Rachel Bedford, PhD
@rachelbedfordphd.bsky.social
Research Associate for Scientific Communication at the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact.
Previously obsessed with gap junctions, zebrafish and neural development.
Let's use science for good. she/her.
Previously obsessed with gap junctions, zebrafish and neural development.
Let's use science for good. she/her.
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
Chatbots — LLMs — do not know facts and are not designed to be able to accurately answer factual questions. They are designed to find and mimic patterns of words, probabilistically. When they’re “right” it’s because correct things are often written down, so those patterns are frequent. That’s all.
June 19, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Chatbots — LLMs — do not know facts and are not designed to be able to accurately answer factual questions. They are designed to find and mimic patterns of words, probabilistically. When they’re “right” it’s because correct things are often written down, so those patterns are frequent. That’s all.
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
🦖 Something HUGE just hatched.
Plasmidsaurus now offers RNA sequencing for gene expression analysis:
• As fast as 3 day turnaround
• $50/sample for academia, $80 for industry
• Up to ~10M unique transcript 3’ end reads per sample
• Interactive results
Explore Plasmidsaurus RNA-Seq today.
Plasmidsaurus now offers RNA sequencing for gene expression analysis:
• As fast as 3 day turnaround
• $50/sample for academia, $80 for industry
• Up to ~10M unique transcript 3’ end reads per sample
• Interactive results
Explore Plasmidsaurus RNA-Seq today.
October 15, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🦖 Something HUGE just hatched.
Plasmidsaurus now offers RNA sequencing for gene expression analysis:
• As fast as 3 day turnaround
• $50/sample for academia, $80 for industry
• Up to ~10M unique transcript 3’ end reads per sample
• Interactive results
Explore Plasmidsaurus RNA-Seq today.
Plasmidsaurus now offers RNA sequencing for gene expression analysis:
• As fast as 3 day turnaround
• $50/sample for academia, $80 for industry
• Up to ~10M unique transcript 3’ end reads per sample
• Interactive results
Explore Plasmidsaurus RNA-Seq today.
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
Today my @nytimes.com colleagues and I are launching a new series called Lost Science. We interview US scientists who can no longer discover something new about our world, thanks to this year‘s cuts. Here is my first interview with a scientist who studied bees and fires. Gift link: nyti.ms/3IWXbiE
nyti.ms
October 8, 2025 at 11:29 PM
Today my @nytimes.com colleagues and I are launching a new series called Lost Science. We interview US scientists who can no longer discover something new about our world, thanks to this year‘s cuts. Here is my first interview with a scientist who studied bees and fires. Gift link: nyti.ms/3IWXbiE
Come do neuroscience in Oregon! 🌲🧠 @uoregon.bsky.social University of Oregon has 3 TTF neuro positions open across departments, with applications due around mid-October.
#UOResearch #Neuroskyence #academicsky
#UOResearch #Neuroskyence #academicsky
September 16, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Come do neuroscience in Oregon! 🌲🧠 @uoregon.bsky.social University of Oregon has 3 TTF neuro positions open across departments, with applications due around mid-October.
#UOResearch #Neuroskyence #academicsky
#UOResearch #Neuroskyence #academicsky
The BioE department at the @uoknightcampus.bsky.social is hiring 2 complementary TTF neuroengineering positions!
We're looking for someone with expertise in experimental & translational neuroengineering and someone else with expertise in computational & data-science neuroengineering.
#neurosky
We're looking for someone with expertise in experimental & translational neuroengineering and someone else with expertise in computational & data-science neuroengineering.
#neurosky
September 10, 2025 at 6:54 PM
The BioE department at the @uoknightcampus.bsky.social is hiring 2 complementary TTF neuroengineering positions!
We're looking for someone with expertise in experimental & translational neuroengineering and someone else with expertise in computational & data-science neuroengineering.
#neurosky
We're looking for someone with expertise in experimental & translational neuroengineering and someone else with expertise in computational & data-science neuroengineering.
#neurosky
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
The University of Oregon is searching for an Assistant Professor with a focus on Developmental Neuroscience. We are excited to have you come join us - apply!
Application information can be found at: careers.uoregon.edu/cw/en-us/job...
Application information can be found at: careers.uoregon.edu/cw/en-us/job...
Current Opportunities | UO HR Website
careers.uoregon.edu
August 14, 2025 at 8:22 PM
The University of Oregon is searching for an Assistant Professor with a focus on Developmental Neuroscience. We are excited to have you come join us - apply!
Application information can be found at: careers.uoregon.edu/cw/en-us/job...
Application information can be found at: careers.uoregon.edu/cw/en-us/job...
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
The Braasch Lab @fishevodevogeno.bsky.social will soon post a position to replace manager of our *Ancient Fish Facility* at Michigan State. Looking for aquaculturist excited for unusual 🐟 species (gar, bowfin, paddlefish, polypterus) + zebrafish. Pls send candidates our way (DM or braasch@msu.edu)!
July 1, 2025 at 6:43 PM
The Braasch Lab @fishevodevogeno.bsky.social will soon post a position to replace manager of our *Ancient Fish Facility* at Michigan State. Looking for aquaculturist excited for unusual 🐟 species (gar, bowfin, paddlefish, polypterus) + zebrafish. Pls send candidates our way (DM or braasch@msu.edu)!
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
If you are at #2025ASEE and are interested in learning more about career opportunities at the Knight Campus Department of Bioengineering, including an open position for a Curriculum Development Director/Lecturer position mentoring students and building strong academic programs, connect with us!
June 23, 2025 at 8:07 PM
If you are at #2025ASEE and are interested in learning more about career opportunities at the Knight Campus Department of Bioengineering, including an open position for a Curriculum Development Director/Lecturer position mentoring students and building strong academic programs, connect with us!
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
We're hiring a Curriculum Development Director who's passionate about mentoring students and building strong academic programs!
You can learn more about this position, and other openings here: knightcampus.uoregon.edu/faculty-recr...
You can learn more about this position, and other openings here: knightcampus.uoregon.edu/faculty-recr...
May 22, 2025 at 12:00 AM
We're hiring a Curriculum Development Director who's passionate about mentoring students and building strong academic programs!
You can learn more about this position, and other openings here: knightcampus.uoregon.edu/faculty-recr...
You can learn more about this position, and other openings here: knightcampus.uoregon.edu/faculty-recr...
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
We are very excited to welcome Dr. Sara Keller (@sarabkeller.bsky.social) and Dr. David Peeler (@djpeeler.bsky.social) to the Department of Bioengineering. Both will launch their labs in early 2026.
April 24, 2025 at 3:12 PM
We are very excited to welcome Dr. Sara Keller (@sarabkeller.bsky.social) and Dr. David Peeler (@djpeeler.bsky.social) to the Department of Bioengineering. Both will launch their labs in early 2026.
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
Happy to share a new preprint from my lab! We characterize the on/off kinetics, light dosage-dependence, and more for a suite of optogenetic signaling activators in zebrafish embryos 💡 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
An optogenetic toolkit for robust activation of FGF, BMP, and Nodal signaling in zebrafish
Cell signaling regulates a wide range of biological processes including development, homeostasis, and disease. Accessible technologies to precisely manipulate signaling have important applications in ...
www.biorxiv.org
April 21, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Happy to share a new preprint from my lab! We characterize the on/off kinetics, light dosage-dependence, and more for a suite of optogenetic signaling activators in zebrafish embryos 💡 www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
As a recipient of federal grants from #NIH (for now! 😭) that funds research in my lab, I'd like to sincerely thank American taxpayers on #TaxDay for investing in scientific research that lays the foundation for medical and technological innovation in this country and keeps us all safe and healthy
April 15, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
I'm thrilled to announce that I'm launching the Biomaterial Research for Immunomodulation, Drug delivery, and Genetic Engineering (BRIDGE) lab in January 2026 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Oregon! @uoknightcampus.bsky.social
April 7, 2025 at 2:41 PM
I'm thrilled to announce that I'm launching the Biomaterial Research for Immunomodulation, Drug delivery, and Genetic Engineering (BRIDGE) lab in January 2026 as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Oregon! @uoknightcampus.bsky.social
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
Even physical activity on weekends only (Weekend warrior, WW) linked with a significant favorable impact of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality
MVPA-moderate to vigorous physical activity
from UK Biobank, >90,000 participants
www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...
MVPA-moderate to vigorous physical activity
from UK Biobank, >90,000 participants
www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...
April 2, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Even physical activity on weekends only (Weekend warrior, WW) linked with a significant favorable impact of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality
MVPA-moderate to vigorous physical activity
from UK Biobank, >90,000 participants
www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...
MVPA-moderate to vigorous physical activity
from UK Biobank, >90,000 participants
www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/...
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
We unlock breakthrough insights by delivering the best training sets in biology—at unprecedented scale. youtu.be/KuCaJTPHM2o
Save 90% on DNA variant libraries today
YouTube video by IndieBio
youtu.be
March 26, 2025 at 9:48 PM
We unlock breakthrough insights by delivering the best training sets in biology—at unprecedented scale. youtu.be/KuCaJTPHM2o
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
Computational and systems neuroscience needs new ideas from other areas, in particular developmental biology, writes @bbscott.bsky.social @cosynemeeting.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/systems-neur...
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/systems-neur...
Computational and systems neuroscience needs development
Embracing recent advances in developmental biology can drive a new wave of innovation.
www.thetransmitter.org
March 27, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Computational and systems neuroscience needs new ideas from other areas, in particular developmental biology, writes @bbscott.bsky.social @cosynemeeting.bsky.social
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/systems-neur...
#neuroskyence
www.thetransmitter.org/systems-neur...
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
The #scicomm group COMPASS is offering a free communication workshop on April 2 for current or former government workers - federal, state, and local levels www.compassscicomm.org/event/sharin...
Sharing Impact & Value: Strategic Communication for Government Workers | COMPASS
Strategically and clearly communicate the importance of your work to relevant audiences, without partisanship. Government workers at all levels — local, state, and federal — provide important and nece...
www.compassscicomm.org
March 13, 2025 at 11:29 PM
The #scicomm group COMPASS is offering a free communication workshop on April 2 for current or former government workers - federal, state, and local levels www.compassscicomm.org/event/sharin...
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
Terrific how-to on communicating the value of basic research to the public in @thetransmitter.bsky.social by @tonyzador.bsky.social.
You may be curious. But when you are communicating the value of what you do, it’s not about you. Point to discoveries.
www.thetransmitter.org/outreach/how...
You may be curious. But when you are communicating the value of what you do, it’s not about you. Point to discoveries.
www.thetransmitter.org/outreach/how...
How to communicate the value of curiosity-driven research
The burden of proof is on us, as researchers, to explain why what we do is valuable to society.
www.thetransmitter.org
March 4, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Terrific how-to on communicating the value of basic research to the public in @thetransmitter.bsky.social by @tonyzador.bsky.social.
You may be curious. But when you are communicating the value of what you do, it’s not about you. Point to discoveries.
www.thetransmitter.org/outreach/how...
You may be curious. But when you are communicating the value of what you do, it’s not about you. Point to discoveries.
www.thetransmitter.org/outreach/how...
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
On Friday, we Stand Up for Science in locations Nationwide (& internationally!) to support science as a public good that benefits everyone.
Join us! Visit www.standupforscience2025.org for more information & other ways to get involved ☀️
Join us! Visit www.standupforscience2025.org for more information & other ways to get involved ☀️
March 4, 2025 at 12:36 PM
On Friday, we Stand Up for Science in locations Nationwide (& internationally!) to support science as a public good that benefits everyone.
Join us! Visit www.standupforscience2025.org for more information & other ways to get involved ☀️
Join us! Visit www.standupforscience2025.org for more information & other ways to get involved ☀️
HAPPY MARCH MAMMAL MADNESS SZN TO THOSE WHO CELEBRATE!!!! 🐂🐏🐼🐁🐯
The #2025MMM Bracket is LIVE!!
We have a Player Portal for EVERYONE!
We have a Learner Portal w/ pages for College, High School, Middle School, & K-5 students!
We have an Educators Portal with those sweet sweet curricula materials!
libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
youtu.be/1QKQN1YC6zw?...
We have a Player Portal for EVERYONE!
We have a Learner Portal w/ pages for College, High School, Middle School, & K-5 students!
We have an Educators Portal with those sweet sweet curricula materials!
libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
youtu.be/1QKQN1YC6zw?...
March Mammal Madness 2025 Epic Trailer
YouTube video by Katie Hinde
youtu.be
February 21, 2025 at 4:47 PM
HAPPY MARCH MAMMAL MADNESS SZN TO THOSE WHO CELEBRATE!!!! 🐂🐏🐼🐁🐯
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
Join us! Science Homecoming helps scientists reconnect with communities by writing about the importance of science funding in their hometown newspapers. We’ve mapped every small newspaper in the U.S. and provide resources to get you started. Help science get back home 🧪🔬🧬 🏠
sciencehomecoming.com
sciencehomecoming.com
Science Homecoming
sciencehomecoming.com
February 18, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Join us! Science Homecoming helps scientists reconnect with communities by writing about the importance of science funding in their hometown newspapers. We’ve mapped every small newspaper in the U.S. and provide resources to get you started. Help science get back home 🧪🔬🧬 🏠
sciencehomecoming.com
sciencehomecoming.com
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
New ZFIN paper:
ZFIN Updates to Support Zebrafish Environmental Exposure Data academic.oup.com/genetics/art...
@zfinmod.bsky.social @genetics-gsa.bsky.social
ZFIN Updates to Support Zebrafish Environmental Exposure Data academic.oup.com/genetics/art...
@zfinmod.bsky.social @genetics-gsa.bsky.social
ZFIN Updates to Support Zebrafish Environmental Exposure Data
Abstract. The Zebrafish Information Network (ZFIN, zfin.org) is the database resource for genetic, genomic, and phenotypic data from research using zebrafi
academic.oup.com
February 13, 2025 at 8:53 PM
New ZFIN paper:
ZFIN Updates to Support Zebrafish Environmental Exposure Data academic.oup.com/genetics/art...
@zfinmod.bsky.social @genetics-gsa.bsky.social
ZFIN Updates to Support Zebrafish Environmental Exposure Data academic.oup.com/genetics/art...
@zfinmod.bsky.social @genetics-gsa.bsky.social
Reposted by Rachel Bedford, PhD
Of all the stories I've written, this might be the cutest. 🍄 🐶 Follow two sibling scientists and their good boy Rye as they uncover Oregon’s hidden truffle diversity.
Thanks to their pet's special nose, researchers are tracking truffles for science and conservation: news.uoregon.edu/sibling-scie...
Thanks to their pet's special nose, researchers are tracking truffles for science and conservation: news.uoregon.edu/sibling-scie...
February 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Of all the stories I've written, this might be the cutest. 🍄 🐶 Follow two sibling scientists and their good boy Rye as they uncover Oregon’s hidden truffle diversity.
Thanks to their pet's special nose, researchers are tracking truffles for science and conservation: news.uoregon.edu/sibling-scie...
Thanks to their pet's special nose, researchers are tracking truffles for science and conservation: news.uoregon.edu/sibling-scie...