iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Steven Phelps

@evolbrain.bsky.social

1.4K followers 756 following 123 posts

Biology of intimacy: Evolutionary, neural & genomic studies of sexuality & social bonds (in weird rodents, mostly). Write a bit on biology & culture. First-gen. 🏳️‍🌈 Austin, TX. phelpslab.net

Posts Replies Media

Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 08/11/2025

Stopped by the always amazing @texasbookfest.bsky.social and ran into @michaelerard.bsky.social, whose new book I've been dying read.

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 20/09/2025

The secret to happiness.

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Acknowledging a role for animal research is leading to pushback from animal rights activists. We need to articulate (again) the essential roles of animal research, welcome legitimate ways of reducing animal use, and remain vigilant about sources of misinformation online.🧪

Screen grab of tweet from animal rights group juxtaposing Nicole Kleinstreuer with footage of caged macaque showing stereotypy. She is quoted: "We have no intention of just phasing out animal studies overnight. We know that animal studies are still very important and often scientifically justified."

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

In a June interview on NPR, Kleinstreuer acknowledged again that animal studies remain important. www.wbur.org/onpoint/2025...

NICOLE KLEINSTREUER: You know, we have no intention of just phasing out animal studies overnight. We know that animal studies are still very important and often scientifically justified. There are lots of areas where validated human-relevant models are not yet available. But we are seeing rapid progress and the more we invest in this space, the better those human biology-based integrated systems will become and the less we will have to rely on animal models moving forward.

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Looking at the publication itself, and where other sources are covering the story, I notice that first, they are unfamiliar sources. Second, they don't quote any contrary opinions. Third, they favorably quote PETA. All red flags.🧪

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Kleinstreuer has indeed made a career of identifying non-animal models, and wants to advance that work. The discussion in the workshop is really focused around animal toxicity testing, which tbh is not a terrible idea.🧪 www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz1u...

Screen grab of Kleinstreuer X post emphasizing human-based models of drug testing, but acknowledging that animal research remains necessary.

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

Life-history theory suggests aging is due to alleles that offer short-term benefits & long-term costs; this paper is a dramatic illustration in ant castes. This is a good way to think about stress, stress-related disease, & accelerated aging among humans.

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 14/11/2024

One my favorites! I love that they have curled tails and spots.

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 09/01/2024

Something exciting to share: My weird book has a home at Algonquin Books! Excited to work with Madeline Jones and grateful for the help from Matt McGowan!

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 02/01/2024

This adorable little timer is the best addition to my office so far this year.

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 26/10/2023

Madrid, Rome.

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Steven Phelps @evolbrain.bsky.social · 21/10/2023

This means something.

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