Roland Hatzenpichler
@environmicrobio.bsky.social
archaea, methane, microbial ecophysiology, single cell activity, next generation physiology / for evidence-based decision-making / I hold strong opinions / I don’t mince words / posts reflect personal views / www.environmental-microbiology.com
Pinned
Physiology, the functioning of a cell at a given time and in a given set of physiochemical conditions, is an emergent property that cannot be reliably predicted from genomic data or metabolic reconstructions alone. #testthy(metagenomic)hypotheses
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
I know many of you know Joe James (of Binning Singletons)
Joe and his family had a terrible tragedy occur on Christmas. If you can give, this is a good family to help out
gofund.me/5cbfe22fe
Joe and his family had a terrible tragedy occur on Christmas. If you can give, this is a good family to help out
gofund.me/5cbfe22fe
Donate to Honoring Sarah James Through Education, organized by Joe James
Honoring Sarah James & Supporting Her Children’s Future
On Christmas, our com… Joe James needs your support for Honoring Sarah James Through Education
gofund.me
January 1, 2026 at 10:05 PM
I know many of you know Joe James (of Binning Singletons)
Joe and his family had a terrible tragedy occur on Christmas. If you can give, this is a good family to help out
gofund.me/5cbfe22fe
Joe and his family had a terrible tragedy occur on Christmas. If you can give, this is a good family to help out
gofund.me/5cbfe22fe
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
I have known Dr. Joe James for a few years through the ASM. Joe was the major force behind "Binning Singletons," matching new microbiologists with a network of mentors. He is a fine human being, & this sad news moved me. Please consider supporting his family?
www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-s...
www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-s...
Donate to Honoring Sarah James Through Education, organized by Joe James
Honoring Sarah James & Supporting Her Children’s Future
On Christmas, our com… Joe James needs your support for Honoring Sarah James Through Education
www.gofundme.com
January 1, 2026 at 11:18 PM
I have known Dr. Joe James for a few years through the ASM. Joe was the major force behind "Binning Singletons," matching new microbiologists with a network of mentors. He is a fine human being, & this sad news moved me. Please consider supporting his family?
www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-s...
www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-s...
New lab preprint “Tracking active heterotrophic microbial communities in the Guaymas Basin deep biosphere with BONCAT-FACS” co-first authored by Andrew Montgomery and Sylvia Nupp, co-authors Virginia Edgcomb, Chase Gray, & @dr-zj.bsky.social. Funded by the NSF. 🦠 tinyurl.com/kfxjwj58
January 1, 2026 at 6:08 PM
New lab preprint “Tracking active heterotrophic microbial communities in the Guaymas Basin deep biosphere with BONCAT-FACS” co-first authored by Andrew Montgomery and Sylvia Nupp, co-authors Virginia Edgcomb, Chase Gray, & @dr-zj.bsky.social. Funded by the NSF. 🦠 tinyurl.com/kfxjwj58
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
The share of counties where 95% or more of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles has dropped from 50% before the pandemic to 28%, according to our analysis of public records from 44 states and the District of Columbia. At least 19,000 schools are now more vulnerable to outbreaks.
December 31, 2025 at 2:29 PM
The share of counties where 95% or more of kindergartners were vaccinated against measles has dropped from 50% before the pandemic to 28%, according to our analysis of public records from 44 states and the District of Columbia. At least 19,000 schools are now more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
Yep. (link)
December 29, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Yep. (link)
1993’s “Reich und sexy” (rich and sexy) by German Punkrock band Die Toten Hosen, which essentially was a greatest hits album (till then, they are still active) and tribute album to Johnny Thunders. youtu.be/Ttm3BIryhFw?...
December 28, 2025 at 5:17 PM
1993’s “Reich und sexy” (rich and sexy) by German Punkrock band Die Toten Hosen, which essentially was a greatest hits album (till then, they are still active) and tribute album to Johnny Thunders. youtu.be/Ttm3BIryhFw?...
Every serious microbiologist should always have some formaldehyde at home to be able to preserve random biofilms for later observation under the scope.
December 27, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Every serious microbiologist should always have some formaldehyde at home to be able to preserve random biofilms for later observation under the scope.
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
Opportunity to join my lab for a postdoc or PhD student from outside Canada. Very short term. Very competitive. Send me your CV and cover letter before Jan 5. This runs via nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/news/laun...
December 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Opportunity to join my lab for a postdoc or PhD student from outside Canada. Very short term. Very competitive. Send me your CV and cover letter before Jan 5. This runs via nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/news/laun...
1. Many people say they don’t care what other people think about them, but Roland really doesn’t give a shit. [with exception of selected family and friends]
2. What I like about you is that it’s clear there’s a fire burning within you.
2. What I like about you is that it’s clear there’s a fire burning within you.
What's a compliment you'll never forget?
What's an insult you'll never forget?
December 25, 2025 at 3:15 AM
1. Many people say they don’t care what other people think about them, but Roland really doesn’t give a shit. [with exception of selected family and friends]
2. What I like about you is that it’s clear there’s a fire burning within you.
2. What I like about you is that it’s clear there’s a fire burning within you.
The hypothesis of aeonophiles is intriguing and I think is likely true. But there’s no evidence to support it. AFAIK, the strongest data so far is based on population genomes that integrate 10^3-6 cells into a single MAG. We need activity data! Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
The discovery of organisms that have been alive for many thousands of years requires a revolution in how we understand life. An Essay by @karenlloyd.bsky.social
The discovery of aeonophiles expands our definition of life | Aeon Essays
The discovery of organisms that have been alive for many thousands of years requires a revolution in how we understand life
aeon.co
December 22, 2025 at 11:31 PM
The hypothesis of aeonophiles is intriguing and I think is likely true. But there’s no evidence to support it. AFAIK, the strongest data so far is based on population genomes that integrate 10^3-6 cells into a single MAG. We need activity data! Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
BREAKING: RFKJr directs that the US instantly stop recommending all vaccinations for children. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
Under RFK Jr., U.S. plans to stop recommending most vaccines, defer to doctors
The plan, which is not finalized, suggests children get fewer shots and shifts to a model telling parents to consult doctors to make their own vaccine choices.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:32 PM
BREAKING: RFKJr directs that the US instantly stop recommending all vaccinations for children. www.washingtonpost.com/health/2025/...
MSU news article covering our Science Advances paper on Methanonezhaarchaeia, an upcoming paper on the ecology of MCR-encoding Thermoproteota, a (2024) DOE award, and new NSF GRFP and ERFP awards to two of my students, Nicole Matos Vega and Joelie Van Beek #microsky 🦠 www.montana.edu/news/25015/s...
December 18, 2025 at 10:02 PM
MSU news article covering our Science Advances paper on Methanonezhaarchaeia, an upcoming paper on the ecology of MCR-encoding Thermoproteota, a (2024) DOE award, and new NSF GRFP and ERFP awards to two of my students, Nicole Matos Vega and Joelie Van Beek #microsky 🦠 www.montana.edu/news/25015/s...
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
From Matters Microbial 118: Biofilms everywhere!
Dr Matthew Fields joins host @markowenmartin.bsky.social to discuss ubiquitous microbial biofilms
Dr Matthew Fields joins host @markowenmartin.bsky.social to discuss ubiquitous microbial biofilms
December 18, 2025 at 3:23 PM
From Matters Microbial 118: Biofilms everywhere!
Dr Matthew Fields joins host @markowenmartin.bsky.social to discuss ubiquitous microbial biofilms
Dr Matthew Fields joins host @markowenmartin.bsky.social to discuss ubiquitous microbial biofilms
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
Love having “venture capital” reviewing my grants
The National Science Board, which oversees NSF, has published recommendations to update the foundation's merit review (which was just updated).
Below are the main points. www.nsf.gov/nsb/updates/...
Below are the main points. www.nsf.gov/nsb/updates/...
December 17, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Love having “venture capital” reviewing my grants
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
Are you a long-time fan of Archaea, an extremophile-phile, or are you simply curious?
Either way, we have good news.
We’re delighted to announce the 2026 EMBO Workshop on Archaea, 6–10 July.
Sign up: meetings.embo.org/event/26-arc...
We look forward to seeing you in Cambridge, UK.
Please repost!
Either way, we have good news.
We’re delighted to announce the 2026 EMBO Workshop on Archaea, 6–10 July.
Sign up: meetings.embo.org/event/26-arc...
We look forward to seeing you in Cambridge, UK.
Please repost!
Molecular Biology of Archaea: Life Through the Prism of Archaea
In 1977, Woese and colleagues revealed Archaea as a distinct domain of life. Building on this insight, the discovery of Asgard archaea has strengthened the view that many hallmarks of eukaryotic cell…
meetings.embo.org
December 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Are you a long-time fan of Archaea, an extremophile-phile, or are you simply curious?
Either way, we have good news.
We’re delighted to announce the 2026 EMBO Workshop on Archaea, 6–10 July.
Sign up: meetings.embo.org/event/26-arc...
We look forward to seeing you in Cambridge, UK.
Please repost!
Either way, we have good news.
We’re delighted to announce the 2026 EMBO Workshop on Archaea, 6–10 July.
Sign up: meetings.embo.org/event/26-arc...
We look forward to seeing you in Cambridge, UK.
Please repost!
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
It's time for a new episode of my #MattersMicrobial podcast! This time, Dr. Matthew Fields joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss the ubiquitous and impactful presence of biofilms on Planet Earth. Or should I call it "Planet Biofilm"? Please spread the #GoodMicrobialWord
youtu.be/strRWKpaY2U?...
youtu.be/strRWKpaY2U?...
December 16, 2025 at 10:58 PM
It's time for a new episode of my #MattersMicrobial podcast! This time, Dr. Matthew Fields joins the #QualityQuorum to discuss the ubiquitous and impactful presence of biofilms on Planet Earth. Or should I call it "Planet Biofilm"? Please spread the #GoodMicrobialWord
youtu.be/strRWKpaY2U?...
youtu.be/strRWKpaY2U?...
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
NSF now planning to let POs largely decide what gets funded, and to send PIs reviews that are only 3-5 sentences long. They don't have to use outside reviewers (except maybe 1) and don't have to convene panels. (1/5)
NSF pares down grant-review process, reducing influence of outside scientists
Memo cites overburdened staff, but some say move also aims to elevate White House priorities
www.science.org
December 15, 2025 at 11:45 PM
NSF now planning to let POs largely decide what gets funded, and to send PIs reviews that are only 3-5 sentences long. They don't have to use outside reviewers (except maybe 1) and don't have to convene panels. (1/5)
Whenever I have a very critical review, I write it up, sleep over it, edit it, and then send it. I usually don’t tone down my criticism but often change my language. Also, I usually use “the study” or “the paper” and not “the authors” in reviews. Subtle difference that avoids ad hominems.
Dunno who needs to hear this, but before your start writing your reviewer comments, eat a cookie. Only you can prevent rude reviews.
December 15, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Whenever I have a very critical review, I write it up, sleep over it, edit it, and then send it. I usually don’t tone down my criticism but often change my language. Also, I usually use “the study” or “the paper” and not “the authors” in reviews. Subtle difference that avoids ad hominems.
“Cultivation of Methanonezhaarchaeia, the third class of methanogens within the phylum Thermoproteota” by @kohtzarchaeota.bsky.social, Sylvia Nupp, and myself is out in Science Advances. 90% enriched culture of a methyl-dismutating thermoproteotal methanogen. #Microsky 🧪 tinyurl.com/bdcc3uzs
Cultivation of Methanonezhaarchaeia, the third class of methanogens within the phylum Thermoproteota
The cultivation of a group of methanogens illuminates their metabolic diversity and the evolution of archaea.
www.science.org
December 12, 2025 at 7:22 PM
“Cultivation of Methanonezhaarchaeia, the third class of methanogens within the phylum Thermoproteota” by @kohtzarchaeota.bsky.social, Sylvia Nupp, and myself is out in Science Advances. 90% enriched culture of a methyl-dismutating thermoproteotal methanogen. #Microsky 🧪 tinyurl.com/bdcc3uzs
Reposted by Roland Hatzenpichler
In der 3. Episode unseres #Podcasts #Waswirwissen geht es den Einfluss von Mikroorganismen und deren Lebensgemeinschaften, die #Mikrobiome. Welche Bedeutung haben sie für die Umwelt und uns Menschen? Und wäre Leben ohne sie möglich? Mit @michiwagner4.bsky.social 🎧
scilog.fwf.ac.at/magazin/mikr...
scilog.fwf.ac.at/magazin/mikr...
Wissenspodcast: Der Ursprung der Menschheit
Wissenspodcast: Der Ursprung der Menschheit
scilog.fwf.ac.at
December 12, 2025 at 9:26 AM
In der 3. Episode unseres #Podcasts #Waswirwissen geht es den Einfluss von Mikroorganismen und deren Lebensgemeinschaften, die #Mikrobiome. Welche Bedeutung haben sie für die Umwelt und uns Menschen? Und wäre Leben ohne sie möglich? Mit @michiwagner4.bsky.social 🎧
scilog.fwf.ac.at/magazin/mikr...
scilog.fwf.ac.at/magazin/mikr...
After looking for thermoproteotal methanogens in all kind of obscure places, turns out they are in Bozeman wastewater!
December 11, 2025 at 7:57 PM
After looking for thermoproteotal methanogens in all kind of obscure places, turns out they are in Bozeman wastewater!
The ignorant are killing themselves and their kids.
I wrote in @statnews.com about the emotional toll anti-vaccine rhetoric is taking on clinicians — and how it’s straining our relationships with patients.
This isn’t abstract; it’s happening every day in exam rooms across the country.
🔗 www.statnews.com/2025/12/10/a...
#Vaccines #PublicHealth
This isn’t abstract; it’s happening every day in exam rooms across the country.
🔗 www.statnews.com/2025/12/10/a...
#Vaccines #PublicHealth
Rise of anti-science rhetoric has fundamentally changed the relationship between doctors and patients
“The rise of anti-science and anti-vaccine rhetoric has fundamentally changed the relationship between clinicians and patients.”
www.statnews.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:46 PM
The ignorant are killing themselves and their kids.
