Fred Wolf
@fredwolf.bsky.social
Science is not engineering. UC Merced Prof - addiction, thirst, flies, genes, brains, behavior. Neuro/Dev at UCM: http://neurodevucmerced.com
Pinned
Fred Wolf
@fredwolf.bsky.social
· Feb 3
First ethanol experience memory-like states look like classical memories genetically and behaviorally, but use new circuits. Also distinct from spaced training ethanol reward circuits. Great work of former grad Cal Larnerd @qsb-uc-merced.bsky.social @ucmerced.bsky.social doi.org/10.1371/jour...
Reposted by Fred Wolf
Author spotlight thread!
This study was heroically led by @qsb-uc-merced.bsky.social grad student Jesselynn LaBelle who consistently pushed for our work to be quantitatively rigorous. She is looking for a postdoc position! Her interests are mathematical biology, image analysis, and microscopy. 1/6
This study was heroically led by @qsb-uc-merced.bsky.social grad student Jesselynn LaBelle who consistently pushed for our work to be quantitatively rigorous. She is looking for a postdoc position! Her interests are mathematical biology, image analysis, and microscopy. 1/6
New paper alert! We report that #zebrafish endodermal cells use contact inhibition of locomotion as a dispersal and spacing mechanism. It’s a neat example of large-scale patterns emerging from local interactions using a simple set of rules. Summary in the thread below 1/9
doi.org/10.1016/j.is...
doi.org/10.1016/j.is...
December 8, 2025 at 10:35 PM
Author spotlight thread!
This study was heroically led by @qsb-uc-merced.bsky.social grad student Jesselynn LaBelle who consistently pushed for our work to be quantitatively rigorous. She is looking for a postdoc position! Her interests are mathematical biology, image analysis, and microscopy. 1/6
This study was heroically led by @qsb-uc-merced.bsky.social grad student Jesselynn LaBelle who consistently pushed for our work to be quantitatively rigorous. She is looking for a postdoc position! Her interests are mathematical biology, image analysis, and microscopy. 1/6
Reposted by Fred Wolf
No NCE button for R15s nearing their end date—1st NCEs need prior approval through the NIH Prior Approval Module. More steps, delays, and stress since active R15 PIs can’t be PIs on other NIH grants. Nothing I submitted in 2025 has even been reviewed/decisioned. I guess it was nice having a lab.....
December 5, 2025 at 4:48 PM
No NCE button for R15s nearing their end date—1st NCEs need prior approval through the NIH Prior Approval Module. More steps, delays, and stress since active R15 PIs can’t be PIs on other NIH grants. Nothing I submitted in 2025 has even been reviewed/decisioned. I guess it was nice having a lab.....
Reposted by Fred Wolf
New paper alert! We report that #zebrafish endodermal cells use contact inhibition of locomotion as a dispersal and spacing mechanism. It’s a neat example of large-scale patterns emerging from local interactions using a simple set of rules. Summary in the thread below 1/9
doi.org/10.1016/j.is...
doi.org/10.1016/j.is...
December 5, 2025 at 8:08 PM
New paper alert! We report that #zebrafish endodermal cells use contact inhibition of locomotion as a dispersal and spacing mechanism. It’s a neat example of large-scale patterns emerging from local interactions using a simple set of rules. Summary in the thread below 1/9
doi.org/10.1016/j.is...
doi.org/10.1016/j.is...
I handwrite markup the article PDF on an iPad, export the messy PDF to a searchable database, and summarize my notes in a very long text file (with embedded references). Rewriting the notes is what makes information stick for me, I suspect. Wish I could take your course!
December 1, 2025 at 6:04 PM
I handwrite markup the article PDF on an iPad, export the messy PDF to a searchable database, and summarize my notes in a very long text file (with embedded references). Rewriting the notes is what makes information stick for me, I suspect. Wish I could take your course!
Hungover and awake Monday morning? Been daydrinking?? Come to Lina Garcia's poster #SfN2025 to learn how the first drink creates memories and impacts your sleep (well, if you are a fruit fly)! LBP167 (program LBP051.08) late-breaking poster session H.08 – Drugs of Abuse and Addiction.
November 16, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Hungover and awake Monday morning? Been daydrinking?? Come to Lina Garcia's poster #SfN2025 to learn how the first drink creates memories and impacts your sleep (well, if you are a fruit fly)! LBP167 (program LBP051.08) late-breaking poster session H.08 – Drugs of Abuse and Addiction.
Reposted by Fred Wolf
Sad that even biorxiv is falling victim to AI slop
Excited to launch an openRxiv partnership with the scientist-run AI review service qed (@qedscience.bsky.social), the brainchild of @odedrechavi.bsky.social 1/n
openrxiv.org/enabling-rev...
openrxiv.org/enabling-rev...
Enabling options for review: from training and transparency to author-centered AI tools - openRxiv
Peer review is widely viewed as a critical aspect of biomedical communication. Ideally, it provides authors with feedback so they can improve manuscripts and gives readers, particularly nonspecialists...
openrxiv.org
November 7, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Sad that even biorxiv is falling victim to AI slop
Reposted by Fred Wolf
UC Merced biologist Néstor Oviedo is exploring how the brain may hold the key to controlling cancer.
Supported by a $2 million NIH grant, his lab is studying how molecular signals influence the earliest stages of cancer development. 🔗 ucm.edu/orzdvg
Supported by a $2 million NIH grant, his lab is studying how molecular signals influence the earliest stages of cancer development. 🔗 ucm.edu/orzdvg
November 4, 2025 at 7:02 PM
UC Merced biologist Néstor Oviedo is exploring how the brain may hold the key to controlling cancer.
Supported by a $2 million NIH grant, his lab is studying how molecular signals influence the earliest stages of cancer development. 🔗 ucm.edu/orzdvg
Supported by a $2 million NIH grant, his lab is studying how molecular signals influence the earliest stages of cancer development. 🔗 ucm.edu/orzdvg
The incredible @doc-brock.bsky.social, @qsb-uc-merced.bsky.social @ucmerced.bsky.social alumni, is guest teaching my grad prof skills class today!
October 27, 2025 at 5:45 PM
The incredible @doc-brock.bsky.social, @qsb-uc-merced.bsky.social @ucmerced.bsky.social alumni, is guest teaching my grad prof skills class today!
Reposted by Fred Wolf
Excited to announce our new pre-print (www.biorxiv.org/cgi/content/...)!
This collaborative work (co-led by Adriane Otopalik and Gerry Rubin) examines how neuronal circuits regulate social behaviors, like courtship🫶 and aggression🥊, across sexes. #neuroscience #Drosophila #WomenInSTEM 🧪1/
This collaborative work (co-led by Adriane Otopalik and Gerry Rubin) examines how neuronal circuits regulate social behaviors, like courtship🫶 and aggression🥊, across sexes. #neuroscience #Drosophila #WomenInSTEM 🧪1/
October 23, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Excited to announce our new pre-print (www.biorxiv.org/cgi/content/...)!
This collaborative work (co-led by Adriane Otopalik and Gerry Rubin) examines how neuronal circuits regulate social behaviors, like courtship🫶 and aggression🥊, across sexes. #neuroscience #Drosophila #WomenInSTEM 🧪1/
This collaborative work (co-led by Adriane Otopalik and Gerry Rubin) examines how neuronal circuits regulate social behaviors, like courtship🫶 and aggression🥊, across sexes. #neuroscience #Drosophila #WomenInSTEM 🧪1/
Reposted by Fred Wolf
Grew up under a dictatorship, they attacked expertise first. This is alarmingly familiar. Trust in expertise is the foundation of modern civilization. Even as a researcher, I rely on expert knowledge I could never master in a lifetime. Rejecting that isn’t freedom, it’s how societies collapse!
RFK Jr: We need to stop trusting the experts... Trusting the experts is not a feature of science or democracy, it's a feature of religion and totalitarianism.
October 19, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Grew up under a dictatorship, they attacked expertise first. This is alarmingly familiar. Trust in expertise is the foundation of modern civilization. Even as a researcher, I rely on expert knowledge I could never master in a lifetime. Rejecting that isn’t freedom, it’s how societies collapse!
Happy to be hosting NeLLi scientist Frederik Schulz for a QSB grad program @qsb-uc-merced.bsky.social JGI/RENEW seminar here at @ucmerced.bsky.social today! And you should sign up for this excellent symposium too.
Join experts at our Sequences to Cultures Jamboree Nov. 6–7 to help develop recommendations for cultivating new bacteria and archaea—revealed by a recent genome census. A key outcome will be a a compelling position paper: jgi.doe.gov/sites/defaul...
More: jointgeno.me/NeLLi
@biosci.lbl.gov 🖥️🧬 🦠
More: jointgeno.me/NeLLi
@biosci.lbl.gov 🖥️🧬 🦠
2025 NeLLi Symposium | Joint Genome Institute
Las Vegas, NV Nov. 4-5. Immediately followed by 1.5-day jamboree on November 6-7
jointgeno.me
October 16, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Happy to be hosting NeLLi scientist Frederik Schulz for a QSB grad program @qsb-uc-merced.bsky.social JGI/RENEW seminar here at @ucmerced.bsky.social today! And you should sign up for this excellent symposium too.
Just in time for the Cold Spring Harbor Neurobiology of Drosophila meeting - read up on the receptor for the best neuropeptide, ever, NPF/NPY, and thirsty water seeking.
A single NPFR neuropeptide F receptor neuron that regulates thirst behaviors in Drosophila
#Drosophila
#Drosophila
A single NPFR neuropeptide F receptor neuron that regulates thirst behaviors in Drosophila
#Drosophila
PubMed link
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
October 10, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Just in time for the Cold Spring Harbor Neurobiology of Drosophila meeting - read up on the receptor for the best neuropeptide, ever, NPF/NPY, and thirsty water seeking.
Reposted by Fred Wolf
NSF GRFP solicitation is finally up. Life Sci deadline extended to Nov 10 but 2nd year grad students no longer eligible www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
www.nsf.gov
September 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM
NSF GRFP solicitation is finally up. Life Sci deadline extended to Nov 10 but 2nd year grad students no longer eligible www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Reposted by Fred Wolf
A new large study of alcohol intake using genetics (Mendelian randomization) finds a dose-response relationship for risk of dementia with no protective effect at low levels of intake
ebm.bmj.com/content/earl...
ebm.bmj.com/content/earl...
September 23, 2025 at 11:46 PM
A new large study of alcohol intake using genetics (Mendelian randomization) finds a dose-response relationship for risk of dementia with no protective effect at low levels of intake
ebm.bmj.com/content/earl...
ebm.bmj.com/content/earl...
Reposted by Fred Wolf
I’ve tried three NJ pharmacies and none of them have the Novavax COVID vaccine. Is availability very limited? The mRNA vaccines take me out for 48-72 hours every single time, and Novavax doesn’t. I don’t have time to sleep for 3 days! 💉
September 12, 2025 at 2:32 PM
I’ve tried three NJ pharmacies and none of them have the Novavax COVID vaccine. Is availability very limited? The mRNA vaccines take me out for 48-72 hours every single time, and Novavax doesn’t. I don’t have time to sleep for 3 days! 💉
Recently 'retired' umbrella bio chair here: Do other programs allow PI's w/o funding to admit students? Historically we have (esp eco/evo), but unionized TAship salaries are high cost to the U, & TAships are being reduced. Like to help btw grant PIs, & keep have/have not split minimized.
September 10, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Recently 'retired' umbrella bio chair here: Do other programs allow PI's w/o funding to admit students? Historically we have (esp eco/evo), but unionized TAship salaries are high cost to the U, & TAships are being reduced. Like to help btw grant PIs, & keep have/have not split minimized.
Reposted by Fred Wolf
While full solicitation isn’t up, looks like we have 2025 proposal deadlines for the GRFP: www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
www.nsf.gov
September 8, 2025 at 6:10 PM
While full solicitation isn’t up, looks like we have 2025 proposal deadlines for the GRFP: www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Reposted by Fred Wolf
Please help me to celebrate Mei Zhen, an innovator and tremendous collaborator, named to the Royal Society of Canada Academy of Science on September 4, 2025
September 6, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Please help me to celebrate Mei Zhen, an innovator and tremendous collaborator, named to the Royal Society of Canada Academy of Science on September 4, 2025
These 10 rules for teachers and students really good! Adopted all but one (because of course we all get to make the rules)
Sharing these 10 Rules for Teachers and Students by Sister Corita Kent and John Cage for anyone out there looking for unsolicited advice on how to happily go all-in on your creative projects. Have fun !
ohnotype.co/blog/10-rule...
ohnotype.co/blog/10-rule...
10 Rules for Teachers and Students by Sister Corita Kent and John Cage | OH no Type Company
OH no Type Co. Retail and custom typefaces. Life’s a thrill, fonts are chill!
ohnotype.co
September 3, 2025 at 1:45 AM
These 10 rules for teachers and students really good! Adopted all but one (because of course we all get to make the rules)
Reposted by Fred Wolf
We are looking forward to the 2026 #Alcohol GRC in Ventura, CA! The main meeting starts Feb 22, 2026 (GRS Feb 21-22). For both, we will be selecting additional invited talks from the submitted abstracts. For consideration, submit your abstract by Oct 10! #alcoholGRC2026 #alcoholGRS2026
August 29, 2025 at 11:06 AM
We are looking forward to the 2026 #Alcohol GRC in Ventura, CA! The main meeting starts Feb 22, 2026 (GRS Feb 21-22). For both, we will be selecting additional invited talks from the submitted abstracts. For consideration, submit your abstract by Oct 10! #alcoholGRC2026 #alcoholGRS2026
Still no NSF GRFP announcement for this year. Another week or two and the program is going to be effectively cancelled, because students will not have time to prepare. Any chatter out there about whats going on???? www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
www.nsf.gov
August 25, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Still no NSF GRFP announcement for this year. Another week or two and the program is going to be effectively cancelled, because students will not have time to prepare. Any chatter out there about whats going on???? www.nsf.gov/funding/oppo...
Reposted by Fred Wolf
Tenure-track assistant professor position in neuroscience or physiology at University of Michigan LSA Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB): lsa.umich.edu/mcdb/news-ev...
MCDB Opens Search for Faculty | U-M LSA Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB)
MCDB welcomes applications at the Assistant Professor level from outstanding biological scientists in all areas of physiology and neuroscience, spanning molecular, cellular, systems, and organismal le...
lsa.umich.edu
August 20, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Tenure-track assistant professor position in neuroscience or physiology at University of Michigan LSA Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB): lsa.umich.edu/mcdb/news-ev...
Smells like Oracle adoption
August 21, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Smells like Oracle adoption