Dr. Sabine Hurka
@hurkasabine.bsky.social
Bioinformatics/Engineer Biotechnology/Technician @Fraunhofer_IME @fraunhofer.bsky.social @LOEWE_TBG #venomics #microbiome #biodiversity #ants #SymBioÖkonomie #SymBioOekonomie #hermetia
Putting final touches on a 400 species list for a book I'm writing about ants, for the general public, worldwide coverage.
I welcome suggestions for species I should include. Whittling 15,000 species down to only a few hundred is harder than it looks, because of course it should have ALL THE ANTS.
I welcome suggestions for species I should include. Whittling 15,000 species down to only a few hundred is harder than it looks, because of course it should have ALL THE ANTS.
November 15, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Reposted by Dr. Sabine Hurka
🆕Neue Perspektiven bei der Wirkstoffsuche💊durch aktuelle Studie zur giftigsten🕷️Spinne Deutschlands – dem Ammen-Dornfinger⤵️– von Forschenden um✍🏼Erstautor Tim Lüddecke, Wissenschaftler👨🏼🔬auch bei den ehemaligen LOEWE-Zentren ZIB + LOEWE-TBG➡️ www.uni-giessen.de/de/ueber-uns... @jlugiessen.bsky.social
November 13, 2025 at 1:11 PM
🆕Neue Perspektiven bei der Wirkstoffsuche💊durch aktuelle Studie zur giftigsten🕷️Spinne Deutschlands – dem Ammen-Dornfinger⤵️– von Forschenden um✍🏼Erstautor Tim Lüddecke, Wissenschaftler👨🏼🔬auch bei den ehemaligen LOEWE-Zentren ZIB + LOEWE-TBG➡️ www.uni-giessen.de/de/ueber-uns... @jlugiessen.bsky.social
I'm really excited about our new paper. It's about #spider #venom, and how it's evolved from being used to hunt to being used to defend itself. Take a look at these beautiful spiders. 🕷️👩🔬👍☠️🛡️
www.nature.com/articles/s42...
www.nature.com/articles/s42...
Comparative venomics suggests an evolutionary adaption of spider venom from predation to defense - Communications Biology
The spider Cheiracanthium punctorium evolved defensive venom rich in CSTX peptides and PLA2 enzymes. These components arose via gene duplication, fusion, and convergence, reflecting how similar ecolog...
www.nature.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:02 PM
I'm really excited about our new paper. It's about #spider #venom, and how it's evolved from being used to hunt to being used to defend itself. Take a look at these beautiful spiders. 🕷️👩🔬👍☠️🛡️
www.nature.com/articles/s42...
www.nature.com/articles/s42...
Reposted by Dr. Sabine Hurka
13/
Experience isn’t flashy.
It’s quiet.
It’s the instinct to pause, double-check, and rerun.
That’s what makes a real bioinformatician.
Experience isn’t flashy.
It’s quiet.
It’s the instinct to pause, double-check, and rerun.
That’s what makes a real bioinformatician.
October 7, 2025 at 1:15 PM
13/
Experience isn’t flashy.
It’s quiet.
It’s the instinct to pause, double-check, and rerun.
That’s what makes a real bioinformatician.
Experience isn’t flashy.
It’s quiet.
It’s the instinct to pause, double-check, and rerun.
That’s what makes a real bioinformatician.
Have a look at the next paper that's had its peer review finished and been published. This time it's all about the venom of the Black Judaicus scorpion (Hottentotta judaicus), a common yet neglected species native to the Middle East.
You can get free access here: authors.elsevier.com/c/1luf69Knfx...
You can get free access here: authors.elsevier.com/c/1luf69Knfx...
Venom gland transcriptomics of the Black Judaicus scorpion (Hottentotta judaicus) reveals its toxin arsenal and potential bioeconomic value
Scorpion venoms are likewise a medical burden as well as a source of novel bioresources. Despite their important dual role, the venoms of most scorpio…
www.sciencedirect.com
October 7, 2025 at 12:20 PM
Have a look at the next paper that's had its peer review finished and been published. This time it's all about the venom of the Black Judaicus scorpion (Hottentotta judaicus), a common yet neglected species native to the Middle East.
You can get free access here: authors.elsevier.com/c/1luf69Knfx...
You can get free access here: authors.elsevier.com/c/1luf69Knfx...
Pong
![4-panel comic. (1) [person finds bottle on shore] (2) [person reads message from inside bottle: ICMP ECHO REQUEST...] (3) [person writes on message ICMP ECHO REPLY...] (4) [person puts bottle back in water and leaves]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreidlkffoohblwqhnyqcrzhctq66wwo6fxohozryphbdmeeimwgoyke@jpeg)
October 7, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Pong
Today I finally figured out what Wi-Fi calling is all about and why I may need it. Just leave me behind.
(sent from an area with poor reception with WLAN access) #deadzone #mobilenetwork #feelingstupid
It's a really nice spot here at Lake Eder.
(sent from an area with poor reception with WLAN access) #deadzone #mobilenetwork #feelingstupid
It's a really nice spot here at Lake Eder.
October 1, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Today I finally figured out what Wi-Fi calling is all about and why I may need it. Just leave me behind.
(sent from an area with poor reception with WLAN access) #deadzone #mobilenetwork #feelingstupid
It's a really nice spot here at Lake Eder.
(sent from an area with poor reception with WLAN access) #deadzone #mobilenetwork #feelingstupid
It's a really nice spot here at Lake Eder.
Today, I say goodbye to an old friend—the #Biochemical #Pathways poster. It has hung in countless labs and offices, including on my own wall while I was studying #bioinformatics, inspiring my fascination with life’s chemistry. #science #legacy #Roche 💔💔💔
Roche | Biochemical Pathways
Biochemical Pathways provide an overview of the chemical reactions of cells in various species and organs.
www.roche.com
September 21, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Today, I say goodbye to an old friend—the #Biochemical #Pathways poster. It has hung in countless labs and offices, including on my own wall while I was studying #bioinformatics, inspiring my fascination with life’s chemistry. #science #legacy #Roche 💔💔💔
Since I don't live in #Swabia anymore, #Maultaschen have become pretty special for me, even though they're easy to find outside of the region. The last time I ate some, I had a rough night after with COVID19. I'm hoping things will be different this time. Nevertheless, they were delicious again 🍽️❤️🔥⛔🤒
September 18, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Since I don't live in #Swabia anymore, #Maultaschen have become pretty special for me, even though they're easy to find outside of the region. The last time I ate some, I had a rough night after with COVID19. I'm hoping things will be different this time. Nevertheless, they were delicious again 🍽️❤️🔥⛔🤒
install.packages("tracee")
generated_ggplot2 + tracee::ggwater(text = "DRAFT")
Why didn't I just search for that sooner? 🤦♀️💡😊
The other functions also look interesting. Check them out here: doi.org/10.32614/CRA...
tracee: Easily Save Output and Trace it Back to Code
Write output (plots and tables) ensuring traceability back to code. Includes a graphics saver with simple automation of stamping with source, destination and creation time. A list of plots can be save...
cran.r-project.org
September 12, 2025 at 9:48 AM
install.packages("tracee")
generated_ggplot2 + tracee::ggwater(text = "DRAFT")
Why didn't I just search for that sooner? 🤦♀️💡😊
The other functions also look interesting. Check them out here: doi.org/10.32614/CRA...
Reposted by Dr. Sabine Hurka
#EmotionalSupportSpood
Goodnight y'all 🖤
Goodnight y'all 🖤
September 2, 2025 at 4:10 AM
#EmotionalSupportSpood
Goodnight y'all 🖤
Goodnight y'all 🖤
One day before your short vacation: You realize that you forgot to upload the raw data your colleague needs for paper submission. Reviewer #2 wants an additional analysis that you haven't done or thought through yet. It could be worse. :)
#academia 🦂🦟👾
#academia 🦂🦟👾
August 21, 2025 at 3:47 PM
One day before your short vacation: You realize that you forgot to upload the raw data your colleague needs for paper submission. Reviewer #2 wants an additional analysis that you haven't done or thought through yet. It could be worse. :)
#academia 🦂🦟👾
#academia 🦂🦟👾
We've explored the venom of the Arabian saw-scaled viper. Discover the findings in our latest paper! 🐍 #SnakeVenom #Research #AnimalVenomics
journals.plos.org/plosntds/art...
journals.plos.org/plosntds/art...
August 15, 2025 at 5:45 PM
We've explored the venom of the Arabian saw-scaled viper. Discover the findings in our latest paper! 🐍 #SnakeVenom #Research #AnimalVenomics
journals.plos.org/plosntds/art...
journals.plos.org/plosntds/art...
Reposted by Dr. Sabine Hurka
We’ve studied the Mangshan pit viper's venom and found some interesting facts. Check out our paper for a deeper understanding! 🐍 #SnakeVenom #Research #AnimalVenomics
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
In vitro assessment of enzymatic activities, haemolytic potential, and cytotoxic effects of Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) venom
The Mangshan pit viper (Protobothrops mangshanensis) is a medically relevant venomous snake endemic to China. Owing to its popularity in the pet trade…
www.sciencedirect.com
August 12, 2025 at 3:51 PM
We’ve studied the Mangshan pit viper's venom and found some interesting facts. Check out our paper for a deeper understanding! 🐍 #SnakeVenom #Research #AnimalVenomics
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Hell yeah!
I have learned three ways to make important decisions:
1. if you doubt it, then it is a NO
2. if it is not a hell yes, it is a NO
3. when you do not know, make the decision that makes it a better story.
1. if you doubt it, then it is a NO
2. if it is not a hell yes, it is a NO
3. when you do not know, make the decision that makes it a better story.
August 10, 2025 at 7:27 AM
Hell yeah!
I started using Steam with Proton, and I've decided to switch to Linux as my main working system. That's it! 🎮🕹️👾🖥️😍
August 9, 2025 at 3:37 PM
I started using Steam with Proton, and I've decided to switch to Linux as my main working system. That's it! 🎮🕹️👾🖥️😍
Reposted by Dr. Sabine Hurka
14/
Want more on file naming best practices?
Jenny Bryan’s guide is excellent:
speakerdeck.com/jennybc/how...
Want more on file naming best practices?
Jenny Bryan’s guide is excellent:
speakerdeck.com/jennybc/how...
How to name files
Low-tech common sense about filenames. Prepared under the auspices of the Reproducible Science Curriculum (https://github.com/Reproducible-Science-Curri…
speakerdeck.com
July 25, 2025 at 1:45 PM
14/
Want more on file naming best practices?
Jenny Bryan’s guide is excellent:
speakerdeck.com/jennybc/how...
Want more on file naming best practices?
Jenny Bryan’s guide is excellent:
speakerdeck.com/jennybc/how...
Reposted by Dr. Sabine Hurka
10/
Key takeaway:
Great bioinformaticians ask,
“Does this result make biological sense?”
Not just,
“Is the p-value significant?”
Key takeaway:
Great bioinformaticians ask,
“Does this result make biological sense?”
Not just,
“Is the p-value significant?”
June 28, 2025 at 1:15 PM
10/
Key takeaway:
Great bioinformaticians ask,
“Does this result make biological sense?”
Not just,
“Is the p-value significant?”
Key takeaway:
Great bioinformaticians ask,
“Does this result make biological sense?”
Not just,
“Is the p-value significant?”
Today, my desktop PC decided to die with a loud bang 🖥️😱 On the other hand, yeah, new computer hardware! 😍🛍️🛒🪛
June 26, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Today, my desktop PC decided to die with a loud bang 🖥️😱 On the other hand, yeah, new computer hardware! 😍🛍️🛒🪛
Reposted by Dr. Sabine Hurka
![5-panel comic. (1) [teacher with long hair next to whiteboard] TEACHER: I’m supposed to give you the tools to do good science. (2) [teacher addressing students] But what *are* those tools? Methodology is hard and there are so many ways to get incorrect results. What is the magic ingredient that makes for good science? (3) TEACHER: To figure it out, I ran a regression with all the factors people say are important: [embedded list in sub-panel, cut off at end] Outcome variable: correct scientific results. Predictors: collaboration; skepticism of others’ claims; questioning your own beliefs; trying to falsify hypotheses; checking citations; statistical rigor; blinded analysis; financial disclosure; open data (4) TEACHER: The regression says two ingredients are the most crucial: 1) genuine curiosity about the answer to a question, and 2) ammonium hydroxide. (5) STUDENT: Wait, why did *ammonia* score so high? How did it even get on the list? LONG HAIR: ...And now you’re doing good science!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cz73r7iyiqn26upot4jtjdhk/bafkreigzaphhj4mfgfrxddlvdmw47335gnwzqbfqvrnff5x4oovgpf36nq@jpeg)
June 12, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Want to add: switching languages
1/ How many hours do bioinformaticians lose matching sample IDs across assays?
Too many.
And it’s avoidable.
Let’s talk about why this happens—and how to stop it.
Too many.
And it’s avoidable.
Let’s talk about why this happens—and how to stop it.
June 13, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Want to add: switching languages