Patrick Goymer
@patrickgoymer.bsky.social
Life Sciences Division Editor at @plosone.org. Former Chief Editor of Nature Ecology & Evolution. Trustee at @suffolkwildlife.bsky.social.
orcid.org/0000-0002-2789-9373
orcid.org/0000-0002-2789-9373
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
A new study by Nicole Pauli and colleagues finds that while Old World camelids follow expected long-day breeding patterns, South American camelids show a surprising short-day seasonality, possibly a result of climatic conditions and vegetational growth patterns.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Breeding seasonality of Tylopoda: Expected patterns in Old World camelids but an exceptional pattern in South American camelids
Seasonal breeding is a common adaptation among mammals in seasonal environments, ensuring offspring is born under favourable conditions. As only conception can be controlled but not birth itself, a pr...
journals.plos.org
December 23, 2025 at 1:43 PM
A new study by Nicole Pauli and colleagues finds that while Old World camelids follow expected long-day breeding patterns, South American camelids show a surprising short-day seasonality, possibly a result of climatic conditions and vegetational growth patterns.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
A new study from Rashedul Hoque and colleagues shows distinct electrical signatures of clinically-derived primary cervical epithelial cells vs HeLa cells, providing a “fingerprint” to discriminate healthy and malignant cells in a label-free, rapid manner.
plos.io/4pZRJfh
plos.io/4pZRJfh
Electrophysiological fingerprints of healthy cervical epithelial and HeLa cells: Membrane potential, zeta potential and passive electrical properties
There is a growing appreciation that cellular electrical mechanisms play an important role both in cell regulation, and in cell dysregulation in diseases such as cancer. These electrical mechanisms…
journals.plos.org
December 22, 2025 at 12:01 PM
A new study from Rashedul Hoque and colleagues shows distinct electrical signatures of clinically-derived primary cervical epithelial cells vs HeLa cells, providing a “fingerprint” to discriminate healthy and malignant cells in a label-free, rapid manner.
plos.io/4pZRJfh
plos.io/4pZRJfh
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Mahtab Dastpak, @camimoso.bsky.social, @adelmanlab.bsky.social and colleagues report that a SF3B1 mutation in human embryonic stem cells alters splicing and dysregulates immune-related gene expression, providing new insights into the role of SF3B1 in haematologic malignancies.
SF3B1K700E mutation in human embryonic stem cells causes aberrant expression of immune-related genes
SF3B1, a component of the U2 snRNP pre-mRNA splicing factor, plays a critical role in splicing and is frequently mutated in cancer, particularly hematologic malignancies. We investigated the effects…
plos.io
December 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Mahtab Dastpak, @camimoso.bsky.social, @adelmanlab.bsky.social and colleagues report that a SF3B1 mutation in human embryonic stem cells alters splicing and dysregulates immune-related gene expression, providing new insights into the role of SF3B1 in haematologic malignancies.
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
A study by @tastrobiologist.bsky.social and Charles Cockell uses high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry to show that bacterial cells in subzero high-pressure environments can remain liquidous, and potentially metabolically active, and not merely vitrified and preserved.
plos.io/3Y3QGP6
plos.io/3Y3QGP6
High pressures depress the onset of intracellular vitrification
The low temperature limit for life remains elusive and poorly understood. This ignorance is further compounded when applied to life in multi-extreme environments where low temperatures combine with…
doi.org
December 19, 2025 at 11:34 AM
A study by @tastrobiologist.bsky.social and Charles Cockell uses high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry to show that bacterial cells in subzero high-pressure environments can remain liquidous, and potentially metabolically active, and not merely vitrified and preserved.
plos.io/3Y3QGP6
plos.io/3Y3QGP6
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Happy to share my latest paper in @plosone.org, we looked at how high presssures affect the intracellular vitrification (Tg') of microbial cells and how this informs our understanding of the habitability of multi-extreme environments.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
#astrobiology #cryobiology
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
#astrobiology #cryobiology
High pressures depress the onset of intracellular vitrification
The low temperature limit for life remains elusive and poorly understood. This ignorance is further compounded when applied to life in multi-extreme environments where low temperatures combine with fa...
journals.plos.org
December 19, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Happy to share my latest paper in @plosone.org, we looked at how high presssures affect the intracellular vitrification (Tg') of microbial cells and how this informs our understanding of the habitability of multi-extreme environments.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
#astrobiology #cryobiology
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
#astrobiology #cryobiology
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Thoughtful recap of 2025 by Joanna Clarke, including many discoveries made this year & the editors' picks of those we published in @plosbiology.org
Want to guess? There are bright yellow worms, unusual mycomembranes, human response to avatars, tit learning strategies, soil science & more
🧪
Want to guess? There are bright yellow worms, unusual mycomembranes, human response to avatars, tit learning strategies, soil science & more
🧪
2025 was marked by upheaval and uncertainty for many within the life science community. In this Editorial, we reflect on the past year and highlight some of the many research achievements that give us reasons to be thankful.
🧪 #AcademicSky #biology #EOY #science #roundup
plos.io/4j5T3uh
🧪 #AcademicSky #biology #EOY #science #roundup
plos.io/4j5T3uh
December 19, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Thoughtful recap of 2025 by Joanna Clarke, including many discoveries made this year & the editors' picks of those we published in @plosbiology.org
Want to guess? There are bright yellow worms, unusual mycomembranes, human response to avatars, tit learning strategies, soil science & more
🧪
Want to guess? There are bright yellow worms, unusual mycomembranes, human response to avatars, tit learning strategies, soil science & more
🧪
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Obley et al show that grading hatchery steelhead by size before rearing significantly reduces size variance and may limit unintended domestication selection, which can cause hatchery fish to produce fewer surviving adult offspring when they spawn in the wild.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Grading by size to reduce the opportunity for domestication selection in hatchery-reared steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Fish that are produced in hatcheries often produce fewer surviving adult offspring than do wild fish when both spawn in the wild. This difference in fitness is likely due to inadvertent selection for ...
journals.plos.org
December 18, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Obley et al show that grading hatchery steelhead by size before rearing significantly reduces size variance and may limit unintended domestication selection, which can cause hatchery fish to produce fewer surviving adult offspring when they spawn in the wild.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Jennings et al identify 54 genes involved in E. coli carbonate mineral precipitation. This knowledge could increase the volume of CO2 fixed using this pathway and yield products to replace CO2 intensive products, such as precipitated calcium carbonates for industry.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
The diversity of cellular systems involved in carbonate precipitation by Escherichia coli
Climate change is increasing the need to limit levels of anthropogenic CO2 released into the atmosphere. One approach being investigated is to generate products based on microbially induced carbonate ...
journals.plos.org
December 18, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Jennings et al identify 54 genes involved in E. coli carbonate mineral precipitation. This knowledge could increase the volume of CO2 fixed using this pathway and yield products to replace CO2 intensive products, such as precipitated calcium carbonates for industry.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Born #OnThisDay in 1922, Esther Lederberg was the first to isolate the lambda phage in 1951. She characterised the lysogenic phase, whereby the phage are able to integrate into the bacterial genome, staying dormant. This discovery made them a model tool of study, leading to many more breakthroughs.
December 18, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Born #OnThisDay in 1922, Esther Lederberg was the first to isolate the lambda phage in 1951. She characterised the lysogenic phase, whereby the phage are able to integrate into the bacterial genome, staying dormant. This discovery made them a model tool of study, leading to many more breakthroughs.
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
A new study by Anne-Fleur Griffon and colleagues presents an optimized qRT-PCR-based competition assay that quantifies differential replicative fitness among dengue virus serotypes in vitro, aiding comparative viral fitness research.
plos.io/48J0G6D
plos.io/48J0G6D
Development of a competition assay to assess the in vitro fitness of dengue virus serotypes using an optimized serotype-specific qRT-PCR
Background Comparing the in vitro fitness of dengue virus (DENV) isolates is a pivotal approach to assess the contribution of DENV strains’ replicative fitness to epidemiological contexts, including…
journals.plos.org
December 17, 2025 at 3:21 PM
A new study by Anne-Fleur Griffon and colleagues presents an optimized qRT-PCR-based competition assay that quantifies differential replicative fitness among dengue virus serotypes in vitro, aiding comparative viral fitness research.
plos.io/48J0G6D
plos.io/48J0G6D
The 'much more' includes in vitro saffron production, malaria and climate, income and health, psychedelic experiences, belief in fake news, lifespan changes in curiosity, placozoan secretory cells, walking cadence, Parkinson's disease, citation patterns, plural identity, and monarch butterflies.
What links AI-generated peer review, Neanderthal mobility, peat accumulation and antimicrobial resistance with dancing cockatoos, Asian elephants, turning soccer players and Barbie's feet?
They all feature, along with much more, in this year's editors' highlights!
everyone.plos.org/2025/12/16/e...
They all feature, along with much more, in this year's editors' highlights!
everyone.plos.org/2025/12/16/e...
Editor's picks: A highlight of 2025 publications - EveryONE
Reflecting on the publications in PLOS One in 2025, the diversity and quality of the work is demonstrated in articles ranging from…
everyone.plos.org
December 16, 2025 at 2:20 PM
The 'much more' includes in vitro saffron production, malaria and climate, income and health, psychedelic experiences, belief in fake news, lifespan changes in curiosity, placozoan secretory cells, walking cadence, Parkinson's disease, citation patterns, plural identity, and monarch butterflies.
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Schafer et al show that warming alters seagrass–oyster interactions in mesocosms, highlighting the importance of considering the interactive effects of seagrass and oysters, and other biotic components such as macroalgae, when investigating climate impacts on coastal ecosystems.
Seagrass and oyster interactions under a warming climate scenario: A mesocosm experiment
Seagrass and oyster beds are biogenic habitats of global importance in shallow coastal waters as they provide critical ecosystem functions. These habitats may be adversely affected by warming trends.…
plos.io
December 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Schafer et al show that warming alters seagrass–oyster interactions in mesocosms, highlighting the importance of considering the interactive effects of seagrass and oysters, and other biotic components such as macroalgae, when investigating climate impacts on coastal ecosystems.
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
A new study from Gomard et al provides the first genetic diversity and population structure analysis of the critically endangered gecko Phelsuma inexpectata on Reunion Island. The low genetic diversity highlights the need for strengthened conservation management.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
First evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure of Phelsuma inexpectata (Gekkonidae), a critically endangered gecko endemic to Reunion Island
The Manapany day gecko, Phelsuma inexpectata, is a critically endangered reptile endemic to Reunion Island (Southwestern Indian Ocean region). In the present study, we provide the first in-depth insig...
journals.plos.org
December 15, 2025 at 1:59 PM
A new study from Gomard et al provides the first genetic diversity and population structure analysis of the critically endangered gecko Phelsuma inexpectata on Reunion Island. The low genetic diversity highlights the need for strengthened conservation management.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
How to write a constructive peer review - see our new editorial, led by @biolumijeffence.bsky.social
With some of the team from @conphysjournal.bsky.social
With some of the team from @conphysjournal.bsky.social
Tips and tricks for writing constructive peer reviews
Peer review has been the cornerstone of scientific inquiry for centuries and is considered the backbone of scientific quality and rigour (Spier, 2002). Des
academic.oup.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:01 AM
How to write a constructive peer review - see our new editorial, led by @biolumijeffence.bsky.social
With some of the team from @conphysjournal.bsky.social
With some of the team from @conphysjournal.bsky.social
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
A new study validates the use of a handheld near-infrared spectrometer for non-destructive, high-throughput prediction of cassava quality traits, with the potential to significantly accelerate breeding cycles and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable genetic improvement.
From root to result: Portable NIRS-based non-destructive prediction of cassava quality traits
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food and a key industrial crop across tropical regions, but traditional phenotyping for critical quality traits like dry matter content (DMC) and starch…
plos.io
December 8, 2025 at 10:30 AM
A new study validates the use of a handheld near-infrared spectrometer for non-destructive, high-throughput prediction of cassava quality traits, with the potential to significantly accelerate breeding cycles and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable genetic improvement.
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Excited to see @atruch.bsky.social publish his work on giant virus DNA methylation. Kratosvirus quantuckense shows diverse DNA methylation via six methyltransferases, shaping infection and genomic stability in this giant virus.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Epigenome analysis of an algae-infecting giant virus reveals a unique methylation motif catalogue
DNA methylation can epigenetically alter gene expression and serve as a mechanism for genomic stabilization. Advancements in long-read sequencing technology have allowed for increased exploration into...
journals.plos.org
December 12, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Excited to see @atruch.bsky.social publish his work on giant virus DNA methylation. Kratosvirus quantuckense shows diverse DNA methylation via six methyltransferases, shaping infection and genomic stability in this giant virus.
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
journals.plos.org/plosone/arti...
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Introgression between species can shape #evolution. Study of the colorful American #warblers (Parulidae) by @kevinfpbennett.bsky.social @davetoews.bsky.social &co reveals intergeneric & interspecific introgression of genes related to carotenoid #plumage color @plosbiology.org 🧪 plos.io/48MyfU2
December 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Introgression between species can shape #evolution. Study of the colorful American #warblers (Parulidae) by @kevinfpbennett.bsky.social @davetoews.bsky.social &co reveals intergeneric & interspecific introgression of genes related to carotenoid #plumage color @plosbiology.org 🧪 plos.io/48MyfU2
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
A new study by Lindsey Williams and colleagues found that CCL2 transport across an iPSC-derived human blood-brain barrier model is heparan sulfate–dependent and inhibited by heparin/heparinase/GalNAz, demonstrating that heparan sulfate mediates blood-to-brain chemokine transport.
Transport of CCL2 across an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived in vitro model of the human blood-brain barrier is heparan sulfate-dependent
Transport of immune-active substances across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an important mechanism of neuroimmune regulation. CCL2 is an exemplary chemokine that regulates neuroinflammation and can…
plos.io
December 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM
A new study by Lindsey Williams and colleagues found that CCL2 transport across an iPSC-derived human blood-brain barrier model is heparan sulfate–dependent and inhibited by heparin/heparinase/GalNAz, demonstrating that heparan sulfate mediates blood-to-brain chemokine transport.
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
A new study from Braz et al reports that deleting α2δ-2, α2δ-3 or α2δ-4 auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels produces distinct, sometimes opposite, effects on pain and itch behaviours in mice, indicating subunit-specific roles.
Differential contribution of α2δ auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels in mouse models of pain and itch
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are multimeric proteins composed of alpha 1, β and γ subunits, as well as one of four auxiliary α2δ subunits. Although there is considerable preclinical and…
plos.io
December 8, 2025 at 4:02 PM
A new study from Braz et al reports that deleting α2δ-2, α2δ-3 or α2δ-4 auxiliary subunits of voltage-gated calcium channels produces distinct, sometimes opposite, effects on pain and itch behaviours in mice, indicating subunit-specific roles.
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
A new study from Mayra Flores-Tolentino and colleagues shows that using high-affinity endemic vascular plant species yields the most accurate model of Mexican seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF), delimiting c14% of Mexico’s land area as SDTF.
Endemic vascular plants provide reliable indicators for mapping seasonally dry tropical forests
Plant communities are unevenly distributed in space, shaped by both abiotic and biotic factors. Several methods have been developed for delineating their extent, including the spatial analysis of…
plos.io
December 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
A new study from Mayra Flores-Tolentino and colleagues shows that using high-affinity endemic vascular plant species yields the most accurate model of Mexican seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF), delimiting c14% of Mexico’s land area as SDTF.
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
By reprogramming feedback strength in gibberellin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis, @leydonsaurus.bsky.social et al demonstrate a strong link between GA signaling and the circadian clock, which can be largely attenuated by elevated CO₂, with implications for engineering plant traits.
Reprogramming feedback strength in gibberellin biosynthesis highlights conditional regulation by the circadian clock and carbon dioxide
The phytohormone gibberellin (GA) is an important regulator of plant morphology and reproduction, and the biosynthesis and distribution of GA in planta is agriculturally relevant to past and current…
plos.io
December 11, 2025 at 11:30 AM
By reprogramming feedback strength in gibberellin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis, @leydonsaurus.bsky.social et al demonstrate a strong link between GA signaling and the circadian clock, which can be largely attenuated by elevated CO₂, with implications for engineering plant traits.
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
New research by @abstractbryan.bsky.social et al shows that biofilm formation by cooperating microbes can stabilize consumer–resource systems and prevent collapse driven by cheaters, highlighting cooperation via environmental modification as a mechanism for microbial coexistence.
plos.io/44IkmVV
plos.io/44IkmVV
Cooperative environmental engineering via biofilm formation can stabilize consumer-resource systems
Cooperation can stabilize consumer-resource dynamics, preventing over-exploitation driven by individual self-interest. The maintenance of cooperation in such systems is often attributed to…
journals.plos.org
December 12, 2025 at 3:34 PM
New research by @abstractbryan.bsky.social et al shows that biofilm formation by cooperating microbes can stabilize consumer–resource systems and prevent collapse driven by cheaters, highlighting cooperation via environmental modification as a mechanism for microbial coexistence.
plos.io/44IkmVV
plos.io/44IkmVV
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Vogt et al present an open-source non-invasive bio-logger for marine animals that records high-quality audio synchronized with behavioral and environmental sensors, and they apply it to scale studies of sperm whale communication and behaviour.
doi.org/10.1371/jour...
doi.org/10.1371/jour...
An open-source bio-logger for studying cetacean behavior and communication
Over the past decade, bioacoustics associated with diverse marine life has become the focus of increasing research. While fixed acoustic devices play important roles in characterizing localized sounds...
doi.org
December 12, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Vogt et al present an open-source non-invasive bio-logger for marine animals that records high-quality audio synchronized with behavioral and environmental sensors, and they apply it to scale studies of sperm whale communication and behaviour.
doi.org/10.1371/jour...
doi.org/10.1371/jour...
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
Open science empowers transparency and scrutiny. See how our editorial checks and review processes protect the scientific record at every stage.
plos.io/3MsfiP2
#ResearchIntegrity #PublicationEthics #TrustInScience
plos.io/3MsfiP2
#ResearchIntegrity #PublicationEthics #TrustInScience
December 11, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Open science empowers transparency and scrutiny. See how our editorial checks and review processes protect the scientific record at every stage.
plos.io/3MsfiP2
#ResearchIntegrity #PublicationEthics #TrustInScience
plos.io/3MsfiP2
#ResearchIntegrity #PublicationEthics #TrustInScience
Reposted by Patrick Goymer
The 2026 Guarda Summer Course in Evolutionary Biology is now accepting applications. Amazing place, amazing course, amazing opportunity for early grad students.
tb.ethz.ch/education/gu...
tb.ethz.ch/education/gu...
Summer school:<br> Evolutionary Biology in Guarda
Information about the annual summer school Evolutionary Biology in Guarda
tb.ethz.ch
December 10, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The 2026 Guarda Summer Course in Evolutionary Biology is now accepting applications. Amazing place, amazing course, amazing opportunity for early grad students.
tb.ethz.ch/education/gu...
tb.ethz.ch/education/gu...