Michael Metzger
@metzgerm.bsky.social
Assistant Investigator at the Pacific Northwest Research Institute. Clamcer and other things. Opinions my own.
Great scientists (and great collaborators) over at Puget Sound Restoration Fund are spreading the word about a job posting for a Microalgae Production Lead or Technician at their conservation hatchery at NOAA’s Manchester Research Station on the Kitsap Peninsula.
restorationfund.org/aboutus/join...
restorationfund.org/aboutus/join...
Join Our Team - Puget Sound Restoration Fund
restorationfund.org
February 11, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Great scientists (and great collaborators) over at Puget Sound Restoration Fund are spreading the word about a job posting for a Microalgae Production Lead or Technician at their conservation hatchery at NOAA’s Manchester Research Station on the Kitsap Peninsula.
restorationfund.org/aboutus/join...
restorationfund.org/aboutus/join...
Methods Section Poll:
A. 100% Passive voice (primers were used)
B. 100% Active voice (we used primers
C. Whatever, as long as it is clear
(Inspired by team editing a manuscript that has a bit of both and arguing about whether it needs to be switched to consistently use one voice)
A. 100% Passive voice (primers were used)
B. 100% Active voice (we used primers
C. Whatever, as long as it is clear
(Inspired by team editing a manuscript that has a bit of both and arguing about whether it needs to be switched to consistently use one voice)
February 11, 2026 at 10:02 PM
Methods Section Poll:
A. 100% Passive voice (primers were used)
B. 100% Active voice (we used primers
C. Whatever, as long as it is clear
(Inspired by team editing a manuscript that has a bit of both and arguing about whether it needs to be switched to consistently use one voice)
A. 100% Passive voice (primers were used)
B. 100% Active voice (we used primers
C. Whatever, as long as it is clear
(Inspired by team editing a manuscript that has a bit of both and arguing about whether it needs to be switched to consistently use one voice)
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Fun news! @gcbias.bsky.social and I are teaching a 2-week online population genetics workshop this summer to raise money for the Center for Population Biology at UC Davis. We're trying to gauge interest -- please fill this out if you might be interested! And please share broadly!
Davis Summer Population Genomics Program
Want to learn population genetics? Please fill out this form to indicate your potential interest in a 2-week intensive online summer population genetics course taught by Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra and Graham...
docs.google.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Fun news! @gcbias.bsky.social and I are teaching a 2-week online population genetics workshop this summer to raise money for the Center for Population Biology at UC Davis. We're trying to gauge interest -- please fill this out if you might be interested! And please share broadly!
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Holy shit: it's an RFP for the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology (PRFB). Hello old friend www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Biology (PRFB)
www.nsf.gov
February 5, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Holy shit: it's an RFP for the NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Biology (PRFB). Hello old friend www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Condolences to nearly everyone in ecology and evolution today on your grant rejection!
February 2, 2026 at 8:20 PM
Condolences to nearly everyone in ecology and evolution today on your grant rejection!
Has anyone had any success with arguing this? Last year the returns without review were a brick wall, but this year it looks like they at least have a suggested contact email in the rejection letters.
NSF GRFP applicants (and mentors): Was your application Returned Without Review and deemed ineligible despite fitting in the allowed topics?
1) Write NSF
2) Write your Congressperson
3) CC us at grfp@grant-witness.us so we can compile + follow up
Details and template at grant-witness.us/grfp-letter
1) Write NSF
2) Write your Congressperson
3) CC us at grfp@grant-witness.us so we can compile + follow up
Details and template at grant-witness.us/grfp-letter
February 3, 2026 at 12:12 AM
Has anyone had any success with arguing this? Last year the returns without review were a brick wall, but this year it looks like they at least have a suggested contact email in the rejection letters.
Reposted by Michael Metzger
1. The thing about science that these jokers don't understand is that science cannot be vibe-coded.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
“The idea is to put ChatGPT front and center inside software that scientists use to write up their work in much the same way that chatbots are now embedded into popular programming editors.
It’s vibe coding, but for science.”
It’s vibe coding, but for science.”
OpenAI’s latest product lets you vibe code science
Prism is a ChatGPT-powered text editor that automates much of the work involved in writing scientific papers.
www.technologyreview.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:09 PM
1. The thing about science that these jokers don't understand is that science cannot be vibe-coded.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
Whatever its flaws, the point with vibe coding is that you're trying to quickly make something that sorta works, where you can immediately sorta see if it sorta works and then sorta use it.
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Of Barriers and Loops—How Evolution Limits Most Cancer Risks to Older Ages url: aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscov...
Of Barriers and Loops—How Evolution Limits Most Cancer Risks to Older Ages
AbstractThe risks and health consequences of cancers increase dramatically at older ages. To develop interventions to limit the impact of cancers, from preventative to therapeutic, we must seek both e...
aacrjournals.org
January 23, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Of Barriers and Loops—How Evolution Limits Most Cancer Risks to Older Ages url: aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscov...
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Finally out! We studied the retinas of the longest-living vertebrate, the Greenland shark, and found that the retinas remain remarkably healthy in animals around 150 years old. What is the mechanism? It may be a highly efficient DNA repair system. Enjoy!
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
January 6, 2026 at 1:40 AM
Finally out! We studied the retinas of the longest-living vertebrate, the Greenland shark, and found that the retinas remain remarkably healthy in animals around 150 years old. What is the mechanism? It may be a highly efficient DNA repair system. Enjoy!
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
I love that one of the other sites is feeding me a lot of Bill Nye content today because tomorrow is NYE.
December 31, 2025 at 5:38 AM
I love that one of the other sites is feeding me a lot of Bill Nye content today because tomorrow is NYE.
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Federal funding cuts are having real consequences for biomedical research — including at PNRI. Long-term studies can’t simply be paused. Through Dec. 31, every gift is matched dollar-for-dollar. 👉https://bit.ly/4j1GTma
#raredisease #T1D #supportscience #genetics
#raredisease #T1D #supportscience #genetics
December 18, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Federal funding cuts are having real consequences for biomedical research — including at PNRI. Long-term studies can’t simply be paused. Through Dec. 31, every gift is matched dollar-for-dollar. 👉https://bit.ly/4j1GTma
#raredisease #T1D #supportscience #genetics
#raredisease #T1D #supportscience #genetics
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Check if your property is in the floodplain: skagitcounty.net/GIS/Document...
Following evacuation orders and other guidance from local officials is critical.
Following evacuation orders and other guidance from local officials is critical.
December 11, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Check if your property is in the floodplain: skagitcounty.net/GIS/Document...
Following evacuation orders and other guidance from local officials is critical.
Following evacuation orders and other guidance from local officials is critical.
Reposted by Michael Metzger
The new Enabling Discovery through GEnomics (EDGE) Program page is posted. Please contact us at BIOEDGE@nsf.gov if you have questions. www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Enabling Discovery Through Genomics (EDGE)
www.nsf.gov
December 8, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The new Enabling Discovery through GEnomics (EDGE) Program page is posted. Please contact us at BIOEDGE@nsf.gov if you have questions. www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Honest question: When they say AI will “do science” what on earth are they actually talking about?
Do they think LLMs will control armies of robots doing PCRs and running gels and doing cell culture and animal work and field work?
Do they think LLMs will control armies of robots doing PCRs and running gels and doing cell culture and animal work and field work?
December 9, 2025 at 1:50 AM
Honest question: When they say AI will “do science” what on earth are they actually talking about?
Do they think LLMs will control armies of robots doing PCRs and running gels and doing cell culture and animal work and field work?
Do they think LLMs will control armies of robots doing PCRs and running gels and doing cell culture and animal work and field work?
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Today is #GivingTuesday. Funding cuts threaten the #raredisease + #type1diabetes research families rely on. Your gift helps protect lifesaving science. Give today: pnri.org/support/scie...
December 2, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Today is #GivingTuesday. Funding cuts threaten the #raredisease + #type1diabetes research families rely on. Your gift helps protect lifesaving science. Give today: pnri.org/support/scie...
How is it that the bidet signed by the Berserker Blothar is only at $5,000?!
Not that I am actually going to bid on it or want it in my house, but it gives me a warm feeling knowing this exists, (and that it will benefit pbs)
e.givesmart.com/events/LYw/i...
Not that I am actually going to bid on it or want it in my house, but it gives me a warm feeling knowing this exists, (and that it will benefit pbs)
e.givesmart.com/events/LYw/i...
Last Week Tonight
Help Public Media Company c/o Partially Important Productions, LLC spread the word about Public Media Company C/O Last Week Tonight!
e.givesmart.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:40 AM
How is it that the bidet signed by the Berserker Blothar is only at $5,000?!
Not that I am actually going to bid on it or want it in my house, but it gives me a warm feeling knowing this exists, (and that it will benefit pbs)
e.givesmart.com/events/LYw/i...
Not that I am actually going to bid on it or want it in my house, but it gives me a warm feeling knowing this exists, (and that it will benefit pbs)
e.givesmart.com/events/LYw/i...
Reposted by Michael Metzger
A mysterious virus may be linked to mass die-offs of Pacific oysters. Curtis Suttle and Kevin Xu Zhong discuss the discovery of a previously unknown nidovirus and its potential implications for global aquaculture in the latest PNAS Science Sessions episode. Listen now: https://ow.ly/oRT750XsRNN
November 18, 2025 at 4:01 PM
A mysterious virus may be linked to mass die-offs of Pacific oysters. Curtis Suttle and Kevin Xu Zhong discuss the discovery of a previously unknown nidovirus and its potential implications for global aquaculture in the latest PNAS Science Sessions episode. Listen now: https://ow.ly/oRT750XsRNN
Reposted by Michael Metzger
CAN LLMs write about science? @science.org decided to find out, and they did it the curious, scientific way. They did an experiment.
Love this thoughtful convo. www.lastwordonnothing.com/2025/11/12/w...
Love this thoughtful convo. www.lastwordonnothing.com/2025/11/12/w...
The Last Word On Nothing | Why AAAS won’t be using AI to write press releases anytime soon
www.lastwordonnothing.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:19 PM
CAN LLMs write about science? @science.org decided to find out, and they did it the curious, scientific way. They did an experiment.
Love this thoughtful convo. www.lastwordonnothing.com/2025/11/12/w...
Love this thoughtful convo. www.lastwordonnothing.com/2025/11/12/w...
Our first Crow Gift!
(Crumpled foil from Halloween candy that appeared on our doorstep right after I put out some peanuts)
(Crumpled foil from Halloween candy that appeared on our doorstep right after I put out some peanuts)
November 7, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Our first Crow Gift!
(Crumpled foil from Halloween candy that appeared on our doorstep right after I put out some peanuts)
(Crumpled foil from Halloween candy that appeared on our doorstep right after I put out some peanuts)
I just learned that the @burkemuseum.bsky.social has a new giant clam fossil named Chowder!
www.biology.washington.edu/news/news/17...
www.biology.washington.edu/news/news/17...
Christian Sidor in UW Magazine article about giant clam fossil named Chowder acquired by Burke Museum | UW Biology
www.biology.washington.edu
November 6, 2025 at 7:45 AM
I just learned that the @burkemuseum.bsky.social has a new giant clam fossil named Chowder!
www.biology.washington.edu/news/news/17...
www.biology.washington.edu/news/news/17...
Reposted by Michael Metzger
Spoke recently to the great folks at the science foundation on their efforts to fund curiosity-driven science. They have a new RFA out for catalytic awards (up to $10K).
Take a look if you’re itching to expand or try out a new idea.
science-foundation.org
Take a look if you’re itching to expand or try out a new idea.
science-foundation.org
Public Science, Public Good – Public Science, Public Good
science-foundation.org
November 4, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Spoke recently to the great folks at the science foundation on their efforts to fund curiosity-driven science. They have a new RFA out for catalytic awards (up to $10K).
Take a look if you’re itching to expand or try out a new idea.
science-foundation.org
Take a look if you’re itching to expand or try out a new idea.
science-foundation.org
Reposted by Michael Metzger
📢 EvoMG-DN PhD applications are now open!
Join our EU-funded MSCA network and explore evolution, ageing, and disease.
👉 www.evomg-dn.eu
📅 Apply by 30 November 2025
#PhD #DoctoralTraining #MSCA #HorizonEurope #Genomics #EvolutionaryBiology #BiomedicalResearch#EarlyCareerResearchers
Join our EU-funded MSCA network and explore evolution, ageing, and disease.
👉 www.evomg-dn.eu
📅 Apply by 30 November 2025
#PhD #DoctoralTraining #MSCA #HorizonEurope #Genomics #EvolutionaryBiology #BiomedicalResearch#EarlyCareerResearchers
October 7, 2025 at 8:28 AM
📢 EvoMG-DN PhD applications are now open!
Join our EU-funded MSCA network and explore evolution, ageing, and disease.
👉 www.evomg-dn.eu
📅 Apply by 30 November 2025
#PhD #DoctoralTraining #MSCA #HorizonEurope #Genomics #EvolutionaryBiology #BiomedicalResearch#EarlyCareerResearchers
Join our EU-funded MSCA network and explore evolution, ageing, and disease.
👉 www.evomg-dn.eu
📅 Apply by 30 November 2025
#PhD #DoctoralTraining #MSCA #HorizonEurope #Genomics #EvolutionaryBiology #BiomedicalResearch#EarlyCareerResearchers
Reposted by Michael Metzger
We're excited to be recruiting an NIH funded postdoc to work in the Coop lab at UC Davis. We're specifically interested in candidates who are want to work at the intersection of human genetics, GWAS, and population genetics modeling. Please RT
October 15, 2025 at 3:53 PM
We're excited to be recruiting an NIH funded postdoc to work in the Coop lab at UC Davis. We're specifically interested in candidates who are want to work at the intersection of human genetics, GWAS, and population genetics modeling. Please RT