Alfonso Martinez Arias

John Gurdon was a true giant:
- founder of cell reprogramming;
- founder of molecular embryology;
- unabashed advocate for basic research;
- advisor to numerous successful trainees/PIs;
- gentle human that touched so many.
In dark times with science under attack, let his vision be a guiding light.

YouTube video by Cambridge University Landscapes and embryos : A film from A. Martinez Arias

Organizing time past, remembered this summary of many thoughts that I continue to pursue
And nowhere rings more true that ‘the detail of pattern is the movement’ than in the actions of cells as they build #embryos
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbQV...
#CellsRUs #MasterBuilder

Another record month for bioRxiv - and further evidence the pandemic spike+dip was just that and growth continues. Thanks to all involved and that includes 🫵

Today is a special day, some would call it the first of the rest of my life.
I look forward to doing the same as before, from a different vantage point, trying to use what I have learnt to keep on learning. Thank you to all who have taught me.
#NotInTheGenes #CellsRUs

In this intriguing paper published from the lab of @amartinezarias.bsky.social , they looked at the effects of size on morphology, tissue composition, and gene expression of gastruloid development. They found that AP elongation dynamics is size-dependent! Check it out here:
doi.org/10.1016/j.cd...

Human Reproductive biology is an important area in need of funding support and we need to rise to this challenge. #IVF as they best technologies develops best when it looks for its roots in #DevBio as shown by the work of R. Edwards.

The second phase (1972-1978, Louise Brown’s birth) required the combination of the earlier #DevBio with gynecology and endocrinology. This is when it drifts into technology and mauve loses the limelight of basic biology.

Furthermore, it is this work that enabled research into early human development, derivation of pluripotent stem cells and Stem Cell based Embryo Models #SCBEMs.

There are two periods to Edwards work. First, 1961-1971, is all about developmental biology. Egg maturation, fertilization and most significantly growth of the zygote into a blastocyst are landmarks in #DevBio.

This needs to change and a way to change it is to acknowledge that #IVF is about #DevBio

Research into #IVF is not as well funded as it should be. The reasons are unclear but one wonders if part of the reason might not lie in the perception that it is a health technology and not a medical priority.

This is a good opportunity to reflect on what many people deem a technique addressing issues of human fertility but is a blend of different disciplines w/ DevBio at the center. It is important to acknowledge that all IVF issues are about #DevBio.

For a good summary of the history of #IVF and Edwards see ijdb.ehu.eus/article/1803...

Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Robert Edwards, #IVF pioneer and someone who, unknowingly, bridged #DevBio #Gynecology and Endocrinology in a highly successful manner.

#gastruloids by the shores of Lake Lehman, Lausanne 2017
The start of something
@EPFL @geneticscam.bsky.social

YouTube video by Rosanna Tuosto entrata angelica

Liked Netflix version of #IlGatopardo, a good interpretation of the book w/ much that measures well v Visconti’s original but the exception is Angelica who was and is Claudia Cardinale
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVS_...

Life and Science go on, with more freedom and time to enjoy the stations along the way V7.0s are robust

A privilege and delight to attend this meeting last week. A reminder that science, as well as development, is done by communities.

Are you interested on how regenerating tissues transit between stages? Am sharing here our work showing that during #Xenopus tail regeneration, tissue stiffening activates a Piezo1-Yap1 mechanosensitive cascade to allow wounded epithelia to transit into regenerative states!

THANK YOU for many years of friendship, support and for sharing your great Science
La Pedrera #Barcelona
#NotInTheGenes #CellsRUs #Cambridge

A PowerPoint slide with a gastruloid on a mosaic tile background

Photo of the inside of Gaudi’s La Pedera building with decorative railings and mosaic painted walls

Naomi Moris hugs Meena Chakrabuty

Alfonso Martinez Arias giving a closing speech at dinner

Marvellous send off for @amartinezarias.bsky.social ‘s lab, perfectly located in Gaudi’s La Pedrera. I took no pictures as I was too busy hugging old friends, but the organisers incl @dias-andre.bsky.social pulled off something rly special. Community in science is the real joy of the work we do! 💕

With the group that came together @upf.edu in #Barcelona, celebrating 5 years of exploring, dreaming and discovering. Grateful #NotInTheGenes #CellsRUs

With alumni and an ex head of Department of Genetics @cam.ac.uk @cahirokane.bsky.social

Very good to see so many old friends in #Barcelona. Grateful for the memories of much shared over the years.

But….#InNumbersWeTrust…most of the time

Thank you Eric. Always remember our discussions at Sloan Kettering

among the many excellent talks, the presentations by @nmoris.bsky.social & @denisduboule.bsky.social stood out for me

Having fun @amartinezarias.bsky.social party! 🙏🏻🎉💐 Great meeting #InHoxWeSortOfTrust

With old friends in #Barcelona

Thank you to all that have made it possible