Seth Bordenstein

HoloSimR: a comprehensive framework for simulating breeding programs including the hologenome scenario Abstract. Including microbiome information in breeding schemes may be helpful to improve the selection response of livestock populations. However, the comp

Bring on the programs 👩‍💻

HoloSimR allows the user to explore the effect of the microbiota on the phenotypic response to selection and the effects of the environment, host genetics and symbiosis between microbial species on the composition of the microbiota.

doi.org/10.1093/jas/...

We are really proud of this report from our 3 colloquia convened by the AAM and supported by the Moore Foundation. A few experts even said they would use it as their introductory textbook for this area. Please check it out!

The global connection fostered by science and its gatherings—through thought, knowledge, application, & inspiration—is unparalleled to many professional fields. Just a shout out to appreciate this perk and unique unifying force (yes, quite biased since I just returned from an Italia conference).

Wowza!

Selection and transmission of the gut microbiome alone can shift mammalian behavior Nature Communications - Here, the authors present evidence that the gut microbiome alone, without changes in the host genome, can shape how animals respond to selection, identifying a bacterium and...

We selected the laziest mouse at each round to inoculate the next batch of germfree mice: over rounds of selection and passaging, behavior shifted without changes to the mouse genome: rdcu.be/eM3rO
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That's a great quote by @katrinewhiteson.bsky.social! Seminar link:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTmJ...

Postdoctoral researcher in molecular ecology - Uppsala University Postdoctoral researcher in molecular ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University

📢 We have an open position for a postdoc to join my lab. It's a great position @animecol-uu.bsky.social, fully salaried for 2.5 years with all benefits.

www.uu.se/en/about-uu/...

The project is about transmission patterns of bacteria and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquatic insects. 🧬🦠 (1/3)

Italy was memorable; Happy Valley won with the warmest welcome.

Perfecto!

Live from the Italian Dolce Vita at the Trends in Marine Host-Microbe Symbiosis Conference hosted by the illustrious @memartino.bsky.social and @raquelpeixoto.bsky.social with the best scholars/friends @momedinamunoz.bsky.social @sabinallarosa.bsky.social @jcamthrash.bsky.social et al.

Thanks Carl for sharing this important milestone and path forward to give the microbes their overwhelming due.

The base of the biosphere has to be a priority.

I think people adjacent to science (but who now find themselves deciding the fate of US science somehow) undervalue humility, valuing braggadocios hubris instead.
Yes it’s true that some scientific discoveries are complete paradigm changers, and we celebrate these. 1/

Dr. Melanie McReynolds, queen of all things NAD+ in biochem dept at Penn State

Selfie with Dr. Seth Birdenstein, direction of microbiome institute at Penn state

Selfie with Dr. Seth Bordenatwin showing off some nice swag (socks) that advertise the microbiome center at Penn State

Selfie with Dr. Nikki Crowley, director of neuroscience institute at Penn state

Excellent first day at @pennstateuniv.bsky.social for the Marker lectures hanging out with science celebrities @nicoleacrowley.bsky.social @drohsopretty.bsky.social @symbionticism.bsky.social
plus several more folks I was too shy to ask for selfies

Tomorrow, try the socks for good luck. Thanks Harmit for the teachings today through the halls and in the seminar room.

At night, he solves ancient battles fought by genes in a Red Queen. In the day, he walks on water as head of the Jedi Council of humanity. What a gift to welcome Master Malik to Penn State’s treasured lecture series. Thanks friend & grad school pal. @psubiodept.bsky.social @harmitmalik.bsky.social

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This work advances honeybee gut microbiome studies and weighs in with a frame flip of limited to no evidence of diversification between gut bacteria and bees beyond the rate of chance. ⚖️

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Can’t wait for you to bring you your creativity here next semester!! Luxurious art :)

🙌🏼🙌🏼

Our body is a mosaic of fungi. Some scientists think they could be influencing our brain The fungi within our bodies may have a much greater effect on our health than we've long given them credit for.

www.bbc.com/future/artic...

📢 Meet the newest faculty member and academic affiliate professor in our ranks. Welcome Ashley Shade @ashley17061.bsky.social back to central Pennsylvania and the Disney World of the Life Sciences. Ashley has long championed the global importance of microbiome science. Fueling upwards with her.

YouTube video by MicrobeTV Matters Microbial #108: Neanderthal Oral Health, Ancient Bacteria and DNA

🦠 New Matters Microbial with @markowenmartin.bsky.social!

Guest Dr. @lauraweyrich.bsky.social shares how ancient dental plaque DNA reveals:

– Neanderthal diets & health
– Early “medicine” use
– Microbes shared with humans

🎧 www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bc5...

To the Full Professors out there who actually lift people up, advocate for those with less power and voice, and who care about colleagues and trainees doing well over arbitrary gatekeeping... I see you and am grateful for you.

Thanks for the baton pass Colm and Kat! Just hired someone.

🎙️ OPEN INVITATION | One Health Microbiome Symposium:
Food safety expert and keynote Martin Wiedmann is renowned for his pioneering research on the causes and control options for foodborne and zoonotic pathogens. Join the food sci and chat with Martin in May '26

www.huck.psu.edu/institutes-a...

New microorganism survival commission aims to fill critical conservation gap | Penn State University For the first time, the International Union for Conservation of Nature is formally including all microbial life in its framework by establishing a Microbial Conservation Specialist Group, which includ...

For the first time, microbes are part of global conservation efforts. 🌍🧫

The IUCN’s new Microbial Conservation Specialist Group— including @symbionticism.bsky.social —aims to protect the unseen majority of life on Earth.

Read more:
www.psu.edu/news/eberly-...

The band back together looks fab. What a duo you two are!

YouTube video by MicrobeTV Matters Microbial #110: Enumerating the Microbiome

Had a lovely time chatting with @markowenmartin.bsky.social for the second time on his Matters Microbial podcast!

Thanks for having me, Mark! And thanks for this service you provide to our community 🙏

@isbscience.org @asm.org @microbetv.bsky.social

youtu.be/wdwTma0gV4k

absolutely wild, from the Small Molecules Considered (SMC) branch:
"...this work provides another piece in a complex biological puzzle aiming to understand the persistent and pervasive nature of 𝘞𝘰𝘭𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘢 endosymbionts." (doi.org/10.1016/j.ce...)
#MicroSky #SymbioSky