True story: I only found out about this dance troupe because one of my collaborators sat next to the dancer who plays the octopus on…
View More TGIF: “Okeanos” – Marine Life & Modern DanceAuthor: Holly Bik
I am a computational biologist at the University of California, Riverside. My research uses DNA sequencing and genomics to study microbial eukaryotes (yeah, nematodes!) in marine ecosystems, with an emphasis on evolution and biodiversity in the deep-sea. I can neither confirm nor deny that I like Unix more than I like going to sea.
The Deep-sea footprint of Deepwater Horizon
The title speaks for itself, but damn, look at these figures! Last week in PLoS ONE, cool kids Montagna et al. (2013) showed some rather dramatic…
View More The Deep-sea footprint of Deepwater HorizonSharks are overrated, lets talk about their microbiome
Yes, like humans (all other animals on Earth), sharks have a gut microbiome too. Everyone’s just been way too busy talking about all that Megalodon…
View More Sharks are overrated, lets talk about their microbiomeBreaking Baleen: If Walter While was Willy the Whale
Ever since I first saw Breaking Bad, I’ve been kind of obsessed with Cancer and Crystal Meth. (Legal Disclaimer: only the chemistry of Crystal Meth,…
View More Breaking Baleen: If Walter While was Willy the WhaleMarine nematodes have a microbiome too (and it’s way cooler than yours)
By now you’re probably aware that your entire skin surface (and every orafice) is swarming with millions of microbes. The human microbiome is pretty sexy…
View More Marine nematodes have a microbiome too (and it’s way cooler than yours)CSI Deep Sea: Genomic Edition
This case is short but sweet. The fossil record is what we scientists have always used to reconstruct past conditions in the ocean. Like any…
View More CSI Deep Sea: Genomic EditionSharks. Tornado. Sharknado. ‘Nuff said.
From the brilliant minds that brought you Sharktopus, the Syfy channel is premiering another gripping new thriller on Thursday, July 11th: Best part is that…
View More Sharks. Tornado. Sharknado. ‘Nuff said.All hail! Bacteria that control their squid overlords
Squid typically aren’t my thing, but I can certainly be wooed by their microbes. Example: the very awesome symbiotic relationship between the Hawaiian bobtail squid,…
View More All hail! Bacteria that control their squid overlordsAn Introduction to Social Media for Scientists, now in PLoS Biology
Science is defined by expertise. We researchers are constantly trying to expand our own knowledge, or collaborate with those who can contribute the necessary skills. Unfortunately,…
View More An Introduction to Social Media for Scientists, now in PLoS BiologyGiant Octopus Building Art!
In honor of their new “Giant Pacific Octopus” exhibit, Bristol Aquarium has commissioned some pretty badass building art. Thanks to Justin Dowling (the artist) for bringing…
View More Giant Octopus Building Art!