Sign in

Ben Longdon

@blongdon.bsky.social
2.1K followers 791 following 213 posts

Virus evolution, ecology and host shifts. Fly zookeeper. Insect rhabdovirus geek. Tea Junkie. Like music, food, bikes. Lab website: www.benlongdon.com

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Gytis Dudas @evogytis.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
baltic v1.0.0 is live! Get it via pip or clone from Github repo. Now with documentation (baltic.readthedocs.io) & a gallery of tutorials & examples (phylo-baltic.github.io/baltic-gallery, still WIP). Huge thanks to @barney-potter.bsky.social for all the initiative & help along the way. #ViroSky
23216
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Lots of pizza and quite a lot of moths as part of the Cocoon artist residencies on our moth virome project with @thentrythis.social.thentrythis.org.ap.brid.gy
131
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Yikes. I wonder even if images are not manipulated, if the conditions comparing different reagents are (eg company A's special taq has a nice bright band compared to leading competitors B and C which they sneezed in repeatedly then only added 1/1000th of the amount of template).
010
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
New paper by @sarahkwalsh.bsky.social looking at phage-bacteria interactions across a diverse panel of 64 Staph isolates in an insect host model - "Detectable effects of bacterial phylogeny on virulence but not phage efficacy in an in vivo Galleria mellonella model" doi.org/10.1093/isme...
doi.org
Detectable effects of bacterial phylogeny on virulence but not phage efficacy in an in vivo Galleria mellonella model
Abstract. Predicting the outcomes of bacteria–phage interactions is a central challenge in microbial ecology, particularly across heterogeneous host enviro
053
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
This looks v neat: "Species-specific barriers restrict virus spillover potential across the Caenorhabditis genus" Herek @sfelena.bsky.social et al doi.org/10.1371/jour...
051
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Matthew Hahn @3rdreviewer.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Very cool pair of papers demonstrating little link between amount of additive genetic variation and amount of nucleotide variation within species: journals.plos.org/plosbiology/... www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
journals.plos.org
Levels of additive genetic variation vary substantially between species
Adaptive potential determines how populations respond to environmental change. This study compiles evolvability estimates from over 170 multicellular species, revealing substantial variation across th...
112361
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Sarah Jose (JoseSci) @sarahjose.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
My #ExE2026 conference post is now live! It was great chatting with attendees about their research and learning more about the field. Thanks again to the organisers @erikpostma.bsky.social, @btschirren.bsky.social, @blongdon.bsky.social, @ali--wilson.bsky.social, and @hansonmark.bsky.social!
0147
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Just came across these two cool papers that I'd missed - dilution effects dependent on phylogenetic relatedness of hosts journals.plos.org/plosbiology/... (25k plots of >1.1m trees!) and some models on same ideas besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.... (both from Jonathan Davies group).
journals.plos.org
Evolutionary history of host trees amplifies the dilution effect of biodiversity on forest pests
Biodiversity appears to strongly suppress pathogens and pests in many plant and animal systems, but this ‘dilution effect’ can vary strikingly in magnitude. This study uses forest inventory data from ...
010
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Adam Lendvai @lendvaiaz.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
The evolutionary ecology conference #Exe2026 in #Cornwall was a fantastic meeting. Phenomenal plenaries, outstanding contributed talks, inspiring discussions, and fun social programs. Pictured is the final conference dinner in an unforgettable setting. Bonus photo below. 👇
1171
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Daniel Bolnick @danielbolnick.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
At the #ExE2026 conference in Cornwall UK, considering the intersection of evolution and ecology on a field trip to Lizard Point.
1211
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Suvi Ruuskanen @suviruuskanen.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
#ExE2026 goodbye! What an excellent conference: great science, super well organized ( definitely not short of food!), beautiful venue, incl dinner. Now treveling back to @uniofjyvaskyla.bsky.social with a new ideas and a new book to read 🙂 see you in Edinburgh next year!
0223
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Connor G G Bamford @connorggbamford.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Please share 🚨 We have a postdoc position open on avian influenza virus tracking and genomics across natural to develop an early-warning system to protect human and animal health hrwebapp.qub.ac.uk/tlive_webrec...
hrwebapp.qub.ac.uk
Job profile
149
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Hanna Kokko @kokkonut.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
I've been to a lot of meetings where the timekeeping signals are bird calls, but it's special when the meeting's outing goes to that place where you can see & hear the birds! The scenery was OK too. #ExE2026
Habitat of red-billed choughs (who were there but not in this photo) during the half day outing of the ExE conference
2395
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Dieter Lukas @dieterlukas.fediscience.org.ap.brid.gy · 06/07/2026
I compiled a list of 350 #funding opportunities for #postdoctoral research #fellowships: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1J2M… I realized I should share this again after mentioning it to some folks at the #EFP2026
0138109
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Methods in Ecology and Evolution @methodsinecoevol.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Enjoying the scenery while at #ExE2026 this week! Maybe all conferences should be by the sea?
1121
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Benoit Pujol @benoitpujol.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
Evolution and Ecology meet in talks of the #ExE2026 conference from the microbiome to behaviour. Great contributions to the understanding to the ability of wild species to adapt by using quantitative genetics. Looking forward to 2027 edition
1112
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Luís M. Silva @luismsilva.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Thank you for all the #ExE2026 organizers for one of the best conferences I ever been!! From the talks to the whole setup, was an unique experience! Looking forward for #ExE2027 in Edinburgh! :)
0164
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Erik Postma @erikpostma.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
After one and a half days of amazing talks at #ExE2026, it was time to show off some of the best coastline #Cornwall has on offer ☀️🌊⛰️ Lizard Point to Kynance Cove, with seals, choughs and ice cream. What a day!
1334
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Simon Evans @sevans.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
A new group dedicated to evolutionary ecology! This is an opportunity to have a permanent community space for the field, as well as ensure regular conferences like #ExE2026. But it needs your help 👇
13820
Reposted by Ben Longdon
BES Evolutionary Ecology Group @bes-evolecol.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
@erikpostma.bsky.social opening the #ExE2026 conference, having explained it’s the “Goldilocks Conference”, with the winning recipe combining ecology and ecologyl
192
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Sarah Jose (JoseSci) @sarahjose.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
The sun is setting on another day of #ExE2026. Thanks to the organisers @erikpostma.bsky.social @btschirren.bsky.social @blongdon.bsky.social @ali--wilson.bsky.social and @hansonmark.bsky.social for a fantastic meeting!
042
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Erik Postma @erikpostma.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Spread the word! 📢 Funded by @aria-research.bsky.social, @uniexecec.bsky.social in beautiful #Cornwall is creating a cohort of 20 (!) MbyRes students that will tackle some of the biggest questions in order to bring about a step-change for ecosystem resilience. For more information, see 👇!
0115
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Masters by Research at @uniexecec.bsky.social in beautiful Cornwall ecologyconservation.exeter.ac.uk/masteer-coho... these are *funded* - covering home tuition fees, a research/training support grant and a prog of cohort activities. Lots of projects available (including one w/ me!) - pls share!
Penryn campus - home of CEC - views across campus and Cornish coastline
01522
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Xav Harrison @xavh.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
We are now recruiting for a 3 year NERC-funded postdoc to study the transmission dynamics of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in migratory birds. Based in the Wild Microbiome Lab @uniexecec.bsky.social in beautiful Cornwall.
13651
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Laura Kelley @lauraakelley.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Sexier in the city? Urban male great bowerbirds decorate bowers with human-made objects, creating brighter and more varied displays than rural males. Males strongly prefer human-made objects over natural ones, possibly boosting their appeal to females! shorturl.at/lcNY2 @royalsocietypublishing.org
The ground is covered in leaf litter. On the ground are two parallel walls made of sticks that form a corridor. At each entrance there are objects scattered around including grey plastic, green pieces of glass, grey stones, white snail shells and red items.
15621
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Zoe Meziere @zoe-meziere.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Next up in the S. pistillata saga: thermal tolerance differs among cryptic coral species and associated symbionts during a heatwave. Now out in @royalsocietypublishing.org 🧵 royalsocietypublishing.org/rspb/article...
132
Reposted by Ben Longdon
PLOS One @plosone.org · 02/06/2026
Our Associate Editor @sarahjose.bsky.social will be attending the Evolution x Ecology 2026 conference hosted by @uniexecec.bsky.social. She'd love to hear more about your research or have a chat about publishing in @plosone.org, @plosbiology.org, or our exciting new journal PLOS Ecosystems! #ExE2026
166
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Someones done a good job of commercialising vinegar funnel traps (or Super Ninja 🥷 🪰 fruit fly traps) for Drosophila! superninja.eco/en/fruit-fly...
011
Reposted by Ben Longdon
UKVF.bsky.social @ukvf.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Don't miss the opportunity to connect with peers, share insights, build collaborations, and shape the future of virome research in the UK Stay tuned for registration details!
011
Reposted by Ben Longdon
UKVF.bsky.social @ukvf.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
📍 Where: Advanced Research Centre (ARC), University of Glasgow 🗓️ When: 5-6 October 2026 🦠 Focus: Animal, human and environmental viromics
132
Reposted by Ben Longdon
UKVF.bsky.social @ukvf.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Big news for the virome research community!  We are thrilled to announce the first-ever UK Virome Forum (UKVF) in-person event! Whether you're a PhD student, an ECR, or a PI working in virome-related research, this is your space to connect and collaborate.
147
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Dr Orly Razgour @orlyrazgour.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Last couple of days to apply for this postdoctoral research position in my group working on the population genomics of serotine bats in the UK and Lyssavirus transmission at the University of Exeter. Job reference: Q13679 🦇🧬🧪🌍🌐 eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
01112
Reposted by Ben Longdon
EvolDir @evoldir.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
📣 EvolDir is now managed by @eseb.bsky.social! We are delighted to be taking the reins and express our gratitude to both Brian Golding who began this service to the community in the mid-1980s and to @rdmpage.bsky.social who ran this account until now 👏 You can now find evoldir here: evoldir.net
217785
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Karim Majzoub @karimaj.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
We found a viral Trojan Horse: a virus can hide inside another virus.This one surprised us: deltaviruses don’t just borrow a helper virus. They can travel inside it. A literal Trojan Horse “virus-in-a-virus” route into cells. 🤯 Kudos to 1st author @viroscope.bsky.social and co-authors !
sciencedirect.com
Deltaviruses spread through a viral Trojan Horse
Hepatitis D-like satellite viruses, known as deltaviruses, have been recently discovered in a wide range of animals. These viruses are thought to expr…
820098
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Asymmetric biparental and inefficient horizontal transmission of paralysis-causing sigmavirus in Queensland fruit fly www.nature.com/articles/s41...
nature.com
Asymmetric biparental and inefficient horizontal transmission of paralysis-causing sigmavirus in Queensland fruit fly - Heredity
Heredity - Asymmetric biparental and inefficient horizontal transmission of paralysis-causing sigmavirus in Queensland fruit fly
050
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Daniel Padfield @padpadpadpad.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
PLEASE SHARE. PhD Opportunity with me, Ben Raymond and Jan Engelstaedter and Andrew Letten at University of Queensland. Experimentally testing mechanisms of how temperature may change selection and spread of AMR in E. coli. Coupled with some advanced modelling and sequencing. 🧪🦠 #microsky
11828
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Rachel M. Wheatley @rachelmwheatley.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
🔊 Looking for a Research Assistant in Bacterial Evolution to join my lab 🦠 🥼Main duties: Research (AMR + microbiome) + lab assistance. ⏲️ Post duration: 30 months 🗓️ Closing date for applications: 20th April 2026 💰 Salary: ~£35k Details and how to apply: tinyurl.com/2a3v66y7 Please share!
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
02447
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Nature @nature.com · 30/03/2026
Becoming a parent is much more detrimental to women’s academic careers than it is to men’s Read the full story: go.nature.com/4v4rxmQ
IMPACT OF PARENTHOOD ON UNIVERSITY EMPLOYMENT. Line graph shows how the probability of holding a research position changes from four years before to seven years after having children.
6252155
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Natalie Cooper @nhcooper123.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
My "Introduction to Phylogenetic Comparative Methods in R" online book is now available here: nhcooper123.github.io/pcm-primer-o... Note it only deals with basic methods and was mostly written in 2020 if you're wondering why your awesome new method/paper is missing! Please cite it if you use it :)
Plastic frogs sitting round a key board
2237
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Can also check out on www.instagram.com/uk_mvp/ with links to artists
instagram.com
Instagram
Create an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you.
020
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
New outreach project as part of a NERC @ukri.org grant on the ecological and evolutionary drivers of viromes in #moths at @uniexecec.bsky.social ecec.bsky.social w @savebutterflies.bsky.social More on the science ➡️ benlongdon.com/uk-moth-viro... Artists ➡️ thentrythis.org/notes/2026/0... (or ⬇️)
benlongdon.com
UK Moth Virome project
UK Lepidoptera are arguably the best studied and characterised group of invertebrates in the world. Our understanding of historical and contemporary geographic ranges, phenology, and ecological tra…
062
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Then Try This @thentrythis.social.thentrythis.org.ap.brid.gy · 26/03/2026
Jasmine Saunders is a ceramicist and Natural Science student who loves supporting people in learning through tactile creativity. Together, we will get our hands stuck in carving and moulding clay to each make small moth sculptures. Using plant imprint […] [Original post on social.thentrythis.org]
Photo of Jasmine with three overlaid simple moth illustrations
011
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Then Try This @thentrythis.social.thentrythis.org.ap.brid.gy · 26/03/2026
Melanie Hyo-In Han will be working on a poetry pamphlet about moths and the viruses that affect them. In Korean culture, moths have long been associated with spirits and memory; drawing on these symbolisms, as well as her own experiences with migration […] [Original post on social.thentrythis.org]
Photo of Melanie with two simple overlaid moth illustrations
122
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Then Try This @thentrythis.social.thentrythis.org.ap.brid.gy · 26/03/2026
Charlotte Evans lost her dad 4 years ago to Motor Neurone Disease - she’s done a lot of thinking over the past few years on freedom, movement and illness. Charlotte looks to draw a comparison between humans and moths with the aim to educate people […] [Original post on social.thentrythis.org]
Photo of Charlotte with some overlaid moth illustrations
101
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Barbara Tschirren @btschirren.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
1 week left to submit your abstract for #ExE2026 sites.exeter.ac.uk/exe/ Join us for 3 days of cutting edge evolutionary ecology research in beautiful Cornwall this summer 🐬🏖️🏄‍♀️
022
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Neat looking modelling paper by Brandon Simony and Dave Kennedy: Pathogen host jump risk is not predicted by spillover rate, but rather by novelty - journals.plos.org/plosbiology/...
journals.plos.org
Pathogen host jump risk is not predicted by spillover rate, but rather by novelty
Host jumps pose major risks to health, but predicting them remains challenging due to complex spillover dynamics. This study shows that pathogen novelty, rather than spillover rate, is a stronger pred...
0166
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Charlotte Houldcroft @virologyhouldcroft.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
@oldenoughtosay.com I see that your house has recently been visited by the Bad Enterovirus Fairy, aka Hand, foot and mouth disease. I got so het up about baby germs that I wrote a 9.5k word review article on them (800 word version here theconversation.com/if-you-think...). Normal response, right?!
theconversation.com
If you think your toddler’s often ill, you’re right – what going to nursery means for catching colds and building immunity
Having an under five in your household increases your risk as an adult of having diarrhoea and vomiting.
487
Reposted by Ben Longdon
PLOS Biology @plosbiology.org · 20/03/2026
What is the evolutionary significance of alternative #transcription initiation, #splicing & #polyadenylation? This study of 75 metazoan species suggests that most transcript diversity reflects deleterious RNA processing errors rather than adaptive function @plosbiology.org 🧪 plos.io/3Pcs2e6
Species phylogeny, genomic and transcriptomic data, and Ne proxies used in the present study. Left: Phylogenetic tree of the 100 metazoan species considered. Middle: Available genome and transcriptome datasets of each species concerned, including CAGE-seq, 3′-end-seq, RNA-seq, coding genes, and BUSCO genes. Right: Ne and proxies.
0114
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Waggoner Lab @labwaggoner.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Capturing dynamic phage–pathogen coevolution by clinical surveillance @nature.com @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social www.nature.com/articles/s41...
13922
Reposted by Ben Longdon
Laura Kelley @lauraakelley.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Nice article by the wonderful Marlene Zuk in National Geographic, featuring my and @neeltjeboogert.bsky.social research on Cornish herring gulls, and how kids got us into gulls 😊 @neeltjeboogert.bsky.social @uniexecec.bsky.social www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/arti...
nationalgeographic.com
Why do gulls steal our food? Scientists experimented with French fries to find out.
Gulls are often seen as intruders in our daily lives. But researchers are discovering what really motivates them—and strategies to keep them away from your lunch.
0103