Chris Neufeld
@cneufeld.bsky.social
Ocean scientist. Coastal ecologist. Senior Aquatic Biologist at LGL Limited. Dad. Grower of food. Rider of bikes.
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
It's never occurred to me that it IS an assumption. This is the most astonishing start to a paper I've read in years:
"Living organisms are assumed to produce same-species offspring. Here, we report a shift from this norm in Messor ibericus, an ant that lays individuals from two distinct species."
"Living organisms are assumed to produce same-species offspring. Here, we report a shift from this norm in Messor ibericus, an ant that lays individuals from two distinct species."
One mother for two species via obligate cross-species cloning in ants - Nature
In a case of obligate cross-species cloning, female ants of Messor ibericus need to clone males of Messor structor to obtain sperm for producing the worker caste, resulting in males from the same mother having distinct genomes and morphologies.
www.nature.com
September 24, 2025 at 5:26 PM
It's never occurred to me that it IS an assumption. This is the most astonishing start to a paper I've read in years:
"Living organisms are assumed to produce same-species offspring. Here, we report a shift from this norm in Messor ibericus, an ant that lays individuals from two distinct species."
"Living organisms are assumed to produce same-species offspring. Here, we report a shift from this norm in Messor ibericus, an ant that lays individuals from two distinct species."
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
"We’re now closer to that goal. Putting an end to billions in fishing subsidies would restore fish stocks, support coastal communities & improve ocean health for all. The job is not yet done." @drrashidsumaila.bsky.social & @drdanielskerritt.bsky.social theconversation.com/what-the-wto...
What the WTO’s deal to curb fisheries subsidies means and what it could achieve
For decades, government subsidies have helped industrial fishing fleets to expand, often with little regard for sustainability.
theconversation.com
September 22, 2025 at 10:12 PM
"We’re now closer to that goal. Putting an end to billions in fishing subsidies would restore fish stocks, support coastal communities & improve ocean health for all. The job is not yet done." @drrashidsumaila.bsky.social & @drdanielskerritt.bsky.social theconversation.com/what-the-wto...
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
Have you ever seen a gull eat something weird?
A new citizen science project, Gulls Eating Stuff, is tracking what gulls gobble, and anyone can participate! Submit your photos, explore the observations of other gullers, and help document the changing diets of gulls for science.
A new citizen science project, Gulls Eating Stuff, is tracking what gulls gobble, and anyone can participate! Submit your photos, explore the observations of other gullers, and help document the changing diets of gulls for science.
A New Citizen Science Project Tracks Gull Diets - American Birding Association
A new citizen science project called Gulls Eating Stuff invites public submissions of gulls eating anything to help researchers study urbanization’s effects on gull diets and behavior.
www.aba.org
June 24, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Have you ever seen a gull eat something weird?
A new citizen science project, Gulls Eating Stuff, is tracking what gulls gobble, and anyone can participate! Submit your photos, explore the observations of other gullers, and help document the changing diets of gulls for science.
A new citizen science project, Gulls Eating Stuff, is tracking what gulls gobble, and anyone can participate! Submit your photos, explore the observations of other gullers, and help document the changing diets of gulls for science.
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
A few months ago, Nature published how-to guide for using ChatGPT to write your peer reviews in 30 minutes.
This is, of course, a horrible idea. Here’s my response with @jbakcoleman.bsky.social .
This is, of course, a horrible idea. Here’s my response with @jbakcoleman.bsky.social .
AI, peer review and the human activity of science
When researchers cede their scientific judgement to machines, we lose something important.
www.nature.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:01 PM
A few months ago, Nature published how-to guide for using ChatGPT to write your peer reviews in 30 minutes.
This is, of course, a horrible idea. Here’s my response with @jbakcoleman.bsky.social .
This is, of course, a horrible idea. Here’s my response with @jbakcoleman.bsky.social .
My coffee is telling me that I need to go camping 🔥⛺️.
June 19, 2025 at 5:06 PM
My coffee is telling me that I need to go camping 🔥⛺️.
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
Can kelp forests help tackle climate change? 🌿
A study led by University of Victoria researchers suggests that Canadian kelp forests may export up to 400,000 metric tons of carbon to the deep ocean each year.
theconversation.com/can-kelp-for...
@uvicscience.bsky.social @ca.theconversation.com
A study led by University of Victoria researchers suggests that Canadian kelp forests may export up to 400,000 metric tons of carbon to the deep ocean each year.
theconversation.com/can-kelp-for...
@uvicscience.bsky.social @ca.theconversation.com
Can kelp forests help tackle climate change?
Highly productive kelp forests are being touted as a natural climate solution, but do we know enough to count them as such?
theconversation.com
June 9, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Can kelp forests help tackle climate change? 🌿
A study led by University of Victoria researchers suggests that Canadian kelp forests may export up to 400,000 metric tons of carbon to the deep ocean each year.
theconversation.com/can-kelp-for...
@uvicscience.bsky.social @ca.theconversation.com
A study led by University of Victoria researchers suggests that Canadian kelp forests may export up to 400,000 metric tons of carbon to the deep ocean each year.
theconversation.com/can-kelp-for...
@uvicscience.bsky.social @ca.theconversation.com
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
🌿 You’ve probably heard forests help fight climate change by storing carbon—but what about underwater forests?
Learn how the underwater kelp forests that line Canada’s coastlines may offer an untapped option for natural climate solutions: news.uvic.ca/media-releas...
@uvicscience.bsky.social
Learn how the underwater kelp forests that line Canada’s coastlines may offer an untapped option for natural climate solutions: news.uvic.ca/media-releas...
@uvicscience.bsky.social
New national blueprint for kelp forests as blue carbon - UVic News
Kelp forests may offer an untapped option for natural climate solutions, a new study led by University of Victoria shows. Kelp forests may offer an untapped option for natural climate solutions, a new...
news.uvic.ca
June 4, 2025 at 10:59 PM
🌿 You’ve probably heard forests help fight climate change by storing carbon—but what about underwater forests?
Learn how the underwater kelp forests that line Canada’s coastlines may offer an untapped option for natural climate solutions: news.uvic.ca/media-releas...
@uvicscience.bsky.social
Learn how the underwater kelp forests that line Canada’s coastlines may offer an untapped option for natural climate solutions: news.uvic.ca/media-releas...
@uvicscience.bsky.social
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
1/ Just in time for #WorldOceanDay:
Check out our new study in #npjOceanSustainability taking critical first look at whether Canada's kelp forests can be a source of natural climate solutions.
We offers a blueprint for other countries looking to do the same.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Check out our new study in #npjOceanSustainability taking critical first look at whether Canada's kelp forests can be a source of natural climate solutions.
We offers a blueprint for other countries looking to do the same.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s44...
June 4, 2025 at 5:37 PM
1/ Just in time for #WorldOceanDay:
Check out our new study in #npjOceanSustainability taking critical first look at whether Canada's kelp forests can be a source of natural climate solutions.
We offers a blueprint for other countries looking to do the same.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Check out our new study in #npjOceanSustainability taking critical first look at whether Canada's kelp forests can be a source of natural climate solutions.
We offers a blueprint for other countries looking to do the same.
🔗 www.nature.com/articles/s44...
Found in the Fire Swamp, no doubt.
Living at over 10,000 feet (3,000 m) in elevation in the alpine crags of New Guinea, an enormous furball of a rat THIRTY THREE INCHES LONG has finally been photographed in the wild for the first time. In 2025.
🦊 www.earth.com/news/giant-w...
🦊 www.earth.com/news/giant-w...
A "Giant Woolly Rat" was just photographed for the first time ever, proving it's not a myth
Tales of a "Giant Woolly Rat" have been told for decades, yet no scientist had ever confirmed Mallomys istapantap was alive. Until now.
www.earth.com
June 4, 2025 at 1:52 PM
Found in the Fire Swamp, no doubt.
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
My ✨new paper✨ looking at how low salinity and high temperatures alter the bacterial community of sugar #kelp was just published!
Lab and field results agree: the overall changes are small, but core taxa decrease under abiotic stress
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#PhycologyFriday 🦑
Lab and field results agree: the overall changes are small, but core taxa decrease under abiotic stress
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#PhycologyFriday 🦑
May 30, 2025 at 2:48 PM
My ✨new paper✨ looking at how low salinity and high temperatures alter the bacterial community of sugar #kelp was just published!
Lab and field results agree: the overall changes are small, but core taxa decrease under abiotic stress
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#PhycologyFriday 🦑
Lab and field results agree: the overall changes are small, but core taxa decrease under abiotic stress
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
#PhycologyFriday 🦑
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
Postdoc call in Mechanistic Biodiversity Modelling (up to 6 ya) at my lab @unibonn.bsky.social. We focus on modelling terrestrial plant communities, island biogeography, range dynamics, eco-evolutionary feedbacks, diversity gradients, tropical forests, vascular epiphytes. Pls rt! shorturl.at/CL1ny
Postdoc in Mechanistic Biodiversity Modelling with temporary civil servant status (“Akademische*r Rätin*Rat)
100%, A 13, Reference number: 2025/49
shorturl.at
May 29, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Postdoc call in Mechanistic Biodiversity Modelling (up to 6 ya) at my lab @unibonn.bsky.social. We focus on modelling terrestrial plant communities, island biogeography, range dynamics, eco-evolutionary feedbacks, diversity gradients, tropical forests, vascular epiphytes. Pls rt! shorturl.at/CL1ny
Rather than signing with the conventional, "Chris", AI-enabled MS Outlook has recently decided that my emails will be betters signed as "Christmas". Super helpful when writing work emails.
May 26, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Rather than signing with the conventional, "Chris", AI-enabled MS Outlook has recently decided that my emails will be betters signed as "Christmas". Super helpful when writing work emails.
Reposted by Chris Neufeld
More shots fired in the #causalInference #ecology literature! 🌍
I'm guessing this is probably very well worth the read! onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10....
Ecology needs a causal overhaul
Ecology has yet to embrace causal inference, yet most questions in ecology are causal. Despite the common use of terms that imply causation, such as “shapes”, “drives”, or “impacts”, many studies shy...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
May 15, 2025 at 2:02 PM
More shots fired in the #causalInference #ecology literature! 🌍
For me: Hansel and Gretel, not cool.
For our kids: anything with a Tomten.
For our kids: anything with a Tomten.
Screw your favorite book, which was the first that upset you?
A Wrinkle in Time was mine. The possessed baby scared the everloving shit out of me. My babysitter had to call my mom to come home early because I was hysterical.
A Wrinkle in Time was mine. The possessed baby scared the everloving shit out of me. My babysitter had to call my mom to come home early because I was hysterical.
May 13, 2025 at 4:01 AM
For me: Hansel and Gretel, not cool.
For our kids: anything with a Tomten.
For our kids: anything with a Tomten.
For anyone who grew up in 🇨🇦 in the '80s, this will make sense... #beachcombers, #relic
May 5, 2025 at 1:17 AM
For anyone who grew up in 🇨🇦 in the '80s, this will make sense... #beachcombers, #relic
What a week working with Huu-ay-aht First Nations staff, citizens and youth to establish an intertidal monitoring program for culturally-important species like ḥay̓ištup (black chiton)!
So long for now, Bamfield friends.
So long for now, Bamfield friends.
May 4, 2025 at 11:32 PM
What a week working with Huu-ay-aht First Nations staff, citizens and youth to establish an intertidal monitoring program for culturally-important species like ḥay̓ištup (black chiton)!
So long for now, Bamfield friends.
So long for now, Bamfield friends.
For #PhycologyFriday, here's a smattering of gorgeous 🤩 NE Pacific kelps, including Laminaria setchellii, Costaria costata, Egregia menziesii, Alaria marginata, and a few other seaweeds for good measure.
Hope all who celebrate are enjoying this week's minus tides! #marinelife #intertidal 🐙
Hope all who celebrate are enjoying this week's minus tides! #marinelife #intertidal 🐙
May 2, 2025 at 1:45 PM
For #PhycologyFriday, here's a smattering of gorgeous 🤩 NE Pacific kelps, including Laminaria setchellii, Costaria costata, Egregia menziesii, Alaria marginata, and a few other seaweeds for good measure.
Hope all who celebrate are enjoying this week's minus tides! #marinelife #intertidal 🐙
Hope all who celebrate are enjoying this week's minus tides! #marinelife #intertidal 🐙
To everyone fighting for a fact-based and democratic society, I offer you some rays of hope from this 🇨🇦 sea star.
May 2, 2025 at 1:22 PM
To everyone fighting for a fact-based and democratic society, I offer you some rays of hope from this 🇨🇦 sea star.
Sea Urchins love to wear things, like rocks and little shells, as hats. How many urchin hats can you count?
May 2, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Sea Urchins love to wear things, like rocks and little shells, as hats. How many urchin hats can you count?
May 1, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Day 3 of minus tide surveys on Vancouver Island. Plenty of cool finds...
1. Granular claw crab. Most were sealed up in old barnacle shells, with their claw as a door, but this one was feeling adventurous.
2. Lined chiton 😍
3. Baby ochre star 🤩
4. Bonus tidepool pic
🦑 #InverteFest #MarineLife
1. Granular claw crab. Most were sealed up in old barnacle shells, with their claw as a door, but this one was feeling adventurous.
2. Lined chiton 😍
3. Baby ochre star 🤩
4. Bonus tidepool pic
🦑 #InverteFest #MarineLife
April 30, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Day 3 of minus tide surveys on Vancouver Island. Plenty of cool finds...
1. Granular claw crab. Most were sealed up in old barnacle shells, with their claw as a door, but this one was feeling adventurous.
2. Lined chiton 😍
3. Baby ochre star 🤩
4. Bonus tidepool pic
🦑 #InverteFest #MarineLife
1. Granular claw crab. Most were sealed up in old barnacle shells, with their claw as a door, but this one was feeling adventurous.
2. Lined chiton 😍
3. Baby ochre star 🤩
4. Bonus tidepool pic
🦑 #InverteFest #MarineLife
🦑 #marinelife #Invertefest finds from today's fieldwork on Vancouver Island:
1 Tar spot seacucumbers!
2. All 3 species of Nucella in the same quadrat (L-R: lamellosa, canaliculata, ostrina)
3. A 2-armed ochre star
4. Amorous leopard nudibranchs blending in with a sponge they eat
1 Tar spot seacucumbers!
2. All 3 species of Nucella in the same quadrat (L-R: lamellosa, canaliculata, ostrina)
3. A 2-armed ochre star
4. Amorous leopard nudibranchs blending in with a sponge they eat
April 29, 2025 at 8:58 PM
🦑 #marinelife #Invertefest finds from today's fieldwork on Vancouver Island:
1 Tar spot seacucumbers!
2. All 3 species of Nucella in the same quadrat (L-R: lamellosa, canaliculata, ostrina)
3. A 2-armed ochre star
4. Amorous leopard nudibranchs blending in with a sponge they eat
1 Tar spot seacucumbers!
2. All 3 species of Nucella in the same quadrat (L-R: lamellosa, canaliculata, ostrina)
3. A 2-armed ochre star
4. Amorous leopard nudibranchs blending in with a sponge they eat
When I do fieldwork in this one little coastal town, I get to walk past this fence window every day. Today it was looking particularly nice 😍.
April 29, 2025 at 12:53 AM
When I do fieldwork in this one little coastal town, I get to walk past this fence window every day. Today it was looking particularly nice 😍.