Brian Tanis
@tanisbp.bsky.social
Ecology & Evolution at big scales
All-around nature enthusiast
All-around nature enthusiast
Pinned
Brian Tanis
@tanisbp.bsky.social
· Nov 15
Been lurking here for ages, but it’s time to dive in…
I’m a biology instructor and study broad patterns of mammal ecology & evolution by measuring traits and diet!
I’m a biology instructor and study broad patterns of mammal ecology & evolution by measuring traits and diet!
Reposted by Brian Tanis
#2026MMM Celebrates Libraries... and there are very noble and notable species that have been associated with Libraries!
a cat laying on top of a stack of books with the number 3 on the spine of the book
Alt: a cat laying on top of a stack of books in a library
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:21 PM
#2026MMM Celebrates Libraries... and there are very noble and notable species that have been associated with Libraries!
Reposted by Brian Tanis
Did you know that 15% of the world's currency features wildlife? #2025MMM theconversation.com/almost-1-in-...
Almost 1 in 6 of the world’s banknotes feature wildlife – and they’re not always the creatures you’d expect
What do you know about your national currency? How about the cash used overseas? We studied wildlife imagery on banknotes around the world. Here’s what we found.
theconversation.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Did you know that 15% of the world's currency features wildlife? #2025MMM theconversation.com/almost-1-in-...
Reposted by Brian Tanis
NOW for the #2026MMM DIVISIONS!
a group of soldiers are standing in a field with the words get on with it
Alt: Monty Python and the Holy Grail everyone shouting "get on with it!"
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:16 PM
NOW for the #2026MMM DIVISIONS!
Reposted by Brian Tanis
But first, let's take a moment for the #2026MMM teaser trailer premiere! youtu.be/aK8CfWSZO4A
2026 March Mammal Madness Teaser Trailer
YouTube video by Katie Hinde
youtu.be
February 12, 2026 at 4:12 PM
But first, let's take a moment for the #2026MMM teaser trailer premiere! youtu.be/aK8CfWSZO4A
Reposted by Brian Tanis
Last call for #2026MMM Division guesses right now bc IT'S DARWIN DAY DIVISION ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!
a group of people in red and white uniforms are playing brass instruments
Alt: a group of people in red and white uniforms are playing brass instruments in a trumpet fanfare
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:08 PM
Last call for #2026MMM Division guesses right now bc IT'S DARWIN DAY DIVISION ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!
Reposted by Brian Tanis
The #2026MMM combatants thus far revealed are: Giant Anteater, Asian Elephant, Beech Marten, Common Hippo, Grey Fox, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Eurasian Lynx, Humpback Whale, Indian Rhino, & Steller's Sea Cow!
a hippopotamus is swimming in a body of water with a pbs nature logo behind it
Alt: a hippopotamus looks forward and then submerges into a flowing river... duh dun. duh dun. duh dun.
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:07 PM
The #2026MMM combatants thus far revealed are: Giant Anteater, Asian Elephant, Beech Marten, Common Hippo, Grey Fox, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Eurasian Lynx, Humpback Whale, Indian Rhino, & Steller's Sea Cow!
Reposted by Brian Tanis
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! #2026MMM
(With a hat-tip to the Dropkick Murphys)
The season's upon us, it's that time of year!
Science & carnage, there's battles to cheer,
there's twists to these plots
and there's stings to be stung,
there's research to do
and plenty of fun!
(With a hat-tip to the Dropkick Murphys)
The season's upon us, it's that time of year!
Science & carnage, there's battles to cheer,
there's twists to these plots
and there's stings to be stung,
there's research to do
and plenty of fun!
a man wearing a feathered hat says " hear ye hear ye "
Alt: Stephen Colbert rings a bell wearing a large feathered tricorn hat shouting "Hear Ye! Hear Ye!"
media.tenor.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! #2026MMM
(With a hat-tip to the Dropkick Murphys)
The season's upon us, it's that time of year!
Science & carnage, there's battles to cheer,
there's twists to these plots
and there's stings to be stung,
there's research to do
and plenty of fun!
(With a hat-tip to the Dropkick Murphys)
The season's upon us, it's that time of year!
Science & carnage, there's battles to cheer,
there's twists to these plots
and there's stings to be stung,
there's research to do
and plenty of fun!
Reposted by Brian Tanis
#2026MMM Psst... in honor of Darwin Day we are announcing the Divisions, as per usual... but at 9AM Tempe Time a TEASER TRAILER will go live too (since I wasn't able to pull that together for Groundhog's Day).
a cartoon illustration of a mtv music television logo .
Alt: a cartoon illustration of a mtv music television logo that says "world premiere video"
media.tenor.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:40 PM
#2026MMM Psst... in honor of Darwin Day we are announcing the Divisions, as per usual... but at 9AM Tempe Time a TEASER TRAILER will go live too (since I wasn't able to pull that together for Groundhog's Day).
Reposted by Brian Tanis
we need to talk about that Ring Super Bowl ad
February 10, 2026 at 8:18 PM
we need to talk about that Ring Super Bowl ad
Reposted by Brian Tanis
You know what's better than science-themed March Mammal Madness Valentines of #2026MMM Combatants!?!
Science-themed March Mammal Madness Valentines of combatants that carry ear-worms. They're INFECTIOUS!
Download in color or greyscale at the LibGuide libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
Science-themed March Mammal Madness Valentines of combatants that carry ear-worms. They're INFECTIOUS!
Download in color or greyscale at the LibGuide libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
February 9, 2026 at 11:18 PM
You know what's better than science-themed March Mammal Madness Valentines of #2026MMM Combatants!?!
Science-themed March Mammal Madness Valentines of combatants that carry ear-worms. They're INFECTIOUS!
Download in color or greyscale at the LibGuide libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
Science-themed March Mammal Madness Valentines of combatants that carry ear-worms. They're INFECTIOUS!
Download in color or greyscale at the LibGuide libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
Reposted by Brian Tanis
Wild fact from @billmckibben.bsky.social's latest newsletter:
"The last colder-than-average month on planet earth was in February of 1985, which means that no one under the age of forty has ever known one."
"The last colder-than-average month on planet earth was in February of 1985, which means that no one under the age of forty has ever known one."
Notes on winter
When the world turns whimsical
billmckibben.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Wild fact from @billmckibben.bsky.social's latest newsletter:
"The last colder-than-average month on planet earth was in February of 1985, which means that no one under the age of forty has ever known one."
"The last colder-than-average month on planet earth was in February of 1985, which means that no one under the age of forty has ever known one."
Reposted by Brian Tanis
I am. But there are three things at play here regarding ICE collecting private data. Quick rundown on the issue, why you should be paying attention, and what I'm doing about it:
So which politician is calling for the dismantling of the probably illegal database that ice & this government is collecting biometric data of protesters?
January 27, 2026 at 9:28 PM
I am. But there are three things at play here regarding ICE collecting private data. Quick rundown on the issue, why you should be paying attention, and what I'm doing about it:
Reposted by Brian Tanis
Divisions will be announced on Darwin Day February 12th & the full bracket drops on Feb 19th, but follow the official account @mmmletsgo.bsky.social for regular announcements and combatant clues. #2026MMM
a colorful background with the words stay tuned
Alt: a colorful background with the words "stay tuned"
media.tenor.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Divisions will be announced on Darwin Day February 12th & the full bracket drops on Feb 19th, but follow the official account @mmmletsgo.bsky.social for regular announcements and combatant clues. #2026MMM
Reposted by Brian Tanis
In honor of 10 tournaments of the March Mammal Madness LibGuide at ASU Library, #2026MMM Celebrates LIBRARIES!
More than books, and definitely more than admonishments to shush, libraries are incredible collections of human knowledge, information, imagination, & creativity @mmmletsgo.bsky.social
More than books, and definitely more than admonishments to shush, libraries are incredible collections of human knowledge, information, imagination, & creativity @mmmletsgo.bsky.social
The Worm Dance GIF
Alt: An awesome dancer does The Worm Dance on top of a bookshelf in the stacks of a library
media.tenor.com
February 2, 2026 at 5:42 PM
In honor of 10 tournaments of the March Mammal Madness LibGuide at ASU Library, #2026MMM Celebrates LIBRARIES!
More than books, and definitely more than admonishments to shush, libraries are incredible collections of human knowledge, information, imagination, & creativity @mmmletsgo.bsky.social
More than books, and definitely more than admonishments to shush, libraries are incredible collections of human knowledge, information, imagination, & creativity @mmmletsgo.bsky.social
Reposted by Brian Tanis
As per always on this most holy of mammal holidays, Groundhog's Day, March Mammal Madness launches our annual tournament page! #2026MMM @mmmletsgo.bsky.social libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
February 2, 2026 at 5:39 PM
As per always on this most holy of mammal holidays, Groundhog's Day, March Mammal Madness launches our annual tournament page! #2026MMM @mmmletsgo.bsky.social libguides.asu.edu/MarchMammalM...
Reposted by Brian Tanis
What strikes me about this is that “beating cancer” is the most universal, nonpartisan issue it feels like has ever existed.
Which side is “pro cancer” was not a question I ever expected an answer too.
The public is ignorant but every politician that has existed is like “We’re gonna beat cancer!”
Which side is “pro cancer” was not a question I ever expected an answer too.
The public is ignorant but every politician that has existed is like “We’re gonna beat cancer!”
I am hearing that RFK Jr.’s minions are going to go after HPV vaccines. I’ve got problems with these people and now you’re going to hear about them, first from a personal perspective and then from a professional one.
It all boils down to this: WE HAVE A SAFE VACCINE THAT PREVENTS CANCER.
It all boils down to this: WE HAVE A SAFE VACCINE THAT PREVENTS CANCER.
January 28, 2026 at 9:52 PM
What strikes me about this is that “beating cancer” is the most universal, nonpartisan issue it feels like has ever existed.
Which side is “pro cancer” was not a question I ever expected an answer too.
The public is ignorant but every politician that has existed is like “We’re gonna beat cancer!”
Which side is “pro cancer” was not a question I ever expected an answer too.
The public is ignorant but every politician that has existed is like “We’re gonna beat cancer!”
Reposted by Brian Tanis
Of all the departures this past year at NOAA—via the fork offer, retirements, etc.— the one that stung the most was the firing of people in their probationary first year. They have more modern skills than those of us who received their PhDs in the 90s and 00s. My whole department is in its 50s now.
How many STEM Ph.D.s were lost from the U.S. federal government last year?
My colleagues @mghersher.bsky.social and @policyhound.bsky.social dug into a recent data release to find the answer. A @science.org exclusive.
www.science.org/content/arti...
My colleagues @mghersher.bsky.social and @policyhound.bsky.social dug into a recent data release to find the answer. A @science.org exclusive.
www.science.org/content/arti...
January 27, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Of all the departures this past year at NOAA—via the fork offer, retirements, etc.— the one that stung the most was the firing of people in their probationary first year. They have more modern skills than those of us who received their PhDs in the 90s and 00s. My whole department is in its 50s now.
Reposted by Brian Tanis
Techbros seem to love Tolkien, so here's an analogy to help you understand what genAI is.
GenAI is The One Ring. You think your use is justified, b/c you don't have evil in your heart.
But it came from evil, it is intended for evil purpose, & anything you do with it will be twisted to that end.
GenAI is The One Ring. You think your use is justified, b/c you don't have evil in your heart.
But it came from evil, it is intended for evil purpose, & anything you do with it will be twisted to that end.
December 17, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Techbros seem to love Tolkien, so here's an analogy to help you understand what genAI is.
GenAI is The One Ring. You think your use is justified, b/c you don't have evil in your heart.
But it came from evil, it is intended for evil purpose, & anything you do with it will be twisted to that end.
GenAI is The One Ring. You think your use is justified, b/c you don't have evil in your heart.
But it came from evil, it is intended for evil purpose, & anything you do with it will be twisted to that end.
Reposted by Brian Tanis
Over the last six months the PNE have invested over $6 million to bring the iconic old Pacific Coliseum back to life — and to make it home of the PWHL’s Vancouver Goldeneyes.
I took a tour of the building ahead of Friday’s home opener for @theathletic.com
I took a tour of the building ahead of Friday’s home opener for @theathletic.com
November 22, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Over the last six months the PNE have invested over $6 million to bring the iconic old Pacific Coliseum back to life — and to make it home of the PWHL’s Vancouver Goldeneyes.
I took a tour of the building ahead of Friday’s home opener for @theathletic.com
I took a tour of the building ahead of Friday’s home opener for @theathletic.com
Reposted by Brian Tanis
A horrifying graphic from Pew showing the fruits of the right wing war on public health.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
November 20, 2025 at 8:46 PM
A horrifying graphic from Pew showing the fruits of the right wing war on public health.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
Only 48% of Republicans believe that vaccines prevent serious illness, while 80% of Democrats do.
This is not a difference of opinion in science. This is the result of a ruthless disinformation campaign.
Reposted by Brian Tanis
Hey folks, as news of Watson's demise spreads, please don't set aside his weighty legacy of misogyny and racism. He was truly among the worst of us. www.vox.com/2019/1/15/18...
DNA scientist James Watson has a remarkably long history of sexist, racist public comments
“People say it would be terrible if we made all girls pretty,” he said in 2003. “I think it would be great.”
www.vox.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Hey folks, as news of Watson's demise spreads, please don't set aside his weighty legacy of misogyny and racism. He was truly among the worst of us. www.vox.com/2019/1/15/18...
Reposted by Brian Tanis
My ask of any science enthusiasts who tell the story of Rosalind Franklin:
Don't make her life be about the DNA debacle. She died far too young, but she was a promising scientist in her own right, a mentor and scientific author.
Not for Watson or Crick, but for her legacy.
Don't make her life be about the DNA debacle. She died far too young, but she was a promising scientist in her own right, a mentor and scientific author.
Not for Watson or Crick, but for her legacy.
Her sister wrote my favorite essay about her. She points out that RF would have been famous even if she'd never looked at DNA
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Remembering my sister Rosalind Franklin
Rosalind Franklin died of ovarian cancer in 1958 aged 37 years. Sympathy and feminism
have combined to give us her familiar image as a downtrodden woman scientist, brilliant
but neglected, a heroine t...
www.thelancet.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:17 AM
My ask of any science enthusiasts who tell the story of Rosalind Franklin:
Don't make her life be about the DNA debacle. She died far too young, but she was a promising scientist in her own right, a mentor and scientific author.
Not for Watson or Crick, but for her legacy.
Don't make her life be about the DNA debacle. She died far too young, but she was a promising scientist in her own right, a mentor and scientific author.
Not for Watson or Crick, but for her legacy.
Reposted by Brian Tanis
New map of the cool parts of NYC just dropped.
November 5, 2025 at 3:03 AM
New map of the cool parts of NYC just dropped.
Reposted by Brian Tanis
If you see any business owners belittling SNAP recipients for accepting government money to get through tough times, maybe look them up on @propublica.org's PPP Loan Tracker to see if they got any of the $793B in bailout money (96% of which was forgiven)
projects.propublica.org/coronavirus/...
projects.propublica.org/coronavirus/...
Tracking PPP: Search Every Company Approved for Federal Loans - ProPublica
As part of the Paycheck Protection Program, the federal government has provided hundreds of billions in financial support to banks to make low-interest loans to companies and nonprofit organizations i...
projects.propublica.org
November 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
If you see any business owners belittling SNAP recipients for accepting government money to get through tough times, maybe look them up on @propublica.org's PPP Loan Tracker to see if they got any of the $793B in bailout money (96% of which was forgiven)
projects.propublica.org/coronavirus/...
projects.propublica.org/coronavirus/...