Mara Duncan
@mcduncanlab.bsky.social
Associate Professor at the University of Michigan. I post photos of my cat and garden, and helpful tips for running a lab. Thoughts my own.
Pinned
Mara Duncan
@mcduncanlab.bsky.social
· Nov 29
🧪Dear Grad student,
Are you overdue for a thesis committee meeting but feel like you have nothing to show since your last meeting? I'm begging you to schedule that meeting now!
1/🧵
Are you overdue for a thesis committee meeting but feel like you have nothing to show since your last meeting? I'm begging you to schedule that meeting now!
1/🧵
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Our wonderful technician Xiaolin (Lin) Zhu is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service in our lab. We will miss her greatly, but we are happy for her as she begins this well-deserved new chapter in her life.
December 29, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Our wonderful technician Xiaolin (Lin) Zhu is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service in our lab. We will miss her greatly, but we are happy for her as she begins this well-deserved new chapter in her life.
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Though I do paid work as an academic, that role has nothing to do with plants.
This project definitely could be published as a research paper (especially once I produce blue versions of runner beans or lima beans), but that is only likely if some lab decides to collaborate with me on it.
This project definitely could be published as a research paper (especially once I produce blue versions of runner beans or lima beans), but that is only likely if some lab decides to collaborate with me on it.
A few years ago, through luck and vibes, I managed to produce this blue colored bean variety.
This was an early step in trying to answer the question, [paraphrased] "Why isn't blue as common as red in beans, even though they're both anthocyanins and the plant has the genes for both?"
This was an early step in trying to answer the question, [paraphrased] "Why isn't blue as common as red in beans, even though they're both anthocyanins and the plant has the genes for both?"
December 29, 2025 at 7:43 AM
Though I do paid work as an academic, that role has nothing to do with plants.
This project definitely could be published as a research paper (especially once I produce blue versions of runner beans or lima beans), but that is only likely if some lab decides to collaborate with me on it.
This project definitely could be published as a research paper (especially once I produce blue versions of runner beans or lima beans), but that is only likely if some lab decides to collaborate with me on it.
Anyone running a genomic CURE want to collaborate with Dr Abbey to sequence blue beans?
This would be needed to confirm my blue lines have a broken F3'H, and my red lines have a broken F3'5H. A funded lab would then engineer these broken versions of the genes into a purple bean to confirm each pathway being broken separately.
I don't have a funded lab.
I don't have a funded lab.
December 29, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Anyone running a genomic CURE want to collaborate with Dr Abbey to sequence blue beans?
Reposted by Mara Duncan
One of my most favorite gifts of all times, believe it or not, was a red leather bookmark from Norwich with different landmarks printed on it in gold leaf and a fringe bottom. I was just a kid. It smelled ancient for some reason, and was soft and pleasing to keep in the hand when reading.
I was thinking about what gifts people used to give to readers (besides gift editions of famous poets' work and illustrated histories of wars and such), and while I was thinking about it, somebody brought a book to the counter....
(1/10)
(1/10)
December 28, 2025 at 12:14 PM
One of my most favorite gifts of all times, believe it or not, was a red leather bookmark from Norwich with different landmarks printed on it in gold leaf and a fringe bottom. I was just a kid. It smelled ancient for some reason, and was soft and pleasing to keep in the hand when reading.
Yay! crispr worked!! We have gfp tagged cell lines just in time for 2026!!
December 26, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Yay! crispr worked!! We have gfp tagged cell lines just in time for 2026!!
My sister in law gives the best gifts. Last time I visited she gave me this set of paintable cards. It’s so much fun and addictive. I’m probably going to do the whole box this break.
December 25, 2025 at 9:23 PM
My sister in law gives the best gifts. Last time I visited she gave me this set of paintable cards. It’s so much fun and addictive. I’m probably going to do the whole box this break.
In the Pacific Northwest? Want to help farmers operate more efficiently? Have experience in agricultural sales or related areas? Looking for a new job?
Harvest Source is a new agriculture supply company, and they are looking for you!
harvest-source.com/jobs
Harvest Source is a new agriculture supply company, and they are looking for you!
harvest-source.com/jobs
Join Our Team – Apply Today | Harvest Source
Looking for passionate candidates to join us. Submit your resume and email to apply for exciting job opportunities.
harvest-source.com
December 23, 2025 at 7:50 PM
In the Pacific Northwest? Want to help farmers operate more efficiently? Have experience in agricultural sales or related areas? Looking for a new job?
Harvest Source is a new agriculture supply company, and they are looking for you!
harvest-source.com/jobs
Harvest Source is a new agriculture supply company, and they are looking for you!
harvest-source.com/jobs
Reposted by Mara Duncan
How are people dealing with AI use in their grad programs, specifically for thesis proposal, qualifying exam, dissertation? Banned completely? Allowed, but have to recognize its use? No guardrails at all? We have to develop a policy and I’m totally at a loss.
December 18, 2025 at 12:35 AM
How are people dealing with AI use in their grad programs, specifically for thesis proposal, qualifying exam, dissertation? Banned completely? Allowed, but have to recognize its use? No guardrails at all? We have to develop a policy and I’m totally at a loss.
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Just decline the peer review invitation.
What are you people even doing?
What are you people even doing?
More than half of researchers now use AI for peer review — often against guidance
A survey of 1,600 academics found that more than 50% have used artificial-intelligence tools while peer reviewing manuscripts.
www.nature.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Just decline the peer review invitation.
What are you people even doing?
What are you people even doing?
Reposted by Mara Duncan
I ***love*** suppressor genetics. This is a great example.
Hinge sites in the lipid transfer channel modulate function of the yeast bridge-like transfer protein Vps13
Abstract. Vps13 transporters are large, rod-shaped proteins that mediate the bulk transfer of lipids between intracellular membranes via a hydrophobic chan
academic.oup.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:45 PM
I ***love*** suppressor genetics. This is a great example.
Reposted by Mara Duncan
A reminder to use the right P2A sequence to produce separate proteins - the images are from a GPCR-P2A-mCherry construct using a P2A variant without (upper row) and with (lower row) a preceding GSG linker.
December 12, 2025 at 5:55 PM
A reminder to use the right P2A sequence to produce separate proteins - the images are from a GPCR-P2A-mCherry construct using a P2A variant without (upper row) and with (lower row) a preceding GSG linker.
Reposted by Mara Duncan
This is your annual reminder that if you are in the US and have FSA funds that you won't use, Menstrual products are covered by FSA funds and can be donated to food pantries and shelters.
December 11, 2025 at 11:40 PM
This is your annual reminder that if you are in the US and have FSA funds that you won't use, Menstrual products are covered by FSA funds and can be donated to food pantries and shelters.
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Field botanist job with Virginia Natural Heritage, based in Roanoke, VA. $55-65K pay range. Please share widely! www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/field-b...
Field Botanist - Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Title: Field Botanist
State Role Title: Scientist II
Hiring Range: $55,000 - $65,000
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location: Roanoke, VA
Agency Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov
R...
www.jobs.virginia.gov
December 10, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Field botanist job with Virginia Natural Heritage, based in Roanoke, VA. $55-65K pay range. Please share widely! www.jobs.virginia.gov/jobs/field-b...
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Calling all #YeastResearch -ers! Who would like to work in beautiful Barcelona? 🌴🌊 And even better, work on #cerevisiae?
#ScienceJobs #EarlyScienceCareer #ResearchOpportunities #STEMCareers #CareerInScience #Yeast
#ScienceJobs #EarlyScienceCareer #ResearchOpportunities #STEMCareers #CareerInScience #Yeast
🚨We are hiring!
Looking for a Laboratory Technician to join Mar Albà's research group
🔬 Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology
🌍 Research group focused on yeast functional genomics
📍 Hospital del Mar Research Institute
👉 albagroup.researchmar.net/positions
Looking for a Laboratory Technician to join Mar Albà's research group
🔬 Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology
🌍 Research group focused on yeast functional genomics
📍 Hospital del Mar Research Institute
👉 albagroup.researchmar.net/positions
December 11, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Calling all #YeastResearch -ers! Who would like to work in beautiful Barcelona? 🌴🌊 And even better, work on #cerevisiae?
#ScienceJobs #EarlyScienceCareer #ResearchOpportunities #STEMCareers #CareerInScience #Yeast
#ScienceJobs #EarlyScienceCareer #ResearchOpportunities #STEMCareers #CareerInScience #Yeast
Reposted by Mara Duncan
@ascbiology.bsky.social 's Women in Cell Biology (WICB) has yet another fantastic event today at 4pm, room 126A. A networking panel on "Thriving in Uncertain Times: Navigating Career and Funding Challenges". #cellbio2025.
December 9, 2025 at 12:45 PM
@ascbiology.bsky.social 's Women in Cell Biology (WICB) has yet another fantastic event today at 4pm, room 126A. A networking panel on "Thriving in Uncertain Times: Navigating Career and Funding Challenges". #cellbio2025.
Reposted by Mara Duncan
So happy to be making my return to @ascbiology.bsky.social CellBio after attending as an undergrad in 2019. It’s been an amazing conference and I’ve loved learning about all the different nuclear biology research being done!
December 9, 2025 at 2:23 AM
So happy to be making my return to @ascbiology.bsky.social CellBio after attending as an undergrad in 2019. It’s been an amazing conference and I’ve loved learning about all the different nuclear biology research being done!
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Our Lab @ NCBS, Bangalore is hiring PhD students!
If you’re excited about cell & developmental biology, tissue mechanics, and imaging — come join us! We use C. elegans to uncover how forces shape organs 🧫🔬
CSIR/DBT/ICMR fellowship holders encouraged to apply!Apply 👉 lnkd.in/gr9EUHnp
If you’re excited about cell & developmental biology, tissue mechanics, and imaging — come join us! We use C. elegans to uncover how forces shape organs 🧫🔬
CSIR/DBT/ICMR fellowship holders encouraged to apply!Apply 👉 lnkd.in/gr9EUHnp
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
December 8, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Our Lab @ NCBS, Bangalore is hiring PhD students!
If you’re excited about cell & developmental biology, tissue mechanics, and imaging — come join us! We use C. elegans to uncover how forces shape organs 🧫🔬
CSIR/DBT/ICMR fellowship holders encouraged to apply!Apply 👉 lnkd.in/gr9EUHnp
If you’re excited about cell & developmental biology, tissue mechanics, and imaging — come join us! We use C. elegans to uncover how forces shape organs 🧫🔬
CSIR/DBT/ICMR fellowship holders encouraged to apply!Apply 👉 lnkd.in/gr9EUHnp
Reposted by Mara Duncan
ASCB President Mary Munson awards Francis Collins the ASCB Public Service award, noting this is the first time it’s been awarded for defense of science #cellbio2025
December 6, 2025 at 9:19 PM
ASCB President Mary Munson awards Francis Collins the ASCB Public Service award, noting this is the first time it’s been awarded for defense of science #cellbio2025
Reposted by Mara Duncan
"Yet whoever has a great deal of internal warmth of his own will prefer to keep away from society in order to avoid giving or receiving trouble or annoyance."
My blessing to you:
May you all have the shared warmth you need, with a minimum number of pricks in your life.
My blessing to you:
May you all have the shared warmth you need, with a minimum number of pricks in your life.
March 3, 2024 at 1:32 PM
"Yet whoever has a great deal of internal warmth of his own will prefer to keep away from society in order to avoid giving or receiving trouble or annoyance."
My blessing to you:
May you all have the shared warmth you need, with a minimum number of pricks in your life.
My blessing to you:
May you all have the shared warmth you need, with a minimum number of pricks in your life.
Reposted by Mara Duncan
And blew this cell biologist’s mind with real-life, practical advice on how to promote scientific literacy, curiosity, and critical thinking!
At the Special President’s Session
#CellBio2025
Thank you, @galesinatra.bsky.social!
At the Special President’s Session
#CellBio2025
Thank you, @galesinatra.bsky.social!
A psychologist walks into the Cell biology conference . . .
December 7, 2025 at 6:28 PM
And blew this cell biologist’s mind with real-life, practical advice on how to promote scientific literacy, curiosity, and critical thinking!
At the Special President’s Session
#CellBio2025
Thank you, @galesinatra.bsky.social!
At the Special President’s Session
#CellBio2025
Thank you, @galesinatra.bsky.social!
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Meeting in Roundtables Section, Exhibit Hall D on Monday, Dec 8 12:00 to 12:45 PM
December 7, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Meeting in Roundtables Section, Exhibit Hall D on Monday, Dec 8 12:00 to 12:45 PM
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Bummed to miss #ASCB this year (one of my fav meetings), but the lab is well represented!
Stop by poster B169 today and Maneesha will tell you all about her work on basal bodies and cilia homeostasis in multiciliated cells 👇 #CellBio2025
Stop by poster B169 today and Maneesha will tell you all about her work on basal bodies and cilia homeostasis in multiciliated cells 👇 #CellBio2025
December 7, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Bummed to miss #ASCB this year (one of my fav meetings), but the lab is well represented!
Stop by poster B169 today and Maneesha will tell you all about her work on basal bodies and cilia homeostasis in multiciliated cells 👇 #CellBio2025
Stop by poster B169 today and Maneesha will tell you all about her work on basal bodies and cilia homeostasis in multiciliated cells 👇 #CellBio2025
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Bummed not to be at ASCB/CellBio this year. Was really looking forward to some cheesesteaks. And if course the science. Great meeting to really discuss the projects of many of my grantees.
December 6, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Bummed not to be at ASCB/CellBio this year. Was really looking forward to some cheesesteaks. And if course the science. Great meeting to really discuss the projects of many of my grantees.
Reposted by Mara Duncan
Packed room for the opening mentoring keynote by Maggie Werner Washburne talking about the importance of imagination in science and persistence
#CellBio2025
#CellBio2025
December 6, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Packed room for the opening mentoring keynote by Maggie Werner Washburne talking about the importance of imagination in science and persistence
#CellBio2025
#CellBio2025
🧪 Hi protein interaction researchers,
Quick question. When doing a bead binding assay, do you pre clear lysates with beads lacking the appropriate epitope prior to adding the affinity beads?
I did this when we used to used inactivated staph rather than sepharose, but never with sepharose.
Quick question. When doing a bead binding assay, do you pre clear lysates with beads lacking the appropriate epitope prior to adding the affinity beads?
I did this when we used to used inactivated staph rather than sepharose, but never with sepharose.
December 6, 2025 at 12:57 AM
🧪 Hi protein interaction researchers,
Quick question. When doing a bead binding assay, do you pre clear lysates with beads lacking the appropriate epitope prior to adding the affinity beads?
I did this when we used to used inactivated staph rather than sepharose, but never with sepharose.
Quick question. When doing a bead binding assay, do you pre clear lysates with beads lacking the appropriate epitope prior to adding the affinity beads?
I did this when we used to used inactivated staph rather than sepharose, but never with sepharose.