Elisa Fadda
@elisafadda.bsky.social
Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton, head chef at https://GlycoShape.org, Salem's butler, fucose fanatic #glycotime everyday! She/Her
Pinned
Elisa Fadda
@elisafadda.bsky.social
· Nov 13
As we (my lab and I) are new here 😻, let me introduce some exciting #glycotime work we recently published in Nature Methods doi.org/10.1038/s415... GlycoShape is a completely OA database and toolbox to restore the 3D structure of glycans on glycoproteins 🥳 You can find it at glycoshape.org 1/2
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
‘Study after study shows that students want to develop these critical thinking skills, are not lazy, and large numbers of them would be in favor of banning ChatGPT and similar tools in universities’, says @olivia.science www.ru.nl/en/research/...
‘Opposing the inevitability of AI at universities is possible and necessary’ | Radboud University
Since the widespread release of ChatGPT in December of 2022, AI has taken over much of the world by storm – including academia. Most of this happened with very little pushback, despite a myriad of iss...
www.ru.nl
November 1, 2025 at 10:26 PM
‘Study after study shows that students want to develop these critical thinking skills, are not lazy, and large numbers of them would be in favor of banning ChatGPT and similar tools in universities’, says @olivia.science www.ru.nl/en/research/...
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
I’m having a hard time thinking of an interview between two human beings I enjoyed more than tonight’s interview of the great Ian McKellen by the great Stephen Colbert. Every moment of it was a pleasure that I highly recommend… but then came the most REMARKABLE ending that you really HAVE to watch.
"There's Nothing I Enjoy More Than Acting In The Theater" - Ian McKellen EXTENDED INTERVIEW
YouTube video by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
youtube.com
February 5, 2026 at 7:26 AM
I’m having a hard time thinking of an interview between two human beings I enjoyed more than tonight’s interview of the great Ian McKellen by the great Stephen Colbert. Every moment of it was a pleasure that I highly recommend… but then came the most REMARKABLE ending that you really HAVE to watch.
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
'Still, publishing a review —often with its own DOI—raises questions about the review’s legal status as a standalone scholarly item as it could belong to the reviewer, the publisher or both, or enters the public domain under a CC license with unclear rights about who is allowed to do what.'
Peer-review ownership in the AI era - EMBO Reports
EMBO Reports - The peer review process is fundamental to scientific validation, yet ownership and permitted uses of the resulting content remain insufficiently defined. To ensure the future...
link.springer.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:36 PM
'Still, publishing a review —often with its own DOI—raises questions about the review’s legal status as a standalone scholarly item as it could belong to the reviewer, the publisher or both, or enters the public domain under a CC license with unclear rights about who is allowed to do what.'
Aside from the obvious reasons, there is also this 👇🏻👏🏻
One of the most effective things you can do right now to fight Trump and ICE is to cancel your ChatGPT subscription.
February 5, 2026 at 8:13 AM
Aside from the obvious reasons, there is also this 👇🏻👏🏻
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
Now on bioRxiv: genome‑wide CRISPR KO reveals BAG6 (chaperone) and RNF126 (E3) as core PQC for non‑native missense proteins. VAMP seq. shows >1000 Parkin variants are BAG6 targets, including known pathogenic variants. Work led by Line Pedersen. Collab with @lindorfflarsen.bsky.social
BAG6 and RNF126 are broadly involved in protein quality control of non-native missense protein variants https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.02.04.703735v1
February 5, 2026 at 7:23 AM
Now on bioRxiv: genome‑wide CRISPR KO reveals BAG6 (chaperone) and RNF126 (E3) as core PQC for non‑native missense proteins. VAMP seq. shows >1000 Parkin variants are BAG6 targets, including known pathogenic variants. Work led by Line Pedersen. Collab with @lindorfflarsen.bsky.social
As replacing your brain + a good search on Google Scholar, this may be a useful LLM tool, except that "it does not consistently retrieve the most representative or relevant papers for certain queries" 🤔 and why is this in Nature, again? 🤔🤔
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Synthesizing scientific literature with retrieval-augmented language models - Nature
A specialized, open-source, retrieval-augmented language model is introduced for answering scientific queries and synthesizing literature, the responses of which are shown to be preferred by human eva...
www.nature.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM
As replacing your brain + a good search on Google Scholar, this may be a useful LLM tool, except that "it does not consistently retrieve the most representative or relevant papers for certain queries" 🤔 and why is this in Nature, again? 🤔🤔
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
Great story on Seung-Wuk Lee’s work on virus particle-based materials @berkeleyengineer.bsky.social #proudofalumni
ICYMI: @berkeleyengineer.bsky.social's Seung-Wuk Lee, a faculty scientist in #BioBSE, pioneered a sustainable biomining approach using genetically engineered viruses to extract rare earth elements. Read more: go.lbl.gov/biomining
February 4, 2026 at 11:13 PM
Great story on Seung-Wuk Lee’s work on virus particle-based materials @berkeleyengineer.bsky.social #proudofalumni
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
Landing in Dunedin Aotearoa in about 90 minutes for the start of a trip that represents the culmination of a dream I’ve had since I was ten years old.
Visiting academic to address spread of misinformation
For Carl Bergstrom, misinformation is like a living organism — it can travel across networks and spread through populations like pathogens. The...
www.odt.co.nz
February 4, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Landing in Dunedin Aotearoa in about 90 minutes for the start of a trip that represents the culmination of a dream I’ve had since I was ten years old.
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
INBOX: Robert McCartney, who worked for 39 years at The Washington Post, including as a Metro columnist and editor, before retiring in 2021, claims on X that he has heard the Post has laid off *all* its photojournalists.
February 4, 2026 at 9:05 PM
INBOX: Robert McCartney, who worked for 39 years at The Washington Post, including as a Metro columnist and editor, before retiring in 2021, claims on X that he has heard the Post has laid off *all* its photojournalists.
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
In no functioning country is this allowed.
Fucking surreal that people dressed like this and carrying assault rifles are permitted to kidnap people off our streets
February 4, 2026 at 4:16 AM
In no functioning country is this allowed.
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
Welcome, piles of slop filling up the journals with clouds of useless wordy garbage. Case in point:
What the Literature is Filling Up With
www.science.org
February 4, 2026 at 8:47 PM
Welcome, piles of slop filling up the journals with clouds of useless wordy garbage. Case in point:
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
PaperBanana: Automating Academic Illustration for AI Scientists
doi.org/10.48550/arX...
dwzhu-pku.github.io/PaperBanana/
doi.org/10.48550/arX...
dwzhu-pku.github.io/PaperBanana/
February 4, 2026 at 10:18 AM
PaperBanana: Automating Academic Illustration for AI Scientists
doi.org/10.48550/arX...
dwzhu-pku.github.io/PaperBanana/
doi.org/10.48550/arX...
dwzhu-pku.github.io/PaperBanana/
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
🚨BREAKING: The UK economy would be 3.6% smaller by 2040 if net migration fell to zero, forcing the government to raise taxes to combat a much bigger budget deficit, a thinktank has predicted.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
February 4, 2026 at 9:09 AM
🚨BREAKING: The UK economy would be 3.6% smaller by 2040 if net migration fell to zero, forcing the government to raise taxes to combat a much bigger budget deficit, a thinktank has predicted.
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
“Back then there was a clear national vision for universities, and they were mostly publicly funded,” he says. “Now you stand or fall on your student demand.”
On the societal impact of unis that need (now more than ever) the support of a forward-looking government! Innovation is built on education
On the societal impact of unis that need (now more than ever) the support of a forward-looking government! Innovation is built on education
Excellent article but stark reminder that for all the perceptions of universities as ivory towers for elites, they are actually vital hubs in towns n cities supporting local businesses and providing key services as well as education….
‘If I think about what this means, I want to cry’: what happens when a city loses its university?
When Essex University’s Southend campus opened, it was a message of hope for a ‘left behind’ UK seaside town. Its closure will be felt far beyond its 800 students, some of whom will not get their degr...
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:12 AM
“Back then there was a clear national vision for universities, and they were mostly publicly funded,” he says. “Now you stand or fall on your student demand.”
On the societal impact of unis that need (now more than ever) the support of a forward-looking government! Innovation is built on education
On the societal impact of unis that need (now more than ever) the support of a forward-looking government! Innovation is built on education
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
Excellent article but stark reminder that for all the perceptions of universities as ivory towers for elites, they are actually vital hubs in towns n cities supporting local businesses and providing key services as well as education….
‘If I think about what this means, I want to cry’: what happens when a city loses its university?
When Essex University’s Southend campus opened, it was a message of hope for a ‘left behind’ UK seaside town. Its closure will be felt far beyond its 800 students, some of whom will not get their degr...
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Excellent article but stark reminder that for all the perceptions of universities as ivory towers for elites, they are actually vital hubs in towns n cities supporting local businesses and providing key services as well as education….
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
In this week's column I seek to explain Keir Starmer's flat refusal to change our electoral system, even though its gross unfairness could put Reform UK in power on <30% of the vote. The reasons, I believe, are deeply cynical and disturbing. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
If Reform ever wins power in Westminster, it will be because of Labour’s cowardice | George Monbiot
Starmer could improve our unfair electoral system to stop the hard right, but he won’t. All the party has left are threats about ‘splitting the vote’, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:26 AM
In this week's column I seek to explain Keir Starmer's flat refusal to change our electoral system, even though its gross unfairness could put Reform UK in power on <30% of the vote. The reasons, I believe, are deeply cynical and disturbing. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
Calling all runners!
Please consider supporting our son's 100km run on his 18th birthday for the mental health organisation Headspace.
His motivations 👉 www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
His fundraising page 👉 www.mycause.com.au/page/385454/...
#Running #MentalHealth @scidocmartin.bsky.social
Please consider supporting our son's 100km run on his 18th birthday for the mental health organisation Headspace.
His motivations 👉 www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
His fundraising page 👉 www.mycause.com.au/page/385454/...
#Running #MentalHealth @scidocmartin.bsky.social
Melbourne teen to run 100km for his 18th birthday - ABC listen
Instead of nightclubbing, Rohan Martin Ritchie wants to raise money for Headspace when he turns 18.
www.abc.net.au
February 3, 2026 at 11:54 PM
Calling all runners!
Please consider supporting our son's 100km run on his 18th birthday for the mental health organisation Headspace.
His motivations 👉 www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
His fundraising page 👉 www.mycause.com.au/page/385454/...
#Running #MentalHealth @scidocmartin.bsky.social
Please consider supporting our son's 100km run on his 18th birthday for the mental health organisation Headspace.
His motivations 👉 www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...
His fundraising page 👉 www.mycause.com.au/page/385454/...
#Running #MentalHealth @scidocmartin.bsky.social
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
This research paper is the first time that a tipping point of a switch from a carbon sink to a carbon emission source in tropical rainforests has been identified clearly – not just for one year but for the last 20 years. Cause is a change in the local climate. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Australian tropical rainforest trees switch in world first from carbon sink to emissions source
Researchers say carbon emissions change in Queensland tropical rainforests may have global climate implications
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:26 PM
This research paper is the first time that a tipping point of a switch from a carbon sink to a carbon emission source in tropical rainforests has been identified clearly – not just for one year but for the last 20 years. Cause is a change in the local climate. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
"there is no guarantee that human intelligence is not itself a sophisticated version of a stochastic parrot." gulp! But undeniable for some humans 🙄
And if we consider 'intelligent' something that can't count consistently, well then be it!
Remarkably disappointing 👇🏻
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
And if we consider 'intelligent' something that can't count consistently, well then be it!
Remarkably disappointing 👇🏻
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Does AI already have human-level intelligence? The evidence is clear
The vision of human-level machine intelligence laid out by Alan Turing in the 1950s is now a reality. Eyes unclouded by dread or hype will help us to prepare for what comes next.
www.nature.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:24 AM
"there is no guarantee that human intelligence is not itself a sophisticated version of a stochastic parrot." gulp! But undeniable for some humans 🙄
And if we consider 'intelligent' something that can't count consistently, well then be it!
Remarkably disappointing 👇🏻
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
And if we consider 'intelligent' something that can't count consistently, well then be it!
Remarkably disappointing 👇🏻
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
3. New info I think:
BBSRC grants are in a pause of a 'few weeks' while they transition to an always-open system, ie accepting applications at any time.
BBSRC grants are in a pause of a 'few weeks' while they transition to an always-open system, ie accepting applications at any time.
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
3. New info I think:
BBSRC grants are in a pause of a 'few weeks' while they transition to an always-open system, ie accepting applications at any time.
BBSRC grants are in a pause of a 'few weeks' while they transition to an always-open system, ie accepting applications at any time.
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
I watched much of Ian Chapman's (Head of @ukri.org) appearance this morning at @ukparliament.parliament.uk Science, Innovation and Technology Committee..
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
February 3, 2026 at 1:57 PM
I watched much of Ian Chapman's (Head of @ukri.org) appearance this morning at @ukparliament.parliament.uk Science, Innovation and Technology Committee..
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
A few points and new information that bioscientists may find interesting...
A 🧵
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
"AI is rapidly populating medical records with synthetic content, creating a feedback loop [that] drives a rapid erosion of pathological variability and diagnostic reliability...this renders AI generated documentation clinically useless after just two generations" www.medrxiv.org/content/10.6...
AI-generated data contamination erodes pathological variability and diagnostic reliability
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly populating medical records with synthetic content, creating a feedback loop where future models are increasingly at risk of training on uncurated AI ...
www.medrxiv.org
February 3, 2026 at 1:59 AM
"AI is rapidly populating medical records with synthetic content, creating a feedback loop [that] drives a rapid erosion of pathological variability and diagnostic reliability...this renders AI generated documentation clinically useless after just two generations" www.medrxiv.org/content/10.6...
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of an argument with Martin Lewis. Can’t see the govt holding the line here given that they’ve now effectively privatised HE. www.theguardian.com/money/2026/f...
Student loans: why is Martin Lewis clashing with Rachel Reeves?
MoneySavingExpert founder has said changes that will lead to some graduates in England and Wales paying more are ‘not moral’
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:42 PM
I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of an argument with Martin Lewis. Can’t see the govt holding the line here given that they’ve now effectively privatised HE. www.theguardian.com/money/2026/f...
Reposted by Elisa Fadda
1. In 2009 I wrote this. I argued that Peter Mandelson's department “functions as a fifth column within government, working for corporations to undermine democracy and the public interest.”
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
Mandelson’s Fifth Column
The British government’s business department exists to undermine democracy.
www.monbiot.com
February 3, 2026 at 7:32 AM
1. In 2009 I wrote this. I argued that Peter Mandelson's department “functions as a fifth column within government, working for corporations to undermine democracy and the public interest.”
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
This thread explains what I saw, and reaches a startling conclusion.🧵
www.monbiot.com/2009/05/04/m...
"the MFFI web portal, a platform designed around
five core pillars: (i) avoiding reliance on a group or local server; (ii) minimizing
maintenance; (iii) reducing technical barriers; (iv) providing a unified
home; and (v) enabling
timely dissemination of updates"
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
five core pillars: (i) avoiding reliance on a group or local server; (ii) minimizing
maintenance; (iii) reducing technical barriers; (iv) providing a unified
home; and (v) enabling
timely dissemination of updates"
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
February 3, 2026 at 7:47 AM
"the MFFI web portal, a platform designed around
five core pillars: (i) avoiding reliance on a group or local server; (ii) minimizing
maintenance; (iii) reducing technical barriers; (iv) providing a unified
home; and (v) enabling
timely dissemination of updates"
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...
five core pillars: (i) avoiding reliance on a group or local server; (ii) minimizing
maintenance; (iii) reducing technical barriers; (iv) providing a unified
home; and (v) enabling
timely dissemination of updates"
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.6...