Heran Darwin, PhD
@heran.bsky.social
Professor of Microbiology. Views my own. #Tuberculosis
herandarwinlab.org
herandarwinlab.org
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF BIOLOGY OF MYOCBACTERIA GRC WILL BE IN 2028, NOT 2027. Exact date and location TBD. Sorry about the long wait, but we think it is better long term. PLEASE repost/tell your friends!
January 21, 2026 at 7:19 PM
THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF BIOLOGY OF MYOCBACTERIA GRC WILL BE IN 2028, NOT 2027. Exact date and location TBD. Sorry about the long wait, but we think it is better long term. PLEASE repost/tell your friends!
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Many of you in the mycobacterial community attended the awesome inaugural 2025 Biology of Mycobacteria GRC, organized by @heran.bsky.social and myself: www.grc.org/biology-of-m....
I am writing with an update about this conference as the new chair.
I am writing with an update about this conference as the new chair.
2025 Biology of Mycobacteria Conference GRC
The 2025 Gordon Research Conference on Biology of Mycobacteria will be held in Pomona, California. Apply today to reserve your spot.
www.grc.org
January 21, 2026 at 7:19 PM
Many of you in the mycobacterial community attended the awesome inaugural 2025 Biology of Mycobacteria GRC, organized by @heran.bsky.social and myself: www.grc.org/biology-of-m....
I am writing with an update about this conference as the new chair.
I am writing with an update about this conference as the new chair.
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Not all heroes wear capes: some wear lab coats, carry sketchbooks, or design cities! #OnThisDay in 2021, The Vilcek Foundation launched a manga series with artist Hiroki Otsuka, bringing prizewinner stories to life through bold visuals & imaginative storytelling. Learn more https://vilcek.co/4bmLPQS
January 7, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Not all heroes wear capes: some wear lab coats, carry sketchbooks, or design cities! #OnThisDay in 2021, The Vilcek Foundation launched a manga series with artist Hiroki Otsuka, bringing prizewinner stories to life through bold visuals & imaginative storytelling. Learn more https://vilcek.co/4bmLPQS
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Happy New Year, all! Reminder that the deadline for abstract selected talks is Jan 7th for @keystonesymposia.bsky.social meeting "Beyond Antibiotics: Emerging Strategies Combating Bacterial Infection." Register today and join us in Breckenridge!! It is going to be an awesome meeting!
Registration is now open for @keystonesymposia.bsky.social "Beyond #Antibiotics: Emerging Strategies Combating #BacterialInfection." Deadline for scholarships and abstract selected short talks is Jan 7! Join us this May for an amazing meeting! keysym.us/KSBeyondAntibiotics26 #KSBeyondAntibiotics26
Beyond Antibiotics: Emerging Strategies for Combating Bacterial Infection | Keystone Symposia
Join us at the Keystone Symposia on Beyond Antibiotics: Emerging Strategies for Combating Bacterial Infection, May 2026, in Breckenridge, with field leaders!
keysym.us
January 1, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Happy New Year, all! Reminder that the deadline for abstract selected talks is Jan 7th for @keystonesymposia.bsky.social meeting "Beyond Antibiotics: Emerging Strategies Combating Bacterial Infection." Register today and join us in Breckenridge!! It is going to be an awesome meeting!
For Some Asian Americans, There’s No Such Thing As a Casual Drink www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/s...
For Some Asian Americans, There’s No Such Thing As a Casual Drink
www.nytimes.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:26 PM
For Some Asian Americans, There’s No Such Thing As a Casual Drink www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/s...
An absolute warrior. Condolences to everyone who knew and loved her.
Friday we lost a brilliant mind, colleague, and friend to her battle with pancreatic cancer. Those who knew her will remember Helene Andrews-Polymenis for her warmth, generosity and leadership. She will be missed by many. RIP
December 24, 2025 at 2:06 PM
An absolute warrior. Condolences to everyone who knew and loved her.
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
A reminder of why #ASMMicrobe is so important (at least to me)! Please repost!
December 22, 2025 at 2:41 PM
A reminder of why #ASMMicrobe is so important (at least to me)! Please repost!
A reminder of why #ASMMicrobe is so important (at least to me)! Please repost!
December 22, 2025 at 2:41 PM
A reminder of why #ASMMicrobe is so important (at least to me)! Please repost!
While everyone is hustling for the holidays, hopefully folks will have time to submit abstracts or register for #ASMMicrobe2026 in DC! Please repost!
Abstract portal is open for ASM Microbe 2026. New meeting format, same great science. Hope to see you in DC!
ASM Microbe | Abstracts
ASM Microbe showcases the best microbial sciences in the world and provides a one-of-a-kind forum to explore everything from basic microbiology to translation and application.
asm.org
December 22, 2025 at 2:40 PM
While everyone is hustling for the holidays, hopefully folks will have time to submit abstracts or register for #ASMMicrobe2026 in DC! Please repost!
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Early abstract submissions for ASM Microbe 2026—now 3 fully integrated meetings within 1 microbial world—are officially open. Submit by Dec. 2, 2 p.m. ET to elevate your research, spark new collaborations and join the conversations defining what’s next. asm.org/events/asm-m...
November 20, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Early abstract submissions for ASM Microbe 2026—now 3 fully integrated meetings within 1 microbial world—are officially open. Submit by Dec. 2, 2 p.m. ET to elevate your research, spark new collaborations and join the conversations defining what’s next. asm.org/events/asm-m...
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Abstract portal is open for ASM Microbe 2026. New meeting format, same great science. Hope to see you in DC!
ASM Microbe | Abstracts
ASM Microbe showcases the best microbial sciences in the world and provides a one-of-a-kind forum to explore everything from basic microbiology to translation and application.
asm.org
November 20, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Abstract portal is open for ASM Microbe 2026. New meeting format, same great science. Hope to see you in DC!
If it wasn't clear, this ad is for tenure track Microbiology faculty at the assistant professor level😬
We're hiring! Check out our ad and please re-post or forward to interested #Microbiology parties: apply.interfolio.com/174783
Apply - Interfolio
{{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
apply.interfolio.com
October 7, 2025 at 8:18 PM
If it wasn't clear, this ad is for tenure track Microbiology faculty at the assistant professor level😬
We're hiring! Check out our ad and please re-post or forward to interested #Microbiology parties: apply.interfolio.com/174783
Apply - Interfolio
{{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
apply.interfolio.com
October 7, 2025 at 4:10 PM
We're hiring! Check out our ad and please re-post or forward to interested #Microbiology parties: apply.interfolio.com/174783
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
UChicago Microbiology is searching for tenured or tenure-track faculty working in host-pathogens interactions, viral and bacterial pathogenesis, and emerging infectious diseases. Come join our vibrant Department! microbiology.uchicago.edu
Apply here apply.interfolio.com/174404
Apply here apply.interfolio.com/174404
Apply - Interfolio
{{$ctrl.$state.data.pageTitle}} - Apply - Interfolio
apply.interfolio.com
October 5, 2025 at 12:03 PM
UChicago Microbiology is searching for tenured or tenure-track faculty working in host-pathogens interactions, viral and bacterial pathogenesis, and emerging infectious diseases. Come join our vibrant Department! microbiology.uchicago.edu
Apply here apply.interfolio.com/174404
Apply here apply.interfolio.com/174404
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Important piece from Sarah Stanley at Berkeley on new NIH definitions that can be construed to arbitrarily halt research that is both safe and important to public health and future cures www.statnews.com/2025/10/06/g... via @statnews.com
The NIH ordered me to stop my ‘dangerous’ gain-of-function research. It isn’t dangerous at all
Safe gain-of-function research is necessary to identify new treatments for diseases like for tuberculosis — but the NIH has imposed unfounded stops.
www.statnews.com
October 6, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Important piece from Sarah Stanley at Berkeley on new NIH definitions that can be construed to arbitrarily halt research that is both safe and important to public health and future cures www.statnews.com/2025/10/06/g... via @statnews.com
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Abstract submissions are open for the Midwinter Conference of Immunologists @midwinter-immun.bsky.social!! www.midwconfimmunol.org The Early Bird Registration deadline is Nov 14, 2025.
There will be lots of Selected Abstract talks so submit an abstract to be considered!
There will be lots of Selected Abstract talks so submit an abstract to be considered!
Midwinter Conference of Immunologists
The Midwinter Conference of Immunologists was founded in 1961 by a small group of Immunologists, among them Drs. Dan Campbell and Ray Owen. The goal of the Midwinter Conference is to provide a forum w...
www.midwconfimmunol.org
September 22, 2025 at 1:12 PM
Abstract submissions are open for the Midwinter Conference of Immunologists @midwinter-immun.bsky.social!! www.midwconfimmunol.org The Early Bird Registration deadline is Nov 14, 2025.
There will be lots of Selected Abstract talks so submit an abstract to be considered!
There will be lots of Selected Abstract talks so submit an abstract to be considered!
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
meta-PAMPs: A new class of immunostimulatory molecules that control the ability of bacterial factors to operate as PAMPs. Jordan Jastrab reveals that wall teichoic acid (WTA) is a key regulator of inflammasomes and interferons during infection.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Wall teichoic acid is required for DNA-triggered innate immune receptor activation by Staphylococcus aureus
Receptors that stimulate inflammation are commonly activated by ligands that are buried within microbial cells. The mechanisms that facilitate immunostimulatory ligand release from microbes during inf...
www.biorxiv.org
September 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
meta-PAMPs: A new class of immunostimulatory molecules that control the ability of bacterial factors to operate as PAMPs. Jordan Jastrab reveals that wall teichoic acid (WTA) is a key regulator of inflammasomes and interferons during infection.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
In addition to being a kick-a$$ geneticist and biochemist, JJ is now a brill innate immunologist because of the Kagan lab! #DarwinDynasty
Thrilled to share my work from the @jkagan1.bsky.social lab!
TLDR: O-acetylation and wall teichoic acid compete for space on S. aureus peptidoglycan. This competition regulates DNA release, and thus immune receptor activation, during infection!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
#microsky #immunosky
TLDR: O-acetylation and wall teichoic acid compete for space on S. aureus peptidoglycan. This competition regulates DNA release, and thus immune receptor activation, during infection!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
#microsky #immunosky
Wall teichoic acid is required for DNA-triggered innate immune receptor activation by Staphylococcus aureus
Receptors that stimulate inflammation are commonly activated by ligands that are buried within microbial cells. The mechanisms that facilitate immunostimulatory ligand release from microbes during inf...
www.biorxiv.org
September 26, 2025 at 11:41 AM
In addition to being a kick-a$$ geneticist and biochemist, JJ is now a brill innate immunologist because of the Kagan lab! #DarwinDynasty
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Postdoc position (please re-post)
A funded postdoctoral position, will open in 2026 to study aspects of Neisseria gonorrhoeae pathogenesis, antigenic variation, genetics, or physiology.
If interested in more information, please contact Hank Seifert
h-seifert@northwestern.edu
#MicroSky
A funded postdoctoral position, will open in 2026 to study aspects of Neisseria gonorrhoeae pathogenesis, antigenic variation, genetics, or physiology.
If interested in more information, please contact Hank Seifert
h-seifert@northwestern.edu
#MicroSky
September 6, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Postdoc position (please re-post)
A funded postdoctoral position, will open in 2026 to study aspects of Neisseria gonorrhoeae pathogenesis, antigenic variation, genetics, or physiology.
If interested in more information, please contact Hank Seifert
h-seifert@northwestern.edu
#MicroSky
A funded postdoctoral position, will open in 2026 to study aspects of Neisseria gonorrhoeae pathogenesis, antigenic variation, genetics, or physiology.
If interested in more information, please contact Hank Seifert
h-seifert@northwestern.edu
#MicroSky
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Tuberculosis Spawning in Crowded, Dirty ICE Detention Centers url:https://prospect.org/health/2025-08-18-tuberculosis-spawning-in-crowded-dirty-ice-detention-centers/
August 18, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Tuberculosis Spawning in Crowded, Dirty ICE Detention Centers url:https://prospect.org/health/2025-08-18-tuberculosis-spawning-in-crowded-dirty-ice-detention-centers/
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Final call: Session proposals #ASMicrobe 2026 are due tomorrow, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. ET.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the scientific program and highlight key advances in the microbial sciences.
Submit now: asm.social/2wG
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the scientific program and highlight key advances in the microbial sciences.
Submit now: asm.social/2wG
August 4, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Final call: Session proposals #ASMicrobe 2026 are due tomorrow, Aug. 5, at 2 p.m. ET.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the scientific program and highlight key advances in the microbial sciences.
Submit now: asm.social/2wG
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the scientific program and highlight key advances in the microbial sciences.
Submit now: asm.social/2wG
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Thanks for your leadership on this @asm.org. asm.org/articles/pol...
ASM Leads Letter on Federal Biosecurity & Biosafety Policy | ASM.org
The American Society for Microbiology leads a stakeholder letter expressing concerns on the implementation of EO 14292.
asm.org
July 29, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Thanks for your leadership on this @asm.org. asm.org/articles/pol...
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
Are you bravely deciding to do a postdoc in the US? And also interested in some combination of genomics, immunology, and transposons? If so, consider applying to my lab at the BioFrontiers Institute in Boulder, Colorado!
jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
🧪🧬 #TESky #interferosky
jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
🧪🧬 #TESky #interferosky
July 17, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Are you bravely deciding to do a postdoc in the US? And also interested in some combination of genomics, immunology, and transposons? If so, consider applying to my lab at the BioFrontiers Institute in Boulder, Colorado!
jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
🧪🧬 #TESky #interferosky
jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDeta...
🧪🧬 #TESky #interferosky
Reposted by Heran Darwin, PhD
We got hit with our first tariff tax. Ordered a unique piece of equipment from a Canadian Co. Took four months to build but arrived at the lab two weeks ago (yeah!). Then yesterday the FedEx bill for a $9,500 tariff showed up. Remind me how I invoice Canada to pay for this?
July 10, 2025 at 11:07 AM
We got hit with our first tariff tax. Ordered a unique piece of equipment from a Canadian Co. Took four months to build but arrived at the lab two weeks ago (yeah!). Then yesterday the FedEx bill for a $9,500 tariff showed up. Remind me how I invoice Canada to pay for this?