Pawel Burkhardt
@pawelburkhardt.bsky.social
Evolution of neurons and nervous systems / choanoflagellates / sponges / ctenophores. Group leader at the Michael Sars Centre (University of Bergen). @msarscentre.bsky.social Webpage: https://www.uib.no/en/michaelsarscentre/114773/burkhardt-group
Some of our favorite covers over the course of the past 11 years have been ones that feature images that beautifully and accurately showcase emerging science.
We might be a bit biased 🫣, but we couldn't agree more @science.org
www.science.org/content/blog...
#ctenophores @msarscentre.bsky.social
We might be a bit biased 🫣, but we couldn't agree more @science.org
www.science.org/content/blog...
#ctenophores @msarscentre.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Some of our favorite covers over the course of the past 11 years have been ones that feature images that beautifully and accurately showcase emerging science.
We might be a bit biased 🫣, but we couldn't agree more @science.org
www.science.org/content/blog...
#ctenophores @msarscentre.bsky.social
We might be a bit biased 🫣, but we couldn't agree more @science.org
www.science.org/content/blog...
#ctenophores @msarscentre.bsky.social
Very excited that our lab, together with @lionlchristiaen.bsky.social lab at the @msarscentre.bsky.social, got certified as MY GREEN LAB (mygreenlab.org) which helped us to take major steps towards a greener working environment.
Very thankful to all labmembers involved in this huge team effort!
Very thankful to all labmembers involved in this huge team effort!
October 16, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Very excited that our lab, together with @lionlchristiaen.bsky.social lab at the @msarscentre.bsky.social, got certified as MY GREEN LAB (mygreenlab.org) which helped us to take major steps towards a greener working environment.
Very thankful to all labmembers involved in this huge team effort!
Very thankful to all labmembers involved in this huge team effort!
HAPPY CTENOPHORE DAY (part II).
A full bucket of ctenophores for Ctenophore day - time to shimmer🌈🌊✨
Please watch till end: Mnemiopsis & Pleurobrachia included.
Alexandre @alexandrejan.bsky.social filmed and caught this ctenophore at the same time @msarscentre.bsky.social #ctenophores #GoPro
A full bucket of ctenophores for Ctenophore day - time to shimmer🌈🌊✨
Please watch till end: Mnemiopsis & Pleurobrachia included.
Alexandre @alexandrejan.bsky.social filmed and caught this ctenophore at the same time @msarscentre.bsky.social #ctenophores #GoPro
October 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
HAPPY CTENOPHORE DAY (part II).
A full bucket of ctenophores for Ctenophore day - time to shimmer🌈🌊✨
Please watch till end: Mnemiopsis & Pleurobrachia included.
Alexandre @alexandrejan.bsky.social filmed and caught this ctenophore at the same time @msarscentre.bsky.social #ctenophores #GoPro
A full bucket of ctenophores for Ctenophore day - time to shimmer🌈🌊✨
Please watch till end: Mnemiopsis & Pleurobrachia included.
Alexandre @alexandrejan.bsky.social filmed and caught this ctenophore at the same time @msarscentre.bsky.social #ctenophores #GoPro
HAPPY CTENOPHORE DAY (part I).
The fjords around Bergen are full with Mnemiopsis right now. Movie by the amazing @alexandrejan.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social #ctenophores #GoPro
The fjords around Bergen are full with Mnemiopsis right now. Movie by the amazing @alexandrejan.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social #ctenophores #GoPro
October 4, 2025 at 1:16 PM
HAPPY CTENOPHORE DAY (part I).
The fjords around Bergen are full with Mnemiopsis right now. Movie by the amazing @alexandrejan.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social #ctenophores #GoPro
The fjords around Bergen are full with Mnemiopsis right now. Movie by the amazing @alexandrejan.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social #ctenophores #GoPro
Another season has started as well. We now find many different ctenophores in Byfjorden, a fjord that runs into the city center of Bergen.
Here the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi: it uses a row of cilia called comb plates to swim. When hit by light, they create shimmering rainbows along their bodies.
Here the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi: it uses a row of cilia called comb plates to swim. When hit by light, they create shimmering rainbows along their bodies.
October 1, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Another season has started as well. We now find many different ctenophores in Byfjorden, a fjord that runs into the city center of Bergen.
Here the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi: it uses a row of cilia called comb plates to swim. When hit by light, they create shimmering rainbows along their bodies.
Here the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi: it uses a row of cilia called comb plates to swim. When hit by light, they create shimmering rainbows along their bodies.
Beautiful aurora last night. Season has officially started 🤩. These were taken handheld with my phone, 3s exposure with no editing at around 22.30.
October 1, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Beautiful aurora last night. Season has officially started 🤩. These were taken handheld with my phone, 3s exposure with no editing at around 22.30.
Our work on "How the closest relatives of animals use electrical signals to coordinate their behavior" featured in the Natural History Magazine @amnh.org 🤩
Check out the original article here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
with @jeffcolgren.bsky.social & @msarscentre.bsky.social
Check out the original article here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
with @jeffcolgren.bsky.social & @msarscentre.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 12:50 PM
Our work on "How the closest relatives of animals use electrical signals to coordinate their behavior" featured in the Natural History Magazine @amnh.org 🤩
Check out the original article here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
with @jeffcolgren.bsky.social & @msarscentre.bsky.social
Check out the original article here: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
with @jeffcolgren.bsky.social & @msarscentre.bsky.social
Another key finding of our work is that nervous systems may have became centralized EARLIER than previously assumed 🤩.
We found that the ctenophore aboral organ is tightly associated with a condensed SYNCYTIAL nerve net. See below: comparison of regular vs. condensed nerve net.
We found that the ctenophore aboral organ is tightly associated with a condensed SYNCYTIAL nerve net. See below: comparison of regular vs. condensed nerve net.
August 7, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Another key finding of our work is that nervous systems may have became centralized EARLIER than previously assumed 🤩.
We found that the ctenophore aboral organ is tightly associated with a condensed SYNCYTIAL nerve net. See below: comparison of regular vs. condensed nerve net.
We found that the ctenophore aboral organ is tightly associated with a condensed SYNCYTIAL nerve net. See below: comparison of regular vs. condensed nerve net.
The aboral organ of a 1-day-old ctenophore is composed of ca. 900 cells, encompassing 17 distinct cell types 🤩. Below are examples for each cell type.
#cilia #sensory #vesicles #diversity #neuron
#cilia #sensory #vesicles #diversity #neuron
August 7, 2025 at 8:35 AM
The aboral organ of a 1-day-old ctenophore is composed of ca. 900 cells, encompassing 17 distinct cell types 🤩. Below are examples for each cell type.
#cilia #sensory #vesicles #diversity #neuron
#cilia #sensory #vesicles #diversity #neuron
Ctenophores possess a unique aboral organ that acts as a multisensory center, controlling complex behaviors. We’ve now created a ctenophore model integrated with our 3D volume EM data. Puts it into perspective.
Check out our recent work here: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
#ctenophores #volumeEM
Check out our recent work here: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
#ctenophores #volumeEM
August 7, 2025 at 8:18 AM
Ctenophores possess a unique aboral organ that acts as a multisensory center, controlling complex behaviors. We’ve now created a ctenophore model integrated with our 3D volume EM data. Puts it into perspective.
Check out our recent work here: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
#ctenophores #volumeEM
Check out our recent work here: www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
#ctenophores #volumeEM
During the holidays, we visited the zoo in Rostock, Germany, and saw this stunning mural. Ctenophores included 🤩 🪼🎐 #ctenophores #jellyfish
August 6, 2025 at 3:32 PM
During the holidays, we visited the zoo in Rostock, Germany, and saw this stunning mural. Ctenophores included 🤩 🪼🎐 #ctenophores #jellyfish
Marine biodiversity: Gone with the wind? Our dispatch out now in @currentbiology.bsky.social
New research shows that wind and currents act as invisible barriers, reshaping our view of ocean connectivity. 🌊🪼
authors.elsevier.com/a/1lYLj3QW8S...
@iramaegele.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
New research shows that wind and currents act as invisible barriers, reshaping our view of ocean connectivity. 🌊🪼
authors.elsevier.com/a/1lYLj3QW8S...
@iramaegele.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
August 4, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Marine biodiversity: Gone with the wind? Our dispatch out now in @currentbiology.bsky.social
New research shows that wind and currents act as invisible barriers, reshaping our view of ocean connectivity. 🌊🪼
authors.elsevier.com/a/1lYLj3QW8S...
@iramaegele.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
New research shows that wind and currents act as invisible barriers, reshaping our view of ocean connectivity. 🌊🪼
authors.elsevier.com/a/1lYLj3QW8S...
@iramaegele.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
Neural Connectome of the Ctenophore Statocyst 🤩.
@kei-jokura.bsky.social, @jekely.biologists.social.ap.brid.gy team identify a new syncytial nerve net in older animals & differences in innervation patterns. Great collaboration & co-submission to bioRxiv. Exciting times! doi.org/10.1101/2025...
@kei-jokura.bsky.social, @jekely.biologists.social.ap.brid.gy team identify a new syncytial nerve net in older animals & differences in innervation patterns. Great collaboration & co-submission to bioRxiv. Exciting times! doi.org/10.1101/2025...
June 28, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Neural Connectome of the Ctenophore Statocyst 🤩.
@kei-jokura.bsky.social, @jekely.biologists.social.ap.brid.gy team identify a new syncytial nerve net in older animals & differences in innervation patterns. Great collaboration & co-submission to bioRxiv. Exciting times! doi.org/10.1101/2025...
@kei-jokura.bsky.social, @jekely.biologists.social.ap.brid.gy team identify a new syncytial nerve net in older animals & differences in innervation patterns. Great collaboration & co-submission to bioRxiv. Exciting times! doi.org/10.1101/2025...
Our new paper is out: "The 3D architecture of the ctenophore aboral organ & the evolution of complex integrative centers in animals.
We reveal a remarkable cell type diversity, nerve net condensation, a multilayered circuit & gene expression profiles.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... #ctenophores
We reveal a remarkable cell type diversity, nerve net condensation, a multilayered circuit & gene expression profiles.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... #ctenophores
June 28, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Our new paper is out: "The 3D architecture of the ctenophore aboral organ & the evolution of complex integrative centers in animals.
We reveal a remarkable cell type diversity, nerve net condensation, a multilayered circuit & gene expression profiles.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... #ctenophores
We reveal a remarkable cell type diversity, nerve net condensation, a multilayered circuit & gene expression profiles.
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1... #ctenophores
Excited we played a small part in this amazing work out now in @nature.com. We established a ctenophore culture from a single individual through self-fertilization to reduce heterozygosity levels. Named them "Arnau" & they lived happily for 2 years 😂 @joanjsoto.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
May 8, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Excited we played a small part in this amazing work out now in @nature.com. We established a ctenophore culture from a single individual through self-fertilization to reduce heterozygosity levels. Named them "Arnau" & they lived happily for 2 years 😂 @joanjsoto.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
Excited & thankful to be invited to give a talk today at the at the Cell Biology of the Nervous System Workshop in Heraklion, Greece. Will be talking about "Syncytial nerve net in a ctenophore: a different view on neural organization & signalling" #emboneuro2025 @embo
May 6, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Excited & thankful to be invited to give a talk today at the at the Cell Biology of the Nervous System Workshop in Heraklion, Greece. Will be talking about "Syncytial nerve net in a ctenophore: a different view on neural organization & signalling" #emboneuro2025 @embo
One of the highlights was visiting the temporary exhibit at the Yale Peabody Museum to see original drawings from Camillo Golgi and Ramon y Cajal, including Cajals microscope and original (!) rabbit brain slices stained with the Golgi method.
March 14, 2025 at 12:18 PM
One of the highlights was visiting the temporary exhibit at the Yale Peabody Museum to see original drawings from Camillo Golgi and Ramon y Cajal, including Cajals microscope and original (!) rabbit brain slices stained with the Golgi method.
Had two wonderful days at Yale University @yale.edu presenting our latest findings on the "Origins of neurons and nervous systems." Thank you @jacobmusser.bsky.social & lab for the invitation and discussions. #choanoflagellates #sponges #ctenophores
March 14, 2025 at 12:05 PM
Had two wonderful days at Yale University @yale.edu presenting our latest findings on the "Origins of neurons and nervous systems." Thank you @jacobmusser.bsky.social & lab for the invitation and discussions. #choanoflagellates #sponges #ctenophores
Ctenophores are ready to be seen and explored no matter atmospheric conditions 🤣🤩 @alexandrejan.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
March 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Ctenophores are ready to be seen and explored no matter atmospheric conditions 🤣🤩 @alexandrejan.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
Had a wonderful day at the Stazione Zoologica @szndohrn.bsky.social presenting our latest findings on the "Origins of neurons and nervous systems." Thank you @francescoferraro.bsky.social & Ina Arnone for the invitation. #choanoflagellates #sponges #ctenophores
March 1, 2025 at 11:09 AM
Had a wonderful day at the Stazione Zoologica @szndohrn.bsky.social presenting our latest findings on the "Origins of neurons and nervous systems." Thank you @francescoferraro.bsky.social & Ina Arnone for the invitation. #choanoflagellates #sponges #ctenophores
Yes, colonies held together by intercellular bridges (beautiful example below: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.06.003). However, they usually contain two densely-stained plates, suggesting a permeability barrier that prevents unregulated sharing of cytoplasmic contents. Molecular composition is elusive. 1/2
January 11, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Yes, colonies held together by intercellular bridges (beautiful example below: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.06.003). However, they usually contain two densely-stained plates, suggesting a permeability barrier that prevents unregulated sharing of cytoplasmic contents. Molecular composition is elusive. 1/2
Thrilled to see #choanoflagellates on the cover of Science Advances🤩. Our latest work "Electrical signaling and coordinated behavior in the closest relative of animals" out now. Link: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... 👏 @jeffcolgren.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
January 8, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Thrilled to see #choanoflagellates on the cover of Science Advances🤩. Our latest work "Electrical signaling and coordinated behavior in the closest relative of animals" out now. Link: www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... 👏 @jeffcolgren.bsky.social @msarscentre.bsky.social
Happy New Year 🎆. Northern lights dancing above Bergen in Norway 🇳🇴 🤩. What a great way to start 2025.
January 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Happy New Year 🎆. Northern lights dancing above Bergen in Norway 🇳🇴 🤩. What a great way to start 2025.
Days getting brighter again from now on in #SunnyBergen 🤩🌞😎
December 21, 2024 at 7:48 AM
Days getting brighter again from now on in #SunnyBergen 🤩🌞😎
Ctenophores (comb jellies) appear to have independently evolved much of the voltage-gated K+ channel diversity that is shared between cnidarians and bilaterians. New @biorxivpreprint.bsky.social from the Ryan & Jegla labs
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
December 16, 2024 at 7:46 AM
Ctenophores (comb jellies) appear to have independently evolved much of the voltage-gated K+ channel diversity that is shared between cnidarians and bilaterians. New @biorxivpreprint.bsky.social from the Ryan & Jegla labs
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...