LIB
@leibnizlib.bsky.social
Leibniz-Institut zur Analyse des Biodiversitätswandels (Bonn & Hamburg)
Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (Bonn & Hamburg)
#biodiversitychange #collections #naturalhistorymuseum #outreach #exhibitions #evolution #taxonomy #genomics
Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (Bonn & Hamburg)
#biodiversitychange #collections #naturalhistorymuseum #outreach #exhibitions #evolution #taxonomy #genomics
The study shows that past human pressures leave lasting marks on wildlife — and how museum collections help us uncover those signals.
Joint work by @leibnizlib.bsky.social, TiHo Hannover &
@unileipzig.bsky.social
→ doi.org/10.3389/fmar...
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#MarineEcology #CollectionsScience #Anthropocene
Joint work by @leibnizlib.bsky.social, TiHo Hannover &
@unileipzig.bsky.social
→ doi.org/10.3389/fmar...
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#MarineEcology #CollectionsScience #Anthropocene
doi.org
January 14, 2026 at 1:55 PM
The study shows that past human pressures leave lasting marks on wildlife — and how museum collections help us uncover those signals.
Joint work by @leibnizlib.bsky.social, TiHo Hannover &
@unileipzig.bsky.social
→ doi.org/10.3389/fmar...
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#MarineEcology #CollectionsScience #Anthropocene
Joint work by @leibnizlib.bsky.social, TiHo Hannover &
@unileipzig.bsky.social
→ doi.org/10.3389/fmar...
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#MarineEcology #CollectionsScience #Anthropocene
Historical specimens from museum collections reveal that humans have influenced harbour seal feeding behaviour over decades. By analysing microscopic wear on seal teeth, researchers found clear differences between seals from the Danish Kattegat (1960s–70s) & the German Wadden Sea (1980s).
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January 14, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Historical specimens from museum collections reveal that humans have influenced harbour seal feeding behaviour over decades. By analysing microscopic wear on seal teeth, researchers found clear differences between seals from the Danish Kattegat (1960s–70s) & the German Wadden Sea (1980s).
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Harbour seal teeth act like natural archives — microscopic wear patterns can record what and how an animal ate, even decades later.
leibniz-lib.de/de/news/1401...
© 2025 Lehnert, Bethune, Schulz-Kornas, Siebert & Kaiser. (CC BY).
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leibniz-lib.de/de/news/1401...
© 2025 Lehnert, Bethune, Schulz-Kornas, Siebert & Kaiser. (CC BY).
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January 14, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Harbour seal teeth act like natural archives — microscopic wear patterns can record what and how an animal ate, even decades later.
leibniz-lib.de/de/news/1401...
© 2025 Lehnert, Bethune, Schulz-Kornas, Siebert & Kaiser. (CC BY).
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leibniz-lib.de/de/news/1401...
© 2025 Lehnert, Bethune, Schulz-Kornas, Siebert & Kaiser. (CC BY).
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Sneaking in rapid biodiversity methods is always a good idea 😎 Collaboration at its best.
Strong connections within the @leibniz-gemeinschaft.de network – thanks for welcoming the LIB and sharing your expertise !
Strong connections within the @leibniz-gemeinschaft.de network – thanks for welcoming the LIB and sharing your expertise !
Delegation of @leibnizlib.bsky.social #Bonn visiting @mfnberlin.bsky.social the lab of @rudolf-meier.bsky.social sneaking in rapid #biodiversity methods... 😎
January 14, 2026 at 10:43 AM
Sneaking in rapid biodiversity methods is always a good idea 😎 Collaboration at its best.
Strong connections within the @leibniz-gemeinschaft.de network – thanks for welcoming the LIB and sharing your expertise !
Strong connections within the @leibniz-gemeinschaft.de network – thanks for welcoming the LIB and sharing your expertise !
Europe’s medicinal leech is not a single species — genomic work has revealed several distinct lineages.
A nice example of how reference genomes help clarify species identity, historical introductions, and biodiversity — even in well-known organisms like medicinal leeches. #LIBresearch
A nice example of how reference genomes help clarify species identity, historical introductions, and biodiversity — even in well-known organisms like medicinal leeches. #LIBresearch
After a long(ish) while, the reference genome for the #leech #Hirudo verbana is officially out!
doi.org/10.12688/ope...
w/@ergabiodiv.bsky.social, @biogeneurope.bsky.social, @leibnizlib.bsky.social, & @sangerinstitute.bsky.social
@dome-vienna.bsky.social, @cemess.bsky.social, @univie.ac.at
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doi.org/10.12688/ope...
w/@ergabiodiv.bsky.social, @biogeneurope.bsky.social, @leibnizlib.bsky.social, & @sangerinstitute.bsky.social
@dome-vienna.bsky.social, @cemess.bsky.social, @univie.ac.at
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January 14, 2026 at 7:46 AM
Europe’s medicinal leech is not a single species — genomic work has revealed several distinct lineages.
A nice example of how reference genomes help clarify species identity, historical introductions, and biodiversity — even in well-known organisms like medicinal leeches. #LIBresearch
A nice example of how reference genomes help clarify species identity, historical introductions, and biodiversity — even in well-known organisms like medicinal leeches. #LIBresearch
#Fun fact: Toads living high in the mountains are adapted to cold conditions, allowing them to survive where temperatures are low and seasons are short.
→ doi.org/10.1016/j.pa...
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→ doi.org/10.1016/j.pa...
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Redirecting
doi.org
January 13, 2026 at 3:53 PM
#Fun fact: Toads living high in the mountains are adapted to cold conditions, allowing them to survive where temperatures are low and seasons are short.
→ doi.org/10.1016/j.pa...
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→ doi.org/10.1016/j.pa...
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How do mountains shape biodiversity?
A new study on the Himalayan toad shows that rising mountains and deep valleys split populations long ago, sending them down separate evolutionary paths. Geography, more than ecology, shaped this hidden diversity. #LIBresearch
© Adobe Stock, RealityImages
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A new study on the Himalayan toad shows that rising mountains and deep valleys split populations long ago, sending them down separate evolutionary paths. Geography, more than ecology, shaped this hidden diversity. #LIBresearch
© Adobe Stock, RealityImages
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January 13, 2026 at 3:49 PM
How do mountains shape biodiversity?
A new study on the Himalayan toad shows that rising mountains and deep valleys split populations long ago, sending them down separate evolutionary paths. Geography, more than ecology, shaped this hidden diversity. #LIBresearch
© Adobe Stock, RealityImages
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A new study on the Himalayan toad shows that rising mountains and deep valleys split populations long ago, sending them down separate evolutionary paths. Geography, more than ecology, shaped this hidden diversity. #LIBresearch
© Adobe Stock, RealityImages
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Creating digital twins helps protect fragile museum specimens while opening new pathways for global biodiversity research. At LIB, we’re part of an international effort to sequence the genomes of type specimens — the ultimate reference points of biodiversity.
📣 #Forschungsnews: In Naturkundemuseen lagert ein Schatz: Typusexemplare, die Referenzobjekte jeder Art. Ihre DNA systematisch zu entschlüsseln und „digitale Zwillinge“ zu schaffen, würde die Biodiversitätsforschung revolutionieren. 🧬🌏
👉 https://sgn.one/dpu
📷 LIB; Naturhistorisches Museum Wien
👉 https://sgn.one/dpu
📷 LIB; Naturhistorisches Museum Wien
January 13, 2026 at 1:06 PM
Creating digital twins helps protect fragile museum specimens while opening new pathways for global biodiversity research. At LIB, we’re part of an international effort to sequence the genomes of type specimens — the ultimate reference points of biodiversity.
Great work — and a nice example of how Master’s thesis projects can feed directly into international science and discussion!
Poster at TIBS 2026 in Aarhus 🇩🇰🥶
Promoting the Master's thesis of Laura Steib, assessing the best modelling strategies for herps in Romania!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by for the discussions and feedback, and to the organizers for a great meeting.
#TIBS2026 #InternationalBiogeographySociety
Promoting the Master's thesis of Laura Steib, assessing the best modelling strategies for herps in Romania!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by for the discussions and feedback, and to the organizers for a great meeting.
#TIBS2026 #InternationalBiogeographySociety
January 9, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Great work — and a nice example of how Master’s thesis projects can feed directly into international science and discussion!
Walking on walls is impressive — but understanding how it evolved is even better. This new study adds an important piece to the gecko puzzle. #LIBresearch
Gecko Evolution Unveiled: How Adhesion Really Started!
Have you ever wondered how geckos developed their incredible ability to walk on walls or even upside down? Our brand-new study sheds new light on this mystery of natur. @leibnizlib.bsky.social
Read more: doi.org/10.3762/bjna...
Have you ever wondered how geckos developed their incredible ability to walk on walls or even upside down? Our brand-new study sheds new light on this mystery of natur. @leibnizlib.bsky.social
Read more: doi.org/10.3762/bjna...
January 8, 2026 at 10:18 AM
Walking on walls is impressive — but understanding how it evolved is even better. This new study adds an important piece to the gecko puzzle. #LIBresearch
Great opportunity for students interested in pollinators, fieldwork and applied biodiversity research — feel free to share! 🌼🐝
Master´s thesis project in Göttingen - are you interested? Get in touch!
January 8, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Great opportunity for students interested in pollinators, fieldwork and applied biodiversity research — feel free to share! 🌼🐝
#FunFact: Grasshopper genomes can be 10× larger than many other insects due to repetitive DNA – a reminder that genome size doesn’t always predict organism complexity.
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January 7, 2026 at 8:09 AM
#FunFact: Grasshopper genomes can be 10× larger than many other insects due to repetitive DNA – a reminder that genome size doesn’t always predict organism complexity.
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One genome resolves gene content and chromosome structure in a reef fish. → doi.org/10.1093/gbe/...
The other reveals an extremely large grasshopper genome, packed with repetitive DNA. → doi.org/10.1093/g3jo...
Same tools — very different evolutionary insights.
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The other reveals an extremely large grasshopper genome, packed with repetitive DNA. → doi.org/10.1093/g3jo...
Same tools — very different evolutionary insights.
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January 7, 2026 at 8:08 AM
One genome resolves gene content and chromosome structure in a reef fish. → doi.org/10.1093/gbe/...
The other reveals an extremely large grasshopper genome, packed with repetitive DNA. → doi.org/10.1093/g3jo...
Same tools — very different evolutionary insights.
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The other reveals an extremely large grasshopper genome, packed with repetitive DNA. → doi.org/10.1093/g3jo...
Same tools — very different evolutionary insights.
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Chromosome-level genomes are opening new windows into biodiversity — even far beyond classic model species. Two new studies show why this matters across very different taxa. #LIBresearch
© Adobe Stock, Colombe Delons
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© Adobe Stock, Colombe Delons
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January 7, 2026 at 8:07 AM
Chromosome-level genomes are opening new windows into biodiversity — even far beyond classic model species. Two new studies show why this matters across very different taxa. #LIBresearch
© Adobe Stock, Colombe Delons
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© Adobe Stock, Colombe Delons
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Reposted by LIB
#Seminar
Join our #MEEGene seminar at @leibnizlib.bsky.social on Zoom next Tuesday, Jan 13, 3PM CET and listen to: Sarah Schmid from @usyseth.bsky.social @ele-ethwsl.bsky.social talk about #museomics to improve #eDNA #monitoring of marine fishes!
Email meegene@leibniz-lib.de for login details.
Join our #MEEGene seminar at @leibnizlib.bsky.social on Zoom next Tuesday, Jan 13, 3PM CET and listen to: Sarah Schmid from @usyseth.bsky.social @ele-ethwsl.bsky.social talk about #museomics to improve #eDNA #monitoring of marine fishes!
Email meegene@leibniz-lib.de for login details.
January 6, 2026 at 2:39 PM
#Seminar
Join our #MEEGene seminar at @leibnizlib.bsky.social on Zoom next Tuesday, Jan 13, 3PM CET and listen to: Sarah Schmid from @usyseth.bsky.social @ele-ethwsl.bsky.social talk about #museomics to improve #eDNA #monitoring of marine fishes!
Email meegene@leibniz-lib.de for login details.
Join our #MEEGene seminar at @leibnizlib.bsky.social on Zoom next Tuesday, Jan 13, 3PM CET and listen to: Sarah Schmid from @usyseth.bsky.social @ele-ethwsl.bsky.social talk about #museomics to improve #eDNA #monitoring of marine fishes!
Email meegene@leibniz-lib.de for login details.
The study shows it belongs to a different rodent group than thought and suggests the islands were colonised by rodents more than once — reshaping how we think about island evolution and extinction.
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January 6, 2026 at 8:51 AM
The study shows it belongs to a different rodent group than thought and suggests the islands were colonised by rodents more than once — reshaping how we think about island evolution and extinction.
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Ancient DNA sheds new light on Megaoryzomys curioi, a giant extinct rodent from the Galápagos. #LIBresearch
→ doi.org/10.1093/zool...
© Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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→ doi.org/10.1093/zool...
© Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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January 6, 2026 at 8:50 AM
Ancient DNA sheds new light on Megaoryzomys curioi, a giant extinct rodent from the Galápagos. #LIBresearch
→ doi.org/10.1093/zool...
© Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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→ doi.org/10.1093/zool...
© Geni, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Type specimens may sit quietly in collections, but they’re central to naming, comparing and protecting biodiversity. This update highlights how dynamic and valuable museum collections really are.
A second addition to the herpetological type catalogue of the Zoological Museum of Hamburg at @leibnizlib.bsky.social, with 53 additional newly discovered or newly described type specimens: doi.org/10.3897/evol...
January 5, 2026 at 10:31 AM
Type specimens may sit quietly in collections, but they’re central to naming, comparing and protecting biodiversity. This update highlights how dynamic and valuable museum collections really are.
Are you collecting biodiversity data, working with DNA methods, or using monitoring results? What would help make DNA-based data more usable in practice? 3/3
December 18, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Are you collecting biodiversity data, working with DNA methods, or using monitoring results? What would help make DNA-based data more usable in practice? 3/3
Reliable, comparable DNA data matter for tracking biodiversity change and informing action. @zfmk.bsky.social
→ doi.org/10.19217/skr... 2/3
→ doi.org/10.19217/skr... 2/3
DNA-based biodiversity analyses in nature conservation and environmental protection: What options do we have for standardisation? : A recommendation for action from research and practice
doi.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Reliable, comparable DNA data matter for tracking biodiversity change and informing action. @zfmk.bsky.social
→ doi.org/10.19217/skr... 2/3
→ doi.org/10.19217/skr... 2/3
DNA-based methods like #metabarcoding can transform biodiversity monitoring — but without shared standards, their impact stays limited. Clear recommendations show why quality assurance and harmonised workflows are key for real-world conservation. #LIBresearch
© Adobe Stock, taraki
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© Adobe Stock, taraki
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December 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
DNA-based methods like #metabarcoding can transform biodiversity monitoring — but without shared standards, their impact stays limited. Clear recommendations show why quality assurance and harmonised workflows are key for real-world conservation. #LIBresearch
© Adobe Stock, taraki
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© Adobe Stock, taraki
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A fantastic choice for #ECBB2026 plenary speaker: @mherberstein.bsky.social
If you have ideas or topics you’d love to hear in a plenary, now is the time to share them — Mariella is taking suggestions!
If you have ideas or topics you’d love to hear in a plenary, now is the time to share them — Mariella is taking suggestions!
Thank you so much for the invitation!!! I am taking requests! What would you like to hear in a plenary????
Ready to meet our third plenary speaker? We are delighted to announce it's....
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The extraordinary @mherberstein.bsky.social
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The extraordinary @mherberstein.bsky.social
December 18, 2025 at 8:36 AM
A fantastic choice for #ECBB2026 plenary speaker: @mherberstein.bsky.social
If you have ideas or topics you’d love to hear in a plenary, now is the time to share them — Mariella is taking suggestions!
If you have ideas or topics you’d love to hear in a plenary, now is the time to share them — Mariella is taking suggestions!
December 17, 2025 at 11:28 AM
How do you deal with spatial data in your work? What would help improve data quality?
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December 17, 2025 at 8:32 AM
How do you deal with spatial data in your work? What would help improve data quality?
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