Dustin Hittel PhD 🇨🇦🧬🏳️‍⚧️

And you know…AI

Have I surreptitiously sequenced a sample of the current measles virus ....perhaps

Screenshot of the measles totals between AB and the US, as of May 23, 2025.

Alberta has 560 confirmed cases of measles.

The entire US has had 1047 confirmed cases of measles.

Alberta is at 54% of their total and catching up.

www.alberta.ca/measles
www.cdc.gov/measles/data...

#Alberta #measles

TD’s new CEO Raymond Chun faces the mountainous task of rebuilding trust At the height of the most significant crisis in its history, Chun must turn around Canada’s second-largest bank

TD stories about rebuilding "trust" ? I would love to hear yours

www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...

Before Alberta jumps on the AI data center train we should probably determine how this worked out for other communities

Anyone want to open a private vaccination clinic in Canada for our unfortunate American cousins ?

I am developing a universal mtDNA sequencing workflow. So naturally I tested my Westies, Tia and Beau (AKA, the kids’ dogs). Results confirmed that Tia and Beau, being littermates, share a common maternal mtDNA haplogroup C2 lineage and are out-bread, making them healthier than other purebreds.

It fills my (admittedly OCD) brain full of rage every time I pass it (and that's 1-4 times a day)

The SIK3-N783Y mutation is associated with the human natural short sleep trait | PNAS Sleep is an essential component of our daily life. A mutation in human salt induced kinase 3 (hSIK3), which is critical for regulating sleep durati...

Now the discovery of the 4th gene variant which promotes short sleep (4-6 hours) with full restfulness, potentially a path to a drug for sleep efficiency someday
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...

I guess if I am committing to this platform I need to start posting cute pet pics

I love me a nice stratovolcano

Salmon Are Being Exposed to Our Anti-Anxiety Medication, and It's Making Them Take More Risks, Study Suggests Atlantic salmon exposed to a common anti-anxiety drug migrate faster, according to new research. That's not necessarily a good thing

Hey @scalzi.com if you haven’t already jumped on this as a premise for your next book I may have to..and leave science for the more lucrative sci-fi comedy/fiction trade…sadly not kidding in these dark times for the sciences

www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/s...

On the Abiotic Origin of Dimethyl Sulfide: Discovery of Dimethyl Sulfide in the Interstellar Medium - IOPscienceSearchopens in new tabopens in new tab On the Abiotic Origin of Dimethyl Sulfide: Discovery of Dimethyl Sulfide in the Interstellar Medium, Sanz-Novo, Miguel, Rivilla, Víctor M., Endres, Christian P., Lattanzi, Valerio, Jiménez-Serra, Izaskun, Colzi, Laura, Zeng, Shaoshan, Megías, Andrés, López-Gallifa, Álvaro, Martínez-Henares, Antonio, San Andrés, David, Tercero, Belén, de Vicente, Pablo, Martín, Sergio, Requena-Torres, Miguel A., Caselli, Paola, Martín-Pintado, Jesús

This is why I science on Bluesky. This molecule has a well‑established abiotic formation pathways, so the conclusions are far from settled. As a card‑carrying Space Nerd/Academic, this press release smacks of the usual hype agencies use to justify their funding: iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3...

Thanks for this, Saxon was a sweet kid

Vaccines. 💪🏻💪🏻

Because I can’t get certain scenes from @scalzi.com’s Starter Villain…this makes me very nervous

Because I can’t get certain scenes from @scalzi.com’s Starter Villain…this makes me very nervous

Second set of remains found in landfill identified as those of serial killer’s victim RCMP have confirmed a second set of human remains found during a search at Prairie Green Landfill are those of Marcedes Myran, one of four victims of a serial killer.

RCMP have confirmed a second set of human remains found during a search at Prairie Green Landfill are those of Marcedes Myran, one of four victims of a serial killer.

Measles cases are increasing globally, with numerous countries and travel destinations reporting outbreaks. Cases have been identified in several Canadian provinces, including an outbreak recently identified in northern Alberta. As of March 13, health officials have confirmed six cases of measles in the province, and although these cases are all part of a single household, this does raise concerns about the potential for further spread of this highly contagious disease. Measles is an extremely contagious disease and spreads easily through the air. People born in or since 1970 who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine are susceptible to infection. Those who have received fewer than two doses of measles-containing vaccine and are pregnant, under one year of age, are adults and/or have a weakened immune system are at most risk of complications from measles. “Measles is not just a mild childhood illness – it is a serious, highly infectious disease that can have devastating consequences. Thankfully, we have a highly effective vaccine with a long-proven track record of safety. Everyone should take the time to check their immunization record to ensure they are fully immunized. No one should have to endure the consequences of a disease we can prevent.” Dr. Mark Joffe, chief medical officer of health

Alberta’s government is asking Albertans to be aware of measles symptoms and to access resources to protect themselves and prevent further spread.

😮😮😮

www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...

#Alberta
#Measles

Never thought I'd see the AB gov so vaccine crazy. I highlighted the important parts.

It's almost as if it was never about protecting children at all. This is by far the most cruel act of a shameless government

NDP calls out Conservative MP 'no show' at parliamentary visit to Washington | CBC News New Democrats say Conservative MPs were missing in action as Canadian parliamentarians visited Capitol Hill and met with American lawmakers and business leaders.

Shame

www.cbc.ca/news/politic...

Not many genomics "breakthroughs" typically catch my attention, but this technique has the potential to address one of the most significant gaps in genetic research and offer new hope to the millions affected by autoimmune disorders.

Single-cell RNA sequencing of immune cells for over 1,000 people age 18-97 years. A clock of our immune system aging. Tells us about an individual's response to infection, vaccination, Long Covid. Towards an immunome.
www.nature.com/articles/s43...

Trump says he wants Keystone XL pipeline built 'NOW.' How likely is that? | CBC News The politically charged Keystone XL pipeline is back in the spotlight, with U.S. President Donald Trump pitching the company behind the project to return to the U.S. and "get it built – NOW!"

No sane company would take this risk anymore. Further, Trumps antipathy towards Canada has virtually ensured that this project will never bee resurrected.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

Full rainstorm in February, in Calgary….totally normal

Saw a robin today

Hard to believe this was 3 months ago today. While the arsonist was caught and charged, my experiences navigating the insurance, banking and criminal justice system have not been uplifting or straightforward. AMA… if I can help others navigate this process it won’t be a complete write off.

@tacovan.bsky.social you can probably relate to church ownership

Those of us in the Genomic Surveillance business are ready to help again if needed, though the current political environment is a strong disincentive.