Fernando Villanea
@fervillanea.bsky.social
He/Him. Assistant Professor of Anthropology at CU Boulder. Population genetics of Neanderthals and other people. Opinions are my own. Latino in STEM 🇨🇷
Pinned
The MUC19 gene: An evolutionary history of recurrent introgression and natural selection
We study the gene MUC19, for which some modern humans carry a Denisovan-like haplotype. MUC19 is a mucin, a glycoprotein that forms gels with various biological functions. We find diagnostic variants ...
www.science.org
Our paper on the evolution of MUC19 in humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans is finally out today in Science!
This has been a six-year effort by 13 authors to weave together 3 separate but related evolutionary stories around this one gene (more on thread 🧵).
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
This has been a six-year effort by 13 authors to weave together 3 separate but related evolutionary stories around this one gene (more on thread 🧵).
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
You know what gives students an edge in the workforce? The ability to think for themselves.
How many faculty lines we could have gotten for $2M a year. Goddamnit CU.
How many faculty lines we could have gotten for $2M a year. Goddamnit CU.
My employer, Univ. Colorado will pay OpenAI $2M/year under the banner of “equity”. That’s 54 full scholarships / year. Plus, our IT will be able to read our chatGPT logs, and our chats can be requested under public records law. No thanks. Surveillance is not equity
www.axios.com/local/boulde...
www.axios.com/local/boulde...
CU signs $2M OpenAI deal for ChatGPT access
Students and faculty will gain access to ChatGPT Edu starting in March under a three-year deal.
www.axios.com
February 14, 2026 at 5:24 PM
You know what gives students an edge in the workforce? The ability to think for themselves.
How many faculty lines we could have gotten for $2M a year. Goddamnit CU.
How many faculty lines we could have gotten for $2M a year. Goddamnit CU.
Happy rat dck day for those who celebrate!
Happy 2nd Anniversary - for those who celebrate!
www.frontiersin.org/journals/cel... (the article download button doesn't seem to work... hmm).
www.frontiersin.org/journals/cel... (the article download button doesn't seem to work... hmm).
February 14, 2026 at 4:29 AM
Happy rat dck day for those who celebrate!
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
Bluesky is the new science Twitter, new study by @whysharksmatter.bsky.social and Julia Wester concludes!
"Results show that for every reported professional benefit that scientists once gained from Twitter, scientists can now gain that benefit more effectively on Bluesky than on Twitter."
"Results show that for every reported professional benefit that scientists once gained from Twitter, scientists can now gain that benefit more effectively on Bluesky than on Twitter."
Scientists no Longer Find Twitter Professionally Useful, and have Switched to Bluesky
Synopsis. Social media has become widely used by the scientific community for a variety of professional uses, including networking and public outreach. For
academic.oup.com
February 13, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Bluesky is the new science Twitter, new study by @whysharksmatter.bsky.social and Julia Wester concludes!
"Results show that for every reported professional benefit that scientists once gained from Twitter, scientists can now gain that benefit more effectively on Bluesky than on Twitter."
"Results show that for every reported professional benefit that scientists once gained from Twitter, scientists can now gain that benefit more effectively on Bluesky than on Twitter."
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
Are you interested in human DNA from ancient sediments? Do you want to do a PhD in Vienna? We have two open positions in our group! You can learn more and apply here (scroll down to the very bottom, ours are the last two listings): careers.univie.ac.at/en/praedoc/s...
Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution
The Vienna Doctoral School of Ecology and Evolution is dedicated to educating students to advance our understanding of the ecology and evolution of extant and ancestral organisms, populations, and communities. In Ecology, the focus is on uncovering the mechanistic and evolutionary drivers of patterns and processes across biological scales, from gene regulation to ecosystem structure and function, including the role of communities in biogeochemical cycles and their adaptive responses to environmental change. In Evolution, we investigate the processes shaping changes in organization and dynamics of organisms, populations, and species at molecular, developmental, morphological, and physiological levels.
careers.univie.ac.at
February 13, 2026 at 9:46 AM
Are you interested in human DNA from ancient sediments? Do you want to do a PhD in Vienna? We have two open positions in our group! You can learn more and apply here (scroll down to the very bottom, ours are the last two listings): careers.univie.ac.at/en/praedoc/s...
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
Happy birthday to Charles Darwin,
patron saint of tired scientists, grumpy fieldworkers, and hating your own manuscript.
patron saint of tired scientists, grumpy fieldworkers, and hating your own manuscript.
February 12, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Happy birthday to Charles Darwin,
patron saint of tired scientists, grumpy fieldworkers, and hating your own manuscript.
patron saint of tired scientists, grumpy fieldworkers, and hating your own manuscript.
14 generations from now, there (very probably) won’t be any of your DNA in living people even if you have a bunch of kids.
what’s the most obvious on-the-ground truth that your profession knows, but people don’t live like it’s true?
what other jfc-inducing truths are sitting in plain sight for people who know how to see what’s happening?
February 13, 2026 at 3:22 AM
14 generations from now, there (very probably) won’t be any of your DNA in living people even if you have a bunch of kids.
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
You can't... repeal... a scientific finding. At that point it's just called lying about it.
Breaking News: The Trump administration repealed the bedrock scientific finding that greenhouse gases threaten human life and well being, meaning that the EPA can no longer regulate them. nyti.ms/4rSszQu
February 12, 2026 at 8:38 PM
You can't... repeal... a scientific finding. At that point it's just called lying about it.
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
I am seeking a postdoc to join my group at UCLA -- ideally the candidate would have some experience in either population genetics or microbes/microbiome (computational background needed). We have a range of projects and are happy to tailer to your interests. Please dm/email me if interested.
February 12, 2026 at 7:18 PM
I am seeking a postdoc to join my group at UCLA -- ideally the candidate would have some experience in either population genetics or microbes/microbiome (computational background needed). We have a range of projects and are happy to tailer to your interests. Please dm/email me if interested.
Lecturing about Neanderthal genetics today -my field of expertise- but really just want to lecture about the Benito Bowl half time show.
February 10, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Lecturing about Neanderthal genetics today -my field of expertise- but really just want to lecture about the Benito Bowl half time show.
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
Join Fernando Villanea's lab at CU Boulder as a postdoc in computational genomics, studying Neanderthal introgression in American populations. Apply by March 30. More info: https://www.villanealab.com/ #postdoc
Villanea Lab at University of Colorado Boulder
Villanea Lab at University of Colorado Boulder
www.villanealab.com
February 9, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Join Fernando Villanea's lab at CU Boulder as a postdoc in computational genomics, studying Neanderthal introgression in American populations. Apply by March 30. More info: https://www.villanealab.com/ #postdoc
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
Fun news! @gcbias.bsky.social and I are teaching a 2-week online population genetics workshop this summer to raise money for the Center for Population Biology at UC Davis. We're trying to gauge interest -- please fill this out if you might be interested! And please share broadly!
Davis Summer Population Genomics Program
Want to learn population genetics? Please fill out this form to indicate your potential interest in a 2-week intensive online summer population genetics course taught by Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra and Graham...
docs.google.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Fun news! @gcbias.bsky.social and I are teaching a 2-week online population genetics workshop this summer to raise money for the Center for Population Biology at UC Davis. We're trying to gauge interest -- please fill this out if you might be interested! And please share broadly!
We're excited to be recruiting an NSF funded postdoc to work in the Villanea lab at CU Boulder. We're specifically interested in candidates who want to work at the intersection of population genetics, ancient DNA, and computer modeling. Please RT
jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
PostDoctoral Associate
jobs.colorado.edu
February 9, 2026 at 3:12 PM
We're excited to be recruiting an NSF funded postdoc to work in the Villanea lab at CU Boulder. We're specifically interested in candidates who want to work at the intersection of population genetics, ancient DNA, and computer modeling. Please RT
jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
First shot: sugarcane
The backbone of Puerto Rico's agricultural economy since colonial times
Still used to make rum of course!
The backbone of Puerto Rico's agricultural economy since colonial times
Still used to make rum of course!
February 9, 2026 at 2:33 AM
First shot: sugarcane
The backbone of Puerto Rico's agricultural economy since colonial times
Still used to make rum of course!
The backbone of Puerto Rico's agricultural economy since colonial times
Still used to make rum of course!
Last time the Seahawks were in the Super Bowl I was still at Washington State. That was really embarrassing but we got Left Shark that year at least.This was a better showing and we got an even more amazing treat for halftime.
February 9, 2026 at 3:01 AM
Last time the Seahawks were in the Super Bowl I was still at Washington State. That was really embarrassing but we got Left Shark that year at least.This was a better showing and we got an even more amazing treat for halftime.
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
Cause that's what heroes do.
February 9, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Cause that's what heroes do.
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
That was hands down the best halftime show ever. It was filled with so many references to Puerto Rican culture and history. The sugarcane fields, the casita, the streets of NYC, and the power lines. All of it resonated so much. Boricua por siempre.
Seguimos aquí. 🇵🇷
Seguimos aquí. 🇵🇷
February 9, 2026 at 1:38 AM
That was hands down the best halftime show ever. It was filled with so many references to Puerto Rican culture and history. The sugarcane fields, the casita, the streets of NYC, and the power lines. All of it resonated so much. Boricua por siempre.
Seguimos aquí. 🇵🇷
Seguimos aquí. 🇵🇷
“Racism, among other things, is a kind of chauvinism, a belief in one’s inherent superiority, based on nothing other than a meaningless accident of birth.”
"For years, a cottage industry of political observers has contorted itself to obscure and occlude the obvious. That regardless of what others see in him, Trump’s entire political career...cannot be understood outside the context of his bitter, deep-seated racism." (gift link)
Opinion | This Is Just Who Trump Is
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 9:19 PM
“Racism, among other things, is a kind of chauvinism, a belief in one’s inherent superiority, based on nothing other than a meaningless accident of birth.”
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
Interested in using aDNA time-series datasets to estimate selection?
Our study "Assessing Ancient DNA Sampling Strategies for Natural Selection Inference in Humans Using Allele Frequency Time Series Data" is now out in GBE! doi.org/10.1093/gbe/... @genomebiolevol.bsky.social @cegamorim.bsky.social
Our study "Assessing Ancient DNA Sampling Strategies for Natural Selection Inference in Humans Using Allele Frequency Time Series Data" is now out in GBE! doi.org/10.1093/gbe/... @genomebiolevol.bsky.social @cegamorim.bsky.social
Assessing Ancient DNA Sampling Strategies for Natural Selection Inference in Humans Using Allele Frequency Time Series Data
Abstract. The increased availability of genomic data from ancient humans allows estimating the strength of natural selection at a given locus using time se
doi.org
February 3, 2026 at 9:17 AM
Interested in using aDNA time-series datasets to estimate selection?
Our study "Assessing Ancient DNA Sampling Strategies for Natural Selection Inference in Humans Using Allele Frequency Time Series Data" is now out in GBE! doi.org/10.1093/gbe/... @genomebiolevol.bsky.social @cegamorim.bsky.social
Our study "Assessing Ancient DNA Sampling Strategies for Natural Selection Inference in Humans Using Allele Frequency Time Series Data" is now out in GBE! doi.org/10.1093/gbe/... @genomebiolevol.bsky.social @cegamorim.bsky.social
Honestly, yeah, LFG. Maybe this is meant to feed biotech AI slop but we can outcompete them with good scientific proposals. If you’re interested in a post-doc applying neural networks to better integrate ancient DNA to demographic models reach out to me. I’ll help you tool the application for “AI”.
Holy shit: it's an RFP for the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology (PRFB). Hello old friend www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB)
www.nsf.gov
February 6, 2026 at 2:49 AM
Honestly, yeah, LFG. Maybe this is meant to feed biotech AI slop but we can outcompete them with good scientific proposals. If you’re interested in a post-doc applying neural networks to better integrate ancient DNA to demographic models reach out to me. I’ll help you tool the application for “AI”.
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
Holy shit: it's an RFP for the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology (PRFB). Hello old friend www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB)
www.nsf.gov
February 5, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Holy shit: it's an RFP for the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology (PRFB). Hello old friend www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
For PIs hiring post-docs, do you usually as for a letter of recommendation (or letters) in addition to the CV and cover letter?
February 4, 2026 at 5:47 PM
For PIs hiring post-docs, do you usually as for a letter of recommendation (or letters) in addition to the CV and cover letter?
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
anyone know if there is childcare at @official-smbe.bsky.social 2026 this year? #SMBE2026
February 3, 2026 at 10:08 PM
anyone know if there is childcare at @official-smbe.bsky.social 2026 this year? #SMBE2026
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
As per always on this most holy of mammal holidays, Groundhog's Day, March Mammal Madness launches our annual tournament page! #2026MMM @mmmletsgo.bsky.social libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
February 2, 2026 at 5:39 PM
As per always on this most holy of mammal holidays, Groundhog's Day, March Mammal Madness launches our annual tournament page! #2026MMM @mmmletsgo.bsky.social libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
We sequenced #ancientRNA from an 18th-Century human lung and recovered a rhinovirus genome. Take a look at our preprint. Feedback welcome.
Excited to share our work on #AncientRNA from alcohol-preserved lungs, recovering the oldest human RNA virus genome (an 18th-century rhinovirus). Our study shows that viral RNA remnants persist in centuries-old tissue, opening new ways to study virus evolution and historical disease #Paleovirology🫁🦠
www.biorxiv.org
January 31, 2026 at 2:08 AM
We sequenced #ancientRNA from an 18th-Century human lung and recovered a rhinovirus genome. Take a look at our preprint. Feedback welcome.
Reposted by Fernando Villanea
🚨 Job alert! The University of Tübingen announces a W3 (Full) Professorship in Early Hominin Evolution in the framework of the DFG Cluster of Excellence 'HUMAN ORIGINS':
uni-tuebingen.de/universitaet...
Application deadline: 11.03.2026 🚨
uni-tuebingen.de/universitaet...
Application deadline: 11.03.2026 🚨
January 29, 2026 at 8:38 AM
🚨 Job alert! The University of Tübingen announces a W3 (Full) Professorship in Early Hominin Evolution in the framework of the DFG Cluster of Excellence 'HUMAN ORIGINS':
uni-tuebingen.de/universitaet...
Application deadline: 11.03.2026 🚨
uni-tuebingen.de/universitaet...
Application deadline: 11.03.2026 🚨