Doing great science depends on teamwork, whether this is within the lab or in collaboration with other labs. However, sometimes the resources that support our work can be overlooked. In our new series, ‘Featured Resource’, we aim to shine a light on these unsung heroes of the science world. For our second article, we interviewed Kevin Thiessen, the person behind the twitter account @ZebrafishRock. Read on to find out more about Kevin, the information he shares on @ZebrafishRock, and how it can help your scientific career. To conclude our post, we borrow some feedback collected by Joaquín Navajas Acedo (aka @MadS100tist) to support his nomination of Kevin for the SDB ‘Trainee Science Communication Award’.

Kevin, please could you start by introducing yourself and tell us about your scientific background and your current research.

I’ve been in research labs for the last twelve years with diverse topics that have ranged from pancreatic cancer in mice, to innate immunity of avian species, to inner ear development in fish. I worked as a technician after my undergraduate studies before going to graduate school at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. I earned my PhD in Biomedical Sciences in 2019. Then, I was in Germany for a couple years doing a postdoctoral fellowship at Ulm University, where I researched heart development and regeneration. Currently, I am a Research Associate at the University of Bristol, UK, working with Dr Beck Richardson and the Scar Free Foundation to uncover genes that are involved with scarring and wound healing. Zebrafish are an optimal research organism as they utilise scar free healing of wounds such as the heart and skin. As part of the Scar Free mission, we hope to activate or supress these processes in humans to achieve a world without scarring.

Why (and when) did you start ‘Zebrafish Rock!’?

I originally started the account in 2016, during graduate school, to share my enthusiasm about zebrafish as I was active in a lot of community outreach using this model. On Twitter, I would act like a personified zebrafish and interact with others on the platform. It was largely anonymous and mischievous, but at the same time I would highlight everything related to zebrafish on the feed. It became quite popular with over a thousand followers. Unfortunately, I couldn’t maintain the account as my mental health suffered in graduate school near the end of 2016, so I decided to close the account the following year. Once I was in a better place mentally, I reopened the account in 2018 with the goal of establishing Zebrafish Rock! as a central feed for all things zebrafish. The anonymity was now gone, which did wonders for my mental health. The revamped coverage removes the nonsense and focuses on the news, research, and jobs. Now, the account has nearly seven thousand followers and I think that’s attributed to the new consistent coverage.

What information do you aim to share?

I really try to highlight anything that is new and exciting in the field. I’m not very selective in what the account promotes. If I haven’t seen it before, it usually gets a retweet. I especially love when first authors (who are usually graduate students and Postdocs) share a thread about their new research papers. Also, I’ve started to cover other teleost models such as cavefish and killifish to connect them with the zebrafish community.

Which are your favourite posts to write?

It takes a lot of my spare time on Sunday mornings, but I enjoy writing the #DanioDigest. It covers everything from community news to recent papers/preprints and job postings. I enjoy it because it gives me time to educate myself on the latest research and I believe it benefits others that may not have as much time to sort through the whole feed. I try to post it every two weeks, if my schedule allows it.

What is your favourite hashtag and what are the top hashtags to look out for?

My favourite hashtag must be #GuessThatISH. The zebrafish community is really lucky to have an outstanding resource such as the zebrafish model organism database, ZFIN. One of their best features is the carefully curated and extensive list of in situ expression images by Thisse and Thisse et al. I use these images to play a fun guessing game with the community. The answers can be hilarious during the ‘Wrong Answers Only’ edition.

The most popular hashtag has been #AskZebrafish, where people ask questions to the online community. If I know someone that might have an answer or can help, I usually ping them in the replies. It creates great discussions. The hashtag has been successful with people finding transgenic fish stocks, reagents, and helpful advice. Other popular hashtags include #ZebrafishJobs (where people post open positions) and #ZebrafishZunday (where I share images and videos of zebrafish with credit on Sundays).

Do you have any new features planned for ‘Zebrafish Rock!’?

I constantly have new ideas for features and I often lose track of the ones I have done in the past. There are a few I want to bring back such as #ZebrafishFunFacts (as the name implies, this is interesting fun facts about zebrafish) and #TeleostTalk (focussing on different teleost models used in biomedical research). A new feature I’m working on is #KnowYourZDM, where I highlight zebrafish research models of human disease.

What can the community do to help?

The community has really embraced the account and I’m really thankful for that. They can continue to tell their colleagues and labmates about the benefits of using Twitter.

‘User’ feedback

Recently Joaquín Navajas Acedo aka MadScientist asked the zebrafish community for feedback on Zebrafish Rock! so he could nominate Kevin for the SDB ‘Trainee Science Communication Award’. Click on the tweet below to read the replies he received, and scroll down the post to see a few of his favourites.

Below are some of Joaquín’s favourites:

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Welcome to our light-hearted look at the goings-on in the world of developmental biology in the last two weeks (or so).

Talking points on Twitter

• The latest craze on twitter is to post artwork using your paper title or job title as a prompt, created using the AI illustrator app https://app.wombo.art/. See our artwork using the Node strapline and ‘Vibrant’ art style below!

• Single-cell analysis still under discussion;

• and with a festive theme

• It’s nice to be nice!

• Looking for inspiration, there are so many great questions here:

Gene editing news in the News

In the UK, the government is considering proposals to allow gene editing in commercial livestock. The report emphasised the importance of putting animal welfare first.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59480907

Three days later, a paper from James Turner, Peter Ellis and colleagues explained how gene editing could spare animal suffering by producing single-sex litters

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-59505112

Prelights in #Devbio

A comprehensive 3D+t atlas of heart tube formation and looping

Thanks to the #DevBio community for making this such an interesting couple of weeks, especially on twitter. If you have some news that you think we should share with the developmental biology community on our blog, please get in touch at thenode@biologists.com. If you are interested in getting involved with writing preLights you can find out more here.

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In the latest Genetics Unzipped podcast, Kat Arney chats with Professor Paige Harden from the University of Texas about her new book, The Genetic Lottery, exploring how genetic variations might affect our chances in life, and what – if anything – we should do with this information.

Harden argues that variations in our DNA that make us different, in terms of our personalities and our health, can affect our chances of educational and economic success in life. Rather than ignoring these differences, or simply saying “well, if it’s genetic, what can you do about it?”, she puts forward some ideas for how we can use our knowledge about genetics to achieve more equitable outcomes for everyone.

Genetics Unzipped is the podcast from The Genetics Society. Full transcript, links and references available online at GeneticsUnzipped.com.

Subscribe from Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Head over to GeneticsUnzipped.com to catch up on our extensive back catalogue.

If you enjoy the show, please do rate and review on Apple podcasts and help to spread the word on social media. And you can always send feedback and suggestions for future episodes and guests to podcast@geneticsunzipped.com Follow us on Twitter – @geneticsunzip

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2021 has been an exciting year for both FocalPlane and the Node; both sites have new Community Managers, new series and new contributors. To celebrate the end of the year and to look forward into 2022, we bring you our Countdown to 2022. Each day we will feature an image from a scientist or illustrator that has contributed to our sites over the past year. We would like to thank all the participants for contributing to the calendar, particularly those that made original artwork/compositions.

We hope you enjoy viewing the calendar as much as we enjoyed making it!

Best wishes,

Esperanza and Helen

You can view the calendar here, and see daily update on our twitter, Instagram and Facebook

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My glimpse into systems biology

I was introduced to the ideas of systems biology during my first year of Natural Sciences at Cambridge University. The interplay between modelling and data collection was very appealing to me. Thanks to one of my supervisors – Tim Fulton (also a PhD student in the Steventon Lab, University of Cambridge)- I was exposed to it in the context of developmental biology. He helped me get in touch with Dr Berta Verd whose interdisciplinary approach to research enticed me. We talked a lot and came up together with my project. Due to Covid we had to modify it to include modelling, but I found it more rewarding that way!

Studying bipotent posterior progenitors in Cichlids

I researched Neuromesodermal progenitor cells (NMps). They are a very interesting population of cells, persisting beyond gastrulation to generate both mesodermal and neural fates in the late embryo. This progenitor state is characterised by coexpression of two transcription factors – Brachyury (Tbxta) and Sox2 (Henrique et al. 2015). There are inter-specific differences in their proliferation dynamics – in chick and mouse embryos they proliferate, but in zebrafish they do not (Steventon and Martinez Arias 2017). This suggests they might be tuneable during the evolution of different axial elongation patterns (Sambasivan and Steventon 2021). My project was part of a larger effort in the Verd lab to see whether this might explain axial diversity observed in Lake Malawi cichlids.

I studied the NMps in Astatotilapia calliptera and Rhamphochromis chillingali – two species of cichlids from the Lake Malawi flock. They underwent a recent radial adaptation around a million years ago. Remarkably, the genetic differences between these species are very small (between 0.1-0.25% inter-specific divergence), while the morphological differences are immense (Malinsky et al. 2018). In particular, the vertebral count differs between those 2 species, making them a very suitable experimental system for studying the evolution of axial elongation.

I did in situ hybridisations of the fish embryos at various stages, with the help of Shannon Taylor – a PhD student in the Verd Lab. We used Hybridisation Chain Reaction v3.0 (Choi et al. 2018). Despite our best efforts we did not manage to get Sox2 to work in the tailbud. This meant I could not quantify NMps as one of the crucial markers was missing. This was a very humbling experience – experimental biology is much more capricious than I had thought. However, it also showed me what cooperation between labs can look like. Tim did a lot of HCR staining in zebrafish at the Steventon lab in Cambridge and so we asked him for advice. It turned out it took them a few months to get Sox2 working! This was very reassuring. Tim gave us some tips, but we only managed to try some of them. Figure 1. contains some of the best images we obtained.

Modelling axial elongation

In parallel to the experimental work, I investigated the effect of blebbistatin – a myosin II inhibitor – on somitogenesis and axial elongation in zebrafish. In collaboration with the Steventon lab I analysed almost 100 timelapses of zebrafish embryos in order to determine if the rate of somitogenesis is influenced by blebbistatin. My analysis showed that it is not changed (Figure 2.). Other experiments with dye injection and cell tracking from the Steventon lab showed that the tail still elongates, but with limited cell mixing. This got us curious, how is that possible?

In order to help address that problem I developed a conceptual model of the zebrafish Presomitic Mesoderm (PSM) elongation. I approximated the PSM as a uniform tissue in the form of a cut-off cone. To recreate the convergence-extension mechanism responsible for axial elongation in the zebrafish tail (Thomson et al 2021; Tada and Heisenberg 2012) I gave the cells two rules for movement: they have to stay a certain range of distances apart from each other, keeping the tissues continuous and preventing cells from occupying the same space; and the cells converge towards the x-axis, mimicking the convergence movements. I found that certain combinations of parameter values indeed lead to elongation without extensive mixing, which shows that – in agreement with our experimental observations – mixing itself seems to not be required for elongation but might rather be a side effect of a certain mode of elongation (Figure 3.).

Summary

This was my first time being fully immersed in the lab. I actively took part in the lab meetings and journal clubs which were just as edifying as research itself! Overall, this was an incredible experience. It showed me that experimental biology is unpredictable and the relationship between results and time invested is non-linear. In contrast, computational biology has a much more linear relationship, almost always yielding something interesting! It also gives you the space to learn and think about underlying biological processes, how to recreate them in silico, consolidating your knowledge. This probably furthered my understanding of development the most! I am adamant I want to incorporate both experimental and computational approaches in my future research. I also gained much more understanding and appreciation of developmental biology and I want to specialise in it. I want to thank Berta, Tim, Shannon, Charlotte, Georgina, James, and Callum for welcoming me into their lab and helping me with the project, as well as BSDB for funding it.

References

Choi, Harry M.T., Maayan Schwarzkopf, Mark E. Fornace, Aneesh Acharya, Georgios Artavanis, Johannes Stegmaier, Alexandre Cunha, and Niles A. Pierce. 2018. “Third-Generation in Situ Hybridization Chain Reaction: Multiplexed, Quantitative, Sensitive, Versatile, Robust.” Development (Cambridge) 145 (12). https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.165753.

Henrique, Domingos, Elsa Abranches, Laure Verrier, and Kate G. Storey. 2015. “Neuromesodermal Progenitors and the Making of the Spinal Cord.” Development (Cambridge) 142 (17): 2864–75. https://doi.org/10.1242/dev.119768.

Malinsky, Milan, Hannes Svardal, Alexandra M. Tyers, Eric A. Miska, Martin J. Genner, George F. Turner, and Richard Durbin. 2018. “Whole-Genome Sequences of Malawi Cichlids Reveal Multiple Radiations Interconnected by Gene Flow.” Nature Ecology and Evolution 2 (12): 1940–55. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-018-0717-x.

Sambasivan, Ramkumar, and Benjamin Steventon. 2021. “Neuromesodermal Progenitors: A Basis for Robust Axial Patterning in Development and Evolution.” Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. Frontiers Media S.A. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2020.607516.

Steventon, Ben, and Alfonso Martinez Arias. 2017. “Evo-Engineering and the Cellular and Molecular Origins of the Vertebrate Spinal Cord.” Developmental Biology 432 (1): 3–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.YDBIO.2017.01.021.

Tada, Masazumi, and Carl-Philipp Heisenberg. 2012. “Convergent Extension: Using Collective Cell Migration and Cell Intercalation to Shape Embryos.” Development 139 (21): 3897–3904. https://doi.org/10.1242/DEV.073007.

Thomson, Lewis, Leila Muresan, and Benjamin Steventon. 2021. “The Zebrafish Presomitic Mesoderm Elongates through Compression-Extension.” BioRxiv, March, 2021.03.11.434927. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.11.434927.

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The IBDM is an internationally renowned research center in developmental biology that studies fundamental mechanisms governing the organization and function of biological systems, using multiscale approaches in a range of animal and cellular models. Research activities at the IBDM synergistically connect developmental biology with molecular, cell and computational biology, as well as evolution, neurobiology, physiology, physiopathology, biophysics, and cancer. The IBDM uniquely fosters interdisciplinary approaches by its intimate connections with various research-training networks within the Aix-Marseille University (AMU) (CenTuri, NeuroMarseille, ICI (Cancer-Immuno), MarMaRa (Rare-Diseases), Marseille Imaging, Canceropôle-PACA).

The IBDM, affiliated with CNRS and AMU, strongly benefits from its collaborative and international scientific culture, English working language, and its fantastic environment on the Marseille Luminy campus, located in the heart of the Calanques National Park.

The IBDM is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity. The selected candidates will receive support to establish a group in a fully renovated building, have access to cutting-edge scientific core facilities,and will be assisted in obtaining a tenured position (CNRS or AMU), and in securing extramural funding (ATIP/Avenir, ERC, etc…).

To apply

• Candidates should provide the following information in a single PDF file: a cover letter explaining their motivation to join the IBDM, a CV, a summary of their main research achievements (2 pages maximum), a future research project (5 pages maximum), and contacts of three references.
• Applications and queries should be sent to the search committee (ibdm-call2022@univ-amu.fr) before March 1st 2022.
• In person interviews will be scheduled from May 2022.

Contact

ibdm-call2022@univ-amu.fr

Annoucement in pdf

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Wednesday 8 December 2021 – 15:00 GMT

For our final Development presents… webinar of 2021, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our zebrafish issue. Guest chair Alex Schier (Harvard University and Biozentrum, University of Basel) has invited three authors of recent zebrafish preprints to present their work.

The webinar will be held in Remo, our browser-based conferencing platform. After the talks you’ll have the chance to meet the speakers and other participants at virtual conference tables. If you can’t make it on the day, talks will be available to watch after the event on the Node. You can also sign up to our mailing list for email alerts.

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Journal of Cell Science is pleased to invite submissions for the first JCS essay series. The theme is ‘Equity, diversity and inclusion in cell biology’, an important, relevant and timely issue that should be a guiding force in all that we do. We hear the terms being used more and more these days, but we’re all still early in the journey, and at JCS we want to create an opportunity to amplify voices that are not always heard in this space. Has equity, diversity and/or inclusion shaped your experience as a cell biologist in some way? We want to hear about and learn from your stories. We will publish a selection of submissions in the journal in an ongoing series and reward a stand-out essay from the initial call, chosen by a selection of our Editors and Editorial Advisory Board members, with a £500 prize.

All essays must be original pieces that have not been previously published. Any cell biologist at any career stage can submit an essay. Submissions must not be more than 2,000 words and can include figures and images. Please send your essay to jcs.essay@biologists.com.

The closing date has been extended to 15 January 2022.

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On Wednesday 10 November, Development hosted three talks on stem cells and disease models.

Below you’ll find each of the talks, plus a Q&A chaired by Development Editor James Wells. The next #DevPres webinar will be a zebrafish special to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Zebrafish Issue. It will be held on 8 December 2021 at 15:00 GMT, chaired by Alex Schier – subscribe to our mailing list for updates.

Dhruv Raina (formerly Max Planck Institute for Molecular Physiology, now Mosa Meat)
‘Cell-cell communication through FGF4 generates and maintains robust proportions of differentiated cell types in embryonic stem cells’

The work Dhruv presented was published in Development

Szilvia Galgoczi (Rockefeller University)
‘Huntingtin CAG expansion impairs germ layer patterning in synthetic human 2D gastruloids through polarity defects’

The research that Szilvia presented was published in Development

Marco Trizzino (Thomas Jefferson University)
‘Inability to switch from ARID1A-BAF to ARID1B-BAF impairs exit from pluripotency and commitment towards neural crest differentiation in ARID1B-related neurodevelopmental disorders’

The research presented by Marco was published in Nature Communications

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Welcome to our light-hearted look at the goings on in the world of developmental biology in the last two weeks (or so).

Talking points on Twitter

• Presenting single-cell data part II

• There is a lot of pseudoscience in the Matrix, but maybe this one is actually ok!?

• One machine, so many potential uses

‘On the pod’

• EMBO podcast with Maria Leptin

https://www.embo.org/podcasts/the-best-laid-schemes-of-flies-and-fish/

• Hormones and ageing

https://insidehormones.podbean.com/e/can-i-hack-my-hormones-to-beat-ageing/

• Stem cells and disease modelling

prelight in #devbio

Keeping TEMPO with cell fate transitions – a new technique allows for the temporal labeling and manipulation of cell lineages in vertebrate models.

Thanks to the #DevBio community for sharing their thoughts, especially on twitter. If you have some news that you think we should share on our blog, please get in touch at thenode@biologists.com. If you are interested in getting involved with writing preLights you can find out more here.

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