Karen R. Lips
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karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips
@karenrlips.bsky.social
1.5K followers 1.8K following 250 posts

Ecology, global change, wildlife disease, tropical biology, science policy & diplomacy.

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Karen R. Lips is a professor of biology at University of Maryland, College Park. Lips' work in the 1990s eventually contributed to the identification of the chytrid fungus as the primary cause of frog decline worldwide. .. more

Environmental science 54%
Geography 14%
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karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· Dec 10
πŸ§ͺ🌎. Our short film "The Waiting" 🐸πŸŽ₯🐸🎬 is been awarded as a Vimeo Staff Pick, so since yesterday it's publicly accessable on Vimeo! vimeo.com/1036802517?s...
The Waiting
Karen Lips is researcher and lives for several years in a tiny little shack in Costa Rica to observe frogs. When she leaves the cloud forest for a short time and…
vimeo.com

karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· 1d
πŸ§ͺπŸŒŽπŸ”¬πŸ§¬πŸΈ (Almost) 50 Years of Effort on a Catalogue of Living Amphibians www.iucn-amphibians.org/celebrating-...
Celebrating 9000 described species of amphibians – IUCN SSC Amphibian Specialist Group
www.iucn-amphibians.org

karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· 1d
πŸ§ͺπŸŒŽπŸ”¬πŸ§¬πŸΈ 9000 species of #Amphibians have been described: summary of trends, challenges & opportunities 🐸 www.iucn-amphibians.org/wp-content/u...
www.iucn-amphibians.org

Reposted by Brian J. Enquist, Ben Bond‐Lamberty, Patrick A. Jansen , and 2 more

natureportfolio.nature.com
Nature Portfolio @natureportfolio.nature.com Β· 2d
A study in Nature Ecology & Evolution shows the long-term changes in tree species diversity across tropical forests in the Andes and Amazon. go.nature.com/45FPc1M 🌍 πŸ§ͺ
This is figure 3, which shows forest plot and regional changes in richness.

Reposted by Karen R. Lips

science.org
Science Magazine @science.org Β· 3d
Trains may be transporting cobras and other venomous snakes to new parts of India. https://scim.ag/3Z3Dg6i
Snakes on a train? Deadly reptiles may be hopping railcars in India
Trains may be transporting cobras and other venomous snakes to new parts of the country
scim.ag

Reposted by Brian J. Enquist, Jesse H. Kroll, Karen R. Lips , and 9 more

klangin.bsky.social
Katie Langin @klangin.bsky.social Β· 7d
How many STEM Ph.D.s were lost from the U.S. federal government last year?

My colleagues @mghersher.bsky.social and @policyhound.bsky.social dug into a recent data release to find the answer. A @science.org exclusive.

www.science.org/content/arti...

karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· 7d
www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=...
The Economics of Infectious Diseases
(December 2025) - We synthesize the literature on economic epidemiology, the interdisciplinary field that draws on the ideas and methods of economics to analyze individual behavior, aggregate disease ...
www.aeaweb.org

karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· 7d
On a GalΓ‘pagos island, a β€˜restoration project on steroids’ www.science.org/content/arti...
On a GalΓ‘pagos island, a β€˜restoration project on steroids’
A multimillion-dollar plan aims to undo centuries of destruction on islands made famous by Darwin
www.science.org

Reposted by Karen R. Lips, Richard M. Carpiano

techiewonk.bsky.social
Jeff Alexander @techiewonk.bsky.social Β· 10d
My colleague Ivy Estabrooke and I from @rti.bsky.social penned an editorial for @science.org on some of the potential implications if U.S. state governments boost funding of scientific #research as federal funding declines: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... (not paywalled). #scipol #sciencepolicy
States pioneer a new frontier in US science funding
Thirty-five years ago, a survey of university faculty concluded that despite relatively stable public funding, the research environment in the United States had deteriorated to the point that β€œa major...
www.science.org

Reposted by Karen R. Lips

klangin.bsky.social
Katie Langin @klangin.bsky.social Β· 11d
"What we’re … seeing is the toll of the uncertainty."

My latest story for @science.orgβ€”part of a package that explores how the U.S. scientific community has changed under Trumpβ€”includes new numbers on graduate enrollment and faculty hiring.

www.science.org/content/arti...

Reposted by Karen R. Lips, Robert Wolfe, Beatriz Gallardo PaΓΊls , and 1 more

science.org
Science Magazine @science.org Β· 11d
In a new special issue, Science’s news reporters take stock of the impacts that Trump's year in office has had on research and the scientific workforce, forecast what lies ahead, and assess the scientific community’s efforts to mitigate or reverse the harms. https://scim.ag/4pPtks0
In the year since Donald Trump returned to the White House, U.S. science has experienced unprecedented disruption. In this special issue, Science’s news reporters take stock of the impacts on research and the scientific workforce, forecast what lies ahead, and assess the scientific community’s efforts to mitigate or reverse the harms.

Reposted by Karen R. Lips

davidmalakoff.bsky.social
David Malakoff @davidmalakoff.bsky.social Β· 12d
I actually wrote something for a change: a look at how the US scientific community is trying to push back on Trump policy changes they oppose. | Science | AAAS www.science.org/content/arti...
In the age of Trump, are U.S. scientists β€˜bringing white papers to a gunfight’?
An unprecedented assault has forced researchers to rethink their advocacy tactics
www.science.org

karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· 12d
www.nature.com/immersive/d4...
US science after a year of Trump: what has been lost and what remains
A series of graphics reveals how the Trump administration has sought historic cuts to science and the research workforce.
www.nature.com

karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· 12d
Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security UK πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/696e0e...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

Reposted by Karen R. Lips, Joshua S. Weitz

policyhound.bsky.social
Jeffrey Mervis @policyhound.bsky.social Β· 13d
One year into Trump's second term, we parse the lasting impact of his policies and executive orders. Here's the first of a four-story package appearing this week. www.science.org/content/arti...
Which of Trump’s upheavals to U.S. science are likely to stick?
A future president could reverse many changes, but greater White House control of science agencies may be here to stay
www.science.org

Reposted by Diane Coyle, Dorothy Bishop, Peter Thorne , and 25 more

slowbikeiain.bsky.social
Iain Roberts @slowbikeiain.bsky.social Β· 13d
Yesterday it was cows using tools, today its penguins using satellite imagery.
Headline: "Scientists discover emperor penguin colony in Antarctica using satellite images"

karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· 13d
Bump

Reposted by Karen R. Lips, Jussi T. Eronen

kkdfv.bsky.social
Kata KarΓ‘th @kkdfv.bsky.social Β· 17d
My latest for @science.org. - Illegal miners have forced Peru’s oldest environmental research station to suspend work.
Gold mining has so far led to the deforestation of 140,000 ha of Amazonian rainforest in Peru - about half the size of Yosemite National Park
www.science.org/content/arti...
Illegal miners have forced Peru’s oldest environmental research station to suspend work
Staff at the Panguana biological research station have received death threats
www.science.org

Reposted by Andreas Richter, Karen R. Lips, Daijiang Li , and 1 more

ipbes.net
IPBES @ipbes.net Β· 17d
New World Economic Forum Global Risks data provides a stark warning: While short-term crises dominate headlines, "Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse" jumps to the 2nd highest risk over the 10-year horizon.

The long term is sooner than we think. Science-based policies via IPBES are crucial.🌍
This infographic from the World Economic Forum shows global risks ranked by severity over two time periods: 2-year (short term) and 10-year (long term). The title reads "Global risks ranked by severity" with the WEF logo in the top right corner. The chart is divided into two columns, with risks color-coded into four categories: Environmental (green), Geopolitical (orange), Societal (red), and Technological (purple). In the short term (2 years), the top risks are: Geoeconomic confrontation Misinformation and disinformation Societal polarization Extreme weather events State-based armed conflict In the long term (10 years), the ranking shows: Extreme weather events Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse Critical change to Earth systems Misinformation and disinformation Adverse outcomes of AI technologies Both columns continue to rank risks through position 10, with environmental concerns featuring more prominently in the long-term outlook. The source is cited as "World Economic Forum Global Risks Perception Survey 2025-2026."

karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· 18d
When Squirrels Meet the Delmar Divide - bioGraphic www.biographic.com/when-squirre...
When Squirrels Meet the Delmar Divide - bioGraphic
Segregation in St. Louis, Missouri, is shaping the genetics of the city’s eastern gray squirrels.
www.biographic.com

Reposted by Karen R. Lips, Jonas Geschke

science.org
Science Magazine @science.org Β· 18d
"The High Seas Treaty was enabled by science. Now, science must be used to successfully implement the agreement and the protected areas it creates," write Kirsten Grorud-Colvert and Jenna Sullivan-Stack in a new #ScienceEditorial. https://scim.ag/3YERGtu
"… global leaders must ensure that scientific findings, rather than politics, continue to play the leading role." Kirsten Grorud-Colvert and Jenna Sullivan-Stack

Reposted by Karen R. Lips

sciam.bsky.social
Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social Β· 18d
Americans overwhelmingly support science, but their views on how science is faring in the U.S. compared to other nations vary by political party. Read the full article here: www.scientificamerican.com/article/amer...
Stacked bar charts show percentages of survey respondents who said the U.S. was gaining ground, staying in about the same place or losing ground when it came to scientific achievement compared with other countries. As of October 2025, the data for all respondents was 13 percent gaining ground, 38 percent staying in about the same place, 47 percent losing. Among Republicans, the breakdown was 19 percent gaining, 49 percent staying put, and 32 percent losing. Among Democrats, the breakdown was 9 percent gaining, 25 percent staying put, and 65 percent losing.

Reposted by AnΓ­bal Pauchard, Timon McPhearson, Karen R. Lips

davidrvetter.bsky.social
Dave Vetter @davidrvetter.bsky.social Β· 21d
ICYMI: an international team has developed a new framework for understanding sustainable development. Instead of separating nature, society and economy, David Obura and co. propose a model that positions nature as the foundation.
Scientists call for 'systems reset' to redefine sustainable development
A new international study calls for a fundamental reset in how humanity understands and pursues sustainable development. The article is published in the journal Communications Sustainability.
phys.org

Reposted by Karen R. Lips, Nathalie A. Steins, Maria Faticov , and 2 more

jonlen.bsky.social
Jonathan Lenoir 🌳🌲🌴 @jonlen.bsky.social · 24d
Climate change has already reshaped the bioclimatic space of extreme events in the Arctic πŸŒβ„οΈ Arctic biodiversity has entered a new era of bioclimatic extremes w/ more droughts, greater winter-warming πŸ“ˆ & more rain-on-snow events πŸ’§β„οΈ

shorturl.at/pQsVP

Just published in Science Advances ⬇️
A new era of bioclimatic extremes in the terrestrial Arctic
Long-term climate data suggest that the Arctic is entering a new era of bioclimatic extremes threatening cold ecosystems.
shorturl.at

Reposted by Karen R. Lips

cyberlyra.bsky.social
Cyberlyra @cyberlyra.bsky.social Β· 25d
My first editorial in @science.org was published today: what to do (and, importantly, what NOT to do) when your grants are suddenly cut or research funding is uncertain. Please read and share!

#AcademicSky #Science #Astronomy

www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Weathering budget cuts: Lessons from NASA
The current uncertainty and cuts to science funding affect universities, research facilities, and laboratories across the United States, but this situation is not unprecedented. Under pressure to fund...
www.science.org

Reposted by Karen R. Lips

ecologicalsociety.bsky.social
Ecological Society of America @ecologicalsociety.bsky.social Β· 25d
Bring your science to Salt Lake City! We are now accepting contributed talk and poster abstracts covering all areas of ecological research and practice for #ESA2026 in July. Ample funding support will be available!

https://ow.ly/lYQZ50XTHZS

karenrlips.bsky.social
Karen R. Lips @karenrlips.bsky.social Β· 25d
All the other ASIH awards are open for nominations also! Please consider nominating deserving colleague. They are listed at that link

Reposted by Karen R. Lips

ianjames.bsky.social
Ian James @ianjames.bsky.social Β· 25d
One of the largest farming businesses in Arizona has agreed to use less water and pay $11 million in a deal state officials say will help preserve dwindling groundwater and provide financial help for residents whose wells have run dry. www.latimes.com/environment/...
As Arizona groundwater disappears, an agricultural giant agrees to use less
Agriculture has been free to use Arizona's groundwater, but as water levels drop, the state may have hit a turning point.
www.latimes.com

Reposted by Monica G. Turner, Karen R. Lips

ecologicalsociety.bsky.social
Ecological Society of America @ecologicalsociety.bsky.social Β· 25d
Leadership in a scientific society helps you grow professionally, sharpens skills & builds your network while you advance our work.

Now is your chance -- Governing Board, Board of Prof Cert & standing committee nominations due 2/2!

https://ow.ly/3ROV50XTEu4

(photo: Past Presidents at #ESA2025)
a group of past ESA presidents poses together at a reception

Reposted by Karen R. Lips

sciencediplomat.bsky.social
The Science Diplomat @sciencediplomat.bsky.social Β· 25d
The Science Diplomat looks at:

β€’ Science as a tool of governance

β€’ How evidence shapes international rules and standards

β€’ Where scientific cooperation holds β€” and where it breaks

β€’ What happens when public knowledge systems erode

Join us as we explore how science functions in global affairs!
The Science Diplomat | Substack
Reporting and analysis on science diplomacy and global affairs. Click to read The Science Diplomat, a Substack publication. Launched 7 days ago.
thesciencediplomat.substack.com

Reposted by Karen R. Lips

sciencediplomat.bsky.social
The Science Diplomat @sciencediplomat.bsky.social Β· 25d
Science increasingly underpins diplomacy, security, trade, climate policy, and global governance β€” yet the institutions that translate science into decision-making are under strain.

This publication focuses on that interface: where scientific knowledge becomes power, risk, and governance.
Why The Science Diplomat, Why Now
Diplomacy is no longer confined to embassies.
thesciencediplomat.substack.com