Mark A Davis
@markdavis79.bsky.social
Conservation Biologist
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
You like to squeeze fish? Come squeeze fish with us! blogs.illinois.edu/view/7426/33...
Assistant Research Scientist, Vertebrate Curator - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI - Deadline to Apply: 6 PM September 29, 2025
blogs.illinois.edu
September 25, 2025 at 7:35 PM
You like to squeeze fish? Come squeeze fish with us! blogs.illinois.edu/view/7426/33...
Reposted by Mark A Davis
Another example of the power of environmental DNA (eDNA): a positive eDNA detection led to the rediscovery of a freshwater mussel not found live in Illinois for over a century. New student-led, open access paper in Ecology with @markdavis79.bsky.social at doi.org/10.1002/ecy....
July 3, 2025 at 1:39 PM
Another example of the power of environmental DNA (eDNA): a positive eDNA detection led to the rediscovery of a freshwater mussel not found live in Illinois for over a century. New student-led, open access paper in Ecology with @markdavis79.bsky.social at doi.org/10.1002/ecy....
Reposted by Mark A Davis
Comparing innovative #eDNA technology with traditional ecology methods 🌍
#Ecology #Surveys #Biodiversity #Monitoring
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1...
#Ecology #Surveys #Biodiversity #Monitoring
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1...
A systematic review evaluating the performance of eDNA methods relative to conventional methods for biodiversity monitoring
The rapid adoption of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods has drastically changed biodiversity monitoring efforts. It is often claimed that eDNA methods are more sensitive and efficient than conventiona...
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
June 23, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Comparing innovative #eDNA technology with traditional ecology methods 🌍
#Ecology #Surveys #Biodiversity #Monitoring
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1...
#Ecology #Surveys #Biodiversity #Monitoring
nsojournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1...
Reposted by Mark A Davis
New paper out today!!
We know warming speeds up eDNA removal in lakes and ponds, but what about streams and rivers where physical removal may obscure the impact of decay?
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
We know warming speeds up eDNA removal in lakes and ponds, but what about streams and rivers where physical removal may obscure the impact of decay?
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Warming Increases Environmental DNA (eDNA) Removal Rates in Flowing Waters
This study experimentally investigated how warmer water temperatures impact eDNA removal rates in flowing waters. Using recirculating mesocosms with varying water temperatures (20°C, 23°C, and 26°C) ...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
June 3, 2025 at 7:46 PM
New paper out today!!
We know warming speeds up eDNA removal in lakes and ponds, but what about streams and rivers where physical removal may obscure the impact of decay?
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
We know warming speeds up eDNA removal in lakes and ponds, but what about streams and rivers where physical removal may obscure the impact of decay?
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Reposted by Mark A Davis
Join us to discuss #eDNA opportunities and needs with @markdavis79.bsky.social at #TWT2025 on May 8th! Registration is open (and free)! together.taxonworks.org
April 15, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Join us to discuss #eDNA opportunities and needs with @markdavis79.bsky.social at #TWT2025 on May 8th! Registration is open (and free)! together.taxonworks.org
The snow is falling in the Greater Chambana Metropolitan Area, I’m writing about Eastern Indigo Snakes, and listening Waxahatchee. It’s a good day.
youtu.be/ps1f7p720FA?...
youtu.be/ps1f7p720FA?...
Waxahatchee: Tiny Desk Concert
YouTube video by NPR Music
youtu.be
January 10, 2025 at 6:19 PM
The snow is falling in the Greater Chambana Metropolitan Area, I’m writing about Eastern Indigo Snakes, and listening Waxahatchee. It’s a good day.
youtu.be/ps1f7p720FA?...
youtu.be/ps1f7p720FA?...
Nothing like a little NYE eDNA sampling with @jhhartman.bsky.social
Training in some new “techs,” to boot! #eDNA
Training in some new “techs,” to boot! #eDNA
December 31, 2024 at 3:32 PM
Nothing like a little NYE eDNA sampling with @jhhartman.bsky.social
Training in some new “techs,” to boot! #eDNA
Training in some new “techs,” to boot! #eDNA
Reposted by Mark A Davis
Check out our latest paper on #eDNA and metabarcoding data reporting standards 🤓🧬🧪
These minimum reporting guidelines for metabarcoding workflows extend from the physical layout of laboratories through to data archiving enhance trust and reliability in data
mbmg.pensoft.net/article/1286...
These minimum reporting guidelines for metabarcoding workflows extend from the physical layout of laboratories through to data archiving enhance trust and reliability in data
mbmg.pensoft.net/article/1286...
The MIEM guidelines: Minimum information for reporting of environmental metabarcoding data
Environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) metabarcoding has become a popular tool for assessing biodiversity from environmental samples, but inconsistent documentation of methods, data and metadata make...
mbmg.pensoft.net
December 30, 2024 at 12:24 PM
Check out our latest paper on #eDNA and metabarcoding data reporting standards 🤓🧬🧪
These minimum reporting guidelines for metabarcoding workflows extend from the physical layout of laboratories through to data archiving enhance trust and reliability in data
mbmg.pensoft.net/article/1286...
These minimum reporting guidelines for metabarcoding workflows extend from the physical layout of laboratories through to data archiving enhance trust and reliability in data
mbmg.pensoft.net/article/1286...
Reposted by Mark A Davis
Nominate your favorite Great Lakes hero for an @iaglr.bsky.social award!
Due February 1, 2025
Help recognize excellence in large lake research.
• IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award
• John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award
• IAGLR Large Lake Champion Award
iaglr.org/awards-schol...
Due February 1, 2025
Help recognize excellence in large lake research.
• IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award
• John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award
• IAGLR Large Lake Champion Award
iaglr.org/awards-schol...
Awards & Scholarships
IAGLR offers many awards and scholarships to recognize and support excellence.
iaglr.org
December 13, 2024 at 1:40 PM
Nominate your favorite Great Lakes hero for an @iaglr.bsky.social award!
Due February 1, 2025
Help recognize excellence in large lake research.
• IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award
• John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award
• IAGLR Large Lake Champion Award
iaglr.org/awards-schol...
Due February 1, 2025
Help recognize excellence in large lake research.
• IAGLR Lifetime Achievement Award
• John R. (Jack) Vallentyne Award
• IAGLR Large Lake Champion Award
iaglr.org/awards-schol...
Two manuscripts accepted within 15 minutes of one another. I’ll take all of that you got!!!
December 12, 2024 at 5:40 PM
Two manuscripts accepted within 15 minutes of one another. I’ll take all of that you got!!!
Reposted by Mark A Davis
🌳 New findings 🌳
Phylogenetic diversity cannot be used as a proxy for functional diversity in vascular plant communities 🌲🌳🌴🌵🌱🍀🌾🌼 We used the #sPlot database & found a pronounced decoupling between phylogenetic & functional diversity ⬇️
🧪🌐🌏🍁
@natureecoevo.bsky.social
shorturl.at/Bf5IK
Phylogenetic diversity cannot be used as a proxy for functional diversity in vascular plant communities 🌲🌳🌴🌵🌱🍀🌾🌼 We used the #sPlot database & found a pronounced decoupling between phylogenetic & functional diversity ⬇️
🧪🌐🌏🍁
@natureecoevo.bsky.social
shorturl.at/Bf5IK
Global decoupling of functional and phylogenetic diversity in plant communities - Nature Ecology & Evolution
Functional diversity and phylogenetic diversity are expected to be positively correlated. Here the authors show that the covariation between these metrics in vascular plant communities around the worl...
shorturl.at
December 3, 2024 at 8:55 PM
🌳 New findings 🌳
Phylogenetic diversity cannot be used as a proxy for functional diversity in vascular plant communities 🌲🌳🌴🌵🌱🍀🌾🌼 We used the #sPlot database & found a pronounced decoupling between phylogenetic & functional diversity ⬇️
🧪🌐🌏🍁
@natureecoevo.bsky.social
shorturl.at/Bf5IK
Phylogenetic diversity cannot be used as a proxy for functional diversity in vascular plant communities 🌲🌳🌴🌵🌱🍀🌾🌼 We used the #sPlot database & found a pronounced decoupling between phylogenetic & functional diversity ⬇️
🧪🌐🌏🍁
@natureecoevo.bsky.social
shorturl.at/Bf5IK
Reposted by Mark A Davis
I'm very excited to offer this #PhD on the majestic Atlantic bluefin #tuna in Southwest UK waters using #drones, remote sensing, #ocean profiling & eDNA! Working with #anglers & this fantastic team: @bd-stew.bsky.social @peterimiller.bsky.social @marinemicrobes.bsky.social 🧪🌊🦑 tinyurl.com/mrxyh62t
December 4, 2024 at 10:48 AM
I'm very excited to offer this #PhD on the majestic Atlantic bluefin #tuna in Southwest UK waters using #drones, remote sensing, #ocean profiling & eDNA! Working with #anglers & this fantastic team: @bd-stew.bsky.social @peterimiller.bsky.social @marinemicrobes.bsky.social 🧪🌊🦑 tinyurl.com/mrxyh62t
Reposted by Mark A Davis
Calling for your paper for the upcoming collection:
Genomics of endangered species
🐬🐒🐸🐍🫎🐧🦉🌴🌿
#consgen
#conservationgenetics
#conservationgenomics
I’m very happy to be serving as Guest Editor and eager to read your submission.
Deadline: 13 August 2025
More info:
bit.ly/48VA9l6
@BioMedCentral
Genomics of endangered species
🐬🐒🐸🐍🫎🐧🦉🌴🌿
#consgen
#conservationgenetics
#conservationgenomics
I’m very happy to be serving as Guest Editor and eager to read your submission.
Deadline: 13 August 2025
More info:
bit.ly/48VA9l6
@BioMedCentral
November 19, 2024 at 9:38 AM
Calling for your paper for the upcoming collection:
Genomics of endangered species
🐬🐒🐸🐍🫎🐧🦉🌴🌿
#consgen
#conservationgenetics
#conservationgenomics
I’m very happy to be serving as Guest Editor and eager to read your submission.
Deadline: 13 August 2025
More info:
bit.ly/48VA9l6
@BioMedCentral
Genomics of endangered species
🐬🐒🐸🐍🫎🐧🦉🌴🌿
#consgen
#conservationgenetics
#conservationgenomics
I’m very happy to be serving as Guest Editor and eager to read your submission.
Deadline: 13 August 2025
More info:
bit.ly/48VA9l6
@BioMedCentral
For eDNA Metabarcoding, particulary for pollinators, curating robust sequences libraries is essential. Partnerships like ours a providing a roadmap for success. #conservationgenetics
blog.desertmuseum.org/2024/11/01/b...
blog.desertmuseum.org/2024/11/01/b...
Bees, Barcodes, and Biodiversity
Desert Museum Volunteers Build Barcode Reference Library of Native Bees By Kim Franklin Eight years ago I launched a small study of the native bee diversity in Las Mipiltas de Cottonwood, a small u…
blog.desertmuseum.org
November 20, 2024 at 12:43 PM
For eDNA Metabarcoding, particulary for pollinators, curating robust sequences libraries is essential. Partnerships like ours a providing a roadmap for success. #conservationgenetics
blog.desertmuseum.org/2024/11/01/b...
blog.desertmuseum.org/2024/11/01/b...
With snow set to fly later this week, a Sunday Salameander was very necessary.
November 17, 2024 at 8:10 PM
With snow set to fly later this week, a Sunday Salameander was very necessary.
Reposted by Mark A Davis
A new movie on the environmental film circuit provides a rare glimpse into Kyrgyzstan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, where destructive gold #mining threatens centuries-old ways of life. therevelator.org/mountain-wag...
‘The Mountain Wagtail’: How Pollution and Mining Are Destroying Kyrgyzstan • The Revelator
As mining operations destroy millennia-old glaciers, director Begaly Nargozu’s film reflects a disappearing landscape and culture.
therevelator.org
September 12, 2024 at 3:17 PM
A new movie on the environmental film circuit provides a rare glimpse into Kyrgyzstan, formerly part of the Soviet Union, where destructive gold #mining threatens centuries-old ways of life. therevelator.org/mountain-wag...
Reposted by Mark A Davis
All the Plants We Cannot See -- Our culture has moved away from a fascination with the greenery around us. Experts warn that “plant blindness” could come with a cost. therevelator.org/all-the-plan...
All the Plants We Cannot See • The Revelator
Our culture has moved away from a fascination with the greenery around us. Experts warn that “plant blindness” could come with a cost.
therevelator.org
October 17, 2024 at 2:56 PM
All the Plants We Cannot See -- Our culture has moved away from a fascination with the greenery around us. Experts warn that “plant blindness” could come with a cost. therevelator.org/all-the-plan...
Reposted by Mark A Davis
“…I have work calls at 11, 11:30, 12, 1:30, 3, and 5. At least there are a couple of blocks in there when I might be able to sneak a little more writing in.”
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/if-...
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/if-...
If Jack Kerouac Tried to Write On the Road Now
I first met Dean after my wife and I had split up—dude, why is everyone freaking out, it was just a small earthquake. We get it. Move on. Look at e...
www.mcsweeneys.net
November 16, 2024 at 3:38 PM
“…I have work calls at 11, 11:30, 12, 1:30, 3, and 5. At least there are a couple of blocks in there when I might be able to sneak a little more writing in.”
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/if-...
www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/if-...
Reposted by Mark A Davis
Every summer I get questions about giant water bugs – a different species than this in my neck of the woods.
They’re such big, dramatic creatures!
“…L. maximus grows to nearly 12 cm long and can take down a vertebrate many times its size.”
🧪🌎🪲🪳
www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts...
They’re such big, dramatic creatures!
“…L. maximus grows to nearly 12 cm long and can take down a vertebrate many times its size.”
🧪🌎🪲🪳
www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts...
Meet the world's largest, deadliest bug that can suck the life out of fish many times its size - effectively turning its prey into one giant protein smoothie
All you need to know about the deadly giant water bug that attacks anything that moves - even humans, hence its nickname 'toe-biter'.
www.discoverwildlife.com
November 16, 2024 at 4:52 PM
Every summer I get questions about giant water bugs – a different species than this in my neck of the woods.
They’re such big, dramatic creatures!
“…L. maximus grows to nearly 12 cm long and can take down a vertebrate many times its size.”
🧪🌎🪲🪳
www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts...
They’re such big, dramatic creatures!
“…L. maximus grows to nearly 12 cm long and can take down a vertebrate many times its size.”
🧪🌎🪲🪳
www.discoverwildlife.com/animal-facts...
Reposted by Mark A Davis
I suspect many researchers have been tempted to send off a letter like this. Below is one that I modified from a published example: journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
November 16, 2024 at 9:35 PM
I suspect many researchers have been tempted to send off a letter like this. Below is one that I modified from a published example: journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/...
Reposted by Mark A Davis
Entomology job alert!!! jobpostings.alberta.ca/job/Brooks-I... Short turn around. Closing date November 19! Position can be based in Edmonton or Brooks. #insects #entomology #job
Insect Management Specialist
Insect Management Specialist
jobpostings.alberta.ca
November 15, 2024 at 12:49 AM
Entomology job alert!!! jobpostings.alberta.ca/job/Brooks-I... Short turn around. Closing date November 19! Position can be based in Edmonton or Brooks. #insects #entomology #job