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Dr. Sarah Gaffen

@slg1717.bsky.social
1.3K followers 333 following 12 posts

Professor at University of Pittsburgh, cytokine signaling maven, fungal immunologist, appreciator but not purveyor of puns, favorite # is seventeen. Views my own.

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Reposted by Dr. Sarah Gaffen
Mark Kaplan @statfourwork.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
My latest post on the fear in academia. open.substack.com/pub/profkap/...
open.substack.com
Capitol Punishment
Anyone who has ever tried to train a cat knows that positive reinforcement works much better than negative reinforcement.
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Reposted by Dr. Sarah Gaffen
International Cytokine & Interferon Society (ICIS) @cytokinesociety.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
Mark your calendars Cytokines 2025 Westin Seattle! Abstract submission is opening soon. Make sure to note these important deadlines: -Abstract Submission deadline: Wednesday 18 June -Early-Bird Registration Deadline: Friday 25 July Group room rate $236 seattle.cytokinesociety.org for more details
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Rod Rahimi @rodrahimi.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
There are enough GOP senators opposed to the cuts to NIH indirects to stop them, but they need to act. Keep writing and calling your representatives 🧪⚕️
thehill.com
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Dan Kaplan @danhkaplan.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
Why scratching makes a rash worse and a potential benefit to scratching--it reduced S. aureus on skin. Andrew Liu's paper from our lab is out now at #science #neuroimmune #immunology www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
science.org
Scratching promotes allergic inflammation and host defense via neurogenic mast cell activation
Itch is a dominant symptom in dermatitis, and scratching promotes cutaneous inflammation, thereby worsening disease. However, the mechanisms through which scratching exacerbates inflammation and wheth...
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Reposted by Dr. Sarah Gaffen
Marc @mjlp716.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Fred Rogers Without question, Mr. Rogers was speaking about people like him.
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BK. Titanji @boghuma.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Did you call your senator and congressman yesterday? Call them again today! Oppose the confirmation of #RFKJr. He is dangerous for public health. U.S. Capitol Switchboard operator can also connect you directly with their office: (202) 224-3121
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Caetano Reis e Sousa @reisesousalab.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
If you happen to be in London on February 12th and have nothing better to do… www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crick-cras...
eventbrite.co.uk
Crick Crash Course: your immune system
Our series of morning lectures sharing science from across the Crick in a simple and accessible way continues.
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
I’m ready for whatever storms come my way, cytokine or otherwise). Thanks Scott Canna @cytokinesociety.bsky.social
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The MRC Centre for Medical Mycology @mrccmm.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
It's not too late to sign up for this week's #MycoTalks with @teresaomeara.bsky.social and Chad Rappleye. 📅Thursday 30 January 🕓16:00 GMT Register here: universityofexeter.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
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Tobias Hohl, MD PhD @fungalspore.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
A fantastic GRC on the Immunology of Fungal Infections. Gordon Brown, @slg1717.bsky.social, Bernie Hube, Mihai Netea, Ilse Jacobsen, Jay Vyas, Rob Wheeler, @lableibundgut.bsky.social - missing former/future 🪑 Luigina Romani, Rebecca Drummond, Bruce Klein, Neil Gow& George Deepe #MicroSky #ImmunoSky
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Salvador Almagro-Moreno @bioetry.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
🚨 We also have a "Scientist" position in my lab at St. Jude. The position is financially stable and with a very competitive salary range. 📝 If you have Postdoctoral experience and want to develop a steady research career this one is for you! ➡️ Apply here: talent.stjude.org/careers/jobs...
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Reposted by Dr. Sarah Gaffen
Mark Kaplan @statfourwork.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
Have you seen too many out of office replies lately? Have they left you feeling bored and dejected? The cure is here in my latest post. profkap.substack.com/p/ooo-topsy
profkap.substack.com
OOO-topsy
Anatomy of an out-of-office reply
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
Congratulations to all the well deserved AAI Fellows. Includes two former @cytokinesociety.bsky.social Presidents! (Chris Hunter, Warren Leonard)
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Julie Campbell @momrunninglate.bsky.social · 18/01/2025
#18 from my Women in STEM series: Eugenie Clarke #WomeninSTEM #SharkLady #NewYorkUniversity #marinebiology #sharks #sharkbiology #academicsky
Eugenie Clark (1922-2015) was an American marine biologist and ichthyologist of mixed Japanese and European descent. After earning her B.A. in zoology from Hunter College in 1942, she completed her M.A. and Ph.D. in biology at New York University in 1950. Clark was a pioneer in scuba diving for research and became an authority in marine biology. Her research on shark behavior earned her the nickname "Shark Lady." In 1955, she founded the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory (later renamed the Mote Marine Laboratory), where she conducted groundbreaking research on fish behavior, ecology, and conservation. Clark's work challenged misconceptions about sharks, revealing their intelligence and complex behaviors. Throughout her career, she advocated for ocean conservation and inspired generations of marine scientists, particularly women. Her numerous honors include the Explorers Club's Medal for Exploration and the Royal Order of the Polar Star from Sweden.
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ᐯIᑕTOᖇ ᑎIᘔET, ᗰᗪ @nizet.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
some earlier lab shirts
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The MRC Centre for Medical Mycology @mrccmm.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
🥼We are recruiting! Exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate/Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the newly-funded MRC Programme Fungi-CARE (Combinations Against Resistance Emergence). Find out more and apply here: jobs.exeter.ac.uk/hrpr_webrecr...
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
A lot of things are better underwater. Fabulous dive adventure with Interferon/virologist bestie Karen Mossman. Friends like this are just one of the many benefits of being a member of the Intl Cytokine & Interferon Society @cytokinesociety.bsky.social
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
Tunnel to Canada is looking pretty good right about now
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Reposted by Dr. Sarah Gaffen
MꙬse Allain @mooseallain.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
"What is it guv?” "Chickpea. Squashed” "An accident?” "Afraid not. Looks like hummuside"
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John Tregoning @prof-tregoning.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
My book is out today - buy it (please)
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 08/01/2025
Incredibly proud of Gaffen Lab alum Dr. Tiffany Taylor (in lab of Dr. Tim Hand, Children's Hosp UPMC), named a Howard Hughes Medical Inst. Hanna Gray Fellow. Congrats to all the Fellows. www.hhmi.org/news/hhmi-na...
hhmi.org
HHMI Names the 2024 Hanna Gray Fellows | HHMI
The cohort includes early career scientists working in research areas ranging from treatment-resistant cancers to how animals evolved to live on land. The HHMI Hanna H. Gray Fellows Program provides e...
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Ivan Zanoni @lozanzi.bsky.social · 26/12/2024
#EveryCellIsAnImmuneCell!💥Thrilled for the final version of our paper @cp-cell.bsky.social! We show that type III #interferons control ZBP1 activation driving gasdermin C cleavage & delaying gut repair by inducing #pyroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells! 1/n www.cell.com/cell/abstrac...
cell.com
Type III interferons induce pyroptosis in gut epithelial cells and impair mucosal repair
Intestinal damage following colitis or irradiation induces type III interferons (IFNs), which delay the healing of the intestinal epithelium. IFN-λ directs the sensing of Z-form nucleic acids generated during gut injury and repair, triggering cell death and altering healthy epithelial regeneration.
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Sébastien Poulin @sebpoule.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
The origins of syphilis are one of epidemiology’s most enduring mysteries. #IDsky #Medsky www.science.org/content/arti...
science.org
Syphilis microbe circulated in the Americas thousands of years before European contact
But ancient DNA from bony lesions suggests original bacterial strains may not have spread sexually
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Kilian Schober @kischober.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
Here's us during our internal Christmas party, being competitive with our Secret Santa pub-quiz game (in case you didn't notice - yes, we are nerds). Our PhD Student Carolin Moosmann, as usual, came up with an amazing gift - this year a self-made T cell immunology memory game.
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Julie Campbell @momrunninglate.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
An ongoing passion project of mine at work: making small info placards about women in STEM that hang in our campus biology building. Their stories give me strength & hope especially now when we face 4 years of darkness. Here is the 1st of many I'll be sharing. #WomeninSTEM #academicsky #skystorians
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Ram Savan @ramlabuw.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
Nandan’s @nandangokhale.bsky.social work from our lab highlights the importance of cellular RNA in enhancing MAVS signalosome function, crucial for antiviral signaling initiated by RLRs. buff.ly/4grnf18 This work is summarized by Sonja Best and Adam Hage. buff.ly/4fxVMcx #Science #immunology
buff.ly
Cellular RNA interacts with MAVS to promote antiviral signaling
Antiviral signaling downstream of RIG-I–like receptors (RLRs) proceeds through a multi-protein complex organized around the adaptor protein mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS). Protein co...
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Reposted by Dr. Sarah Gaffen
Avery August @averyxaugust.bsky.social · 30/11/2024
Click here to donate: buff.ly/3VaQxYZ
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 20/12/2024
Thanks to my hosts at the Stryker School of Medicine in Kalamazoo for a fun day of science and this beautiful memento. (The TSA agents were so impressed that they inspected my luggage to see it for themselves 🤣).
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Reposted by Dr. Sarah Gaffen
Ivan Zanoni @lozanzi.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
#InterferonPower! Fantastic @science.org by @nandangokhale.bsky.social @ramlabuw.bsky.social &co! MAVS is intrinsically capable to sense via an unstructured region the 3’ UTRs of self mRNA (ISGs too!) to potentiate the response to viral RNA via phosphorylation of IRF3 & NFkB!
science.org
Cellular RNA interacts with MAVS to promote antiviral signaling
Antiviral signaling downstream of RIG-I–like receptors (RLRs) proceeds through a multi-protein complex organized around the adaptor protein mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS). Protein co...
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Reposted by Dr. Sarah Gaffen
BK. Titanji @boghuma.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
The kind of meme that should go viral. #VaccinesWork
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International Cytokine & Interferon Society (ICIS) @cytokinesociety.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Amanda Proudfoot Tribute Award for Advances in Chemokine Biology by a Trainee cytokinesociety.org/amanda-e-i-p... Donations are also accepted to help fund this Annual Award for those interested in Chemokine Biology. Submission Deadline is 15 May for Cytokines 2025 in Seattle @crgglasgow.bsky.social
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Reposted by Dr. Sarah Gaffen
Tanja Pyhäjärvi @pyhatanja.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
Big news from Finnish publication forum. Almost all MDPI and Frontiers journals will be downgraded to level 0 and thus are not considered as properly peer reviewed trustworthy scientific journals. julkaisufoorumi.fi/en/news/chan...
julkaisufoorumi.fi
Changes to the classification
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Gal Haimovich ☣ 🧪🔬🎗 @grnfluoresceblg.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
💥 Reminder: 💥 We are still looking for a postdoc (we actually have enough funds for two!) to work on this promising project. Details in the ad and the alt text 🧪 🧬 🔬 🐁 #RNASky #RNABiology #Cytoskel #TunnelingNanotubes
Post-doctoral Positions

Wanted: Talented applicants to study intercellular
mRNA trafficking in vitro and in vivo
and its application in RNA therapeutics
Relevant works:

Haimovich et al. 2017 PNAS http://www.pnas.org/content/114/46/E9873.full 

Dasgupta et al. 2023 eLife  https://elifesciences.org/articles/83584

Haimovich et al. 2024 bioRxiv https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.06.622258v1

Contact:
Prof. Jeffrey Gerst
Dept. of Molecular Genetics
jeffrey.gerst@weizmann.ac.il
www.weizmann.ac.il/molgen/Gerst/
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
We didn't win the cookie competition (congrats @gottschalklab.bsky.social ) but we're proud of our Cytokine Cookies nonetheless.
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Andrew S. MacDonald @profandrewmac.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Fascinating new paper about how commensal #fungi can promote #type2 responses in mice, a process involving fungal induction of #IL-33 🍄 🧪 #ImmunoSky www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Fungal symbiont transmitted by free-living mice promotes type 2 immunity - Nature
Kazachstania pintolopesii is a highly prevalent fungal symbiont that can trigger type 2 immunity and influence the composition of the gut mycobiome, as well as immune and disease phenotypes.
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
Some of my favorite pix from cytokines2024 in Seoul. Congrats to the organizers (looking at you, You-Me Kim!) and a swan song to our outgoing Managing Director Joan Oefner (who rocks it on the dance floor)
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Victor J. Torres @torreslab.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
The Torres Lab is seeking a Senior Scientist to lead studies focused on understanding the immune response to bacterial infections. Candidates must have extensive postdoctoral research experience in immunology and a strong record of publications. talent.stjude.org/careers/jobs...
talent.stjude.org
Senior Scientist-Immunology, Vaccinology, Infection in Memphis, Tennessee | St. Jude Careers
St. Jude Careers is hiring a Senior Scientist-Immunology, Vaccinology, Infection in Memphis, Tennessee. Review all of the job details and apply today!
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International Cytokine & Interferon Society (ICIS) @cytokinesociety.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Please help us add voices to our Starter Pack go.bsky.app/J3zbtA2 (I think this is how this works....)
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Jonathan Eisen @phylogenomics.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
Microbiome FacultyJob at UC Davis in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology (one of the departments where I reside ...) See recruit.ucdavis.edu/JPF06847
recruit.ucdavis.edu
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Lori C @bettertotry.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
“If Adam Picked the Apple” by Danielle Coffyn Love this. Reminds me of “If Men Could Menstruate” by Gloria Steinem
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Please add me
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Rod Rahimi @rodrahimi.bsky.social · 15/11/2024
Wonderful to see the #immunology community growing here. The first starter pack is full (they cap at 150), so I created a second one. Let me know if you'd like to be added go.bsky.app/PY5tCas go.bsky.app/FmERUoD
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Heran Darwin, PhD @heran.bsky.social · 05/09/2024
Department of Microbiology @nyulangone needs Assistant Professors! Please repost and encourage outstanding colleagues to apply! #NYC apply.interfolio.com/153243
apply.interfolio.com
Apply - Interfolio {{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
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Jeremy Berg @jeremymberg.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
A CALL TO ACTION. A colleague at NIH noted the fundamental function of a politician is to get re-elected. Scientific research is conducted in every state. Share your views about RFK, Jr. as HHS Secretary with your Senators. It is straightforward. Encourage your colleagues to do likewise.
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Igor Brodsky @brodskyigorlab.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
The NIH is an engine of economic growth. Cutting funding to NIH will consequently cut economic growth and have long-lasting impacts on US competitiveness at the cutting edge of biomedical discovery
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
Please add me
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Dr. Sarah Gaffen @slg1717.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
How can I be added?
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Gwênlyn Glusman (she/her) ☸️ @gwenlyn.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
When applying to NSF for funding, each senior personnel has to provide a “Collaborators and Other Affiliations” (COA) form, which can be quite onerous. A couple of years ago I created a tool bit.ly/NSF_COA for automating this, and recently hardened it. I hope it is of use, and feedback is welcome! 🧪
bit.ly
NSF COA generator
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Pitt Program in Microbiology & Immunology @pitt-pmi.bsky.social · 16/11/2024
We loved hosting #ABRCMS2024 in Pittsburgh this week! 💙💛💙 We hope to see your outstanding applications to PMI!
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International Cytokine & Interferon Society (ICIS) @cytokinesociety.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
Cytokines 2024 / KAI 2024 Early Career Researchers event in Seoul was very successful! View the photos here cytokinesociety.org/cytokines-20...
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