Michelle Arbeitman
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marbeitman.bsky.social
Michelle Arbeitman
@marbeitman.bsky.social
Scientist, Flyperson, and Dog-lover
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
Are you an early-stage graduate student (2nd or 3rd year) or early-stage postdoc based in the US or Canada, working primarily in Drosophila? Would you like to help improve the experience of all trainees working in Drosophila research? If so, read on.

(Please repost to reach a broad audience.)
November 12, 2025 at 4:49 AM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
We’re excited to expand our partnership with @reviewcommons.org in a new collaborative model reshaping scientific publishing to streamline peer review, reduce redundancy, and improve the author and reviewer experience. Read more: buff.ly/h6SfMXF

And meet our Editorial Board! 👋
November 5, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
The situation with FlyBase has made the national news The FlyBase situation has made the national news www.nbcnews.com/science/scie...
Trump's Harvard cuts threaten a giant in biomedical research: A database about the tiny fruit fly
This spring, the Trump administration rescinded a grant that maintained FlyBase, a pillar of global basic research, as part of its broader $2.2 billion funding cuts at Harvard.
www.nbcnews.com
September 16, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
Some awesome, fundamental work here: Lucy Shapiro, on bacterial cell differentiation, Dirk Görlich and Steve McKnight on IDRs & protein gels in nuclear pores and biomolecular condensates, & Michael Welsh, Jesús González & Paul Negulescu, (overdue) for bench to bedside work on cystic fibrosis 🧪 1/2
This year's Lasker Awards went to scientists who studied the wiring diagram of life, a new state of biological matter, and a potent treatment for cystic fibrosis. Here's my story with Gina Kolata. Gift link: nyti.ms/4mZlH1F
nyti.ms
September 11, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
So great to see Lucy Shapiro — a scientific hero of mine both for her pioneering work and for her incredible communication skills —honored today www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/h...
Major Medical Prizes Given to Cell Biology and Cystic Fibrosis Pioneers
www.nytimes.com
September 11, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
If you are a researcher whose lab uses FlyBase, consider a tax-deductible personal contribution. A lot of $100 contributions would help bridge the gap until we can set up a user fee system, and even $10 donations send the folks there the message we're behind them. Please share
August 27, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
FlyBase needs your help! We ask that European labs continue to contribute to Cambridge, UK FlyBase, whereas US and other non-European labs can contribute to US FlyBase. For more information and how to donate: wiki.flybase.org/wiki/FlyBase...
FlyBase:Contribute to FlyBase - FlyBase Wiki
wiki.flybase.org
August 15, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
The community of Drosophila researchers is amazing, mutually supportive and collaborative. Right now a key resource for our community, @flybase.bsky.social , is threatened by the cancellation of its NIH grant and is seeking community help in raising short term funds 1/n 🧪 please share
August 23, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
I just got the notice that all the FlyBase people at Harvard, including me, will be laid off on October 12. I'm devastated.
August 11, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
attention 🪰folks. many of you received a survey from @genetics-gsa.bsky.social about potential future sites of the US Fly meeting. We are excited for #Dros26 Chicago, but future sites are in question, for many logistical reasons. GSA is hard at work planning, but we need to hear from you. please RT!
August 6, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
MassLive.com recently interviewed several Harvard FlyBase people and wrote this news article about the importance of FlyBase: tinyurl.com/4chpts9f
Why a database of bug genes could be one of Trump’s most devastating cuts at Harvard
FlyBase, the world's only fruit fly database, is in the crosshairs of Trump's attack on Harvard. Here's why it could matter for your health.
tinyurl.com
June 25, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
Hey #Drosophila folks ! #FlyCROSS is back and #Mentor surveys are open NOW ! If you're a faculty/postdoc/ equivalent in any scientific career & have #Drosophila research experience - we'd be delighted to have you as mentors to empower early career scientists in the #Dros community !
Summer 2025 Survey For Mentors : FlyCROSS Mentor Mentee Matching Program
We appreciate you taking the time and volunteering to be a mentor! Add dmelcross@gmail.com to your email address book or safe sender list, so that you can receive our emails. To be a participating me...
docs.google.com
June 2, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
FlyBase is in need of support. Let's help them continue to be a valued resource to the research community.
FlyBase needs our help.
#drosophila @flybase.bsky.social request emergency funding:
"As it stands, by the end of July, 2025, there will be no future updates to FlyBase, and in the worst case scenario access to the website will also be lost" => please donate!

www.philanthropy.cam.ac.uk/give-to-camb...
June 3, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
Shit.
May 23, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Heartbreaking day at FSU. My thoughts are with members of our community that were hurt, and their loved ones. Thanks to all the law enforcement and medical responders for working quickly to keep the campus safe. We have the all clear at FSU now. Terrible day. #FSU
April 17, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Drosophila Research Community:
Please vote in the FlyBoard Election. Elections are open through Feb. 16, 2025. Please repost. #Drosophila,
genetics-gsa.org/2025-fly-boa...
1/2
2025 Fly Board Election - Genetics Society of America
Visit our website to learn more.
genetics-gsa.org
February 12, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
FlyBoard elections are open through Feb. 16, 2025. Please look for Genetics Society of America email: Select future FlyBoard leadership! Here is a link to access the candidate statements and ballot: genetics-gsa.org/2025-fly-boa...
Please repost.
#Dros25 @GeneticsGSA
2025 Fly Board Election - Genetics Society of America
Visit our website to learn more.
genetics-gsa.org
January 16, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
Sadly, our colleague and friend Scott Hawley passed away this morning. He was an irreplaceable presence and force for good in the meiosis an Drosophila communities and will be sorely missed.
January 31, 2025 at 3:45 PM
FlyBoard elections are open through Feb. 16, 2025. Please look for Genetics Society of America email: Select future FlyBoard leadership! Here is a link to access the candidate statements and ballot: genetics-gsa.org/2025-fly-boa...
Please repost.
#Dros25 @GeneticsGSA
2025 Fly Board Election - Genetics Society of America
Visit our website to learn more.
genetics-gsa.org
January 16, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
Drosophila Sex Workshop at ADRC 2025 in San Diego. We hope to see you there! Please send your abstract if you are interested in presenting in the workshop. We hope to highlight diverse science, researchers, and career stages. #Dros25
Calling all fly biologists: submit your research for consideration in the “Everything you ever wanted to know about sex” workshop at #Dros25! We hope to highlight diverse science, researchers, and career stages. Email submission to rmgraze@auburn.edu by Wed, Jan 15.
December 10, 2024 at 4:42 PM
The FlyBoard is happy to announce the call for nominations for the Drosophila Community Service Award. Please submit your nomination by 01/17/2025 by email to: drosophilaserviceaward@gmail.com. Please repost.
January 9, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
Research topics to be covered include sex differences, sex determination, molecular evolution of sex traits, and many other related topics. We look forward to hearing about your exciting science!
December 9, 2024 at 9:05 PM
Reposted by Michelle Arbeitman
Calling all fly biologists: submit your research for consideration in the “Everything you ever wanted to know about sex” workshop at #Dros25! We hope to highlight diverse science, researchers, and career stages. Email submission to rmgraze@auburn.edu by Wed, Jan 15.
December 9, 2024 at 9:05 PM
Drosophila Sex Workshop at ADRC 2025 in San Diego. We hope to see you there! Please send your abstract if you are interested in presenting in the workshop. We hope to highlight diverse science, researchers, and career stages. #Dros25
Calling all fly biologists: submit your research for consideration in the “Everything you ever wanted to know about sex” workshop at #Dros25! We hope to highlight diverse science, researchers, and career stages. Email submission to rmgraze@auburn.edu by Wed, Jan 15.
December 10, 2024 at 4:42 PM
Drosophila colleagues: I am looking forward to seeing everyone at #Dros25 in San Diego! Don't miss this opportunity to present your work and make sure you submit by 7:59 pm EST Thursday, November 14! genetics-gsa.org/drosophila-2...
Abstract Submission - 66th Annual Drosophila Research Conference
Visit our website to learn more.
genetics-gsa.org
November 13, 2024 at 7:20 PM