Ben Allen
@evodynamics.bsky.social
Mathematical biologist studying evolution. Professor of Mathematics at Emmanuel College, MA. Queer, nonbinary (they/them). For social and ecological justice. Jewish as in Free Palestine. https://www.emmanuel.edu/emmanuel-mathematical-biology-research-embr
Pinned
Ben Allen
@evodynamics.bsky.social
· Jul 27
Adaptive dynamics of sexual signaling and discrimination under different mating conditions
A wide variety of animals engage in same-sex sexual behavior (SSB). Some instances of SSB appear to arise from individuals mating indiscriminately without regard to the sex of their partners. Theory s...
www.biorxiv.org
New preprint: "Adaptive dynamics of sexual signaling and discrimination under different mating conditions" with Sam Rothberg and Brian Lerch
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
Reposted by Ben Allen
This commission, from its inception to its final report, has focused almost exclusively on silencing criticism of Israel, while ignoring the growing threat from right-wing antisemitic extremists. Its reckless approach will make us all less safe.
www.wgbh.org/news/politic...
www.wgbh.org/news/politic...
State antisemitism commission finalizes findings, drawing praise and pushback
The Massachusetts political establishment has broadly endorsed the commission’s work, which is the first of its kind.
www.wgbh.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM
This commission, from its inception to its final report, has focused almost exclusively on silencing criticism of Israel, while ignoring the growing threat from right-wing antisemitic extremists. Its reckless approach will make us all less safe.
www.wgbh.org/news/politic...
www.wgbh.org/news/politic...
Reposted by Ben Allen
Latest newsletter:
mailchi.mp/jpprogressiv...
Rally this morning at the State House to protect MA communities!
mailchi.mp/jpprogressiv...
Rally this morning at the State House to protect MA communities!
November 25, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Latest newsletter:
mailchi.mp/jpprogressiv...
Rally this morning at the State House to protect MA communities!
mailchi.mp/jpprogressiv...
Rally this morning at the State House to protect MA communities!
Reposted by Ben Allen
I'm really excited to see this paper by @fernpizza.bsky.social, @baym.lol, et al. This is a great model system for studying multilevel selection, and the experimental work builds nicely on cross-scale theoretical modeling approaches that I've enjoyed learning about over the past few years. 🧵
Hot off the press! Our latest paper led by @fernpizza.bsky.social, understanding how plasmids evolve inside cells. These small, self-replicating DNA circles live inside bacteria and carry antibiotic resistance genes, but also compete with one another to replicate. 1/
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Intracellular competition shapes plasmid population dynamics
From populations of multicellular organisms to selfish genetic elements, conflicts between levels of biological organization are central to evolution. Plasmids are extrachromosomal, self-replicating g...
www.science.org
November 23, 2025 at 12:36 AM
I'm really excited to see this paper by @fernpizza.bsky.social, @baym.lol, et al. This is a great model system for studying multilevel selection, and the experimental work builds nicely on cross-scale theoretical modeling approaches that I've enjoyed learning about over the past few years. 🧵
Reposted by Ben Allen
1. A landmark study was just published in The Journal of Pediatrics.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
Study In The Journal Of Pediatrics Finds Trans Youth Care Lowers Suicidality, Few Detransition
The groundbreaking study found that suicidality dropped for transgender youth receiving hormone therapy by nearly 70%, with only 7 patients of 432 discontinuing treatment.
www.erininthemorning.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
1. A landmark study was just published in The Journal of Pediatrics.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
Democrats and major Jewish institutions failed to address or even acknowledge the genocide against Gaza. Now neo-N@zis are using it as a recruiting tool, as many of us warned they would.
Spotted at Harvard today. Not great at all at how this nazi is being mainstreamed and normalized. This shit is absolutely not welcomed here. Used water from my water bottle to erase part of it.
November 24, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Democrats and major Jewish institutions failed to address or even acknowledge the genocide against Gaza. Now neo-N@zis are using it as a recruiting tool, as many of us warned they would.
Reposted by Ben Allen
Everyone knows the real issue is that the students were too 'engaged' in math class, which prevented them from learning.
November 24, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Everyone knows the real issue is that the students were too 'engaged' in math class, which prevented them from learning.
Reposted by Ben Allen
The latest evaluation of bike lane projects in Boston continues to show that if you build bike infrastructure, people will use it.
Full report: www.boston.gov/sites/defaul...
Full report: www.boston.gov/sites/defaul...
November 24, 2025 at 12:33 PM
The latest evaluation of bike lane projects in Boston continues to show that if you build bike infrastructure, people will use it.
Full report: www.boston.gov/sites/defaul...
Full report: www.boston.gov/sites/defaul...
Reposted by Ben Allen
In Monrovia, California, protesters are purchasing 17¢ ICE scrapers from Home Depot and immediately returning them to create long lines and slow down the entire store. Their aim is to disrupt sales and convey a message opposing ICE raids occurring in their neighborhood.
November 23, 2025 at 11:37 AM
In Monrovia, California, protesters are purchasing 17¢ ICE scrapers from Home Depot and immediately returning them to create long lines and slow down the entire store. Their aim is to disrupt sales and convey a message opposing ICE raids occurring in their neighborhood.
Reposted by Ben Allen
From the beginning, the Massachusetts Antisemitism Commission have made it their mission to silence critics of Israel. Their conflation of Judaism with Zionism makes everyone less safe.
CJFS member Ben Allen: The Commission "has not been responsive to the community it purports to protect. We are Jewish orgs too: @workerscircle.bsky.social , CJFS, @ifnotnowmovement.org , @jvp.bsky.social , MA Synagogue Network on Israel-Palestine, @rabbis4ceasefire.bsky.social & many more.”
November 22, 2025 at 6:27 PM
From the beginning, the Massachusetts Antisemitism Commission have made it their mission to silence critics of Israel. Their conflation of Judaism with Zionism makes everyone less safe.
Reposted by Ben Allen
Pagliacci goes to the doctor for depression. Doctor says, "I've got just the thing: stop arguing with random assholes on the internet."
Pagliacci says, "But Doctor. You don't understand. *I* am just a random asshole on the internet"
Pagliacci says, "But Doctor. You don't understand. *I* am just a random asshole on the internet"
November 21, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Pagliacci goes to the doctor for depression. Doctor says, "I've got just the thing: stop arguing with random assholes on the internet."
Pagliacci says, "But Doctor. You don't understand. *I* am just a random asshole on the internet"
Pagliacci says, "But Doctor. You don't understand. *I* am just a random asshole on the internet"
Reposted by Ben Allen
While Trump, MAGA, the Massachusetts GOP, the Boston Herald and others continue to demonize Boston's trans community...
Boston City Council today passed an ordinance creating an LGBTQIA2S+ Oversight Commission.
The ordinance passed 12-0. 🔥 #BostonStrong 🇺🇸
Boston City Council today passed an ordinance creating an LGBTQIA2S+ Oversight Commission.
The ordinance passed 12-0. 🔥 #BostonStrong 🇺🇸
November 19, 2025 at 7:04 PM
While Trump, MAGA, the Massachusetts GOP, the Boston Herald and others continue to demonize Boston's trans community...
Boston City Council today passed an ordinance creating an LGBTQIA2S+ Oversight Commission.
The ordinance passed 12-0. 🔥 #BostonStrong 🇺🇸
Boston City Council today passed an ordinance creating an LGBTQIA2S+ Oversight Commission.
The ordinance passed 12-0. 🔥 #BostonStrong 🇺🇸
I'm excited to be an affiliate member of NITMB! If you do anything related to modeling evolution and we don't already know each other, feel free to say hi
🎉 We're excited to welcome 45 new Affiliate Members joining NITMB!
Our new members come from institutions across the nation and world, bringing expertise spanning a wide array of mathematical and biological disciplines to our community
Meet our new Affiliate Members at tinyurl.com/5dxdtjy9
Our new members come from institutions across the nation and world, bringing expertise spanning a wide array of mathematical and biological disciplines to our community
Meet our new Affiliate Members at tinyurl.com/5dxdtjy9
November 19, 2025 at 4:52 PM
I'm excited to be an affiliate member of NITMB! If you do anything related to modeling evolution and we don't already know each other, feel free to say hi
Reposted by Ben Allen
> "i have a mathematical proof that women be crazy. i am the distinguished permanent infinite professor of philosophical ultralogic at yalevard and editor of 50 of the top 51 philosophy journals"
> open the paper
> it affirms the consequent
> open the paper
> it affirms the consequent
November 19, 2025 at 4:22 PM
> "i have a mathematical proof that women be crazy. i am the distinguished permanent infinite professor of philosophical ultralogic at yalevard and editor of 50 of the top 51 philosophy journals"
> open the paper
> it affirms the consequent
> open the paper
> it affirms the consequent
Reposted by Ben Allen
OK, it looks like most of the amicus briefs are in (some after the technical deadline). Not all are viewable yet. I'm guessing 2 are in favor of Massachusetts (Common Sense Media & co., and the Attorneys General)
CC @ericgoldman.bsky.social @jmiers230.bsky.social @mmasnick.bsky.social
CC @ericgoldman.bsky.social @jmiers230.bsky.social @mmasnick.bsky.social
Is anyone other than @techfreedom.org filing an amicus brief in Commonwealth of Massachusetts v. Meta (SJC-13747)? It looks like there's 1 week before the deadline. As a MA resident, I'd cosign a brief urging the Court not to create a regulatory regime that Meta can survive but small sites can't
November 17, 2025 at 10:43 PM
OK, it looks like most of the amicus briefs are in (some after the technical deadline). Not all are viewable yet. I'm guessing 2 are in favor of Massachusetts (Common Sense Media & co., and the Attorneys General)
CC @ericgoldman.bsky.social @jmiers230.bsky.social @mmasnick.bsky.social
CC @ericgoldman.bsky.social @jmiers230.bsky.social @mmasnick.bsky.social
This is the first thing I've read about Olivia Nuzzi that made me feel smarter rather than dumber
New — I wrote about the myriad ways journalism’s moral rot manifests, and how our crumbling institutions have created the conditions for it to fester:
Moral rot in elite journalism is killing the whole field
The Nuzzi/RFK Jr. mess and the revelation of Esptein's journo pals lay bare a profound moral absence at the heart of our free press.
www.thehandbasket.co
November 19, 2025 at 12:35 AM
This is the first thing I've read about Olivia Nuzzi that made me feel smarter rather than dumber
Reposted by Ben Allen
An article from @sydney.edu.au about today’s significant event #NSWPremiersPrizes news-opinion.sydney.edu.au/link/id/zzzz...
Nalini Joshi named 2025 NSW Scientist of the Year
Trailblazing mathematician Professor Nalini Joshi has been awarded the top scientific accolade in NSW for 2025.
news-opinion.sydney.edu.au
November 18, 2025 at 9:38 PM
An article from @sydney.edu.au about today’s significant event #NSWPremiersPrizes news-opinion.sydney.edu.au/link/id/zzzz...
Reposted by Ben Allen
So I say this as a proud academic labor union member who believes deeply in the importance of tenure to the academic mission:
FIRE
LARRY
SUMMERS
FIRE
LARRY
SUMMERS
November 18, 2025 at 12:47 AM
So I say this as a proud academic labor union member who believes deeply in the importance of tenure to the academic mission:
FIRE
LARRY
SUMMERS
FIRE
LARRY
SUMMERS
I think I found the War on Christmas
"Agencies within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, including ICE, ERO, and CBP intend to implement a comprehensive plan to target Spanish-speaking churches across the country during the upcoming holiday season between Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, and Christmas, Dec. 25."
Exclusive: Trump DHS Plans Immigration Raids on Churches Over Holidays
The Trump Dept. of Homeland Security is briefing federal agencies on plans for immigration enforcement operations inside churches over holidays.
thisweekinworcester.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:01 AM
I think I found the War on Christmas
Reposted by Ben Allen
Just Posted! The Department of Physics at Temple University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of Theoretical ⚛️ Quantum Physics, starting Fall 2026. Explore the role and apply at Physics Today Jobs! #PhysicsJobs #AcademicCareers
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor - Theoretical Quantum Physics job with Temple University | 41921693
Tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of Theoretical Quantum Physics, with an anticipated start date of Fall 2026
jobs.physicstoday.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Just Posted! The Department of Physics at Temple University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the area of Theoretical ⚛️ Quantum Physics, starting Fall 2026. Explore the role and apply at Physics Today Jobs! #PhysicsJobs #AcademicCareers
Larry Summers is still a "distinguished senior fellow" at @americanprogress.bsky.social , leading their "Project 2029" plan for the next Democratic administration.
He and everyone like him need to be yeeted out of public life immediately.
He and everyone like him need to be yeeted out of public life immediately.
When former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers was pursuing a romantic relationship with a woman he described as a mentee, he turned to a longtime associate for guidance: Jeffrey E. Epstein.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
As Summers Sought Clandestine Relationship With Woman He Called a Mentee, Epstein Was His ‘Wing Man’ | News | The Harvard Crimson
When former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers was pursuing a romantic relationship with a woman he described as a mentee, he turned to a longtime associate for guidance: convicted sex offender…
www.thecrimson.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Larry Summers is still a "distinguished senior fellow" at @americanprogress.bsky.social , leading their "Project 2029" plan for the next Democratic administration.
He and everyone like him need to be yeeted out of public life immediately.
He and everyone like him need to be yeeted out of public life immediately.
Reposted by Ben Allen
Despite a more inclusive introductory framing, the MA Antisemitism Commission's draft report insists on the IHRA definition, declares "Zionist" to be a slur, and directs universities to prohibit academic boycotts and curtail protests
Our response here: www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/mscca-draft-...
Our response here: www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/mscca-draft-...
MSCCA Draft Higher Ed | Concerned Jewish Faculty & Staff
www.concernedjewishfaculty.org
November 17, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Despite a more inclusive introductory framing, the MA Antisemitism Commission's draft report insists on the IHRA definition, declares "Zionist" to be a slur, and directs universities to prohibit academic boycotts and curtail protests
Our response here: www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/mscca-draft-...
Our response here: www.concernedjewishfaculty.org/mscca-draft-...
Reposted by Ben Allen
79-year-old Paul Bojerski was born to Polish parents in a WWII German refugee camp. His family legally emigrated to the U.S. when he was 5.
He’s been taken by ICE in Florida.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/16/s...
He’s been taken by ICE in Florida.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/16/s...
Sanford grandfather, born in refugee camp, nabbed by ICE after 70 years in U.S.
Paul Bojerski never gained official residency, but he checked in regularly with ICE for years. Then in July, at age 79, he was detained and sent to Alligator Alcatraz.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:18 PM
79-year-old Paul Bojerski was born to Polish parents in a WWII German refugee camp. His family legally emigrated to the U.S. when he was 5.
He’s been taken by ICE in Florida.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/16/s...
He’s been taken by ICE in Florida.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/16/s...
Reposted by Ben Allen
POV: you are a young woman celebrating a recent academic success
November 17, 2025 at 7:20 PM
POV: you are a young woman celebrating a recent academic success
Reposted by Ben Allen
Larry Summers was emailing Jeffrey Epstein up until the day he was arrested in 2019 about an Asian woman he was trying to have sex with who he called "peril." He is a distinguished fellow at Center for American Progress and is leading their "Project 2029" plan.
November 17, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Larry Summers was emailing Jeffrey Epstein up until the day he was arrested in 2019 about an Asian woman he was trying to have sex with who he called "peril." He is a distinguished fellow at Center for American Progress and is leading their "Project 2029" plan.