Reposted by Ben LongdonBob Wong @bbmwong.bsky.social · 05/10/2026Monash University is offering a fully-funded PhD scholarship to an outstanding student in animal behaviour/evolutionary ecology. Choose from eight project areas. For information about what project I'm offering, please DM me or see application form: forms.gle/ia9t4KPD3FKT.... Deadline: 15 Nov. 05977
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 02/10/2026Ceramic moth making - a Cocoon Residency event by Jasmine Saunders, as part of our NERC moth virome project out @uniexecec.bsky.social with @savebutterflies.bsky.social , run by @thentrythis.social.thentrythis.org.ap.brid.gy Come along Fri 16th/Sat 24th October, 11am-2pm (its free, all welcome). 031
Reposted by Ben LongdonDrosophila @malecnsfly.bsky.social · 01/10/2026a short history of me, in crayon. 400 million years of insects, a rocket in 1947, a white-eyed fly in a milk bottle, and now every one of my neurons, mapped and running in a jar. #SciArt #SciComm #drosophila 0156
Reposted by Ben LongdonDrosophila @malecnsfly.bsky.social · 01/10/2026flies love your trash, right? wrong fly. that's my cousin, the house fly. i'm a fruit fly: the smell of dung reaches my brain and 92 ms later my moonwalker neurons fire. i back away. #SciComm #neuroskyence #drosophila 022
Reposted by Ben LongdonDrosophila @malecnsfly.bsky.social · 01/10/2026the first animals in space were fruit flies: 20 feb 1947, a V-2 from White Sands, 109 km up, back alive. in 2017, 4,000 of us flew on the first Dragon to fly twice. next: mars? #SciComm #SpaceSky #drosophila 033
Reposted by Ben LongdonLee Henry @henrylabsymbio.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Excited to see our work out in @pnas.org! We asked how mobile genetic elements generate functional diversity in symbionts and found a plasmid that protects aphids from lethal pathogens, helping to explain variation in defence across natural aphid populations. See @ben-parker.bsky.social thread👇pnas.orgPhenotypic divergence is driven by mobile genetic elements in a heritable insect symbiont | PNASHeritable microbes profoundly influence insect biology, yet the traits they confer often evolve rapidly and differ among closely related symbiont s... 03610
Reposted by Ben LongdonGytis Dudas @evogytis.bsky.social · 22/09/2026baltic 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 · 17/09/2026Lots 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 · 27/08/2026Yikes. 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 · 24/08/2026New 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.orgDetectable effects of bacterial phylogeny on virulence but not phage efficacy in an in vivo Galleria mellonella modelAbstract. 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 · 24/08/2026This 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
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 21/08/2026My understanding was this was always their plan, as I know various folk at mid-career (Assoc Prof, ~10-15 years out of PhD) were told they were not senior enough! 100
Reposted by Ben LongdonMatthew Hahn @3rdreviewer.bsky.social · 31/07/2026Very 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.orgLevels of additive genetic variation vary substantially between speciesAdaptive 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 LongdonSarah Jose (JoseSci) @sarahjose.bsky.social · 21/07/2026My #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 · 21/07/2026Just 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.orgEvolutionary history of host trees amplifies the dilution effect of biodiversity on forest pestsBiodiversity 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
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 20/07/2026LepiLEDs and a Mercury vapour, both in Robinson traps. 001
Reposted by Ben LongdonAdam Lendvai @lendvaiaz.bsky.social · 05/07/2026The 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 LongdonDaniel Bolnick @danielbolnick.bsky.social · 02/07/2026At the #ExE2026 conference in Cornwall UK, considering the intersection of evolution and ecology on a field trip to Lizard Point. 1211
Reposted by Ben LongdonSuvi 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 LongdonConnor G G Bamford @connorggbamford.bsky.social · 07/07/2026Please 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.ukJob profile 149
Reposted by Ben LongdonHanna Kokko @kokkonut.bsky.social · 02/07/2026I'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 2395
Reposted by Ben LongdonDieter Lukas @dieterlukas.fediscience.org.ap.brid.gy · 06/07/2026I 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 LongdonMethods in Ecology and Evolution @methodsinecoevol.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Enjoying the scenery while at #ExE2026 this week! Maybe all conferences should be by the sea? 1121
Reposted by Ben LongdonBenoit Pujol @benoitpujol.bsky.social · 01/07/2026Evolution 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 LongdonLuís M. Silva @luismsilva.bsky.social · 03/07/2026Thank 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 LongdonErik Postma @erikpostma.bsky.social · 01/07/2026After 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 LongdonSimon Evans @sevans.bsky.social · 03/07/2026A 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 LongdonBES 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 LongdonSarah Jose (JoseSci) @sarahjose.bsky.social · 02/07/2026The 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 LongdonErik Postma @erikpostma.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Spread 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 · 22/06/2026Masters 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! 01522
Reposted by Ben LongdonXav Harrison @xavh.bsky.social · 17/06/2026We 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 LongdonLaura Kelley @lauraakelley.bsky.social · 03/06/2026Sexier 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 15621
Reposted by Ben LongdonZoe Meziere @zoe-meziere.bsky.social · 03/06/2026Next 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 LongdonPLOS One @plosone.org · 02/06/2026Our 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 · 01/06/2026Someones 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 LongdonUKVF.bsky.social @ukvf.bsky.social · 11/05/2026Don'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 LongdonUKVF.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 LongdonUKVF.bsky.social @ukvf.bsky.social · 11/05/2026Big 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
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 30/04/2026@erikpostma.bsky.social saw this and thought of you! 000
Reposted by Ben LongdonDr Orly Razgour @orlyrazgour.bsky.social · 28/04/2026Last 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 LongdonEvolDir @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 LongdonKarim Majzoub @karimaj.bsky.social · 06/03/2026We 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.comDeltaviruses spread through a viral Trojan HorseHepatitis D-like satellite viruses, known as deltaviruses, have been recently discovered in a wide range of animals. These viruses are thought to expr… 820198
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 14/04/2026Asymmetric biparental and inefficient horizontal transmission of paralysis-causing sigmavirus in Queensland fruit fly www.nature.com/articles/s41...nature.comAsymmetric biparental and inefficient horizontal transmission of paralysis-causing sigmavirus in Queensland fruit fly - HeredityHeredity - Asymmetric biparental and inefficient horizontal transmission of paralysis-causing sigmavirus in Queensland fruit fly 050
Reposted by Ben LongdonDaniel Padfield @padpadpadpad.bsky.social · 30/03/2026PLEASE 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 LongdonRachel 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.inLinkedInThis link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn 02447
Reposted by Ben LongdonNature @nature.com · 30/03/2026Becoming 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 6252155
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 29/03/2026this looks v useful! Jarrod is finally updating MCMCglmm course notes that I think will include some comparative methods. I keep thinking that a phylo mixed model version of besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/... might be useful - you've got a lot of the bones here!besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.comAn ecologist’s guide to the animal model1. Efforts to understand the links between evolutionary and ecological dynamics hinge on our ability to measure and understand how genes influence phenotypes, fitness and population dynamics. Quanti... 110
Reposted by Ben LongdonNatalie Cooper @nhcooper123.bsky.social · 25/03/2026My "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 :) 2237
Ben Longdon @blongdon.bsky.social · 27/03/2026Can also check out on www.instagram.com/uk_mvp/ with links to artistsinstagram.comInstagramCreate an account or log in to Instagram - Share what you're into with the people who get you. 020