iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Two Fritz Frank Awards for our institute! Markéta Kaucká was honoured for her research on the development of mammalian facial shapes, and Alexandros Vezyrakis for his doctoral research on problem-solving in wild mice. Congratulations to both!

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Being innovative is not always an advantage. In house mice, the link between problem-solving speed and survival changed with food quality: faster innovators survived longer on high-quality food, slower innovators on standard food. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3895889/when...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Congratulations to Hinrich Schulenburg of Kiel University, Max Planck Fellow at MPI EvolBio, on receiving an ERC Advanced Grant! CrypticBenefits explores how hidden genetic variation drives rapid adaptation. Read more: www.evolbio.mpg.de/3886905/hinr...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Women in Evolutionary Biology II brought around 80 participants together for three days of talks, posters, discussions and networking at MPI EvolBio. Thank you to everyone who helped create such an open and supportive space for scientific exchange. Looking forward to the next edition! 🔬

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

When does a tool become part of an individual? In a new Perspective article, @paulbrainey.bsky.social explores “autogenic transitions in individuality” — asking when internally generated entities might become part of new evolutionary individuals. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3885210/news... #Evolution #AI

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Wall lizards are in the spotlight. 🦎 Recent features in The Guardian and National Geographic highlight research connected to Nathalie Feiner’s group on Mediterranean wall lizards. Biodiversity also lives within species. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3884924/wall...

evolbio.mpg.de

Wall lizards in the spotlight

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Reposted by MPI for Evolutionary Biology

Paul Rainey @paulbrainey.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Bureaucracy is necessary. Unnecessary bureaucracy is not. It wastes time, erodes morale, damages wellbeing and smothers the creativity on which science depends. We need responsible governance, not administrative burden. enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Scientists' Warning to Humanity: Unnecessary Bureaucracy Is a Global Impediment to Productivity, Advancement of Human and Planetary Wellbeing, Science and Sustainability

Unnecessary bureaucracy is a global impediment to progress and productivity that increases stress and lowers workplace morale and motivation. In research it smothers creativity and innovation that ar...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

New in Science Advances: A bacteriophage stayed genetically stable for months, then evolved rapidly in a new microbial community. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3884217/viru... @jeroenmeijer.bsky.social @paulbrainey.bsky.social @uni-jena.de @utrechtuniversity.bsky.social @bedutilh.bsky.social

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Congratulations to Prof. Eva Stukenbrock on her appointment to the Leopoldina. Her research on fungal pathogens helps us better understand evolution and protect crops. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3882989/eva-... #EvolutionaryBiology #Leopoldina

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Women in Evolutionary Biology II takes place 1–3 June 2026 — and we’re delighted to spotlight this year’s keynote speakers: 🌟 Tiana Kohlsdorf, Laasya Samhita, Laura Nuño de la Rosa, Marjon de Vos, Kateryna Makova & Catalina Chaparro Pedraza lnkd.in/erb6wQbW #WomenInEvoBio #EvolutionaryBiology

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Deadline approaches: Applications for our workshop “Tracing evolution through cell lineages” are open until 29 May. 12–14 Oct 2026 | MPI EvolBio, Plön For researchers working on cell lineages & evolution. Apply: lnkd.in/eZnJuYcr

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Can noisy decision-making be an advantage? A PNAS study shows that erratic behaviour is not always just a cognitive limitation. In strategic situations, caring less about immediate gains can provide long-term benefits. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3882136/news... #EvolutionaryBiology #GameTheory

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Congratulations to Markéta Kaucká on being re-elected as representative of our institute in the BMS of the Max Planck Society. She helps bring perspectives from researchers and our institute into discussions on scientific and structural developments across the MPG. #MaxPlanck #Science #Research

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

New insights from sharks into the evolution of the face in jawed vertebrates. Conserved genetic programs but altered cell behavior contribute to the diversity of facial shapes in jawed vertebrates. #Development #Evolution #GRNs #FacialShapes #Sharks #NeuralCrest www.evolbio.mpg.de/3881031/news...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Facial diversity in birds and mammals doesn’t just come from different signals – but from how cells respond to them. A new study in Science Advances shows evolution acts on both: signal placement and cellular interpretation. More Info: www.evolbio.mpg.de/3879733/news... @marketa-kau.bsky.social

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

How do cell lineages evolve, and how does that shape trait evolution? Join our symposium Tracing Evolution Through Cell Lineages (Plön, 12–14 October). Hear perspectives from leading scientists and contribute with your own. Read more at: workshops.evolbio.mpg.de/event/145/ #EvoDevo #StemCell

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

How does food affect the gut microbiome? A new study shows that microorganisms in food may help maintain diversity in the gut. #Microbiome #MathematicalBiology www.evolbio.mpg.de/3875249/news... @florencebansept.bsky.social

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Can multicellularity evolve without direct benefits? A new theoretical study suggests it can — through ecology. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3874781/news... #Evolution #Ecology

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

#Lunar #Clocks - “The dating tool of #marine organisms” #GEO highlights Tobias Kaiser’s research at #MPIEvolBio, where 11 #Clunio marinus strains help reveal how lunar #rhythms are encoded in #genes. #MaxPlanck #Chronobiology #SciComm #EvoBio #Ecology #Biodiversity www.evolbio.mpg.de/3873148/news...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Today at MPI for Evolutionary Biology: Frank Hilker from Osnabrück University joined our Career & Science Seminar, invited by Michael Sieber from the Department of Theoretical Biology. Topic: tipping points and cascades in coupled human-natural systems. #CareerInScience #ECR

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

Do bold animals always live fast and die young? Not necessarily. A new study shows that in house mice, the link between personality and lifespan depends strongly on the environment — especially food quality. Read more: www.evolbio.mpg.de/3869863/news... @fragdarm.bsky.social

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

How do immunity, infection dynamics and NPI adherence interact? An international team outlines the research needs: stepwise models + longitudinal data on perceived vs actual immunity, peer effects and information (incl. social media). www.evolbio.mpg.de/3868225/news...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Embryos are most alike in mid-development — the classic developmental “hourglass”. New research shows this pattern is already built into individual cell lineages. Find out more: www.evolbio.mpg.de/3867602/news... @marketa-kau.bsky.social @amordamatac.bsky.social

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Reposted by MPI for Evolutionary Biology

CCTB @cctb-wue.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Today we have Yuriy Pichugin visiting us from the @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social discussing the Evolution of informed dispersal strategies in trophic meta-communities in our #WueBiT seminars

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Reposted by MPI for Evolutionary Biology

Graduiertenzentrum der CAU @gcscicom.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Warum sind Kinder keine halben Kopien ihrer Eltern? Wie beeinflusst die DNA unsere Fruchtbarkeit? Rajalekshmi Narayana Sarma beantwortet diese und weitere spannende Fragen übermorgen bei der Women Science Show. 📅05.03.2026 🕖19:00 Uhr 📍STUDIO Filmtheater Kiel @uni-kiel.de @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Our very own Rajalekshmi N. Sarma is on the line-up! 🎤 Women Science Show (Science Comes to Town) — Thu, 5 March 2026, 7.00 pm, STUDIO Filmtheater, Kiel. Six 10-minute talks from early-career women researchers. Free entry — bring friends & family 😊

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

🌓🌊🦟 Wed 4 March 2026, 19:00 (Eutin): Eutiner Landesbibliothek, Schlossplatz 4. Dr Tobias Kaiser (Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology #KaiserLab) — “The Moon, the Sea & the Mosquito”: a journey through biological clocks. Hosted by SHUG. #chronobiology

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Beyond Mendel: a new genetics agenda Most traits aren’t “one gene–one trait”. A Genetics perspective calls for new experimental paradigms to capture polygenic effects in real environmental context—backed by large-scale automated phenotyping and new infrastructure. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3866699/news...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

Emil Mallmin and colleagues at MPI EvolBio show that simple ecological models can reproduce real-world species abundance patterns—and help identify when ecosystems are fragile vs. resilient. Read and find out more here: www.evolbio.mpg.de/3865637/news...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Today is Darwin’s Day 🧬 — a reminder that evolution isn’t just history but a living process. At the MPI for Evolutionary Biology we explore evolutionary change — how life adapts, diversifies, and evolves — using theory, experiments, and data from nature. #DarwinsDay #Evolution #EvolBio

Julia Margaret Cameron (c. 1868) / Wikimedia Commons.

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Today is the #InternationalDayofWomenandGirlsinScience ✨ To celebrate, we’re opening registration for our workshop "Women in Evolutionary Biology II" — keynotes, research, networking, and discussions on equality & inclusion in science. 📍 Plön (Germany) | 🔗 workshops.evolbio.mpg.de/event/144/ov...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

No lone winners: P. fluorescens SBW25 forms air–liquid mats within days. Ancestors scaffold the surface; mutants spread. c-di-GMP (sessile↔motile) helps diverse types coexist. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3864353/news...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Why fungi may become human pathogens: A new study from Kiel University (CAU) and MPI-EvolBio shows that more efficient protein production and lipid metabolism help fungi adapt to the human body — a growing risk under climate change. Image © Dr. Marco Guerreiro www.evolbio.mpg.de/3863722/why-...

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Reposted by MPI for Evolutionary Biology

Max-Planck-Gesellschaft @maxplanck.de · 22/01/2026

Female scientists have to wait longer for their articles to be reviewed than their male colleagues. An analysis of 36.5 million papers in the life sciences shows that for females it took 115 days to reach a decision, compared to 101 days for men journals.plos.org/plosbiology/... @plosbiology.org

Median time under review (time intervened from submission to acceptance) of articles indexed in PubMed with a female first author (n = 2,562,262), a male first author (n = 3,405,821), a female corresponding author (n = 975,010), a male corresponding author (n = 1,946,469), a female first author and a female corresponding author (n = 757,878), a male first author and a male corresponding author (n = 1,357,835), all-female authors (n = 650,280), and all-male authors (n = 2,146,799)

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Open access now: Insights from the Women in Evolutionary Biology Workshop (MPI-EvolBio, May 2024) in Evolution — 5 recurring equity themes + practical strategies. Next workshop already funded for 2026. doi.org/10.1093/evol...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Expressions of interest: Director at MPI EvolBio (f/m/d) — We invite expressions of interest from distinguished scientists in evolutionary biology with a bold, long-term research vision that complements our Institute. More information: www.evolbio.mpg.de/3856225/Dire...

evolbio.mpg.de

Directors

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

A new #PNAS Commentary spotlights our #MPI-EvolBio work: jumbo phages can transfer large mobile genetic elements between bacteria, expanding how we think about gene exchange in microbial communities. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3858689/pnas...

evolbio.mpg.de

PNAS Commentary Highlights Significance of Institute Research on Jumbo Phage–Mediated Gene Transfer

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Why mate with more than one male? A new study in house mice shows: the payoff depends on the environment. Multiple paternity was linked to larger litters only under standard, less nutritious food. With high-quality food, litter size stayed high either way. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3856402/news...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

A “Hulk” wall lizard is spreading from near Rome and changing the rules: wherever the green-and-black form appears, yellow and orange throat colour forms vanish. Data from 220 populations suggest a rapid collapse of diversity that lasted millions of years. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3853774/news...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Why doesn’t innovation spread until everyone is innovative? A new Current Biology study shows how female choice keeps behavioural diversity alive — innovative and less innovative animals pair up more often than chance. Read more 👇 www.evolbio.mpg.de/3852928/why-...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 06/01/2026

New milestone for wall lizards: 10 chromosome-level reference genomes released by MPI EvolBio, Wellcome Sanger Institute & collaborators — now >50% of described Podarcis species have high-quality references. A backbone resource for evo & pop genomics. www.evolbio.mpg.de/3851900/ten-...

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

As the year comes to a close, we are thankful for shared curiosity and inspiring discoveries. We wish everyone restful holidays and a great start to the year ahead — filled with new questions, fresh ideas, and exciting insights.

Eingangshalle des MPI EvolBio mit Weihnachtsbaum

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

🎓 IMPRS EvolBio opens its 2026 PhD call! Up to 10 doctoral positions in evolutionary biology at MPI-EB — work in an international, cutting-edge research environment where others go on vacation. Start: Sept 2026 | Deadline: Jan 11, 2026 👉 www.evolbio.mpg.de/3848518/impr... #PhD #EvolutionaryBiology

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Big congratulations to Dr Nikhil Sharma on receiving the Kiel Life Science Postdoc Award 2025! His outstanding work in theoretical biology and evolutionary graph theory makes us proud. Well deserved! 👏 #KLS #MPIEvolBio www.evolbio.mpg.de/3847270/kiel... (Photo: Christian Urban, Kiel University)

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 20/11/2025

How does each face get its unique shape? A new study maps facial development at an unprecedented resolution, identifies early “positional programs” expressed by undifferentiated cells, and sheds light on their role in human facial shape variability. 🔗 www.evolbio.mpg.de/3846176/news...

Early face positional programs are like "zip codes", marking the position of structures like the whiskers, nostrils and palate in the mouse embryo face.

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Reposted by MPI for Evolutionary Biology

Graduiertenzentrum der CAU @gcscicom.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Warum sind Kinder keine halben Kopien ihrer Eltern? Wie beeinflusst die DNA unsere Fruchtbarkeit? Rajalekshmi Narayana Sarma beantwortet diese und weitere spannende Fragen am Freitag um 21:00 Uhr im Frederik-Paulsen-Hörsaal bei der #NightOfTheProfs der @uni-kiel.de. @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

🎉 Congrats to Prof. John Baines, associated member of the MPI for Evolutionary Biology, on being named a Highly Cited Researcher 2025 by Clarivate! Proud to see his work among the global top 1% of most cited research. www.uksh.de/Das+UKSH/Neu... (Photo-credits: UKSH)

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Rajalekshmi N. Sarma (MPI EvolBio) will be speaking at Kiel University’s Night of the Profs this Friday! Catch her Science Show talk at 21:00 in the Frederik-Paulsen Lecture Hall. Free admission — bring your friends and family! More info: uni-kiel.de/de/veranstaltungen/night-of-the-profs (CAU Kiel)

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 14/11/2025

Big cheers from MPI for Evolutionary Biology! 🎉 Our alumna Dr. Christin Nyhoegen wins the KlarText Prize 2025 for her piece “Penicillin and a Small Dose of Mathematics.” She shows how math helps improve antibiotic treatments and prevent resistance. 👏 #KlarTextPreis #MPIEvolBio #ScienceCommunication

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MPI for Evolutionary Biology @mpi-evolbio.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Bacteria can borrow viruses to spread defence genes! 🦠🔬 Researchers at @MPI_EvolBio found that “jumbo phages” can carry bacterial mobile DNA, allowing the bacteria to hijack viral machinery for their own protection. 👉 www.evolbio.mpg.de/3840277/news...

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