Lucas Fowler (he/they)
@lucasffowler.bsky.social
Graduate Student @ the Memorial University of Newfoundland (Swift-Gallant Neuro Lab)
Naturalist & Inclusivity Advocate 🦉🏳️🌈
I study how the environment can impact neuroendocrine mechanisms, maternity, and offspring development 🧠🐁
Naturalist & Inclusivity Advocate 🦉🏳️🌈
I study how the environment can impact neuroendocrine mechanisms, maternity, and offspring development 🧠🐁
Pinned
A meta-analysis of sex differences in neonatal rodent ultrasonic vocalizations and the implication for the preclinical maternal immune activation model - Biology of Sex Differences
As the earliest measure of social communication in rodents, ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in response to maternal separation are critical in preclinical research on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD...
bsd.biomedcentral.com
Hi Bluesky community! I am looking forward to using this platform to connect with and learn from behavioural neuroendocrinology researchers across the world. #sexdifferences
Check out myself and my colleagues’ new publication in Biology of Sex Differences: bsd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
Check out myself and my colleagues’ new publication in Biology of Sex Differences: bsd.biomedcentral.com/articles/10....
Baby’s first, first-author publication! The work I led alongside my awesome co-authors is now published in Hormones & Behavior! This project kickstarted my Ph, and I will be expanding on these findings by investigating how plastic exposure can disrupt sexual differentiation in critical periods 🐁🧬
September 15, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Baby’s first, first-author publication! The work I led alongside my awesome co-authors is now published in Hormones & Behavior! This project kickstarted my Ph, and I will be expanding on these findings by investigating how plastic exposure can disrupt sexual differentiation in critical periods 🐁🧬
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
The NIH prescribing what data points scientists can collect is not how science works now
Nor how it should work in the future
It is the political manipulation of science
Nor how it should work in the future
It is the political manipulation of science
SCOOP: The NIH is moving to prohibit funded scientists, inside and outside the agency, from collecting data about gender, according to a draft policy I obtained. It’s part of the NIH’s aggressive crackdown on gender-identity research. www.chronicle.com/article/gend...
Gender Data Would Be Off-Limits Under Proposed NIH Policy
A draft rule would bar scientists funded by the agency from collecting data about gender identity, following other steps the administration has taken to restrict research on LGBT topics.
www.chronicle.com
August 13, 2025 at 11:52 AM
The NIH prescribing what data points scientists can collect is not how science works now
Nor how it should work in the future
It is the political manipulation of science
Nor how it should work in the future
It is the political manipulation of science
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
How do animals decide if they should forage for food or stay home to take care of newborn offspring? Whose needs come first? For my PhD work now out in Nature, we examined how hunger and parenting neurons interact and are reshaped postpartum in mice 🧵⬇️ www.nature.com/articles/s41...
A hypothalamic circuit that modulates feeding and parenting behaviours - Nature
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of mouse hypothalamus and behavioural experiments show that specific hypothalamic networks regulate conflicting feeding versus parenting behaviours of female mice.
www.nature.com
July 30, 2025 at 4:35 PM
How do animals decide if they should forage for food or stay home to take care of newborn offspring? Whose needs come first? For my PhD work now out in Nature, we examined how hunger and parenting neurons interact and are reshaped postpartum in mice 🧵⬇️ www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
Spatially coordinated predation with division of labor increases feeding success in killer whales CurrentBiology
Spatially coordinated predation with division of labor increases feeding success in killer whales
The mechanisms of cooperative hunting in large marine predators are poorly known. Domenici et al. show that herring-hunting killer whales use spatially coordinated attacks with division of labor. By preferentially pairing up with long-standing partners, this cooperation bestows greater feeding success for paired than solitary individuals.
dlvr.it
July 23, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Spatially coordinated predation with division of labor increases feeding success in killer whales CurrentBiology
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
1/3 First evidence of anxiety in snails
They exhibit fear responses hours after the source of their anxiety is removed. These responses can be reduced with an anxiolytic, such as alprazolam. They have also demonstrated high-level learning.
(paper) www.nature.com/articles/s41...
They exhibit fear responses hours after the source of their anxiety is removed. These responses can be reduced with an anxiolytic, such as alprazolam. They have also demonstrated high-level learning.
(paper) www.nature.com/articles/s41...
July 3, 2025 at 7:01 AM
1/3 First evidence of anxiety in snails
They exhibit fear responses hours after the source of their anxiety is removed. These responses can be reduced with an anxiolytic, such as alprazolam. They have also demonstrated high-level learning.
(paper) www.nature.com/articles/s41...
They exhibit fear responses hours after the source of their anxiety is removed. These responses can be reduced with an anxiolytic, such as alprazolam. They have also demonstrated high-level learning.
(paper) www.nature.com/articles/s41...
My first out-of-province conference! Looking forward to travelling to Vancouver and presenting my research on how environmental conditions can impact the brain and behaviour of mouse dams and their neonate pups, effecting the maternal-offspring dynamic! @sbn-bsky.bsky.social #SBN2025
June 17, 2025 at 2:15 PM
My first out-of-province conference! Looking forward to travelling to Vancouver and presenting my research on how environmental conditions can impact the brain and behaviour of mouse dams and their neonate pups, effecting the maternal-offspring dynamic! @sbn-bsky.bsky.social #SBN2025
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
🚨HUGE SCIENCE WIN ALERT🚨
NIH Grants to be restored en masse!!! Thank you Judge Young for standing up for science!
#StandUpforScience
#SummerFightforScience
NIH Grants to be restored en masse!!! Thank you Judge Young for standing up for science!
#StandUpforScience
#SummerFightforScience
BREAKING: A federal judge in Massachusetts (the Reagan-appointed William Young) has declared the Trump administration's cuts to NIH grants — ostensibly over Trump's EOs on gender ideology and DEI — are "illegal" and "void." He's ordering many grants restored.
June 16, 2025 at 6:54 PM
🚨HUGE SCIENCE WIN ALERT🚨
NIH Grants to be restored en masse!!! Thank you Judge Young for standing up for science!
#StandUpforScience
#SummerFightforScience
NIH Grants to be restored en masse!!! Thank you Judge Young for standing up for science!
#StandUpforScience
#SummerFightforScience
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
The CPA convention is happening this weekend!
For those attending, see this MUN-specific schedule so we can support our own students and faculty!
For those attending, see this MUN-specific schedule so we can support our own students and faculty!
June 11, 2025 at 8:51 PM
The CPA convention is happening this weekend!
For those attending, see this MUN-specific schedule so we can support our own students and faculty!
For those attending, see this MUN-specific schedule so we can support our own students and faculty!
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
Join us for the next installment of our Sex and Gender Speaker Series, where we welcome Dr. Samar Rezq from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Rezq will be discussing “The Role of Obesity in Androgen Excess-Mediated Renal Injury in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.”
June 9, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Join us for the next installment of our Sex and Gender Speaker Series, where we welcome Dr. Samar Rezq from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Dr. Rezq will be discussing “The Role of Obesity in Androgen Excess-Mediated Renal Injury in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.”
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
Nature research paper: Maternal iron deficiency causes male-to-female sex reversal in mouse embryos
https://go.nature.com/45fG1G1
https://go.nature.com/45fG1G1
Maternal iron deficiency causes male-to-female sex reversal in mouse embryos - Nature
Iron-deficient conditions in pregnant mice can cause XY mouse embryos to develop female rather than male genitalia, revealing that iron metabolism has a role in determining male sex in mice.
go.nature.com
June 5, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Nature research paper: Maternal iron deficiency causes male-to-female sex reversal in mouse embryos
https://go.nature.com/45fG1G1
https://go.nature.com/45fG1G1
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
Studies point to several reasons why fewer women than men are submitting their work
https://go.nature.com/3HlUFS8
https://go.nature.com/3HlUFS8
Gender equality in research publishing is a responsibility for everyone
A concerted effort is needed to support women in their choice of journal when submitting their manuscript.
go.nature.com
June 2, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Studies point to several reasons why fewer women than men are submitting their work
https://go.nature.com/3HlUFS8
https://go.nature.com/3HlUFS8
My new blog post for @memorialu.bsky.social graduate student blog discusses my perspectives as an early trainee in behavioural neuroendocrinology in a world where science (specifically that involving sex and gender) is being misconstrued and undermined.
Read it here: wp.mun.ca/studentblog/...
Read it here: wp.mun.ca/studentblog/...
Against the Current: Building an Academic Career in Sex and Gender Science Today – my master plan
wp.mun.ca
June 2, 2025 at 12:08 PM
My new blog post for @memorialu.bsky.social graduate student blog discusses my perspectives as an early trainee in behavioural neuroendocrinology in a world where science (specifically that involving sex and gender) is being misconstrued and undermined.
Read it here: wp.mun.ca/studentblog/...
Read it here: wp.mun.ca/studentblog/...
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
Universities must be frank about barriers to equity, devise clear metrics for what they are trying to achieve and measure progress transparently, says Keon West, visiting professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
https://go.nature.com/3RF3qIW
https://go.nature.com/3RF3qIW
Academia needs a more honest, scientific approach to DEI
Universities must be frank about barriers to equity, devise clear metrics for what they are trying to achieve and measure progress transparently.
go.nature.com
April 28, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Universities must be frank about barriers to equity, devise clear metrics for what they are trying to achieve and measure progress transparently, says Keon West, visiting professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
https://go.nature.com/3RF3qIW
https://go.nature.com/3RF3qIW
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
🎤🧠 Huge shoutout to our amazing grad students who shared their research at Research Day! So many thought-provoking ideas, meaningful questions, and cool projects in the works — such a great reminder of the passion and curiosity driving this field forward. Proud of all the work you’re doing! 🙌
April 22, 2025 at 12:02 PM
🎤🧠 Huge shoutout to our amazing grad students who shared their research at Research Day! So many thought-provoking ideas, meaningful questions, and cool projects in the works — such a great reminder of the passion and curiosity driving this field forward. Proud of all the work you’re doing! 🙌
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
💬 New from the Psycle Lab!
Dr. Ashley Balsom’s latest op-ed in the MUN Gazette, “Infertility, Embryos, and EDI: Why Canada Must Take Medically Assisted Reproduction Seriously,” highlights how gaps in fertility care access reflect deeper equity issues in our health-care system.
Dr. Ashley Balsom’s latest op-ed in the MUN Gazette, “Infertility, Embryos, and EDI: Why Canada Must Take Medically Assisted Reproduction Seriously,” highlights how gaps in fertility care access reflect deeper equity issues in our health-care system.
Op-ed: Ashley Balsom
Infertility can affect anyone, but the ability to access reproductive care is anything but equal.
gazette.mun.ca
April 17, 2025 at 6:07 PM
💬 New from the Psycle Lab!
Dr. Ashley Balsom’s latest op-ed in the MUN Gazette, “Infertility, Embryos, and EDI: Why Canada Must Take Medically Assisted Reproduction Seriously,” highlights how gaps in fertility care access reflect deeper equity issues in our health-care system.
Dr. Ashley Balsom’s latest op-ed in the MUN Gazette, “Infertility, Embryos, and EDI: Why Canada Must Take Medically Assisted Reproduction Seriously,” highlights how gaps in fertility care access reflect deeper equity issues in our health-care system.
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
Freshly minted op-ed by my brilliant colleague, Dr. Ashlyn Swift-Gallant. "Three myths about sex and gender research that are costing you money and your health." Read, read, read! @swiftneurolab.bsky.social @munpsych.bsky.social @canacn.bsky.social @memorialuscience.bsky.social
Op-ed: Dr. Ashlyn Swift-Gallant
The fourth in a series authored by Memorial University faculty members on the value and importance of diversity, equity and inclusion policies to build a more just society. Check back next Thursday fo...
gazette.mun.ca
April 3, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Freshly minted op-ed by my brilliant colleague, Dr. Ashlyn Swift-Gallant. "Three myths about sex and gender research that are costing you money and your health." Read, read, read! @swiftneurolab.bsky.social @munpsych.bsky.social @canacn.bsky.social @memorialuscience.bsky.social
Super cool!
This is the best paper I've read in years. Validating to see there's significant data to support that women do not return to "normal" after pregnancy as quickly as many doctors or medical resources say. I hope this changes guidance and support for women 🧪🥽👩🔬🧬🍎 #news
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Pregnancy and postpartum dynamics revealed by millions of lab tests
Analysis of 300,000 pregnancies shows detailed physiological changes at weekly resolution in health and complications.
www.science.org
March 27, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Super cool!
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
Nature research paper: Convergent vocal representations in parrot and human forebrain motor networks
https://go.nature.com/4iEIBsz
https://go.nature.com/4iEIBsz
Convergent vocal representations in parrot and human forebrain motor networks - Nature
Using advanced brain-recording techniques, parrots were found to have a brain organization for vocal control similar to humans, making them an important model for studying speech and for developing potential treatments for communication disorders.
go.nature.com
March 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Nature research paper: Convergent vocal representations in parrot and human forebrain motor networks
https://go.nature.com/4iEIBsz
https://go.nature.com/4iEIBsz
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
A new chapter has begun for two of the world’s most popular preprint platforms, bioRxiv and medRxiv, with the launch of a non-profit organization that will manage them
https://go.nature.com/4iCVnHL
https://go.nature.com/4iCVnHL
Preprint sites bioRxiv and medRxiv launch new era of independence
The popular repositories, where scientists post research before peer review, will be managed by a new organization called openRxiv.
go.nature.com
March 11, 2025 at 2:03 PM
A new chapter has begun for two of the world’s most popular preprint platforms, bioRxiv and medRxiv, with the launch of a non-profit organization that will manage them
https://go.nature.com/4iCVnHL
https://go.nature.com/4iCVnHL
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
SO MANY STAND UP FOR SCIENCE EVENTS TO CHOOSE FROM—153 and COUNTING!
To get more information on our local events and to register your own, head to www.standupforscience2025.org/local-event-information/ ☀️⬇️🌎
To get more information on our local events and to register your own, head to www.standupforscience2025.org/local-event-information/ ☀️⬇️🌎
March 6, 2025 at 7:14 PM
SO MANY STAND UP FOR SCIENCE EVENTS TO CHOOSE FROM—153 and COUNTING!
To get more information on our local events and to register your own, head to www.standupforscience2025.org/local-event-information/ ☀️⬇️🌎
To get more information on our local events and to register your own, head to www.standupforscience2025.org/local-event-information/ ☀️⬇️🌎
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
Endocrine researchers, you may have think you're safe because you don't do 'trans' research, but attacks on trans research is an attack on us all.
www.whitehouse.gov/articles/202...
www.whitehouse.gov/articles/202...
Yes, Biden Spent Millions on Transgender Animal Experiments
Last night, President Donald J. Trump highlighted many of the egregious examples of waste, fraud, and abuse funded by American taxpayers, including $8
www.whitehouse.gov
March 5, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Endocrine researchers, you may have think you're safe because you don't do 'trans' research, but attacks on trans research is an attack on us all.
www.whitehouse.gov/articles/202...
www.whitehouse.gov/articles/202...
Took a break from working on my research poster to create #standupforscience2025 posters for Friday’s rally. Advocating for inclusivity in science is just as important as the research itself!
Prepping for the #standupforscience2025 rally this Friday! 🦠🧠 🧬
March 5, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Took a break from working on my research poster to create #standupforscience2025 posters for Friday’s rally. Advocating for inclusivity in science is just as important as the research itself!
Reposted by Lucas Fowler (he/they)
