Ute Hentschel
@utehentschel.bsky.social
Professor of Marine Microbiology at GEOMAR. A particular interest in marine sponge symbioses and in ocean health & disease matters.
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
It’s finally out!
Our paper on the bacterial symbionts of three White Sea sponges is here.
A story that began in 2016 has reached its last chapter… or has it? We hope that by the time you finish our hefty tome — maybe around 2034 — we’ll release the sequel.
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
Our paper on the bacterial symbionts of three White Sea sponges is here.
A story that began in 2016 has reached its last chapter… or has it? We hope that by the time you finish our hefty tome — maybe around 2034 — we’ll release the sequel.
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
Taxonomically different symbiotic communities of sympatric Arctic sponge species show functional similarity with specialization at species level | mSystems
Sponges are regarded among the earliest multicellular organisms and the most ancient
examples of animal-bacterial symbiosis. The study of host-microbe interactions in
sponges has advanced rapidly due ...
journals.asm.org
October 20, 2025 at 8:48 PM
It’s finally out!
Our paper on the bacterial symbionts of three White Sea sponges is here.
A story that began in 2016 has reached its last chapter… or has it? We hope that by the time you finish our hefty tome — maybe around 2034 — we’ll release the sequel.
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
Our paper on the bacterial symbionts of three White Sea sponges is here.
A story that began in 2016 has reached its last chapter… or has it? We hope that by the time you finish our hefty tome — maybe around 2034 — we’ll release the sequel.
journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/...
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
🧽 Time to dive into more sponge genomes!
🌊🧬 EBP-affiliated projects are assembling never-before-sequenced sponge species and adding them to public genome databases.
These efforts are unlocking exciting new avenues in evolution, symbiosis, and marine biotechnology.
🌊🧬 EBP-affiliated projects are assembling never-before-sequenced sponge species and adding them to public genome databases.
These efforts are unlocking exciting new avenues in evolution, symbiosis, and marine biotechnology.
Sponges are animals – just like us. 🧽
New sponge genomes may reveal exciting secrets that could contribute towards drug discovery, reef conservation, and much more. 🧬
sangerinstitute.blog/2025/07/03/e...
Image credit: Benjamin Mueller
New sponge genomes may reveal exciting secrets that could contribute towards drug discovery, reef conservation, and much more. 🧬
sangerinstitute.blog/2025/07/03/e...
Image credit: Benjamin Mueller
July 4, 2025 at 8:13 PM
🧽 Time to dive into more sponge genomes!
🌊🧬 EBP-affiliated projects are assembling never-before-sequenced sponge species and adding them to public genome databases.
These efforts are unlocking exciting new avenues in evolution, symbiosis, and marine biotechnology.
🌊🧬 EBP-affiliated projects are assembling never-before-sequenced sponge species and adding them to public genome databases.
These efforts are unlocking exciting new avenues in evolution, symbiosis, and marine biotechnology.
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
Here's a new sponge genome and the associated metagenomes!
lopez-lab.net/2025/08/30/c...
lopez-lab.net/2025/08/30/c...
Chromosomal Genome of the Red Sea sponge, Diacarnus erythraeanus, Kelly-Borges & Vacelet, 1995, and its Associated Microbial Metagenomes Published
A high quality whole chromosomal genome of the sponge Diacarnus erythraeanus and the metagenomes of its microbial associates have been published from the Photosymbiosis Hub, a component of the Well…
lopez-lab.net
September 3, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Here's a new sponge genome and the associated metagenomes!
lopez-lab.net/2025/08/30/c...
lopez-lab.net/2025/08/30/c...
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
The first batch of #sponge #genome notes are now out! 🥳 from the 'Wellcome Open Research' publishing platform: Aplysina aerophoba, Crambe crambe, Chondrosia reniformis, Aphrocallistes beatrix, Eunapius fragilis, Spongilla lacustris...
The genome of Aplysina aerophoba, the "golden sponge" is done. This sponge has a unique chemistry that makes it turn blue upon contact with air.
wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/10-...
www.moore.org/initiative-s...
wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/10-...
www.moore.org/initiative-s...
May 30, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
From 1 genome for 15 years to 50+ hologenomes! Big moment in sponge evolutionary biology, and for understanding early animal evolution and host-microbe symbiosis!
🌊 Sponge genomes are helping unlock the secrets of aquatic symbioses — and thanks to @sangerinstitute.bsky.social, researchers now have access to 50+ genomes. Excited to see how these new samples help advance understanding of #AquaticSymbiosis. 🧬
Enter the absorbing world of sponges - Wellcome Sanger Institute Blog
Enter the absorbing world of sponges, the intricate animals that have evolved to inhabit all corners of our Earth’s waterways and oceans. Thanks to a worldwide collaboration of sponge scientists throu...
sangerinstitute.blog
July 11, 2025 at 1:58 PM
From 1 genome for 15 years to 50+ hologenomes! Big moment in sponge evolutionary biology, and for understanding early animal evolution and host-microbe symbiosis!
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
Genome-scale metabolic modelling reveals interactions and key roles of symbiont clades in a sponge holobiont
->Nature | More info from EcoSearch
->Nature | More info from EcoSearch
Genome-scale metabolic modelling reveals interactions and key roles of symbiont clades in a sponge holobiont
To define the microbiome members of Stylissa sp., we obtained 17 high-quality MAGs (with completeness 95 ± 2.3% and contamination 0.6 ± 0.5%) and 18 medium-quality MAGs (with completeness 80 ± 7.7% and contamination 0.6 ± 0.4%) from our previous...
www.nature.com
December 31, 2024 at 2:03 AM
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
Chromosomal level sponge Diacarnus erythraeanus whole genome published. Congrats to Laura Steindler and the ASG Photosymbiosis hub. lopez-lab.net/2025/08/30/c...
Chromosomal Genome of the Red Sea sponge, Diacarnus erythraeanus, Kelly-Borges & Vacelet, 1995, and its Associated Microbial Metagenomes Published
A high quality whole chromosomal genome of the sponge Diacarnus erythraeanus and the metagenomes of its microbial associates have been published from the Photosymbiosis Hub, a component of the Well…
lopez-lab.net
August 30, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Chromosomal level sponge Diacarnus erythraeanus whole genome published. Congrats to Laura Steindler and the ASG Photosymbiosis hub. lopez-lab.net/2025/08/30/c...
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
Jose V. Lopez follows at the #biodiversity25 presenting about the giant barrel #sponge genome. We are facing massive extinction event in marine reefs so we need to study sponges before they disappear. Sponges have distinctive #symbiotic microbiomes providing important ecosystem services.
October 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Jose V. Lopez follows at the #biodiversity25 presenting about the giant barrel #sponge genome. We are facing massive extinction event in marine reefs so we need to study sponges before they disappear. Sponges have distinctive #symbiotic microbiomes providing important ecosystem services.
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
Say hello to our next set of members of the organizing committee for the Larval Biology Society! Get to know Shawn M. Arellano and Tyler Carrier!
August 29, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Say hello to our next set of members of the organizing committee for the Larval Biology Society! Get to know Shawn M. Arellano and Tyler Carrier!
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
🚨 In case you missed it… our 4-year time-series analysis of Arctic Ocean viruses is out now!
Near-monthly samples — including through the dark, cold, polar winter ❄️ — using long-read metagenomics.
Short thread 🧵👇
Near-monthly samples — including through the dark, cold, polar winter ❄️ — using long-read metagenomics.
Short thread 🧵👇
July 31, 2025 at 4:22 PM
🚨 In case you missed it… our 4-year time-series analysis of Arctic Ocean viruses is out now!
Near-monthly samples — including through the dark, cold, polar winter ❄️ — using long-read metagenomics.
Short thread 🧵👇
Near-monthly samples — including through the dark, cold, polar winter ❄️ — using long-read metagenomics.
Short thread 🧵👇
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
We are welcoming applications for a full professorship on Molecular and Evolutionary Zoology at Kiel Univerdity, Northern Germany, with fantastic facilities and infrastructure! @uni-kiel.de @crc1182.bsky.social @transevo.bsky.social www.nature.com/naturecareer...
W 3 professorship in Molecular and Evolutionary Zoology - Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein (DE) job with Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel | 12844416
Kiel University aims to attract more qualified women to professorship positions. The Institute of Zoology at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural...
www.nature.com
September 8, 2025 at 2:32 PM
We are welcoming applications for a full professorship on Molecular and Evolutionary Zoology at Kiel Univerdity, Northern Germany, with fantastic facilities and infrastructure! @uni-kiel.de @crc1182.bsky.social @transevo.bsky.social www.nature.com/naturecareer...
Zombie cells in the ocean, a perfect topic for Halloween here at RD3 of GEOMAR. Great talk by @janbruewer.bsky.social it was great to have you here.
Had the great pleasure introducing Zombie cells 🧟♂️ and my start up thalassys.com during a visit at @geomarkiel.bsky.social today. Intense meetings, interesting feedback and always good to catch up! Thanks @utehentschel.bsky.social for inviting me!
@mpimarinemicrobio.bsky.social
@mpimarinemicrobio.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Zombie cells in the ocean, a perfect topic for Halloween here at RD3 of GEOMAR. Great talk by @janbruewer.bsky.social it was great to have you here.
And here comes ASG Sponges genome note #15 for Corticium candelabrum, only the second genome for the class Homoscleromorpha, led by Manuel Maldonado, @lpita.bsky.social et al.
lnkd.in/e-huUn3i
Learn more: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
@moorefound.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social
lnkd.in/e-huUn3i
Learn more: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
@moorefound.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social
October 5, 2025 at 5:35 PM
And here comes ASG Sponges genome note #15 for Corticium candelabrum, only the second genome for the class Homoscleromorpha, led by Manuel Maldonado, @lpita.bsky.social et al.
lnkd.in/e-huUn3i
Learn more: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
@moorefound.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social
lnkd.in/e-huUn3i
Learn more: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
@moorefound.bsky.social @sangerinstitute.bsky.social
This promises to be interesting!
A genomic view of the bacterial family Endozoicomonadaceae in marine symbioses
www.nature.com/articles/s42... #jcampubs
www.nature.com/articles/s42... #jcampubs
A genomic view of the bacterial family Endozoicomonadaceae in marine symbioses - Communications Biology
This review explores the genomic diversity, ecology, and functional potential of the bacterial family Endozoicomonadaceae in marine symbioses, highlighting their mutualistic to parasitic spectrum and key gaps to be addressed in future research.
www.nature.com
October 3, 2025 at 5:03 PM
This promises to be interesting!
Interesting work on understudied sponge symbionts from the Arctic.
Check it out! Three Arctic sponge species, six years of observation, and seven symbiotic bacteria—six of which belong to novel candidate genera. An odyssey that began in 2016 is now complete!
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
#Sponges #Microbiome #Symbiosis #BacteriaSymbionts #Arctic
www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1...
#Sponges #Microbiome #Symbiosis #BacteriaSymbionts #Arctic
Taxonomically different symbiotic communities of sympatric Arctic sponge species show functional similarity with specialization at species level
Marine sponges harbor diverse communities of associated organisms, including eukaryotes, viruses, and bacteria. Sponge associated microbiomes contribute to the health of the host organisms by defendin...
www.biorxiv.org
September 28, 2025 at 4:07 AM
Interesting work on understudied sponge symbionts from the Arctic.
Genome note #14 on a sponge with a difficult name, Diacarnus erythraeanus, by Laura Steindler and team. A total of 9,758 sponge species have formally been described (WoRMS, as of Sept 2025) and the true diversity is still much higher.
lnkd.in/eaGnwXFA
lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
lnkd.in/eaGnwXFA
lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
September 24, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Genome note #14 on a sponge with a difficult name, Diacarnus erythraeanus, by Laura Steindler and team. A total of 9,758 sponge species have formally been described (WoRMS, as of Sept 2025) and the true diversity is still much higher.
lnkd.in/eaGnwXFA
lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
lnkd.in/eaGnwXFA
lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
Genome note #13 on the Maltese sponge Agelas oroides,led by M Maldonado and L Pita. This massive sponge is threatened by climate change.
wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/10-...
Learn more about the absorbing world of sponges: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
#GordonandBettyMooreFoundation #WellcomeSangerInstitute
wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/10-...
Learn more about the absorbing world of sponges: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
#GordonandBettyMooreFoundation #WellcomeSangerInstitute
September 18, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Genome note #13 on the Maltese sponge Agelas oroides,led by M Maldonado and L Pita. This massive sponge is threatened by climate change.
wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/10-...
Learn more about the absorbing world of sponges: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
#GordonandBettyMooreFoundation #WellcomeSangerInstitute
wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/10-...
Learn more about the absorbing world of sponges: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
#GordonandBettyMooreFoundation #WellcomeSangerInstitute
Genome note # 12 on the bath sponge, Spongia lamella, led by #RodrigoCosta, Thierry Perez & teams. Bath sponges boast over 5000 years of cultural heritage and were already used by the ancient Roman soldiers for personal hygiene.
lnkd.in/egRNPKMJ
#GordonBettyMooreFoundation, #WellcomeSanger
lnkd.in/egRNPKMJ
#GordonBettyMooreFoundation, #WellcomeSanger
September 18, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Genome note # 12 on the bath sponge, Spongia lamella, led by #RodrigoCosta, Thierry Perez & teams. Bath sponges boast over 5000 years of cultural heritage and were already used by the ancient Roman soldiers for personal hygiene.
lnkd.in/egRNPKMJ
#GordonBettyMooreFoundation, #WellcomeSanger
lnkd.in/egRNPKMJ
#GordonBettyMooreFoundation, #WellcomeSanger
Genome Note #11 on Petrosia ficiformis, one of the few sponges with intracellular symbionts, by Laura Steindler & team.
lnkd.in/eVFW_sMH
Learn more about the absorbing world of sponges: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
#GordonBettyMooreFoundation, #WellcomeSanger
lnkd.in/eVFW_sMH
Learn more about the absorbing world of sponges: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
#GordonBettyMooreFoundation, #WellcomeSanger
September 18, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Genome Note #11 on Petrosia ficiformis, one of the few sponges with intracellular symbionts, by Laura Steindler & team.
lnkd.in/eVFW_sMH
Learn more about the absorbing world of sponges: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
#GordonBettyMooreFoundation, #WellcomeSanger
lnkd.in/eVFW_sMH
Learn more about the absorbing world of sponges: lnkd.in/ehRap3CW
#GordonBettyMooreFoundation, #WellcomeSanger
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
Soaking up lots of love for sponges!
We’re proud to be sponsoring the World Sponge Conference in Portugal, kicking off five weeks from today. Click here to see the programme: worldspongecommunity.com/program/ #WSC2025
📸 Sponges of the SE Pacific. Schmidt Ocean Institute
@wscommunity.bsky.social
We’re proud to be sponsoring the World Sponge Conference in Portugal, kicking off five weeks from today. Click here to see the programme: worldspongecommunity.com/program/ #WSC2025
📸 Sponges of the SE Pacific. Schmidt Ocean Institute
@wscommunity.bsky.social
August 5, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Soaking up lots of love for sponges!
We’re proud to be sponsoring the World Sponge Conference in Portugal, kicking off five weeks from today. Click here to see the programme: worldspongecommunity.com/program/ #WSC2025
📸 Sponges of the SE Pacific. Schmidt Ocean Institute
@wscommunity.bsky.social
We’re proud to be sponsoring the World Sponge Conference in Portugal, kicking off five weeks from today. Click here to see the programme: worldspongecommunity.com/program/ #WSC2025
📸 Sponges of the SE Pacific. Schmidt Ocean Institute
@wscommunity.bsky.social
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
This week we’re at the World Sponge Conference in Portugal! Stay tuned for plenty of sponge-inspired content as we celebrate these ancient and vital ocean architects.
If you are attending this week, come and visit our booth, located at the theatre hall entrance.
@wscommunity.bsky.social
If you are attending this week, come and visit our booth, located at the theatre hall entrance.
@wscommunity.bsky.social
September 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM
This week we’re at the World Sponge Conference in Portugal! Stay tuned for plenty of sponge-inspired content as we celebrate these ancient and vital ocean architects.
If you are attending this week, come and visit our booth, located at the theatre hall entrance.
@wscommunity.bsky.social
If you are attending this week, come and visit our booth, located at the theatre hall entrance.
@wscommunity.bsky.social
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
🚨 Abstract Deadline Extended to 28 July 🚨
🌱 Don’t miss your chance to join leading researchers and explore the cutting edge of biodiversity genomics. Join today and help shape the future of biodiversity science!
🔬 Genome Evolution
🧬 Symbiosis Genomics
🌿 Genomics of Speciation
🌎 Ecological Genomics
🌱 Don’t miss your chance to join leading researchers and explore the cutting edge of biodiversity genomics. Join today and help shape the future of biodiversity science!
🔬 Genome Evolution
🧬 Symbiosis Genomics
🌿 Genomics of Speciation
🌎 Ecological Genomics
🚨 Abstract Deadline Approaching!
🧬 Are you passionate about decoding life through genomics and cutting-edge science?
📅 Don’t miss your chance—submit your abstract and register today!
👉 Apply now: bit.ly/4n9AuqN
🗓️ Abstract Deadline: 14 July 2025
#biodiversity #genomics
🧬 Are you passionate about decoding life through genomics and cutting-edge science?
📅 Don’t miss your chance—submit your abstract and register today!
👉 Apply now: bit.ly/4n9AuqN
🗓️ Abstract Deadline: 14 July 2025
#biodiversity #genomics
July 15, 2025 at 6:06 PM
🚨 Abstract Deadline Extended to 28 July 🚨
🌱 Don’t miss your chance to join leading researchers and explore the cutting edge of biodiversity genomics. Join today and help shape the future of biodiversity science!
🔬 Genome Evolution
🧬 Symbiosis Genomics
🌿 Genomics of Speciation
🌎 Ecological Genomics
🌱 Don’t miss your chance to join leading researchers and explore the cutting edge of biodiversity genomics. Join today and help shape the future of biodiversity science!
🔬 Genome Evolution
🧬 Symbiosis Genomics
🌿 Genomics of Speciation
🌎 Ecological Genomics
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
🌍🧽 The Aquatic Symbiosis Project, @utehentschel.bsky.social and @sangerinstitute.bsky.social are cranking out high-quality genome assemblies at record speed—setting the stage to answer remarkable questions about marine symbioses. 🌊🧬
👉 Blog: bit.ly/3INcrOA
📸 2 Elephant ear sponge: B. Mueller
👉 Blog: bit.ly/3INcrOA
📸 2 Elephant ear sponge: B. Mueller
July 15, 2025 at 5:55 PM
🌍🧽 The Aquatic Symbiosis Project, @utehentschel.bsky.social and @sangerinstitute.bsky.social are cranking out high-quality genome assemblies at record speed—setting the stage to answer remarkable questions about marine symbioses. 🌊🧬
👉 Blog: bit.ly/3INcrOA
📸 2 Elephant ear sponge: B. Mueller
👉 Blog: bit.ly/3INcrOA
📸 2 Elephant ear sponge: B. Mueller
Reposted by Ute Hentschel
🏆 Research integrity consultant and image forensics expert @elisabethbik.bsky.social has uncovered fraudulent data in over 7,600 scientific papers and exposed the practices of ‘paper mills’ that produce counterfeit scientific articles. She is honoured with the €200K Individual Award. Congrats!
March 14, 2025 at 10:14 PM
🏆 Research integrity consultant and image forensics expert @elisabethbik.bsky.social has uncovered fraudulent data in over 7,600 scientific papers and exposed the practices of ‘paper mills’ that produce counterfeit scientific articles. She is honoured with the €200K Individual Award. Congrats!