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Luke Dunning

@luketdunning.bsky.social
764 followers 809 following 32 posts

Evolutionary biologist at @SheffieldUni interested in genomics, rapid adaptation & lateral gene transfer in grasses. @NERCscience IRF

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Reposted by Luke Dunning
Annals of Botany @annbot.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🌿 Reminder: Our Special Issue celebrating 60 years of C4 photosynthesis is open for submissions. Research covering C4 biology, evolution, crop engineering & productivity is welcome 📅 Deadline: 1 Nov 2026 👉 botany.fyi/pq36r5 @marjorielundgren.bsky.social @luketdunning.bsky.social #PlantScience
Special issue graphic for Annals of Botany: “C4 60 – From Kranz to Crops: Celebrating 60 Years of C4 Discovery and Innovation,” edited by Rowan Sage, Marjorie Lundgren, Robert Sharwood and Luke Dunning. Submission deadline: 1 November 2026. The graphic features a fluorescent microscopic image of C4 leaf anatomy.
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Really excited to be awarded one of the new ARIA grants focusing on accelerating marram grass adaptation for climate resilient dunes!
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lara-pereira.bsky.social @lara-pereira.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Great talk from @luketdunning.bsky.social explaining why horizontal gene transfer in plants is not only fascinating but can also help with agricultural challenges! Plus, he made the whole room laugh 😂 At the School of Biosciences Research Symposium @sheffielduni.bsky.social
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Martin A. Nuñez @martin-nunez.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Your results may have taken years, but your title gets only seconds. Spend more time per word on the title than on any other part of the manuscript, followed by the abstract. Most readers will never reach the full paper. #SciComm 🧪🗺️
Title is the most importan part of a paper
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Martin A. Nuñez @martin-nunez.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Very excited to see our new paper in @Nature! Conifers introduced to the Southern Hemisphere grew up to 4× faster than in their native ranges and were also more resistant and resilient to drought. I’m honored to have been part of this fantastic international team.
pines grow faster in the southern hemisphere
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Casey Dunn @caseywdunn.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
My new book, Phylogenetic Biology, is now published. Available online for free at dunnlab.org/phylogenetic... . Physical copies can be purchased at shop.lightningsource.com/b/085?params... or your favorite bookstore.
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Yasin Dagdas @plantophagy.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
humanity has always been moved forward by people who think differently www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
Dyslexic thinking made me the scientist I am today. If we could harness its power, imagine what could be possible | Maggie Aderin
Progress has always been made by people who think differently. Neurodiversity helps us think outside the box – and when we do, the sky’s the limit, says space scientist Maggie Aderin
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Reposted by Luke Dunning
Annals of Botany @annbot.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
🍃 Join @annbot.bsky.social Special Issue celebrating 60 years of discovery in C4 photosynthesis, edited by Rowan Sage & guest editors Marj Lundgren, Robert Sharwood & Luke Dunning. (1/4) @marjorielundgren.bsky.social @luketdunning.bsky.social #C4Photosynthesis #PlantScience #CropScience
Special Issue announcement for Annals of Botany titled “C4 60 – From Kranz to Crops: Celebrating 60 Years of C4 Discovery and Innovation.” AoB editor Rowan Sage and guest editors Marjorie Lundgren, Robert Sharwood, and Luke Dunning are listed. Submission deadline: November 1, 2026. Background features a colorful microscopic image of plant tissue.
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
What a nice surprise from @ahmedalenazi.bsky.social returning to work after the holidays! We also have his final PhD chapter now out - so all data chapters are now published.. amazing effort! doi.org/10.1002/ppp3...
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Come and join us!! www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DQZ547/r...
jobs.ac.uk
Research Associate - Plant Phylogenomics at University of Sheffield
Apply for the Research Associate - Plant Phylogenomics role on jobs.ac.uk, the top job board for academic positions in higher education. View details and apply now.
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Fay-Wei Li @fernway.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Our work on #hornwort #pyrenoids is finally out in @science.org! 🎉 We uncovered how hornworts pack their Rubisco into pyrenoids and successfully recreated them in Arabidopsis. A key step toward engineering more efficient photosynthesis in crops @btiscience.bsky.social www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
science.org
An unconventional Rubisco small subunit underpins the CO2-concentrating organelle in land plants
In many algae, photosynthesis is boosted by biophysical CO2-concentrating mechanisms, which pack the CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco into liquid-like organelles called pyrenoids. Engineering C3 crops with a...
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Cat Collins @cfcollins.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Ecstatic to see the first chapter of my PhD published in MBE! Most laterally acquired genes in plants are degenerating - the retained genes may to be more successful because they bring over their own regulatory machinery academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
academic.oup.com
Regulatory features determine the evolutionary fate of laterally acquired genes in plants
Abstract. Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is widespread in eukaryotes, including in animals and plants where it can fuel adaptive evolution and innovation. How
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Molecular Biology and Evolution @molbioevol.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Collins et al. combined expression, methylation, and genomic data to investigate long-term persistence of laterally acquired genes in the grass Alloteropsis, showing that those capable of regulating their own expression are more likely to persist. 🔗 doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag042 #evobio #molbio
doi.org
Regulatory features determine the evolutionary fate of laterally acquired genes in plants
Abstract. Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is widespread in eukaryotes, including in animals and plants where it can fuel adaptive evolution and innovation. How
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Awesome to see @cfcollins.bsky.social first paper out from her PhD - a huge amount of work!! Regulatory features determine the evolutionary fate of laterally acquired genes in plants url: academic.oup.com/mbe/article/...
academic.oup.com
Regulatory features determine the evolutionary fate of laterally acquired genes in plants
Abstract. Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is widespread in eukaryotes, including in animals and plants where it can fuel adaptive evolution and innovation. How
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Mary Williams @PlantTeaching @plantteaching.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Apply to be a Rising Star in Plant Science! Organized by Molecular Plant and Plant Communications. www.cell.com/cemps/rsps-a... Applications close March 31, 2026 #PlantScience
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
This is who runs this account
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Dr. K. Lotterhos @drk-lo.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
New special issue in Molecular Ecology on Conservation Genomics #popGen #evolution 🧪🧬🖥️ onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/1365294x...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Special Issue: CONSERVATION GENOMICS ‐ MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Molecular Ecology: Vol 34, No 23
Molecular Ecology is an international journal for research using molecular genetic techniques to address questions in ecology, evolution, behavior and conservation.
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Come work with us!! 2.5 year postdoc on HGT in plants. Please share and get in touch if interested www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPQ418/r...
jobs.ac.uk
Research Associate: Horizontal Gene Transfer at University of Sheffield
Searching for an academic job? Explore this Research Associate: Horizontal Gene Transfer opening on jobs.ac.uk! Click to view more details and browse other academic jobs.
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
Come work with us!! 2.5 year postdoc on HGT in plants. Please share and get in touch if interested www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPQ418/r...
jobs.ac.uk
Research Associate: Horizontal Gene Transfer at University of Sheffield
Searching for an academic job? Explore this Research Associate: Horizontal Gene Transfer opening on jobs.ac.uk! Click to view more details and browse other academic jobs.
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David Lowry @davidlowry.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
I am currently searching for a new postdoctoral researcher to study the evolution, genetics, and physiology of cold acclimation and freezing tolerance in switchgrass at Michigan State University. This work will be funded by a newly funded five-year DOE grant. careers.msu.edu/jobs/researc...
careers.msu.edu
Research Associate-Fixed Term - East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Position Summary The Lowry Lab at Michigan State University is searching for a postdoctoral research associate to conduct molecular and physiological experiments to understand the causes of genetic va...
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Two PhD positions available to come and work with us - please share! [1] Detecting rapid evolutionary responses to climate change in UK plants tinyurl.com/ye262pk2 [2] Natural GM: The role of horizontal gene transfer in crop adaptation and evolution tinyurl.com/32tkce2w
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Nicola Nadeau @nicolanadeau.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
We are looking for a physics/maths graduate with an interest in biology, or a biology graduate with strong computational/mathematical skills/interests, to join us as a PhD student working on biomechanical modelling of butterfly wing scale structure formation www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
A fluorescent confocal microscopy image of a butterfly wing scale showing the surface and internal structures
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Merops Field Centre @meropsfieldcentre.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
We’d like to say a big thank you to our visitors from @sheffielduni.bsky.social. We had a great time hosting you all this week, and were impressed by everybody’s enthusiasm and dedication to their field projects. We wish you the best of luck with the rest of your studies! @luketdunning.bsky.social
A group of 23 people standing with their backs to a forested valley. They are a mixture of students and staff, many wearing binoculars. There is also a spotting scope at the right hand side of the image.
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Merops Field Centre @meropsfieldcentre.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
With staff and students from @sheffielduni.bsky.social, we explored the Causse Méjean, an upland area famous for its rugged habitats, surrounded by deep gorges frequented by #vultures. We were lucky enough to spot Bearded Vultures, plus shrikes and some great #lepidoptera. @luketdunning.bsky.social
A group of ecology students stood in a rugged upland area of short grasses. They have binoculars and telescopes and are having something pointed out to them by a member of staff.A Chalk Burnet moth sat on a dried grass stem. It is black with red spots surrounded by yellow borders.A Bearded Vulture in flight against a cliff.Staff and students at a lookout point. A member of staff is taking photos with a telephoto lens. In the background there are rising limestone crags.
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Merops Field Centre @meropsfieldcentre.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Day two with @sheffielduni.bsky.social, and we’ve been exploring field techniques. Kick sampling, GPS use, plus plant and terrestrial invertebrate surveys. Highlights were more mantises, Saddle-backed Bush Crickets, plus spotting crayfish in the river. @luketdunning.bsky.social
A group of staff and students looking into a white sampling tray next to a river.A Spinycheek Crayfish.A female Western Saddle Bush-cricket on the edge of a sweep net.Students holding up a sweep net and looking at a bush cricket.
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Merops Field Centre @meropsfieldcentre.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
A great first afternoon with our visitors from the University of Sheffield. We explored the local habitats, seeing some fantastic autum wildlife including the Mediterranean Conehead Mantis. Other highlights were large Orthoptera, butterflies, and Colchicum autumn Crocuses. @luketdunning.bsky.social
A Mediterranean Conehead Mantis sitting on a dried plant stemA member of staff showing a mantis to a group of excited studentsThree people close to the ground, taking photos of invertebrates with their phonesA Colchicum autumn crocus. The flower is pale purple with yellow stamens.
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
Awesome work led by @cfcollins.bsky.social looking at the factors that influence the long term retention of laterally transferred genes! A huge amount of work and awesome first PhD chapter www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
biorxiv.org
Regulatory features determine the evolutionary fate of laterally acquired genes in plants
Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is widespread in eukaryotes, including in animals and plants where it can fuel adaptive evolution and innovation. However, the factors that influence the integration and lo...
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Very excited to be awarded a NERC Pushing the Frontiers grant to continue our work on grass LGT, recruiting soon! 🥳 With @lara-pereira.bsky.social @jurriaanton.bsky.social @metallophyte.bsky.social & Roger Butlin
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Jessica Budke 🌱🥼🔬 @mossplants.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
Know an Evolutionary Genomicist looking for a faculty position? Join us in EEB @utknoxville.bsky.social Position is open for studying any organism, but personally I have some botany bias. 🌱 Apply before Sept 19 for full consideration. apply.interfolio.com/170735 Please share widely. Thanks!
apply.interfolio.com
Apply - Interfolio {{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
New preprint using Aristidoideae genomes to identify genetic precursors to C4 photosynthesis at the base of the PACMAD clade - where all the C4 fun happens in grasses 🌾 Led by @lara-pereira.bsky.social & Ahmed @colinplants.bsky.social @biggenomes.bsky.social www.biorxiv.org/cgi/content/...
biorxiv.org
Gene turnover and contingency facilitated the repeated evolution of C4 photosynthesis in grasses
In grasses, almost all species belong to two evenly sized clades (BOP and PACMAD), yet the >20 independent origins of C4 photosynthesis in this family only occur in the PACMAD lineage. Here, we identi...
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Mirre Simons @mirresimons.bsky.social · 29/03/2025
Latest preprint. We tested the idea that dietary restriction (DR) is an ancient response. www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... Across Drosophila the lifespan phenotype and the transcriptomic response to DR are conserved. Yet, many genes were Diptera (fly) specific. Mechanisms may not be conserved…
biorxiv.org
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Volker Rudolf @volkerrudolf.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Great article highlighting the "ongoing loss of direct field experience within the ecology community" & why field work is so crucial for education & our ability to address the biodiversity crisis. Extinction of experience among ecologists: Trends in Ecology & Evolution www.cell.com/trends/ecolo...
cell.com
Extinction of experience among ecologists
Fieldwork-based research and education in ecology are under multiple threats and are progressively declining. We call for greater attention to this ongoing loss of direct field experience within the e...
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Looking for a PhD? Come work with us on Horizontal Gene Transfer in crops! Deadline 14th March www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
findaphd.com
Horizontal gene transfer and its role in crop adaptation and evolution at University of Sheffield on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Horizontal gene transfer and its role in crop adaptation and evolution at University of Sheffield, listed on FindAPhD.com
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Looking for a PhD? Come work with us on Horizontal Gene Transfer in crops! Deadline 14th March www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
findaphd.com
Horizontal gene transfer and its role in crop adaptation and evolution at University of Sheffield on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Horizontal gene transfer and its role in crop adaptation and evolution at University of Sheffield, listed on FindAPhD.com
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Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra @jrossibarra.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
Wow. This is sooo good. Echoing @urbanevol.bsky.social this user’s manual for Ne should be required reading for popgen and conservation genetics folks. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
The Idiot's Guide to Effective Population Size
This is a reference manual for the elegant, yet hideously complex concept of effective population size (Ne), inspired by a classic, self-published manual of automotive repair ‘for the compleat idiot’...
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
More fantastic work on Silene by @metallophyte.bsky.social and team! Great to be part of the project
metallophyte.bsky.social
Alex Papadopulos (@metallophyte.bsky.social)
Evolutionary biologist in Wales
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Loving the new lab door sign - thanks @metallophyte.bsky.social
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 18/12/2024
Great annual lab walk and Christmas dinner. The Peak District was bleak (but dry), the pub was warm and the company grand!
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Ian Henderson @hendersi.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Associate Professor / Professor of Evolutionary Genomics www.jobs.cam.ac.uk/job/49389/
jobs.cam.ac.uk
Associate Professor / Professor of Evolutionary Genomics - Job Opportunities - University of Cambridge
Associate Professor / Professor of Evolutionary Genomics in the Department of Genetics at the University of Cambridge.
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
Asking AI to suggest new titles for a grant on lateral gene transfer using film puns - my favourite: “Indiana Gene and the temple of Genes” 😂😂 With “Finding Gene-mo” a close second Worth the risk 🤔
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Mike Barker @barkerms.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
Come join us in Tucson!! I am excited to announce a tenure track faculty position on the genomics of resilience @uofa-eeb.bsky.social! Read more about the position in the updated link below! We will begin reviewing applications on December 9! arizona.csod.com/ux/ats/caree...
A photo of the Sonoran Desert at night with a saguaro cactus in the foreground with the top glowing from the moonlight. A field of stars is visible in the sky behind the cactus.
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Come and do a PhD with us!! www.findaphd.com/phds/project...
findaphd.com
Horizontal gene transfer and its role in crop adaptation and evolution at University of Sheffield on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Horizontal gene transfer and its role in crop adaptation and evolution at University of Sheffield, listed on FindAPhD.com
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
A new grass phylogeny inferred from ~300 nuclear genes for >1,100 grass species 😳 doi.org/10.1111/nph.... A great collaborative effort from the Grass Phylogeny Working Group III
doi.org
A nuclear phylogenomic tree of grasses (Poaceae) recovers current classification despite gene tree incongruence
Grasses (Poaceae) comprise c. 11 800 species and are central to human livelihoods and terrestrial ecosystems. Knowing their relationships and evolutionary history is key to comparative research and ...
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Mike Barker @barkerms.bsky.social · 09/11/2024
I put together a starter pack of people studying plant evolution! I have no doubt missed some folks that should be included, so please reply or message me to be added! #PlantEvolution #Botany go.bsky.app/6FPMYnJ
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Luke Dunning @luketdunning.bsky.social · 09/11/2024
Hello world
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