EMBL DB unit
@embldbunit.bsky.social
Research in the Developmental Biology Unit focuses on exploring the rich diversity and complexity of living systems, taking into account their natural context.
What a year it's been at the DB unit @embl.org! 2025 brought us hard work, exciting discoveries, and numerous initiatives that advanced our science. As we wrap up this year, we want to wish everyone a restful and joyful winter break.
We'll be back in 2026, ready for new challenges. See you then! 🎉
We'll be back in 2026, ready for new challenges. See you then! 🎉
December 19, 2025 at 1:04 PM
What a year it's been at the DB unit @embl.org! 2025 brought us hard work, exciting discoveries, and numerous initiatives that advanced our science. As we wrap up this year, we want to wish everyone a restful and joyful winter break.
We'll be back in 2026, ready for new challenges. See you then! 🎉
We'll be back in 2026, ready for new challenges. See you then! 🎉
🎓 Congratulations to Victoria Witte from the Arendt group @embl.org who has defended her PhD thesis titled “A single cell transcriptomics investigation of the adult Platynereis dumerilii mushroom bodies” #DevelopmentalBiology
December 12, 2025 at 3:25 PM
🎓 Congratulations to Victoria Witte from the Arendt group @embl.org who has defended her PhD thesis titled “A single cell transcriptomics investigation of the adult Platynereis dumerilii mushroom bodies” #DevelopmentalBiology
Well done Paco Majic @hhydrochaerus.bsky.social, Santi Herrera and colleagues 👏
Inspired in this iconic Guarda course, a group of four Latin American researchers organized the South American version: #EvoSur. The masterminds behind this amazing idea: Paco Majic (Uruguay) @hhydrochaerus.bsky.social, Santi Herrera (Colombia), Caua Westmann (Brasil) and Ana Maria Agapito (Perú).
The 2026 Guarda Summer Course in Evolutionary Biology is now accepting applications. Amazing place, amazing course, amazing opportunity for early grad students.
tb.ethz.ch/education/gu...
tb.ethz.ch/education/gu...
December 12, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Well done Paco Majic @hhydrochaerus.bsky.social, Santi Herrera and colleagues 👏
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
Axolotl can regrow lost limbs, matching their body size. How? Our new theory-experiment paper in @pnas.org proposes how oppositely oriented morphogen gradients scaling with animal size promote proportional growth. Great collaboration with @tatianasg.bsky.social @cmcb-tud.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Axolotl can regrow lost limbs, matching their body size. How? Our new theory-experiment paper in @pnas.org proposes how oppositely oriented morphogen gradients scaling with animal size promote proportional growth. Great collaboration with @tatianasg.bsky.social @cmcb-tud.bsky.social
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
Very happy to share our 'Evoscape' paper, now published in PNAS ! www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Generative epigenetic landscapes map the topology and topography of cell fates | PNAS
Epigenetic landscapes were proposed by Waddington as the central concept to describe
cell fate dynamics in a locally low-dimensional space. In mode...
www.pnas.org
December 10, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Very happy to share our 'Evoscape' paper, now published in PNAS ! www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
🎓Congratulations to Adriaan Meiborg @ymeiborg.bsky.social, from the Vu group @hanhtkvu.bsky.social @embl.org who has defended his PhD thesis titled “A single-cell view of Schmidtea mediterranea growth dynamics” #DevelopmentalBiology
December 10, 2025 at 3:37 PM
🎓Congratulations to Adriaan Meiborg @ymeiborg.bsky.social, from the Vu group @hanhtkvu.bsky.social @embl.org who has defended his PhD thesis titled “A single-cell view of Schmidtea mediterranea growth dynamics” #DevelopmentalBiology
🎉 Congratulations to Idoia Quintana @idoiaeu.bsky.social on receiving an ERC Consolidator Grant! Exciting research ahead.
#ERCCogGrant #Research
#ERCCogGrant #Research
#ERCCogG granted!!! Immensely grateful for this opportunity. Thanks @erc.europa.eu . Many news coming soon. New lab opening and will be posting positions. 🦈🧠🤍 Go sharkies!
The results of the ERC Consolidator Grant call have been announced! 📣
349 researchers have been selected for funding. Congratulations to all! #ERCCogG!
👉 buff.ly/uu62uFV
#FrontierResearch #EUfunded #HorizonEurope
@scienceinnovation.ec.europa.eu
349 researchers have been selected for funding. Congratulations to all! #ERCCogG!
👉 buff.ly/uu62uFV
#FrontierResearch #EUfunded #HorizonEurope
@scienceinnovation.ec.europa.eu
December 9, 2025 at 8:21 PM
🎉 Congratulations to Idoia Quintana @idoiaeu.bsky.social on receiving an ERC Consolidator Grant! Exciting research ahead.
#ERCCogGrant #Research
#ERCCogGrant #Research
✨ This week's DB seminar was presented by Sosuke Fujita a postdoc in the Ikmi group @aikmi.bsky.social @embl.org. His research focuses on the role of neuropeptide signaling in development and regeneration using Nematostella as a model organism #devbio #regeneration #cnidarians
December 4, 2025 at 2:59 PM
✨ This week's DB seminar was presented by Sosuke Fujita a postdoc in the Ikmi group @aikmi.bsky.social @embl.org. His research focuses on the role of neuropeptide signaling in development and regeneration using Nematostella as a model organism #devbio #regeneration #cnidarians
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
🎄 Day 3 of the 24 Days of Development ✨🧬
The yolk sac, the oldest extra-embryonic membrane, plays a key role in early nutrient transfer 💛🎁. Mouse yolk sac organoids reveal its function as a choriovitelline placenta and maternal-fetal exchange hub 🌟 doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
The yolk sac, the oldest extra-embryonic membrane, plays a key role in early nutrient transfer 💛🎁. Mouse yolk sac organoids reveal its function as a choriovitelline placenta and maternal-fetal exchange hub 🌟 doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
December 3, 2025 at 2:05 PM
🎄 Day 3 of the 24 Days of Development ✨🧬
The yolk sac, the oldest extra-embryonic membrane, plays a key role in early nutrient transfer 💛🎁. Mouse yolk sac organoids reveal its function as a choriovitelline placenta and maternal-fetal exchange hub 🌟 doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
The yolk sac, the oldest extra-embryonic membrane, plays a key role in early nutrient transfer 💛🎁. Mouse yolk sac organoids reveal its function as a choriovitelline placenta and maternal-fetal exchange hub 🌟 doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
Two heads are better than one, unless you’re a land planarian trying to find some grub. FORCE pilot project - check!
Video credit: Daniel Stoga
#nightscience
#WormWednesday
@hanhtkvu.bsky.social
@aikmi.bsky.social @embldbunit.bsky.social
@martaalvarez.bsky.social
Video credit: Daniel Stoga
#nightscience
#WormWednesday
@hanhtkvu.bsky.social
@aikmi.bsky.social @embldbunit.bsky.social
@martaalvarez.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Two heads are better than one, unless you’re a land planarian trying to find some grub. FORCE pilot project - check!
Video credit: Daniel Stoga
#nightscience
#WormWednesday
@hanhtkvu.bsky.social
@aikmi.bsky.social @embldbunit.bsky.social
@martaalvarez.bsky.social
Video credit: Daniel Stoga
#nightscience
#WormWednesday
@hanhtkvu.bsky.social
@aikmi.bsky.social @embldbunit.bsky.social
@martaalvarez.bsky.social
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
Applications are open for @dev-journal.bsky.social 2026 Pathway to Independence (PI) programme, supporting postdocs applying for group leader positions:
Mentoring
Profile raising
Leadership training
Network building
Spread the word...
www.biologists.com/grants/devel...
Mentoring
Profile raising
Leadership training
Network building
Spread the word...
www.biologists.com/grants/devel...
Development's Pathway to Independence Programme
Our grants support and encourage the sharing of knowledge throughout the community by facilitating international collaboration, event attendance and the organisation of scientific meetings, conference...
www.biologists.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Applications are open for @dev-journal.bsky.social 2026 Pathway to Independence (PI) programme, supporting postdocs applying for group leader positions:
Mentoring
Profile raising
Leadership training
Network building
Spread the word...
www.biologists.com/grants/devel...
Mentoring
Profile raising
Leadership training
Network building
Spread the word...
www.biologists.com/grants/devel...
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
🎄 Day 2 of the 24 Days of Development ✨🧬
This study uncovers a key role for foxl2l in zebrafish sex differentiation. 🐟 Loss of foxl2l blocks meiosis, causes germ cells to accumulate, and results in complete female-to-male sex reversal. ❄️🔍🌟
doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
This study uncovers a key role for foxl2l in zebrafish sex differentiation. 🐟 Loss of foxl2l blocks meiosis, causes germ cells to accumulate, and results in complete female-to-male sex reversal. ❄️🔍🌟
doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
December 2, 2025 at 2:07 PM
🎄 Day 2 of the 24 Days of Development ✨🧬
This study uncovers a key role for foxl2l in zebrafish sex differentiation. 🐟 Loss of foxl2l blocks meiosis, causes germ cells to accumulate, and results in complete female-to-male sex reversal. ❄️🔍🌟
doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
This study uncovers a key role for foxl2l in zebrafish sex differentiation. 🐟 Loss of foxl2l blocks meiosis, causes germ cells to accumulate, and results in complete female-to-male sex reversal. ❄️🔍🌟
doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
🎄 Day 1 of the 24 Days of Development ✨🧬
This study shows how different fixation methods (PFA vs. TCA) change what researchers can visualize in chicken embryos using HCR or IHC. 🔍🐣🔬 doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
This study shows how different fixation methods (PFA vs. TCA) change what researchers can visualize in chicken embryos using HCR or IHC. 🔍🐣🔬 doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
December 1, 2025 at 3:04 PM
🎄 Day 1 of the 24 Days of Development ✨🧬
This study shows how different fixation methods (PFA vs. TCA) change what researchers can visualize in chicken embryos using HCR or IHC. 🔍🐣🔬 doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
This study shows how different fixation methods (PFA vs. TCA) change what researchers can visualize in chicken embryos using HCR or IHC. 🔍🐣🔬 doi.org/10.1016/j.yd...
✨This week at the DB Unit Seminar @embl.org, Gabriel Gastelum Urbina @gabyga16.bsky.social, a postdoc in the van Gestel Group @jordivangestel.bsky.social, presented her work on how predation shapes microbial community dynamics in soil #predation #microbialecology #microbialdynamics
November 27, 2025 at 7:43 AM
✨This week at the DB Unit Seminar @embl.org, Gabriel Gastelum Urbina @gabyga16.bsky.social, a postdoc in the van Gestel Group @jordivangestel.bsky.social, presented her work on how predation shapes microbial community dynamics in soil #predation #microbialecology #microbialdynamics
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
November 25, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
SAVE THE DATE! Stoked to organize the 2026 Santa Cruz Developmental Biology Meeting with @rashmi-priya.bsky.social, @lowelab.bsky.social, and Shelbi Russell. Come learn about Biomedicine, Biomechanics, and the Biosphere, August 24-28, 2026. Registration dates, etc., coming soon! Please RT
November 19, 2025 at 8:23 PM
SAVE THE DATE! Stoked to organize the 2026 Santa Cruz Developmental Biology Meeting with @rashmi-priya.bsky.social, @lowelab.bsky.social, and Shelbi Russell. Come learn about Biomedicine, Biomechanics, and the Biosphere, August 24-28, 2026. Registration dates, etc., coming soon! Please RT
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
Next Monday, 24th November at 2:30 PM (UK), we are welcoming two ERCs: Meng Zhu @zhumeng123.bsky.social (Harvard University) and Alex Plum @alex-plum.bsky.social (University of California San Diego). Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to receive the Zoom link! Hope to see you all! :)
November 21, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Next Monday, 24th November at 2:30 PM (UK), we are welcoming two ERCs: Meng Zhu @zhumeng123.bsky.social (Harvard University) and Alex Plum @alex-plum.bsky.social (University of California San Diego). Don't forget to subscribe to our mailing list to receive the Zoom link! Hope to see you all! :)
In this week's DB unit seminar @embl.org, Eva Pillai @evapillai.bsky.social , a postdoc in the Arendt, Diz-Muñoz @diz-lab.bsky.social and Brunet groups @thibautbrunet.bsky.social , shared insights on the role of cell surface mechanics in multicellularity, using choanoflagellates as a model organism
November 20, 2025 at 7:52 AM
In this week's DB unit seminar @embl.org, Eva Pillai @evapillai.bsky.social , a postdoc in the Arendt, Diz-Muñoz @diz-lab.bsky.social and Brunet groups @thibautbrunet.bsky.social , shared insights on the role of cell surface mechanics in multicellularity, using choanoflagellates as a model organism
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
Advanced grad students + postdocs: apply for the 2026 #kitpqbio summer course, "Physical Principles of Morphogenesis in Plants and Animals," at buff.ly/OXXMKEv. Apply by Feb. 1.
Course directors Adrienne Roeder (Cornell) and Sebastian Streichan (UCSB)
Course directors Adrienne Roeder (Cornell) and Sebastian Streichan (UCSB)
November 19, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Advanced grad students + postdocs: apply for the 2026 #kitpqbio summer course, "Physical Principles of Morphogenesis in Plants and Animals," at buff.ly/OXXMKEv. Apply by Feb. 1.
Course directors Adrienne Roeder (Cornell) and Sebastian Streichan (UCSB)
Course directors Adrienne Roeder (Cornell) and Sebastian Streichan (UCSB)
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
Exciting opportunity: EMBL CPP Fellowships are open for applications until 30 Nov! Stay for 1–6 months at any of EMBL's six sites 🔬
Who's eligible:
• Currently employed PhD researchers or postdocs
• All nationalities, no age limit
• First-time visitors to EMBL
https://s.embl.org/cpp-fellowship
Who's eligible:
• Currently employed PhD researchers or postdocs
• All nationalities, no age limit
• First-time visitors to EMBL
https://s.embl.org/cpp-fellowship
November 18, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Exciting opportunity: EMBL CPP Fellowships are open for applications until 30 Nov! Stay for 1–6 months at any of EMBL's six sites 🔬
Who's eligible:
• Currently employed PhD researchers or postdocs
• All nationalities, no age limit
• First-time visitors to EMBL
https://s.embl.org/cpp-fellowship
Who's eligible:
• Currently employed PhD researchers or postdocs
• All nationalities, no age limit
• First-time visitors to EMBL
https://s.embl.org/cpp-fellowship
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
One more week to apply for this exciting symposium on collective behaviour 👇👇👇
Abstract deadline extension alert! 🚨 You now have until 25 November to submit your abstract and be one of 22 selected short talk speakers for #EESCollectivity ➡️ s.embl.org/ees26-01-bl
Explore how collective behaviours arise from fundamental principles across biological systems. 🦠🐒🧬
Explore how collective behaviours arise from fundamental principles across biological systems. 🦠🐒🧬
November 19, 2025 at 9:03 AM
One more week to apply for this exciting symposium on collective behaviour 👇👇👇
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
Searching for physical principles of morphogenesis
In this #OpenAccess Spotlight, Nikolas Claussen, Fridtjof Brauns and @streichan.bsky.social highlight the ‘physics of development’, focusing on the interplay between quantitative experiments and mathematical theory
doi.org/10.1242/dev....
In this #OpenAccess Spotlight, Nikolas Claussen, Fridtjof Brauns and @streichan.bsky.social highlight the ‘physics of development’, focusing on the interplay between quantitative experiments and mathematical theory
doi.org/10.1242/dev....
November 19, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Searching for physical principles of morphogenesis
In this #OpenAccess Spotlight, Nikolas Claussen, Fridtjof Brauns and @streichan.bsky.social highlight the ‘physics of development’, focusing on the interplay between quantitative experiments and mathematical theory
doi.org/10.1242/dev....
In this #OpenAccess Spotlight, Nikolas Claussen, Fridtjof Brauns and @streichan.bsky.social highlight the ‘physics of development’, focusing on the interplay between quantitative experiments and mathematical theory
doi.org/10.1242/dev....
✨This week at the DB unit seminar @embl.org, Noa Ottilie Borst, a PhD student in the Crocker group @justinmcrocker.bsky.social presented her work on cell-type-specific interallelic interactions, and how they simultaneously allow for robustness and evolutionary innovation.
November 14, 2025 at 11:29 AM
✨This week at the DB unit seminar @embl.org, Noa Ottilie Borst, a PhD student in the Crocker group @justinmcrocker.bsky.social presented her work on cell-type-specific interallelic interactions, and how they simultaneously allow for robustness and evolutionary innovation.
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
You only have one more week to submit your abstract for 'Collectivity in living systems: emergence, function, and evolution' 👉 s.embl.org/ees26-01-bl
Don't miss #EESCollectivity which will explore how collective behaviours arise from fundamental principles across biological systems🦠🐒🧬
Don't miss #EESCollectivity which will explore how collective behaviours arise from fundamental principles across biological systems🦠🐒🧬
November 11, 2025 at 1:34 PM
You only have one more week to submit your abstract for 'Collectivity in living systems: emergence, function, and evolution' 👉 s.embl.org/ees26-01-bl
Don't miss #EESCollectivity which will explore how collective behaviours arise from fundamental principles across biological systems🦠🐒🧬
Don't miss #EESCollectivity which will explore how collective behaviours arise from fundamental principles across biological systems🦠🐒🧬
Reposted by EMBL DB unit
Check out this month's handpicked preprints in developmantal & stem cell biology on the Node
thenode.biologists.com/prelighters-...
thenode.biologists.com/prelighters-...
thenode.biologists.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Check out this month's handpicked preprints in developmantal & stem cell biology on the Node
thenode.biologists.com/prelighters-...
thenode.biologists.com/prelighters-...