Kevin Healy
@healyke.bsky.social
Lecturer in Macroecology at the University of Galway #Macroecology
Google Scholar: https://l1nk.dev/NJtVI
Google Scholar: https://l1nk.dev/NJtVI
Pinned
Kevin Healy
@healyke.bsky.social
· Nov 6
Trending extinctions: online interest in recently extinct animals
When species go extinct, online interest spikes but often fades quickly. We analysed how online attention shifts before and after extinction announcements of eight species and found that there are br....
zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
Not sure if this helps brighten your feed today but we have just released our paper showing that, based on online behavior, we do care when species go extinct.
zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Check out our new and improved Fossil Map of Ireland! With an incredible 176 new fossil sites, courtesy of the Irish public - thank you for all your submissions! An amazing citizen science project www.ucc.ie/en/fossil-he... @ucc.ie @thepalass.bsky.social @erc.europa.eu @researchireland.ie
November 13, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Check out our new and improved Fossil Map of Ireland! With an incredible 176 new fossil sites, courtesy of the Irish public - thank you for all your submissions! An amazing citizen science project www.ucc.ie/en/fossil-he... @ucc.ie @thepalass.bsky.social @erc.europa.eu @researchireland.ie
New paper out led by @scanavan.bsky.social were we use twitter usage to help understand how the general public perceives invasive species ecologyandsociety.org/vol30/iss4/a... 🌐
Ecology & Society
A journal of integrative science for resilience and sustainability
ecologyandsociety.org
October 28, 2025 at 8:43 AM
New paper out led by @scanavan.bsky.social were we use twitter usage to help understand how the general public perceives invasive species ecologyandsociety.org/vol30/iss4/a... 🌐
Reposted by Kevin Healy
July 30, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Proponents of the Galway City Ring Road (GCRR) have argued that moving some of the city traffic away from the centre and onto a by-pass will reduce congestion and free up space for alternatives to the car such as bus and cycle lanes. But will it? www.advertiser.ie/galway/artic...
Will the Ring Road free up space in the city?
This argument is dubious at best, and simply not supported by the data in the GCRR submission, which is currently before An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála ).
www.advertiser.ie
July 17, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Proponents of the Galway City Ring Road (GCRR) have argued that moving some of the city traffic away from the centre and onto a by-pass will reduce congestion and free up space for alternatives to the car such as bus and cycle lanes. But will it? www.advertiser.ie/galway/artic...
Reposted by Kevin Healy
It's @besmacro.bsky.social meeting time! Follow #BESMacro2025 for updates on big ecology today and tomorrow 🌏🌐
July 10, 2025 at 9:09 AM
It's @besmacro.bsky.social meeting time! Follow #BESMacro2025 for updates on big ecology today and tomorrow 🌏🌐
Reposted by Kevin Healy
New paper: in which we get grumpy with GenAI / LLMs polluting the human corpora of text rendering many cultural analyses void. Open access with @healyke.bsky.social @adamdkane.bsky.social @rcorreia.bsky.social doi.org/10.1007/s442... ping @edzitron.com might be of interest?
Generative AI - Signal to Noise - Digital Society
The sudden deployment of large language models (LLMs) has been a seismic event for science, with professional scientists, including biologists, struggling to work out how to fit this new technology in...
doi.org
June 30, 2025 at 2:38 PM
New paper: in which we get grumpy with GenAI / LLMs polluting the human corpora of text rendering many cultural analyses void. Open access with @healyke.bsky.social @adamdkane.bsky.social @rcorreia.bsky.social doi.org/10.1007/s442... ping @edzitron.com might be of interest?
In our latest commentary piece we highlight that AI has likely already poisoned the well of online data used in culturomic studies that aim to understand shifts in the cultural zeitgeist link.springer.com/article/10.1... 🌐 @yodacomplex.bsky.social
Generative AI - Signal to Noise - Digital Society
The sudden deployment of large language models (LLMs) has been a seismic event for science, with professional scientists, including biologists, struggling to work out how to fit this new technology in...
link.springer.com
June 26, 2025 at 7:56 PM
In our latest commentary piece we highlight that AI has likely already poisoned the well of online data used in culturomic studies that aim to understand shifts in the cultural zeitgeist link.springer.com/article/10.1... 🌐 @yodacomplex.bsky.social
Just out our latest commentary piece highlighting that AI has likely already poisoned the well of online data used in culturomic studies that aim to understand shifts in the cultural zeitgeist link.springer.com/article/10.1... #AcademicSky #🌐
Generative AI - Signal to Noise - Digital Society
The sudden deployment of large language models (LLMs) has been a seismic event for science, with professional scientists, including biologists, struggling to work out how to fit this new technology in...
link.springer.com
June 26, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Just out our latest commentary piece highlighting that AI has likely already poisoned the well of online data used in culturomic studies that aim to understand shifts in the cultural zeitgeist link.springer.com/article/10.1... #AcademicSky #🌐
Reposted by Kevin Healy
It's the last day to apply for #BESMacro2025 ! Come join us in beautiful York for two days of awesome macro-scale science (plus an optional pre-conference workshop on scientific storytelling)
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bes-macro-...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bes-macro-...
BES Macro 2025
A British Ecological Society specialist group conference for researchers in macroecology and/or macroevolution at any academic career stage.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
May 30, 2025 at 11:07 AM
It's the last day to apply for #BESMacro2025 ! Come join us in beautiful York for two days of awesome macro-scale science (plus an optional pre-conference workshop on scientific storytelling)
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bes-macro-...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bes-macro-...
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Metazooa
Become an evolutionary detective to find the Mystery Animal!
metazooa.com
May 27, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Reposted by Kevin Healy
City Council officials emphatically declared several years ago that implementation of the "€200-million 10-year" #GalwayTransportStrategy was proceeding in parallel with the ring road project, and was not waiting for it.
All lies.
Is anybody surprised?
www.advertiser.ie/galway/artic...
All lies.
Is anybody surprised?
www.advertiser.ie/galway/artic...
Transport policy paused until Ring Road decision
The National Transport Authority has decided to pause developing Galway city’s transport strategy until a decision is made for or against the N6 Ring Road.
www.advertiser.ie
May 22, 2025 at 10:52 AM
City Council officials emphatically declared several years ago that implementation of the "€200-million 10-year" #GalwayTransportStrategy was proceeding in parallel with the ring road project, and was not waiting for it.
All lies.
Is anybody surprised?
www.advertiser.ie/galway/artic...
All lies.
Is anybody surprised?
www.advertiser.ie/galway/artic...
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Unsolicited listicle: My list of the most criminally underused/underappreciated phylogenetic comparative methods. Note, I am not involved in ANY of these methods; but I see them as things people are often asking of comparative data but have been surprised at how infrequently they have been cited.
May 21, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Unsolicited listicle: My list of the most criminally underused/underappreciated phylogenetic comparative methods. Note, I am not involved in ANY of these methods; but I see them as things people are often asking of comparative data but have been surprised at how infrequently they have been cited.
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Doi for our manuscript can be found in CASSYNI alongside our seminar, using the doi link above.
May 21, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Doi for our manuscript can be found in CASSYNI alongside our seminar, using the doi link above.
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Along with our research on spider venom potency published in Biology Letters, we were kindly asked to prepare a seminar discussing the manuscript for @royalsocietypublishing.org/@cassyni.bsky.social's "Ecology and Evolution Seminar Series" doi.org/10.52843/cassyni.slp5xv. It's free to watch! Enjoy!
Cassyni | Science starts with a seminar
Seamlessly organise, run and publish academic research seminars. Get started in minutes.
doi.org
May 21, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Along with our research on spider venom potency published in Biology Letters, we were kindly asked to prepare a seminar discussing the manuscript for @royalsocietypublishing.org/@cassyni.bsky.social's "Ecology and Evolution Seminar Series" doi.org/10.52843/cassyni.slp5xv. It's free to watch! Enjoy!
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Our latest research on the factors influencing spider venom potency has been published in Biology Letters! doi.org/10.1098/rsbl... Big thank you to my supervisors Dr @healyke.bsky.social and Dr Michel Dugon
along with the media team @uniofgalway.bsky.social
for spreading the word!
along with the media team @uniofgalway.bsky.social
for spreading the word!
Spider venom potency exhibits phylogenetic prey specificity but does not trade-off with body size or silk use in prey capture | Biology Letters
Spiders employ a diverse range of predator traits, including potent venoms, complex
silk-hunting strategies and mechanical strength coupled with larger body sizes to
capture prey. This trait diversity...
doi.org
May 21, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Our latest research on the factors influencing spider venom potency has been published in Biology Letters! doi.org/10.1098/rsbl... Big thank you to my supervisors Dr @healyke.bsky.social and Dr Michel Dugon
along with the media team @uniofgalway.bsky.social
for spreading the word!
along with the media team @uniofgalway.bsky.social
for spreading the word!
Delighted to see our latest paper on the macroecology of spider venoms led by @keithlnotions.bsky.social published today in Biology letters. royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/epdf/10....
Spider venom potency exhibits phylogenetic prey specificity but does not trade-off with body size or silk use in prey capture | Biology Letters
Spiders employ a diverse range of predator traits, including potent venoms, complex silk-hunting strategies and mechanical strength coupled with larger body sizes to capture prey. This trait diversity, along with the quantifiable nature of venom potency, ...
royalsocietypublishing.org
May 21, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Delighted to see our latest paper on the macroecology of spider venoms led by @keithlnotions.bsky.social published today in Biology letters. royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/epdf/10....
Reposted by Kevin Healy
A new study from the University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences has revealed why some spiders possess venom that is far more potent than others. http://jrnl.ie/6709955
Galway researchers have discovered why some spiders are more venomous than others
The researchers analysed venom from more than 70 different spider species, to see what could explain the wide variation in venom strength.
jrnl.ie
May 21, 2025 at 6:16 AM
A new study from the University of Galway’s School of Natural Sciences has revealed why some spiders possess venom that is far more potent than others. http://jrnl.ie/6709955
Reposted by Kevin Healy
The Green Party don’t get as much media coverage as Reform because the continuation of civilised human life on the planet isn’t as interesting as cunts.
May 2, 2025 at 7:15 AM
The Green Party don’t get as much media coverage as Reform because the continuation of civilised human life on the planet isn’t as interesting as cunts.
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Galway deserves a chance to breathe, but emotive arguments cannot brush away the fact a second ring road will suffocate the city in traffic irishcycle.com/2025/04/24/g...
Galway deserves a chance to breathe, but emotive arguments cannot brush away the fact a second ring road will suffocate the city in traffic
Comment & Analysis / Long Read: It’s a seductive claim that building a second ring road in Galway will let the city and county breathe, but all the evidence we have — including from…
irishcycle.com
April 24, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Galway deserves a chance to breathe, but emotive arguments cannot brush away the fact a second ring road will suffocate the city in traffic irishcycle.com/2025/04/24/g...
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Why have we not made progress on this in Galway yet?
Combining a bicycle with the light rail stops allows a greater catchment area for that last mile of travel. Light rail would also free up roadspace in our city so that any cars bypassing the city could use the orbital route effectively.
Combining a bicycle with the light rail stops allows a greater catchment area for that last mile of travel. Light rail would also free up roadspace in our city so that any cars bypassing the city could use the orbital route effectively.
A preferred 18km route has been selected for a new Luas service in Cork, and a public consultation on the project launched this morning
Preferred 18km route launched for new Cork Luas service
A preferred 18km route has been selected for a new Luas service in Cork, and a public consultation on the project launched this morning.
www.rte.ie
April 14, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Why have we not made progress on this in Galway yet?
Combining a bicycle with the light rail stops allows a greater catchment area for that last mile of travel. Light rail would also free up roadspace in our city so that any cars bypassing the city could use the orbital route effectively.
Combining a bicycle with the light rail stops allows a greater catchment area for that last mile of travel. Light rail would also free up roadspace in our city so that any cars bypassing the city could use the orbital route effectively.
Reposted by Kevin Healy
You: hey, is #BESMacro open for registration?
Us: yes, it is!
Main deadline May 31, apply for the student plenary by May 2. Come join us in York for great talks, posters, workshops, and macro-scale fun!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bes-macro-...
Us: yes, it is!
Main deadline May 31, apply for the student plenary by May 2. Come join us in York for great talks, posters, workshops, and macro-scale fun!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bes-macro-...
BES Macro 2025
A British Ecological Society specialist group conference for researchers in macroecology and/or macroevolution at any academic career stage.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 28, 2025 at 2:46 PM
You: hey, is #BESMacro open for registration?
Us: yes, it is!
Main deadline May 31, apply for the student plenary by May 2. Come join us in York for great talks, posters, workshops, and macro-scale fun!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bes-macro-...
Us: yes, it is!
Main deadline May 31, apply for the student plenary by May 2. Come join us in York for great talks, posters, workshops, and macro-scale fun!
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bes-macro-...
Reposted by Kevin Healy
I completely re-worked my course "Introduction to Bayesian statistics with brms" and taught it for the 1st time this week. It is meant as a tutorial for ecologists, but should be general enough for other sciences as well
github.com/benjamin-ros...
#stats #Rstats #brms #Stan #Bayesian
github.com/benjamin-ros...
#stats #Rstats #brms #Stan #Bayesian
GitHub - benjamin-rosenbaum/bayesian-intro: Introduction to Bayesian statistics
Introduction to Bayesian statistics. Contribute to benjamin-rosenbaum/bayesian-intro development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
February 28, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Check out our new blog summarising recent meta-analysis assessing treatments for the Varroa mite #pathogen of honey bees!
This #invasive #parasite has huge impacts on crops from lost
#pollination 🧪
@ucddublin.bsky.social @healyke.bsky.social @cristinabotias.bsky.social
www.ucd.ie/earth/news-o...
This #invasive #parasite has huge impacts on crops from lost
#pollination 🧪
@ucddublin.bsky.social @healyke.bsky.social @cristinabotias.bsky.social
www.ucd.ie/earth/news-o...
24 February tackling varroa mite
www.ucd.ie
February 24, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Check out our new blog summarising recent meta-analysis assessing treatments for the Varroa mite #pathogen of honey bees!
This #invasive #parasite has huge impacts on crops from lost
#pollination 🧪
@ucddublin.bsky.social @healyke.bsky.social @cristinabotias.bsky.social
www.ucd.ie/earth/news-o...
This #invasive #parasite has huge impacts on crops from lost
#pollination 🧪
@ucddublin.bsky.social @healyke.bsky.social @cristinabotias.bsky.social
www.ucd.ie/earth/news-o...
Reposted by Kevin Healy
Check out our new-ish paper. This paper pushed me to become a @wikipedia.org editor so I could create and update pages for endangered or invasive species. Updating wiki not only helps share conservation information with a wider audience, but also helps our work break out of the academic bubble 🐢
Not sure if this helps brighten your feed today but we have just released our paper showing that, based on online behavior, we do care when species go extinct.
zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Trending extinctions: online interest in recently extinct animals
When species go extinct, online interest spikes but often fades quickly. We analysed how online attention shifts before and after extinction announcements of eight species and found that there are br....
zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
February 20, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Check out our new-ish paper. This paper pushed me to become a @wikipedia.org editor so I could create and update pages for endangered or invasive species. Updating wiki not only helps share conservation information with a wider audience, but also helps our work break out of the academic bubble 🐢
Reposted by Kevin Healy
A commentary piece from me to you (...if you're an #ethologist / #BehaviouralEcologist) link.springer.com/article/10.1... #Macrobehaviour needs you! @asab.org @biorxiv-behav.bsky.social @mpi-animalbehav.bsky.social @abcmicrogrants.bsky.social @besmacro.bsky.social
a group of people are dancing in a hallway with a sign that says white water rafting
Alt: a group of people are dancing in a hallway with a sign that says white water rafting
media.tenor.com
February 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
A commentary piece from me to you (...if you're an #ethologist / #BehaviouralEcologist) link.springer.com/article/10.1... #Macrobehaviour needs you! @asab.org @biorxiv-behav.bsky.social @mpi-animalbehav.bsky.social @abcmicrogrants.bsky.social @besmacro.bsky.social