Nick Gladman
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nicholasgladman.bsky.social
Nick Gladman
@nicholasgladman.bsky.social
Plant science and sorghum. https://www.sorghumbase.org/. Molecular biology, genetics, and genomics. USDA-ARS Scientist out of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Posts don't necessarily reflect the positions of the USDA. Also chess.
I ran across another nice attacking chess puzzle today. Really highlights the tandem lesson of an under-defended king and the coordination of a pawn storm supported by pieces.

White missed better defensive moves and now black to move and be crushing.
November 7, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Another fun chess puzzle I ran across tonight. This seems like an endgame blunder that I would make in time trouble; a fun little maneuver for black to be winning.
November 3, 2025 at 2:21 AM
Found this old post from the @uwmadison.bsky.social Genetics Department. I honestly think my interview session with Barry Ganetzky got me their grad program. I really enjoyed my time and experiences with Barry, whom I hope is enjoying his retirement in a warm, sunny place.
October 26, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Having a bit more free time to play chess lately. Had a nice King's Indian game with black.

White played this tactical mistake. Black to move and be winning.
October 23, 2025 at 12:38 AM
The (re)learning of chess openings continues. Revisiting some of my old blitz games to brush up on practical lines when playing the Sicilian. I was delighted when I found this one from last year. Never thought I would land this type of checkmate in actual play!
October 15, 2025 at 12:04 AM
One of our sorghum plants in September during early grain filling. This particular plant had an interesting feature: a puckering on the sides of the grain. Haven't really noticed this type of extreme unevenness before. Could be normal or impacted by an environmental stressor. Regardless, neat!
October 12, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Another chess training game to brush up on my openings and middlegame strategy. White to move and have the advantage. Try to find black's best defense.

Bonus points if you can guess the opening.
October 7, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Sorghum really is a beautiful plant. Grain color and nutrient content are controlled by diverse gene networks.
October 2, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Fun puzzle to start the day. White missed the critical defensive move. Black to play. #chess
September 26, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Getting back into chess after a little hiatus. Doing some practice games to freshen up my openings. Got into a winning position when this tactical opportunity arose. White to play.
September 20, 2025 at 2:04 AM
Getting closer to my goal of bringing in baked goods to every building/department on campus. I fervently believe food is an essential connection to humaness. Trying to bring a little cheer to others is something we should strive for whenever we can.
September 12, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Saltine pie crusts are a great alternative to regular or shortbread crusts: they add a nice saltiness that complements sweet and fatty pies.
September 7, 2025 at 7:44 PM
The Great CSHL Plate Race is about to begin!
August 7, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Don't mind me, I just belong to one of the largest plant families in the world.
August 6, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Pan-fried chicken and gravy to wrap up a field day.
August 5, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Doing a new tradition this summer with our students to try and engage and educate. What are your responses?
July 21, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Lemon bars as a weeknight treat.
May 14, 2025 at 12:35 AM
Good day from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
April 15, 2025 at 4:57 PM
They try to sneak in double helices all over the Cold Spring Harbor Lab campus. Even in the auditorium wallpaper trim.
January 29, 2025 at 4:31 PM
It's as cold as it looks. At least it's also pretty at Cold Spring Harbor Labs.
January 22, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Had this in one of my practice chess games. What is black's best continuation and white's best defense?
January 20, 2025 at 5:44 AM
White is already winning, but what's the best continuation to win material and devastate black's position (this is a long line).
January 11, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Maple buttercream macarons for New Years.
January 1, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Looks like the eval bar from one of my blitz games.
December 9, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Still finding my footing with blitz chess, but had this incredibly satisfying checkmate after my opponent blundered Nxh2. Can you find mate in 4?

Thanks to GM Daniel Naroditsky for highlighting this Sicilian opening sequence in his speedrun. I got the advantage by move 6.
December 8, 2024 at 3:50 AM