iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

📅 Save the date! The next VGP In-Person Conference will be held Wednesday, April 7th - Friday, 9th 2027 at Rockefeller University in New York City. Registration and program details coming soon! vertebrategenomesproject.org/events

0175

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Sonja Vernes @sonjavernes.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

🦇 Bat1K's biggest paper yet is out. Largest bat genome + fossil study ever: 103 genomes, 44 fossils, 137 researchers. We rewrote the bat family tree! Bats likely originated in Europe ~65 million years ago, not Asia, Africa or Americas. @bat1kgenomes.bsky.social doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11007-3

16429

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

The Vertebrate Genome Lab is hiring! We are seeking a project manager to coordinate the implementation of an NSF Mid-scale Research Infrastructure-1 grant to sequence and assemble reference-quality genomes at scale. Apply here: careers.rockefeller.edu/jobs/2206?la...

careers.rockefeller.edu

Project Manager | Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language in New York, New York | Rockefeller University

The Rockefeller University is hiring a Project Manager | Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language in New York, New York. Review all of the job details and apply today!

000

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Meet the hellbender, North America’s biggest salamander, a walking water quality test, and the owner of a genome 16x bigger than that of human beings.

173

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

🐦🧬 What does it take to complete the genome of a songbird? The Vertebrate Genomes Project has produced the first complete, fully phased reference genome of the zebra finch (𝘛𝘢𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘱𝘺𝘨𝘪𝘢 𝘨𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘢). Getting there took more than simply generating more sequence. #T2T #VGP #Genomics #GenomeAssembly

A male zebra finch with a bright red-orange beak, orange cheek patch, striped chest, and spotted brown wings. Text asks, “What does it take to complete the genome of a songbird?” and explains that the Vertebrate Genomes Project produced the first truly complete, fully diploid, fully phased reference genome of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata).

A male zebra finch standing on rocky ground. Text explains that bird genomes are relatively small, but some of their tiniest chromosomes are difficult to sequence. The complete zebra finch genome revealed 7 macrochromosomes, 21 microchromosomes, and 11 tiny dot chromosomes.

06022

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Sibelle Vilaça @sibellevilaca.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

We have a new paper! Here we argue that the Global South needs to play a central role in biodiversity genomics, and not be relegated to sample providers. We also propose a pathway forward. #genomics #consgen www.frontiersin.org/journals/sci...

frontiersin.org

Frontiers | Sequencing life on Earth: why the Global South must be central

The biodiversity crisis is accelerating, with recent IUCN Red List confirming multiple recent species extinctions (IUCN, 2025). Of the 17 megadiverse countri...

0189

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

✨ Species spotlight ✨ Say hello to the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) 🦫, one of North America’s ultimate ecosystem engineers and the official state animal of New York and Oregon. A fitting honor for an animal that has played such an important role in shaping wetlands and waterways.

Spotlight species

North American Beaver

The official New York state animal (mammal)

NATURE’S MASTER ENGINEER

Beavers are famous for building dams and lodges, but they’re doing much more than building homes. By slowing water and creating wetlands, they transform entire landscapes, providing habitat for fish, birds, amphibians, insects, and many other species.

"An engineer worthy of the crown" - King George from Hoppers

DID YOU KNOW?

Beaver teeth are naturally orange because they’re reinforced with iron, making them incredibly strong.
They have transparent eyelids that work like built-in swimming goggles.
They’re mostly active during the evening and at night.

"Wait... why don't I have orange teeth?" - Mabel from Hoppers

Let's just say the illustrator took some creative liberties.

BUILDING MORE THAN JUST DAMS

Beavers build ecosystems, and we’re helping build genomic resources.
As part of VGP Phase 1, our lab generated a high-quality reference genome for the North American beaver (Castor canadensis), creating a valuable resource for future studies in genomics, evolution, and conservation.

"A beaver blueprint? That's so cool!" - Loaf from Hoppers

141

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Sage Science @sagescience.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

PippinHT was part of the workflow behind the first complete genome of a songbird 🐦 Our >10 kbp size selection prepped the PacBio HiFi library for this fully phased, T2T zebra finch reference from @erichjarvis.bsky.social and @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social - now out in @cellpress.bsky.social

cell.com

The complete genome of a songbird

A phased diploid telomere-to-telomere reference genome for the zebra finch fully resolves its complete somatic chromosome set, recovering 2,710 previously missing or unannotated genes. The assembly al...

022

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

🧬 The VGP Phase I preprint is out! 🎉 The Vertebrate Genomes Project has completed Phase I, delivering 816 of the highest-quality vertebrate reference genomes ever produced. Explore this major new resource for vertebrate genomics: 📄 tinyurl.com/VGPphase1 @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social #Genomics

Graphic featuring a collage of diverse vertebrates, including a chameleon, sea turtle, frog, whale, bat, duck, axolotl, shark, echidna, salamander, bird, tropical fish, leopard, crocodile, cassowary, clownfish, Komodo dragon, snake and deep-sea fish. Text reads: “A New Milestone for Vertebrate Genomics.” The Vertebrate Genomes Project (VGP) has completed Phase I, delivering 816 high-quality reference genomes spanning 95% of vertebrate orders.

Underwater photograph of a humpback whale swimming beneath the ocean surface. Text reads: “Why Vertebrates? More than 70,000 vertebrate species inhabit our planet.” High-quality reference genomes help researchers understand evolution, biodiversity, conservation and adaptation.

13225

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Cell - a Cell Press journal @cp-cell.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

New issue alert👉https://cell.com/cell/current On the cover: The Telomere-to-Telomere Consortium has finished the complete, diploid genome of a person. The cover is inspired by a karyotype of the chromosomes in metaphase, representing the two haplotypes as different colors.

13214

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Adam Phillippy @aphillippy.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

For the past 30 years, “whole-genome sequencing” has been a misnomer. Today the T2T Consortium publishes a dozen papers heralding a future of truly complete genomes for humans and nearly any vertebrate 👨‍🔬🐒🐦🐀🦒🐎🫏🐹🐟 (sorry, no salamanders): www.cell.com/consortium/t... 🧵[1/15]

3202106

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

We are excited to officially share the first fully phased telomere-to-telomere (T2T) reference genome for a songbird! 🐦 www.cell.com/cell/fulltex...

manuscript alert

The Complete Genome of a Songbird

a major milestone in bird genomics

This new genome closes nearly all previous gaps, including complex heterochromatic regions, microchromosomes, and sex chromosomes. Built using a combination of PacBio HiFi long reads, ONT ultra-long reads, Arima Genomics Hi-C reads for chromosome scaffolding, and Illumina parental short reads for haplotype phasing, this T2T assembly provides an unprecented view of the zebra finch genome and advances research of vocal learning and evolution.

featured in a special issue in Cell

Images:
- Article title and authors
- QR code for manuscript
- Cell T2T issue cover

14116

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Gokcumen Lab @gokcumenlab.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Typeset version of new paper out in @genomebiolevol.bsky.social. Link: academic.oup.com/gbe/article/... We identified segmental duplications in genomes from 117 vertebrate species (thanks to @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social ). We describe the properties and evolution of segmental duplications.

academic.oup.com

Genomes From 117 Vertebrate Species Reveal Rapidly Evolving Segmental-Duplication Landscapes

Abstract. Segmental duplications are major drivers of evolutionary innovation; yet, their dynamics across vertebrates remain poorly understood. Here, we id

2239

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Happy Shark Awareness Day! Today, we’re highlighting a few of the incredible shark species whose genomes have been sequenced for the VGP. Each of these species helps expand our understanding of shark evolution, biodiversity, and conservation.

1195

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Last week, members of the Vertebrate Genome Lab attended the 2026 Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution conference in Copenhagen. Check out the exciting work they presented! 🇩🇰 @official-smbe.bsky.social #SMBE2026

0144

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

🚨 MANUSCRIPT ALERT 🚨 The VGP Phase I manuscript pre-print is now live on bioRxiv! 🧬 doi.org/10.64898/202... Over 8 years, the VGP generated reference genomes for more than 800 vertebrate species, spanning ~95% of vertebrate orders and delivering some of the highest-quality genomes ever produced.

A graphic announcing the release of the Vertebrate Genomes Project Phase 1 manuscript on bioRxiv with drawings of various vertebrate creatures.

The title and author list of the VGP manuscript, "The Vertebrate Genomes Project Phase I: A global reference genome resource"

A QR code linking to the pre-print of the VGP manuscript

35325

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

If you would like to self nominate or nominate another person, the form is available here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... The deadline is 31 May 2026.

071

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

The Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee is seeking 4-6 new members. This year, priorities include developing an EBP demographic survey and expanding outreach, education, and storytelling in biodiversity genomics.

1112

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

The American Genetic Association @theaga.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Here's a genome from the Vertebrate Genomes Project (vertebrategenomespro...): a chromosome-level assembly for the false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)! 🐋 This resource advances cetacean research and conservation. Photo: Stefan Thiesen Buntrabe 1/2

3269

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

A major milestone for biodiversity genomics: EBP-affiliated projects have now contributed over 6,000 genome assemblies toward the goal of sequencing all known eukaryotic life. 🧬 Thank you to all EBP-affiliated projects behind this work, from sampling and DNA extraction to sequencing and assembly.

1277

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Braasch Lab @ Michigan State University @fishevodevogeno.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

#OTD 10 years ago we published the spotted #gar genome. 600+ citations later, we are proud of its impact on vertebrate genomics. @jpostlethwait.bsky.social Check out the new assemblies generated with @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/datasets/gen... #EndlessFishMostBeautiful

1275

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

The global EBP network of genome sequencing centres is pushing the boundaries of amphibian genomics — accelerating discovery and advancing the mission to generate reference genomes for all eukaryotic life on Earth.🧬🌍 @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social @ergabiodiv.bsky.social

Alt EN: Image shows a pale pink axolotl underwater with feathery external gills and soft, diffused light, resting on aquatic plants and rock. Text on image: “Represent a key evolutionary transition. As some of the first vertebrates to move from water to land, they illuminate the evolution of limbs, lungs, skin, and terrestrial life.”

Alt ES: Imagen de un ajolote rosado pálido bajo el agua, con branquias externas plumosas y luz suave, apoyado sobre plantas acuáticas y una roca. Texto en la imagen: “Representan una transición evolutiva clave. Como algunos de los primeros vertebrados en pasar del agua a la tierra, iluminan la evolución de las extremidades, los pulmones, la piel y la vida terrestre.”Alt ES: Imagen de una rana Corroboree del sur de color amarillo brillante con franjas negras, posada sobre musgo verde intenso. Texto en la imagen: “Los genomas de referencia ayudan a combatir enfermedades graves. Patógenos como la quitridiomicosis han causado declives globales. Los genomas permiten estudiar la respuesta inmune, la resistencia y la interacción huésped-patógeno.”

Alt EN: Image shows a striped salamander resting on a mossy forest floor with green vegetation and soil visible. Text on image: “They have some of the most complex genomes known. Large and repetitive genomes drive advances in sequencing technologies and analysis.”
Alt ES: Imagen de una salamandra rayada descansando sobre un suelo de bosque cubierto de musgo y vegetación verde. Texto en la imagen: “Tienen algunos de los genomas más complejos conocidos. Los genomas grandes y repetitivos impulsan avances en las tecnologías de secuenciación y análisis.”

1143

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

📬 Read the latest issue of EBP Life and meet the people making it happen. 🌍 Read it here 👉https://gqr.sh/kx7m @mblaxter.bsky.social | @crawfordaj.bsky.social | @kstsosie.bsky.social | @scaioc.bsky.social | @rmwaterhouse.bsky.social | @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social |

293

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

Thanks to the support of @wcs.org and Google Research, we have sequenced and assembled the genomes of nine endangered species, with more on the way! To learn more: blog.google/innovation-a...

African penguin
Source: Wildlife Conservation Society

Cotton top tamarin
Source: Wildlife Conservation Society

Eld's deer
Source: Wildlife Conservation Society

Elongated tortoise
Source: Wich’yanan (Jay) Limparungpatthanakij, via inaturalist.org and Wikimedia Commons

062

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Accuracy isn’t just better data — it’s global infrastructure. 🧬🌍 That’s why EBP sets the bar high. By prioritizing near-complete, reference-grade genomes, EBP reduces assembly artefacts and misleading biological inferences — ensuring downstream analyses reflect real biology, not technical error.

1125

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

The Rockefeller University @rockefeller.edu · 28/01/2026

Rockefeller's Vertebrate Genome Laboratory (vertebrategenomes.bsky.social) has received support from Google.org for #AI science research. The funding will help the VGL accelerate the production and analysis of high-quality genomes across Earth’s #biodiversity.

eurekalert.org

The Vertebrate Genome Laboratory at The Rockefeller University receives support from Google.org for AI science research

The initiative will harness AI to accelerate scaling up high-quality genomes across Earth’s biodiversity.

041

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Physalia-courses@ONLINE @physaliacourses.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Interested in #GenomeAssembly & #GenomeAnnotation? Join our March course to learn how to create high-quality, haplotype-phased genomes using Illumina, @pacbio.bsky.social @nanoporetech.com & more. www.physalia-courses.org/courses-work... #Genomics #Bioinformatics @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social

053

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

Earlier this month, we had an incredible week in NYC launching GAIA (Genomic AI Applications)! We are grateful to @bezosearthfund.org and Google Research for supporting this work to democratize genomic conservation.

130

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Jill Wegrzyn @jillwegrzyn.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Excited to host our @nanoporetech.com Org.one workshop: #Genomes for the #Conservation of Endangered Species at #PAG33 on Fri Jan 9th 10:30am! Join us for a set of biodiverse talks 🌳🦜 🐸 🧬 @uconnresearch.bsky.social @ebpgenome.bsky.social @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social

033

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Ran the same literature search through Claude Code and ChatGPT. Found ZERO papers in common despite using identical databases. Both searches were useful in finding what I need, but lack of overlap was ... slightly concerning. The lesson: AI tools are powerful but limited. Use multiple (1/2)

130

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

⚡ We've released a new version of rdeval! v0.0.8 includes full support for @pacbio.bsky.social CiFi read preprocessing, visualization report improvements, and upgrades to performance and parallelization! 🔗 Release notes and source code: github.com/vgl-hub/rdev...

github.com

Release rdeval v0.0.8 · vgl-hub/rdeval

Changes in this Release New Features Added full support for PacBio CiFi read preprocessing, including CiFi-specific metrics, biologically precise cut-site handling, examples, and test datasets. Re...

041

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

Looking forward to collaborating with Andrew Carroll and Google Research as we work to develop AI tools for genome sequencing and assembly! www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wfn...

youtube.com

Decoding Life on Earth | Google and the Earth Biogenome Project

YouTube video by Google Research

085

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

🐢💙 Big win for sea turtle conservation! Genome-informed conservation is helping keep these icons in our seas. 🌊 📄 Explore the 2025 publication: bit.ly/4ogC36B 🌊 Dive deeper into how these and other EBP-affiliated reference genomes are benefiting marine life in our latest newsletter: bit.ly/4qhJdZK

194

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

🌱✨This support advances the project's mission to make genetic rescue accessible to every conservationist. 📄 More here: lnkd.in/gMtdygTW Revive & Restore will develop AI tools to 🤖 automate reference genome assembly for endangered species, dramatically accelerating the path from sample to genome.

061

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 29/10/2025

🚀🧬 Revive & Restore is pioneering a new era of conservation — using AI and genomics to protect life on Earth. 🎉👏We’re thrilled to celebrate Revive & Restore for being awarded a $2M grant from the Bezos Earth Fund’s AI for Climate & Nature Grand Challenge. 🌱✨ @bezosearthfund.org

191

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

Congratulations to Ben Novak and Revive & Restore for being selected as one of 15 award recipients of the @bezosearthfund.org's first AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge! reviverestore.org/revive-resto...

reviverestore.org

Revive & Restore Receives $2M as One of 15 Awarded Projects in Bezos Earth Fund’s first AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge - Revive & Restore

140

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 21/10/2025

Discover one of Galaxy’s true superpowers — dataset collections! 🌟 Check out the blog (galaxyproject.org/news/2025-10-21-w…) and video (youtu.be/yehY9tR_NX8?si=YH9CZ5KGWm2…) to see how they can simplify your workflows. You might just find yourself wondering, (1/2)

120

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Adam Phillippy @aphillippy.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

The T2T zebra finch genome has hatched! 🐣 🧬 @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social

0237

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

This week, we hosted over 100 scientists at Rockefeller University in New York City for our 2025 in-person conference.

Group photo by the Rockefeller University River Campus.

Q&A at the 2025 VGP in-person conference.

Erich Jarvis speaking at the planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History.

Attendees at the 2025 VGP in-person conference.

1103

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

🧬 1 more week until the VGP in-person conference! Can't make it to New York City? Sign up to attend virtually: www.eventbrite.com/e/vertebrate...

eventbrite.com

021

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

🐭 Thanks to the RefSeq team at NCBI, we now have an annotated genome assembly for the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), found throughout eastern North America! (1/4)

A photo of a meadow vole in the snow taken by Craig K. Hunt (iNaturalist)

A photo of juvenile meadow voles resting taken by Charles Brown (iNaturalist)

A photo of a meadow vole chewing on a twig, taken by Liam Ragan (iNaturalist)

130

Reposted by Vertebrate Genomes Project

Earth BioGenome Project 🌍 @ebpgenome.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

🚀🧬🔥 Hot off the press — 2025! Don’t miss this must-read publication: bit.ly/4mJwFb7 This groundbreaking paper sets the stage for Earth BioGenome Project Phase II — where EBP is gearing up to scale genome sequencing 10× faster than ever before! 🌍✨

13421

Vertebrate Genomes Project @vertebrategenomes.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

🐸 We are thrilled to announce an annotated genome assembly for the Darwin's frog (Rhinoderma darwinii), first described by Charles Darwin during his voyage on HMS Beagle on a trip to Chile. R. darwinii is currently classified as an endangered species by the International Union for (1/4)

Image of a Darwin's frog by crisinho (CC-BY-NC iNaturalist)

Image of a Darwin's frog by Victor Raimilla (CC-BY-NC iNaturalist)

192