Nels Elde
@elearlybird.bsky.social
Evolutionary genetics and cell biology. And co-host of This Week in Evolution: www.microbe.tv/twievo/ Elde lab: cellvolution.org Opinions: my own, not employers
Reposted by Nels Elde
New preprint from our lab led by fantastic graduate student @titas10.bsky.social, in which we retrace the emergence of antimicrobial function in the mammalian protein lactoferrin.
www.biorxiv.org
February 12, 2026 at 6:04 PM
New preprint from our lab led by fantastic graduate student @titas10.bsky.social, in which we retrace the emergence of antimicrobial function in the mammalian protein lactoferrin.
Reposted by Nels Elde
The flu and pneumonia kill over 45,000 people a year. Moderna developed a new mRNA flu vaccine for people 50 and older--who are most at risk. Prasad, unilaterally, against the recommendation of experts within the agency, denied Moderna's appplication. www.statnews.com/2026/02/11/m...
Prasad overruled FDA staff to reject Moderna's flu vaccine application
The rejection is the latest instance of Vinay Prasad overruling career FDA scientists to place vaccines under harsher scrutiny.
www.statnews.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:09 PM
The flu and pneumonia kill over 45,000 people a year. Moderna developed a new mRNA flu vaccine for people 50 and older--who are most at risk. Prasad, unilaterally, against the recommendation of experts within the agency, denied Moderna's appplication. www.statnews.com/2026/02/11/m...
Reposted by Nels Elde
Fun news! @gcbias.bsky.social and I are teaching a 2-week online population genetics workshop this summer to raise money for the Center for Population Biology at UC Davis. We're trying to gauge interest -- please fill this out if you might be interested! And please share broadly!
Davis Summer Population Genomics Program
Want to learn population genetics? Please fill out this form to indicate your potential interest in a 2-week intensive online summer population genetics course taught by Jeffrey Ross-Ibarra and Graham...
docs.google.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Fun news! @gcbias.bsky.social and I are teaching a 2-week online population genetics workshop this summer to raise money for the Center for Population Biology at UC Davis. We're trying to gauge interest -- please fill this out if you might be interested! And please share broadly!
Reposted by Nels Elde
This is a powerful message from Freeman Hrabowski.
🧵
1/12
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1/12
February 9, 2026 at 1:52 PM
This is a powerful message from Freeman Hrabowski.
🧵
1/12
🧵
1/12
Reposted by Nels Elde
Jessie Diggins, Olympic cross-country skiing gold medalist, from the Twin Cities: “I want to make sure you know who I’m racing for…”
February 5, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Jessie Diggins, Olympic cross-country skiing gold medalist, from the Twin Cities: “I want to make sure you know who I’m racing for…”
Reposted by Nels Elde
can’t not hear and see:
February 4, 2026 at 6:36 PM
can’t not hear and see:
Reposted by Nels Elde
Here is the official announcement. Now more than ever, acknowledging the contributions of immigrants is so important. Thank you @vilcekfoundation.bsky.social, and congrats to my fellow awardees. Can't wait to meet you all.
Join us in congratulating the winners of our 2026 Vilcek Foundation Prizes in Biomedical Science, Fashion & Culture, Fashion & Design, and Art History! This year, we awarded $850,000 to 14 immigrants and cultural leaders. https://vilcek.co/4aemyr2
February 2, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Here is the official announcement. Now more than ever, acknowledging the contributions of immigrants is so important. Thank you @vilcekfoundation.bsky.social, and congrats to my fellow awardees. Can't wait to meet you all.
Reposted by Nels Elde
The federal career civil service workers are under tremendous pressure and wake up every day and work hard to help improve other people’s lives. They represent the best of America and we as country need to rebuild, empower, and elevate the federal career civil service workforce. I believe we will.
IRS executive Kathleen Walters was asked to break the law by the Trump administration, and refused.
February 1, 2026 at 5:25 PM
The federal career civil service workers are under tremendous pressure and wake up every day and work hard to help improve other people’s lives. They represent the best of America and we as country need to rebuild, empower, and elevate the federal career civil service workforce. I believe we will.
Reposted by Nels Elde
I have been watching this Livestream.
Lots of interesting topics with loads of misinformation, poor policy development, and evidence of selection bias.
Here is a minor, insignificant point that still drove me nuts.
1/14
Lots of interesting topics with loads of misinformation, poor policy development, and evidence of selection bias.
Here is a minor, insignificant point that still drove me nuts.
1/14
January 30, 2026 at 7:58 PM
I have been watching this Livestream.
Lots of interesting topics with loads of misinformation, poor policy development, and evidence of selection bias.
Here is a minor, insignificant point that still drove me nuts.
1/14
Lots of interesting topics with loads of misinformation, poor policy development, and evidence of selection bias.
Here is a minor, insignificant point that still drove me nuts.
1/14
Reposted by Nels Elde
New NIH funding strategy has been formalized.
I really do hope scientists understand what this means for the future of science (funding) - it's not subtle.
www.niaid.nih.gov/about/unifie...
I really do hope scientists understand what this means for the future of science (funding) - it's not subtle.
www.niaid.nih.gov/about/unifie...
NIH Unified Funding Strategy
Objective peer review, and HHS- and NIH- specific priorities, and a standardized, transparent process for incorporating NIAID-specific priorities will guide funding selections.
www.niaid.nih.gov
January 30, 2026 at 8:31 PM
New NIH funding strategy has been formalized.
I really do hope scientists understand what this means for the future of science (funding) - it's not subtle.
www.niaid.nih.gov/about/unifie...
I really do hope scientists understand what this means for the future of science (funding) - it's not subtle.
www.niaid.nih.gov/about/unifie...
Reposted by Nels Elde
every time i see a white guy in their fifties radicalized by the twitter algorithm into racism and extremism i think about how it's a total failure of the youtube algorithm to instead radicalize him into home brewing, elaborate A/V setups, or DIY solar
January 28, 2026 at 8:22 PM
every time i see a white guy in their fifties radicalized by the twitter algorithm into racism and extremism i think about how it's a total failure of the youtube algorithm to instead radicalize him into home brewing, elaborate A/V setups, or DIY solar
Reposted by Nels Elde
Fantastic opportunity - Mari is an exceptional scientist and person and was an outstanding pillar of our lab!
I've started my own lab 🎉
PhD/postdoc positions available - reach out if curious about cerebellum evo-devo and autism spectrum disorders.
We’re based at Uni Tartu, Institute of Genomics (home to Estonian Biobank), and funded by @simonsfoundation.org @embo.org, and the Estonian Research Council.
PhD/postdoc positions available - reach out if curious about cerebellum evo-devo and autism spectrum disorders.
We’re based at Uni Tartu, Institute of Genomics (home to Estonian Biobank), and funded by @simonsfoundation.org @embo.org, and the Estonian Research Council.
January 29, 2026 at 8:42 PM
Fantastic opportunity - Mari is an exceptional scientist and person and was an outstanding pillar of our lab!
Reposted by Nels Elde
I'm hearing from multiple people that students who submitted ecology GRFP proposals are having those proposals rejected without review, despite ecology being listed as an eligible field. If this is a programmatic change, this is devastating. Ecology is the study of Earth's life support systems.
A number of our students got the following comment back on a rejection for the NSF GFRP. They are in an eligible STEM field. Is this something people in other places are getting too? Is it a quirk or targeted?
January 29, 2026 at 2:31 PM
I'm hearing from multiple people that students who submitted ecology GRFP proposals are having those proposals rejected without review, despite ecology being listed as an eligible field. If this is a programmatic change, this is devastating. Ecology is the study of Earth's life support systems.
Reposted by Nels Elde
Registration is open for the inaugural GRC conference in the Function of Evolving Systems. Aug 9-14, 2026, Waterville Valley. Truly stellar speaker lineup. Student/postdoc fellowships are available! Please come join us! www.grc.org/function-of-... @joybergelson.bsky.social
www.grc.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Registration is open for the inaugural GRC conference in the Function of Evolving Systems. Aug 9-14, 2026, Waterville Valley. Truly stellar speaker lineup. Student/postdoc fellowships are available! Please come join us! www.grc.org/function-of-... @joybergelson.bsky.social
Reposted by Nels Elde
Join us at the Evolutionary Biology Centre at Uppsala University. We’re searching for an Assistant Professor in Biology. www.uu.se/en/about-uu/...
January 28, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Join us at the Evolutionary Biology Centre at Uppsala University. We’re searching for an Assistant Professor in Biology. www.uu.se/en/about-uu/...
Reposted by Nels Elde
“What she told me is that (the grant) was terminated for violating guidelines that don’t exist...She told me she doesn’t even know if anyone’s working on developing the guidelines.” dailyillini.com/news-stories...
#governmentefficiency
#governmentefficiency
UI researcher loses grant funding amid NIH shakeup - The Daily Illini
A University influenza research lab lost its NIH funding after shifting federal rules on gain-of-function studies.
dailyillini.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:43 AM
“What she told me is that (the grant) was terminated for violating guidelines that don’t exist...She told me she doesn’t even know if anyone’s working on developing the guidelines.” dailyillini.com/news-stories...
#governmentefficiency
#governmentefficiency
Reposted by Nels Elde
U.S. government has lost more than 10,000 STEM Ph.D.s over last year www.science.org/content/arti... #jobs #STEM #science #research
U.S. government has lost more than 10,000 STEM Ph.D.s since Trump took office
A Science analysis reveals how many were fired, retired, or quit across 14 agencies
www.science.org
January 27, 2026 at 11:25 PM
U.S. government has lost more than 10,000 STEM Ph.D.s over last year www.science.org/content/arti... #jobs #STEM #science #research
Reposted by Nels Elde
Hey @leahgreenberg.bsky.social and I are both Carleton grads and this fucking rocks - love to see a college protect its students from the goons instead of cutting deals with the regime.
January 27, 2026 at 2:55 AM
Hey @leahgreenberg.bsky.social and I are both Carleton grads and this fucking rocks - love to see a college protect its students from the goons instead of cutting deals with the regime.
Reposted by Nels Elde
Minnesota National Guard members have arrived at a federal building and were directed to distribute donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate to anti-ICE protesters. Guard members were issued reflective vests so they would not be mistaken for federal agents.
January 25, 2026 at 8:55 PM
Minnesota National Guard members have arrived at a federal building and were directed to distribute donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate to anti-ICE protesters. Guard members were issued reflective vests so they would not be mistaken for federal agents.
Reposted by Nels Elde
"They say they're coming to save us from some evil? They're talking about our neighbors who take care of us ... Alex was murdered while he was helping. Mr Rogers said look for the helpers, & right now the helpers have a target on our forehead ... Mr Rogers would be here right now too, so I'm here."
January 24, 2026 at 9:14 PM
"They say they're coming to save us from some evil? They're talking about our neighbors who take care of us ... Alex was murdered while he was helping. Mr Rogers said look for the helpers, & right now the helpers have a target on our forehead ... Mr Rogers would be here right now too, so I'm here."
Reposted by Nels Elde
Here's a time-lapse from yesterday as thousands of people marched through downtown Minneapolis to protest ICE.
📷️: Sydney Lewis/The Minnesota Star Tribune
📷️: Sydney Lewis/The Minnesota Star Tribune
January 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Here's a time-lapse from yesterday as thousands of people marched through downtown Minneapolis to protest ICE.
📷️: Sydney Lewis/The Minnesota Star Tribune
📷️: Sydney Lewis/The Minnesota Star Tribune
Reposted by Nels Elde
🚨 New from me: Grant review at more than half of NIH's institutes could be frozen by the end of the year.
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
Exclusive: key NIH review panels due to lose all members by the end of 2026
Thirteen of the agency’s advisory councils, which must review grant applications before funding is awarded, are on track to have no voting members.
www.nature.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:46 PM
🚨 New from me: Grant review at more than half of NIH's institutes could be frozen by the end of the year.
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
That's because crucial NIH grant-review panels are slated to be empty at those institutes by Jan 2027.
A wonky bureaucratic problem with big implications.
A short 🧵
Reposted by Nels Elde
Jack Smith: "My fear is that we have seen the rule of law function in our country for so long that many of us have come to take it for granted. The rule of law is not self-executing. It depends on our collective commitment to apply it."
January 22, 2026 at 3:33 PM
Jack Smith: "My fear is that we have seen the rule of law function in our country for so long that many of us have come to take it for granted. The rule of law is not self-executing. It depends on our collective commitment to apply it."
Reposted by Nels Elde
My specific experience is with NIH, but I’ll stand up and say it:
The people who work at NIH are together one of the great wonders of the world. US biomedical science, cancer cures, dementia research all are built on their talent and dedication.
The people who work at NIH are together one of the great wonders of the world. US biomedical science, cancer cures, dementia research all are built on their talent and dedication.
For some reason, very few people these days will stand up and say it, but: the US federal bureaucracy is one of the great wonders of the world, staffed with incredibly diligent people who do their jobs well and care deeply.
Trump's destruction of the federal apparaus was a historic crime.
Trump's destruction of the federal apparaus was a historic crime.
The Purged
Donald Trump’s destruction of the civil service is a tragedy not just for the roughly 300,000 workers who have been discarded, but for an entire nation.
www.theatlantic.com
January 18, 2026 at 7:29 PM
My specific experience is with NIH, but I’ll stand up and say it:
The people who work at NIH are together one of the great wonders of the world. US biomedical science, cancer cures, dementia research all are built on their talent and dedication.
The people who work at NIH are together one of the great wonders of the world. US biomedical science, cancer cures, dementia research all are built on their talent and dedication.
Reposted by Nels Elde
Getting asked about how academics can continue to do science & inspire trainees even in the midst of a continued (escalated) assault on science, reason, truth, & human rights. I don’t have great answers.
I would love to hear from mentors about advice they’re giving to trainees/ colleagues.
I would love to hear from mentors about advice they’re giving to trainees/ colleagues.
January 17, 2026 at 6:47 PM
Getting asked about how academics can continue to do science & inspire trainees even in the midst of a continued (escalated) assault on science, reason, truth, & human rights. I don’t have great answers.
I would love to hear from mentors about advice they’re giving to trainees/ colleagues.
I would love to hear from mentors about advice they’re giving to trainees/ colleagues.