Dr Manu Saunders
@manusaunders.bsky.social
Ecologist. Mum. Writer.
Senior Lecturer Uni New England (Australia).
Editor in Chief: Insect Conservation and Diversity.
Anaiwan Country. My words. She/her.
https://ecologyisnotadirtyword.com
https://saundersecologylab.com/
Senior Lecturer Uni New England (Australia).
Editor in Chief: Insect Conservation and Diversity.
Anaiwan Country. My words. She/her.
https://ecologyisnotadirtyword.com
https://saundersecologylab.com/
No species is an island, they exist within ecosystems. We urgently need more research that builds knowledge of the ecological networks that underpin a species' persistence: pollination, seed dispersal, predation, parasitism, herbivory, response to disturbance 🌏🧪 theconversation.com/wildlife-rec...
Wildlife recovery means more than just survival of a species
Current laws that deem species safe from extinction ignore their ecological role, geographic range and genetic diversity, as well as their relationships with people.
theconversation.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:53 AM
No species is an island, they exist within ecosystems. We urgently need more research that builds knowledge of the ecological networks that underpin a species' persistence: pollination, seed dispersal, predation, parasitism, herbivory, response to disturbance 🌏🧪 theconversation.com/wildlife-rec...
Analysis of one journal, but one of the perceived 'highest impact'. It would be interesting to explore this pattern further, in particular how does this writing strategy influence individual career trajectories and drive misinformation in popular media #AcademicSky link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Promoting research by reducing uncertainty in academic writing: a large-scale diachronic case study on hedging in Science research articles across 25 years - Scientometrics
Hedges are important in academic writing since they indicate uncertainty and tentativeness about academic knowledge. However, few studies explore how hedges have changed in academic writing overtime. ...
link.springer.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Analysis of one journal, but one of the perceived 'highest impact'. It would be interesting to explore this pattern further, in particular how does this writing strategy influence individual career trajectories and drive misinformation in popular media #AcademicSky link.springer.com/article/10.1...
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
New #OpenAccess work in #RESInsectConsDiv by @graydongillies.bsky.social, @rishonavemulapalli.bsky.social & C.G.Eckert reports that Common #milkweed gardens increase occupancy by #MonarchButterflies & other specialist herbivores towards an urban centre
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70033
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70033
November 3, 2025 at 11:05 AM
New #OpenAccess work in #RESInsectConsDiv by @graydongillies.bsky.social, @rishonavemulapalli.bsky.social & C.G.Eckert reports that Common #milkweed gardens increase occupancy by #MonarchButterflies & other specialist herbivores towards an urban centre
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70033
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70033
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
‘We thank the Attorney-General for this crucial decision and commitment to stand behind the creative industries and protect the rights of authors and illustrators. This represents a clear message from government that creators should be paid for their work.'
www.asauthors.org.au/news/austral...
www.asauthors.org.au/news/austral...
Australian Government rules out TDM exception for AI training; stands behind creative industries - Australian Society of Authors
We welcome the Albanese government’s decision to rule out a Text and Data Mining exception to Australian copyright law.
www.asauthors.org.au
October 31, 2025 at 7:51 AM
‘We thank the Attorney-General for this crucial decision and commitment to stand behind the creative industries and protect the rights of authors and illustrators. This represents a clear message from government that creators should be paid for their work.'
www.asauthors.org.au/news/austral...
www.asauthors.org.au/news/austral...
Great win for working parents generally, especially women who disproportionately have primary care responsibilities, even when they are not formally recognised as the primary carer. Enforced office attendance is inequitable. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Westpac’s work-from-home complaint was a cultural miff that doesn’t resonate in today’s Australia | Van Badham
Women who manage to perform their jobs well while caring for children should get a bloody medal, not a trip to Fair Work
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Great win for working parents generally, especially women who disproportionately have primary care responsibilities, even when they are not formally recognised as the primary carer. Enforced office attendance is inequitable. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
People who aren’t writers think writer’s block is at least as big and real a problem as I thought quicksand would be, as a child.
AI can help authors beat writer’s block, says Bloomsbury chief
Publisher last week reported jump in revenue in academic and professional arm thanks to AI licensing deal
www.theguardian.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:17 PM
People who aren’t writers think writer’s block is at least as big and real a problem as I thought quicksand would be, as a child.
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
“When you have a disability people can’t see, you don’t get the same level of empathy. It feels like the world has moved on.”
It’s shameful how society is gaslighting people who are experiencing chronic illness and ignoring an ongoing public health crisis.
It’s shameful how society is gaslighting people who are experiencing chronic illness and ignoring an ongoing public health crisis.
Long Covid Is Real -- And It's Changing an Entire Generation
Long Covid is affecting hundreds of thousands of kids in America, and many doctors and schools refuse to recognize their illness.
www.rollingstone.com
October 16, 2025 at 7:48 PM
“When you have a disability people can’t see, you don’t get the same level of empathy. It feels like the world has moved on.”
It’s shameful how society is gaslighting people who are experiencing chronic illness and ignoring an ongoing public health crisis.
It’s shameful how society is gaslighting people who are experiencing chronic illness and ignoring an ongoing public health crisis.
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards – in pictures
Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards – in pictures
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year is an annual competition hosted by the Natural History Museum in London, which awards top honours in various categories for outstanding photography
www.theguardian.com
October 15, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards – in pictures
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
New #OpenAccess work in #RESInsectConsDiv reports on the establishment and rapid spread of #SocialWasps (#Hymenoptera: #Vespinae) in #Greenland
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70023
#InsectMonitoring #SpeciesIntroductions
@manusaunders.bsky.social @wiley.com
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70023
#InsectMonitoring #SpeciesIntroductions
@manusaunders.bsky.social @wiley.com
October 11, 2025 at 1:15 PM
New #OpenAccess work in #RESInsectConsDiv reports on the establishment and rapid spread of #SocialWasps (#Hymenoptera: #Vespinae) in #Greenland
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70023
#InsectMonitoring #SpeciesIntroductions
@manusaunders.bsky.social @wiley.com
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70023
#InsectMonitoring #SpeciesIntroductions
@manusaunders.bsky.social @wiley.com
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
Such a needed paper! This focuses on the EU, but I've had to talk many teachers out of exotic stick insects, which are regulated species here in the US as potential pests. (and we have one escaped stick species that has established itself!) #education
Rearing insects in class is an excellent science education tool, but using non-native insects can lead to ethical and environmental issues. Native insects should be prioritised! Great paper exploring this overlooked issue #RESInsectConsDiv 🌏🧪
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Native insect species should be selected for classroom rearings
Rearing insects in the school classroom can build positive attitudes towards insects among schoolchildren, which is becoming increasingly important as insect populations decline. Identified frequent...
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Such a needed paper! This focuses on the EU, but I've had to talk many teachers out of exotic stick insects, which are regulated species here in the US as potential pests. (and we have one escaped stick species that has established itself!) #education
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
'When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist,' the Norwegian Nobel Committee said as it announced Maria Corina Machado as the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize
October 10, 2025 at 9:31 AM
'When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist,' the Norwegian Nobel Committee said as it announced Maria Corina Machado as the winner of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize
Rearing insects in class is an excellent science education tool, but using non-native insects can lead to ethical and environmental issues. Native insects should be prioritised! Great paper exploring this overlooked issue #RESInsectConsDiv 🌏🧪
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Native insect species should be selected for classroom rearings
Rearing insects in the school classroom can build positive attitudes towards insects among schoolchildren, which is becoming increasingly important as insect populations decline. Identified frequent...
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 10, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Rearing insects in class is an excellent science education tool, but using non-native insects can lead to ethical and environmental issues. Native insects should be prioritised! Great paper exploring this overlooked issue #RESInsectConsDiv 🌏🧪
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
One of the constant strands in the history of the university, dating back to its medieval origins, is the attempt of authorities - especially religious authorities but not exclusively - to control what can and cannot be taught.
September 27, 2025 at 12:20 PM
One of the constant strands in the history of the university, dating back to its medieval origins, is the attempt of authorities - especially religious authorities but not exclusively - to control what can and cannot be taught.
Another platform going with opt-out, for something that should be opt-in www.vice.com/en/article/l...
LinkedIn Is Gonna Use Your Profile to Train Its AI
If you have a LinkedIn profile, it's going to get sucked up to train LinkedIn's AI model if you don't opt out.
www.vice.com
September 27, 2025 at 11:58 AM
Another platform going with opt-out, for something that should be opt-in www.vice.com/en/article/l...
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
#RESMedVetEnt are delighted to welcome on board three new Editors-in-Chief: Maureen Laroche, Marion England and Philip Barton. 🎉
Learn more about our new team members here ⬇️
www.royensoc.co.uk/news/welcome...
@royentsoc.bsky.social
Learn more about our new team members here ⬇️
www.royensoc.co.uk/news/welcome...
@royentsoc.bsky.social
September 1, 2025 at 10:05 AM
#RESMedVetEnt are delighted to welcome on board three new Editors-in-Chief: Maureen Laroche, Marion England and Philip Barton. 🎉
Learn more about our new team members here ⬇️
www.royensoc.co.uk/news/welcome...
@royentsoc.bsky.social
Learn more about our new team members here ⬇️
www.royensoc.co.uk/news/welcome...
@royentsoc.bsky.social
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
The new issue of #RESInsectConsDiv is now available! 📢
It includes the "Restoration & rescue in an age of extinction: advances in #arthropod #translocation & #reintroduction" #SpecialIssue! 🎉
Learn more about this important area of #Conservation in this Q&A with the guest Editors⬇️
buff.ly/FUJMFoR
It includes the "Restoration & rescue in an age of extinction: advances in #arthropod #translocation & #reintroduction" #SpecialIssue! 🎉
Learn more about this important area of #Conservation in this Q&A with the guest Editors⬇️
buff.ly/FUJMFoR
September 16, 2025 at 3:06 PM
The new issue of #RESInsectConsDiv is now available! 📢
It includes the "Restoration & rescue in an age of extinction: advances in #arthropod #translocation & #reintroduction" #SpecialIssue! 🎉
Learn more about this important area of #Conservation in this Q&A with the guest Editors⬇️
buff.ly/FUJMFoR
It includes the "Restoration & rescue in an age of extinction: advances in #arthropod #translocation & #reintroduction" #SpecialIssue! 🎉
Learn more about this important area of #Conservation in this Q&A with the guest Editors⬇️
buff.ly/FUJMFoR
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
New research in #RESInsectConsDiv
#Grazing-induced changes in the #abundance and diversity of #grasshoppers is mediated through changes in plant functional groups
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70020
#Biodiversity #Orthoptera
@manusaunders.bsky.social @wiley.com
#Grazing-induced changes in the #abundance and diversity of #grasshoppers is mediated through changes in plant functional groups
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70020
#Biodiversity #Orthoptera
@manusaunders.bsky.social @wiley.com
September 19, 2025 at 10:05 AM
New research in #RESInsectConsDiv
#Grazing-induced changes in the #abundance and diversity of #grasshoppers is mediated through changes in plant functional groups
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70020
#Biodiversity #Orthoptera
@manusaunders.bsky.social @wiley.com
#Grazing-induced changes in the #abundance and diversity of #grasshoppers is mediated through changes in plant functional groups
doi.org/10.1111/icad.70020
#Biodiversity #Orthoptera
@manusaunders.bsky.social @wiley.com
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
Henley residents advised to keep windows, doors closed amid algal bloom crisis.
Strong winds are expected to whip up more foam and blow aerosols into residential areas. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Strong winds are expected to whip up more foam and blow aerosols into residential areas. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
SA beach residents given 'additional advice' amid algal bloom crisis
Authorities have told a group of residents living near a metropolitan Adelaide beach to close their doors and windows to prevent symptoms related to South Australia's ongoing algal bloom.
www.abc.net.au
September 18, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Henley residents advised to keep windows, doors closed amid algal bloom crisis.
Strong winds are expected to whip up more foam and blow aerosols into residential areas. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Strong winds are expected to whip up more foam and blow aerosols into residential areas. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09...
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
Why even have a brain, any ideas, any ability to express them, any kind of communication with other people, any desire to solve problems or invent anything, any reason to learn, any use for your eyes or your heart, or any reason to teach or create
April 15, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Why even have a brain, any ideas, any ability to express them, any kind of communication with other people, any desire to solve problems or invent anything, any reason to learn, any use for your eyes or your heart, or any reason to teach or create
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
Here's the link to their "stakeholder survey on the use of AI in grant assessment":
www.surveymonkey.com/r/X7PY5GL
www.surveymonkey.com/r/X7PY5GL
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X7PY5GL
t.co
September 8, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Here's the link to their "stakeholder survey on the use of AI in grant assessment":
www.surveymonkey.com/r/X7PY5GL
www.surveymonkey.com/r/X7PY5GL
Reposted by Dr Manu Saunders
I like the analogy of digital asbestos. Treated like a miracle product now, but it's going to be a huge pain to remove all the embedded AI slop in the future.
And if/when the genAI bubble bursts and society reacts to the damage it’s causing, there’s a good chance that your AI dependence will leave you at a disadvantage against not just older workers who did the work on their own, but younger students as well.
September 10, 2025 at 11:44 AM
I like the analogy of digital asbestos. Treated like a miracle product now, but it's going to be a huge pain to remove all the embedded AI slop in the future.
THIS 👇
For all the good-will efforts to reimagine learning in the ChatGPT era, the elephant in the room is that moving away from independent research assignments toward in-class, supervised learning effectively turns universities into glorified high schools.
I spoke to the Irish Times for this very good and rounded piece on the real-world effects of C***GPT in the humanities classroom: www.irishtimes.com/ireland/educ...
September 10, 2025 at 11:37 AM
THIS 👇
Is it ethical for academic institutions to actively try and discourage students from using genAI to do their assessments while also encouraging academic staff to use genAI to write assessments and content? #AcademicSky
September 10, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Is it ethical for academic institutions to actively try and discourage students from using genAI to do their assessments while also encouraging academic staff to use genAI to write assessments and content? #AcademicSky