Joshua Lüdtke
@joshualudtke.bsky.social
He/him. Mammalian paleontology PhD candidate on hiatus. On Kumeyaay lands. This fall I work as a biology instructor and a mitigation paleontologist. The Zionist entity's settler colonial occupation of Palestine is illegal, unethical, and immoral.
"Former presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden will pay their respects, along with former vice presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore and Dan Quayle."
Al why you going to Dick Cheney's funeral he helped steal your White House.
Kamala why you going, he helped you lose your White House.
Al why you going to Dick Cheney's funeral he helped steal your White House.
Kamala why you going, he helped you lose your White House.
November 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM
"Former presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden will pay their respects, along with former vice presidents Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Al Gore and Dan Quayle."
Al why you going to Dick Cheney's funeral he helped steal your White House.
Kamala why you going, he helped you lose your White House.
Al why you going to Dick Cheney's funeral he helped steal your White House.
Kamala why you going, he helped you lose your White House.
Bad decision by a journal that knows better
November 18, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Bad decision by a journal that knows better
Some good fashion content for the STEM majors out here who need it
#2025SVP travel advice: as soon as you get to your hotel room find the ironing board and iron and iron all your shirts and suit jacket, if you plan on dressing to impress. Hang everything up in the hotel closet and it will stay wrinkle free until you need it. Then go and hang out (or nap)
November 9, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Some good fashion content for the STEM majors out here who need it
Sharon Begley wrote a fantastic review of the disturbing life of James Watson
A Sharon Begley byline, almost 5 years after her death.
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
Upon hearing the news James Watson had died, a STAT reporter said in our Slack, "I wish I could read what Sharon would have written."
Incredible news: Sharon in fact did pre-write a Watson obit. And it is masterful and excoriating.
🧪🧬🧫
James Watson, dead at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers
James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA who died Thursday at 97, was a scientific legend and a pariah among his peers.
www.statnews.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Sharon Begley wrote a fantastic review of the disturbing life of James Watson
Truly some of the coolest mammals out there
The platypus’s bill has 40000 electroreceptors and 60000 mechanoreceptors. It senses tiny electric fields and water movements from prey. Sweeping its bill side to side, the platypus finds hidden food underwater, hunting well even in the dark or cloudy water. ⚡🌊
#SciComm 🧪
#SciComm 🧪
November 9, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Truly some of the coolest mammals out there
Good addendum to any incomplete articles about James Watson
It's irritating that they describe the effects of his racism as limited to causing controversy within science and reputational consequences for himself rather than giving an immeasurable boost, false veneer of legitimacy, and idiot-friendly prestige to modern scientific racism and eugenics.
James D. Watson died on Thursday in East Northport, N.Y., on Long Island. He was 97.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/s...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/s...
November 8, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Good addendum to any incomplete articles about James Watson
Watching the NYC mayoral campaign from afar, it's been fascinating because a candidate actually showed that he wanted to work for his constituents. And the constituents respected, and voted, for that. Seems like something the national Democratic Party could learn from. If they choose to learn.
November 5, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Watching the NYC mayoral campaign from afar, it's been fascinating because a candidate actually showed that he wanted to work for his constituents. And the constituents respected, and voted, for that. Seems like something the national Democratic Party could learn from. If they choose to learn.
A good article on the Francevillian fossils (?), the most interesting 2.1 billion year old rocks on planet Earth
In 2010, a scientist argued that 2.1 billion-year-old African specimens showed complex life appearing 500 million years ahead of schedule. His critics say they are — literally — fool's gold. At stake? The question of when and how complex life arose at all.
My cover story (!) for @sciam.bsky.social!
My cover story (!) for @sciam.bsky.social!
These Enigmatic ‘Fossils’ Could Rewrite the History of Life on Earth
Controversial evidence hints that complex life might have emerged hundreds of millions of years earlier than previously thought—and possibly more than once
www.scientificamerican.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:27 PM
A good article on the Francevillian fossils (?), the most interesting 2.1 billion year old rocks on planet Earth
I'll just print up this list and distribute it to all the colleges and universities nearby
I actually don't really care if AI is useful/interesting/good for some things in education actually - it is besides these things clearly a big problem already that maybe need listing yet again:
October 12, 2025 at 12:49 AM
I'll just print up this list and distribute it to all the colleges and universities nearby
New molarization research for your Sunday morning read
Ashbaugh, A.J., Jamniczky, H.A. & Theodor, J.M. Tying the knot between morphology and development: using the patterning cascade model between cheek teeth to study the evolution of molarization in hoofed mammals. J Mammal Evol 32, 23 (2025). doi.org/10.1007/s109...
Tying the knot between morphology and development: using the patterning cascade model between cheek teeth to study the evolution of molarization in hoofed mammals - Journal of Mammalian Evolution
Hoofed mammal premolars show a range of occlusal crown morphology from molariform to caniniform, and the position of taxa on this spectrum can be described as the relative molarization of the premolars. Molarized premolars function together with the molars in grinding mastication in which these unique premolars appear. The degree of molarization varies across dietary ecologies, which has led to cheek tooth morphology being designated as an important contributor to dietary predictions in extant and extinct taxa. Recent research into mammalian occlusal cheek tooth patterning have found independent patterning mechanisms of the premolars and molars. A research gap exists in understand how molarization of the premolars has occurred so frequently in hoofed mammals if these dental regions are independent in their patterning. In this study, we tested the application of the patterning cascade model to the lower premolar-molar boundary in hoofed mammals using a geometric morphometrics framework. We used 2D geometric morphometrics to study occlusal cuspid covariation at the lower p4-m1 boundaries of 16 artiodactyl and 18 perissodactyl species. Phylogenetically informed modularity analyses were used to test alternate a priori hypotheses originating from evolutionary, developmental, and functional considerations of cheek tooth morphogenesis. Our results showed artiodactyls and perissodactyls differ significantly in their p4-m1 boundary covariation patterns, which we hypothesize could be caused by heterochronic shifts between premolar and molar development. To our knowledge, our study is the first to contribute a comprehensive yet accessible 2D geometric morphometric method to further investigate the evolution of molarized premolars.
doi.org
October 5, 2025 at 2:43 PM
New molarization research for your Sunday morning read
Fresh new inner ear development paper
Ontogeny of murine bony semicircular canal form - Cárdenas‐Serna - The Anatomical Record - Wiley Online Library anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
Ontogeny of murine bony semicircular canal form
The labyrinthine geometry and functional anatomy of the semicircular canals have intrigued scientists for decades, and there has been considerable interest in understanding how these complex structur...
anatomypubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
October 5, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Fresh new inner ear development paper
Important to remember that Goodall worked with others, was not just one person randomly out there.
As a primatologist, Jane Goodall was a huge inspiration to me. I admired the way she describes chimpanzee behavior with such detail and empathy, and she’s inspired so many people and advocated for chimpanzee conservation and welfare.
However, I'm dismayed at what her narrative leaves out (1/10)
However, I'm dismayed at what her narrative leaves out (1/10)
October 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Important to remember that Goodall worked with others, was not just one person randomly out there.
One of the great errors of the Obama Administration (and it happened for obvious reasons but still) was a lack of accountability for the surveillance and torture apparati of the Bush Administration. Disbanding ICE in 2009 would have helped right the course of America. But instead...
When this all ends, and it will, there can’t be any olive branches extended, especially for ICE. Accountability, punishment, defunding, and ridicule are the only things that need to be on the menu.
October 4, 2025 at 9:30 PM
One of the great errors of the Obama Administration (and it happened for obvious reasons but still) was a lack of accountability for the surveillance and torture apparati of the Bush Administration. Disbanding ICE in 2009 would have helped right the course of America. But instead...
This slaps
We are thrilled to announce that our NEW Large Language Model will be released on 11.18.25.
October 1, 2025 at 4:31 PM
This slaps
New mammoth content
Genomic and morphological analysis reveals long-term mammoth hybridization in British Columbia, Canada 🧪⚒️
royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...
royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...
Genomic and morphological analysis reveals long-term mammoth hybridization in British Columbia, Canada | Biology Letters
Climate changes profoundly impact species distributions and can drastically alter
dynamics between formerly isolated taxa. The evolution of mammoths within North America
was characterized by repeated ...
royalsocietypublishing.org
September 29, 2025 at 12:57 AM
New mammoth content
Whatever any of us want to say about Joe Biden, we have to be honest and admit that he acted completely delulu about his 2024 election chances. That series of choices by him directly negatively impacted his Vice President's ability to run for office; he set her up for failure, because of his ego.
It's not "sour grapes." Harris's loss tells us a larger story about how male leaders all too often sabotage female leaders.
Men screw things up, ask women to fix it, and then blame women when that proves impossible.
www.salon.com/2025/09/26/k...
Men screw things up, ask women to fix it, and then blame women when that proves impossible.
www.salon.com/2025/09/26/k...
Kamala Harris is right: Biden set her up to fail
Glass cliff theory shows how women only get power after men screwed everything up
www.salon.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Whatever any of us want to say about Joe Biden, we have to be honest and admit that he acted completely delulu about his 2024 election chances. That series of choices by him directly negatively impacted his Vice President's ability to run for office; he set her up for failure, because of his ego.
What an incredible paper
What are the biggest questions in #paleontology? New paper out today in Paleobiology led by Smith & Kiessling with ~200 coauthors on the relevance of our field, methods, & museum collections to climate & biodiversity research🦖 #FossilFriday @paleosoc.bsky.social 🔗: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
September 26, 2025 at 2:25 PM
What an incredible paper
Looking forward to reading this
In an article published in @edweek.org, NCSE Executive Director Amanda L. Townley discusses the need to revitalize science education, rebuild the public's trust, and support teachers.
www.edweek.org/teaching-lea...
#EduSky #EduSci #scied #k12
www.edweek.org/teaching-lea...
#EduSky #EduSci #scied #k12
Science Is Losing the Battle for America’s Trust. How Schools Can Help (Opinion)
I grew up a creationist and became a science educator. Here’s what I know about building trust in science.
www.edweek.org
September 10, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Looking forward to reading this
Was able to help this guy eat this cake. Also looked at some whale fossils I don't pretend to understand. Rather rude of whales to have acoustic-adjacent osteology that just casually detaches from the rest of the cranial skeleton.
I spent the last day of my 30s and the first day of my 40s snorkeling with friends (with attached and removable fins), and had some of my closest friends and colleagues over to look at far too many whale specimens. @tetrameryx.bsky.social baked her most beautiful cake yet 😍
September 7, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Was able to help this guy eat this cake. Also looked at some whale fossils I don't pretend to understand. Rather rude of whales to have acoustic-adjacent osteology that just casually detaches from the rest of the cranial skeleton.
Good perissodactyl content
Anyway this is the single biggest brontothere skull ever found. It may look like a rhino but this is an elephant-sized animal.
September 3, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Good perissodactyl content
Good Kyrgyzstan fossil content
It’s My Little Pony day just for @captainfossil.bsky.social here in Kyrgyzstan today! #LiveFromTheField
August 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Good Kyrgyzstan fossil content
An important update on a matter that, unfortunately, continues to be an example of capitalism (in the form of auction houses) happening with little to no regard for ethical management of limited resources.
An ultra-wealthy fossil enthusiast could make more impact in the progress of paleo-science through supportive philanthropy, rather than simply adding another trophy to their estate. Investment in exploration outmatches the quiet vanity of personal acquisition.
theconversation.com/fossils-are-...
theconversation.com/fossils-are-...
Fossils are scientific evidence, and shouldn’t be auctioned for millions to private buyers
Dinosaur fossils are sold for millions to private collectors. These fossils are scientific evidence, and need to be accessible for research and public education.
theconversation.com
August 19, 2025 at 3:47 PM
An important update on a matter that, unfortunately, continues to be an example of capitalism (in the form of auction houses) happening with little to no regard for ethical management of limited resources.
Not all people should be taken seriously. All of us are hilariously under- or misinformed on some issues, and societies can not progress if we pretend that all people are equally arguing in good faith from fact-based opinions.
"I think in order to bring people together on this, we also have to take everyone seriously."
He's talking about bigots, let's not mince words.
He's talking about bigots, let's not mince words.
Pete Buttigieg Doubles Down on Comments About the “Fairness” of Trans People in Sports
“I think in order to bring people together on this, we also have to take everyone seriously."
www.them.us
August 7, 2025 at 8:21 PM
Not all people should be taken seriously. All of us are hilariously under- or misinformed on some issues, and societies can not progress if we pretend that all people are equally arguing in good faith from fact-based opinions.
This does not sound good. Making sound conservation biology choices will help Earth's biota best navigate the biodiversity crisis, so honest and critical discussions about outlandish "solutions" need to happen.
Critics of de-extinction research hit by mystery smear campaign www.newscientist.com/article/2490...
Critics of de-extinction research hit by mystery smear campaign
Several researchers who have been critical of Colossal Biosciences’ plans to revive extinct animals say they have been targeted by online articles trying to discredit them
www.newscientist.com
July 31, 2025 at 2:01 PM
This does not sound good. Making sound conservation biology choices will help Earth's biota best navigate the biodiversity crisis, so honest and critical discussions about outlandish "solutions" need to happen.
Obviously there are so many topics that are more important than Epstein.
But.
There has been a full decade wherein Trump has become viewed as politically viable. That needs to end unless America just wants to be ruled by him (and/or his handpicked lackeys) for years (at least) more. Attack on this.
But.
There has been a full decade wherein Trump has become viewed as politically viable. That needs to end unless America just wants to be ruled by him (and/or his handpicked lackeys) for years (at least) more. Attack on this.
Not every Democrat wants to talk about Epstein during the August recess.
“Candidly, this whole thing is just such bulls**t,” one House Dem told @axios.com
Problem Solvers co-chair Suozzi says he is “not really focused” on Epstein and prefers to talk about health care. www.axios.com/2025/07/24/j...
“Candidly, this whole thing is just such bulls**t,” one House Dem told @axios.com
Problem Solvers co-chair Suozzi says he is “not really focused” on Epstein and prefers to talk about health care. www.axios.com/2025/07/24/j...
"This whole thing is just such bulls**t": Not every Democrat wants to talk about Epstein
"I don't think this issue is big outside the Beltway," one prominent centrist House Democrat told Axios.
www.axios.com
July 25, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Obviously there are so many topics that are more important than Epstein.
But.
There has been a full decade wherein Trump has become viewed as politically viable. That needs to end unless America just wants to be ruled by him (and/or his handpicked lackeys) for years (at least) more. Attack on this.
But.
There has been a full decade wherein Trump has become viewed as politically viable. That needs to end unless America just wants to be ruled by him (and/or his handpicked lackeys) for years (at least) more. Attack on this.