-acuity sight.
New Data Drop interview ↓
www.bionic-vision.org/research-spo...
#BionicVision #Neurotech #Blindness
Prof. Yossi Mandel and team built a hybrid implant that merges neurons and electrodes to restore high-acuity sight.
New Data Drop interview ↓
www.bionic-vision.org/research-spo...
#BionicVision #Neurotech #Blindness
bionic-vision.org | Research Spotlights | Yossi Mandel
In a new Advanced Functional Materials paper, Prof. Yossi Mandel and colleagues unveiled a hybrid retinal prosthesis that fuses living neurons with a high-density electrode array. By nestling human st...
www.bionic-vision.org
October 30, 2025 at 8:01 PM
What if retinal prostheses could speak the brain’s language? 👁️🧠🧪
Prof. Yossi Mandel and team built a hybrid implant that merges neurons and electrodes to restore high-acuity sight.
New Data Drop interview ↓
www.bionic-vision.org/research-spo...
#BionicVision #Neurotech #Blindness
Prof. Yossi Mandel and team built a hybrid implant that merges neurons and electrodes to restore high-acuity sight.
New Data Drop interview ↓
www.bionic-vision.org/research-spo...
#BionicVision #Neurotech #Blindness
After SfN, on November 20, there is this conference in Irvine on imaging and mapping neural circuitry: cncm.medschool.uci.edu/2025-special...
October 30, 2025 at 7:13 PM
After SfN, on November 20, there is this conference in Irvine on imaging and mapping neural circuitry: cncm.medschool.uci.edu/2025-special...
“It is not daily increase but daily decrease, hack away the unessential. The closer to the source, the less wastage there is.” - Bruce Lee
October 30, 2025 at 6:36 PM
“It is not daily increase but daily decrease, hack away the unessential. The closer to the source, the less wastage there is.” - Bruce Lee
People outside of science think this is nothing that concerns them. "Oh, it's harder to get grants now? Big deal."
But everyone deserves the rapid pace of advancements in science, medicine, and technology that our parents enjoyed. The Trump Administration's actions are taking that from everyone.
But everyone deserves the rapid pace of advancements in science, medicine, and technology that our parents enjoyed. The Trump Administration's actions are taking that from everyone.
Well reported story on the PBS News Hour about science cuts and the ongoing and potential brain drain.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLvO...
Thanks to Terrance Tao and other scientists at various career stages for having the courage to speak out.
Watch and share!
1/7
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLvO...
Thanks to Terrance Tao and other scientists at various career stages for having the courage to speak out.
Watch and share!
1/7
Top researchers consider leaving U.S. amid funding cuts: 'The science world is ending'
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
www.youtube.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:53 PM
People outside of science think this is nothing that concerns them. "Oh, it's harder to get grants now? Big deal."
But everyone deserves the rapid pace of advancements in science, medicine, and technology that our parents enjoyed. The Trump Administration's actions are taking that from everyone.
But everyone deserves the rapid pace of advancements in science, medicine, and technology that our parents enjoyed. The Trump Administration's actions are taking that from everyone.
Reposted by Spencer LaVere Smith
Are you interested in mechanics in biology? Ever wondered how to measure them in 3D & high-resolution? Come and learn all about the emerging field of Brillouin microscopy! Our Course will teach the necessary background & expose you through hands-on practicals. Deadline Nov. 3rd. Apply now!
Have you applied for #EMBLBrillouin yet? 🔬
📅 9 – 13 Feb 2026
👉 s.embl.org/brm26-01-bl
✅ Introduction to BM and state-of-the-art applications
✅ Hands-on training with real setups
✅ Guidance on project design, data analysis, and visualisation
✅ Skills to interpret and apply BM in your own research
📅 9 – 13 Feb 2026
👉 s.embl.org/brm26-01-bl
✅ Introduction to BM and state-of-the-art applications
✅ Hands-on training with real setups
✅ Guidance on project design, data analysis, and visualisation
✅ Skills to interpret and apply BM in your own research
Brillouin microscopy for life science applications
s.embl.org
October 26, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Are you interested in mechanics in biology? Ever wondered how to measure them in 3D & high-resolution? Come and learn all about the emerging field of Brillouin microscopy! Our Course will teach the necessary background & expose you through hands-on practicals. Deadline Nov. 3rd. Apply now!
Can you tell what the mouse is thinking? (imaging and processing by Filip Tomaska) #FluorescenceFriday
October 24, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Can you tell what the mouse is thinking? (imaging and processing by Filip Tomaska) #FluorescenceFriday
About 1 in 17 US adults have done time behind bars. A similarly sized fraction are millionaires. Comparing these stats to my own social circle can help inform what kind of bias my bubble exhibits. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC....
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
About 1 in 17 US adults have done time behind bars. A similarly sized fraction are millionaires. Comparing these stats to my own social circle can help inform what kind of bias my bubble exhibits. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC....
In the US, more people are going to college, but still 2/3rds of adults do not have a 4-year degree. Good context to remember, as we all live in bubbles. www.census.gov/newsroom/pre...
October 22, 2025 at 1:47 PM
In the US, more people are going to college, but still 2/3rds of adults do not have a 4-year degree. Good context to remember, as we all live in bubbles. www.census.gov/newsroom/pre...
2p users -- Talk shop, troubleshoot, and trade notes in a slack-like community.
I'm inspired by @brunopichler.bsky.social to renew this call. Invite link: 2p.ece.ucsb.edu/signup_user_... or email me.
Bruno shared this fun read on technical communities: bsky.app/profile/brun...
I'm inspired by @brunopichler.bsky.social to renew this call. Invite link: 2p.ece.ucsb.edu/signup_user_... or email me.
Bruno shared this fun read on technical communities: bsky.app/profile/brun...
October 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
2p users -- Talk shop, troubleshoot, and trade notes in a slack-like community.
I'm inspired by @brunopichler.bsky.social to renew this call. Invite link: 2p.ece.ucsb.edu/signup_user_... or email me.
Bruno shared this fun read on technical communities: bsky.app/profile/brun...
I'm inspired by @brunopichler.bsky.social to renew this call. Invite link: 2p.ece.ucsb.edu/signup_user_... or email me.
Bruno shared this fun read on technical communities: bsky.app/profile/brun...
Excellent reporting on anti-science bills sweeping the states: @mrsmithap.bsky.social and @lauraungar.bsky.social reporting for AP have a trio of articles today worth checking out. 1: apnews.com/article/vacc... 2: apnews.com/article/maha... 3: apnews.com/article/vacc...
October 21, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Excellent reporting on anti-science bills sweeping the states: @mrsmithap.bsky.social and @lauraungar.bsky.social reporting for AP have a trio of articles today worth checking out. 1: apnews.com/article/vacc... 2: apnews.com/article/maha... 3: apnews.com/article/vacc...
Meanwhile, on campus @ucsantabarbara.bsky.social
October 20, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Meanwhile, on campus @ucsantabarbara.bsky.social
Reposted by Spencer LaVere Smith
Wonderful read about the work ethos among 1980s Xerox service technicians and the importance of practical wisdom and storytelling. That’s what drew me to the community of multiphoton microscope tinkerers, and it explains why I find meaning in the unglamorous process of troubleshooting.
The Soul of Maintaining a New Machine - First Draft | Books in Progress
Books in Progress is what we call a “public drafting tool”: Drafts will be made available for comment from the public, allowing for direct collaboration between author and reader.
books.worksinprogress.co
October 14, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Wonderful read about the work ethos among 1980s Xerox service technicians and the importance of practical wisdom and storytelling. That’s what drew me to the community of multiphoton microscope tinkerers, and it explains why I find meaning in the unglamorous process of troubleshooting.
For thousands of years, up to about 2 lifetimes ago, people lived and died as their parents, with the same tools.
Then came the industrial revolution—and suddenly, a person’s lifetime spanned horses to rockets, telegrams to internet, transistors to AI. Rapid tech advances are now an entitlement.
Then came the industrial revolution—and suddenly, a person’s lifetime spanned horses to rockets, telegrams to internet, transistors to AI. Rapid tech advances are now an entitlement.
October 14, 2025 at 7:41 AM
For thousands of years, up to about 2 lifetimes ago, people lived and died as their parents, with the same tools.
Then came the industrial revolution—and suddenly, a person’s lifetime spanned horses to rockets, telegrams to internet, transistors to AI. Rapid tech advances are now an entitlement.
Then came the industrial revolution—and suddenly, a person’s lifetime spanned horses to rockets, telegrams to internet, transistors to AI. Rapid tech advances are now an entitlement.
This is an accurate characterization of the notes on the NIH eRA IAR system. Both notes are awkwardly worded and/or unclear. It's unfortunate. We aren't trying to get away with anything. We are just trying to do our service to support taxpayer funded research.
Yes, some of our panel thought threatening note 1 applied to them. Threatening note 2 I have not heard comments about (“you can go to prison” if critiques submitted late). Historically about 20% reviews late. More so this time and I suspect some will never be done 1/
October 13, 2025 at 11:01 PM
This is an accurate characterization of the notes on the NIH eRA IAR system. Both notes are awkwardly worded and/or unclear. It's unfortunate. We aren't trying to get away with anything. We are just trying to do our service to support taxpayer funded research.
Reposted by Spencer LaVere Smith
NIH Study Sections are on hold...again. drugmonkey.wordpress.com/2025/10/13/n...
NIH Study Sections are on hold…again.
The primary input to deciding on the merit of proposals submitted to the NIH for potential funding, as most of my remaining blog audience well knows, is the outcome of the initial peer-review proce…
drugmonkey.wordpress.com
October 13, 2025 at 9:20 PM
NIH Study Sections are on hold...again. drugmonkey.wordpress.com/2025/10/13/n...