Why does the science on COVID-19 keep changing?!!! 😤 If we think of research like building a puzzle without knowing what it’s supposed to look like, it makes more sense... Try it out: can you guess what this will be by the 30 second mark?!

*New* in Nature Biotechnology! Researchers report a #SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus neutralization test that detects total immunodominant neutralizing antibodies targeting the viral spike protein receptor-binding domain. go.nature.com/32PGo9J

In their natural form, the CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors recognise DNA from viruses, but Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna – awarded this year’s #NobelPrize in Chemistry – proved that they could be controlled so that they can cut any DNA molecule at a predetermined site.

Woohoo!

I’m super excited to announce that I will be starting a lab at Baylor College of Medicine in June! Our lab will be studying neurodegeneration and axon regeneration in the retina using single-cell genomics. Job postings to follow but message me if you’re interested to join!

Hemlocks are one of eastern Canada's iconic tree species. But they're under threat from a nearly invisible invader. For The Walrus, I explored why this has scientists turning back to biocontrol, a practice with a long (and sometimes fraught) history: thewalrus.ca/how-do-you-kil…

Decoded: What Are Neurons? scientificamerican.com/video/decoded-… via Scientific American

Just back from the mountains and ready for the classroom!

Chromosome hats ❤️

Take this personality quiz to find out which immune cell you’re most like! #immunology

Since the discovery of CRISPR-Cas systems, people have wondered if a similar type of system exists in eukaryotes. Today, we report in nature the characterization of Fanzor, a eukaryotic RNA-guided system that can be reprogrammed for human genome editing. nature.com/articles/s4158…

Bacteria in our BRAINS?? Surprisingly, we observe translocation of gut bacteria to the brain via the vagus nerve. This occurs in mice fed a high fat diet, or without dietary changes in mouse models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and autism. 🧵 biorxiv.org/content/10.110…

A cell videoed through a microscope. DNA in the nucleus (green) and mitochondria (purple) are shown. #CellBiology

Clusters of proteins found on neurons are calcium-signaling “hotspots” that activate gene transcription, allowing neurons to produce crucial proteins. Credits: Trimmer Lab at the UC Davis School of Medicine #MedTwitter

As an academic writing coach, here are the 5 most common mistakes I see researchers make when they write their Discussion sections. A thread. 🧵 #PIchat #newPI #ECRchat

What's up Bulldogs!!