Martin Smith
@martinalexsmith.bsky.social
610 followers 260 following 2.7K posts
🧬 Genomics | RNA Biology | AI & Nanopore Sequencing | Biotech & Innovation 🔬 Director @ramacgenomics.bsky.social | A/Prof @ UNSW BABS | RNA Institute 🌍 Exploring genomes, RNA, & the future of precision medicine 🏕️🥾🎣🚴 Science, adventure & good coffee
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martinalexsmith.bsky.social
🌿 Advancing Genomics Together!

In 2022-23, the Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics @UNSW:

📊 Processed 220K+ samples
🔬 Supported 1,000+ research projects
🧬 Featured in 282 publications

Explore how we drive discovery and innovation: www.ramaciotti.unsw.edu.au/about/annual...
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Adaptive sampling #WGS is moving from bench to bedside. Our work delivers SNV, structural & methylation insights on @nanoporetech.com with molecular signals emerging in minutes, not days. Watch this space 👀 #cancer #genomicAI #MultiOmics #bioinformatics @cra-chusj.bsky.social
tinyurl.com/4d337djb
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
If we doubled the allocation of MRFF grants, the fund would break even after 10 years BUT there would be twice as many economic returns from biomedical research innovations, boosting GDP and Australia's highly skilled workforce.
As a reminder, the estimated long term ROI for MRFF grants is $4:$1
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Given how stingy public research funding is overall, it's shocking that the #MRFF only spends 50% of what is allocated in the budget.
This funds highly impactful, translational research focused fund that can DIRECTLY address the economic burdens of the healthcare system + improved patient outcomes
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Genomics is the future of cancer treatment.
The PAGES project is making sure Aboriginal Australians are part of that future.

🎬 Watch now 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRfX...

#precisionMedicine #healthEquity #genomics #firstNations
The PAGES Study
YouTube video by Co-Design Health Research & Innovation
www.youtube.com
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Asking someone how they define a gene leads to really insightful answers (at least when they respond with something beyond a protein coding sequence), but there clearly is room for refinement.

A "unit of hereditary function" is my broad definition, with 'unit' and 'function' open to interpretation
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
So you would define a gene by its promoter and coding sequence?
What about overlapping isoforms with partial protein sequence and different promoter/TSS?
Conversely, what about a segmental duplication/paralog with identical RNA coding sequence but different promoters?
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Another case for distinct genes: polycistrons in bacteria, kinetoplastidae, and mitochondria
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Analogously, is a microRNA considered a different gene to it's pre-miRNA?
A case for the affirmative: snoRNAs are clearly annotated as distinct genes form their host transcripts, which are (often) intronic regions of mRNAs
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Existential #RNAsky question for the weekend:
If two RNA products share the same promoter/TSS, but have different 5' ends (one is processed out of longer transcript) and are differentially expressed, are they different isoforms or distinct genes?
a man with a white wig and beard is standing in front of trees
ALT: a man with a white wig and beard is standing in front of trees
media.tenor.com
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
LLM chat bot generated requests for HDR supervision are so generic and obvious, it makes sifting through applications that much easier.
I'm concerned for new tenure track academics -- I hope they can sniff out these copy paste requests, maybe by using honeypots on university research profiles?
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Don't miss @osvaldoics.bsky.social in the flesh next Tuesday in Sydney
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Some exciting #SingleCell events with #ParseBio coming up this month at @ramacgenomics.bsky.social 🧬

9 Sept: SPLiT-Seq Tech Showcase Seminar 🔗 tinyurl.com/bddc5zc3

15 Sept: Application deadline for discounted Parse Evercode WT Mini v3 Kit promotion 🔗 tinyurl.com/yc84zmfm
📩 [email protected]
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Some exciting #SingleCell events with #ParseBio coming up this month at @ramacgenomics.bsky.social 🧬

9 Sept: SPLiT-Seq Tech Showcase Seminar 🔗 tinyurl.com/bddc5zc3

15 Sept: Application deadline for discounted Parse Evercode WT Mini v3 Kit promotion 🔗 tinyurl.com/yc84zmfm
📩 [email protected]
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Congratulations to @hasindu2008.bsky.social form #UNSW Computer Science and Engineering for wearing a tuxedo last night 👏🏻
Also for being awarded the #EurekaPrize for outstanding early career researcher, showcase his pioneering and impacftful research in #bioinformatics software
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Prof Cecile King finishing her #ARNASydney2025 talk on biomolecular condensates by promoting the upcoming (free) symposium on the topic in November
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Early bird deadline extended for #AGTA #AGTA2025
This year will be quite different, with a big focus on tech, low cost Rego, digital engagement, and in a central location.
Don't miss the ECR events, exhibitor lounges (à la AGBT) and two lightning talk sessions, open to industry members: agta2025.com
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Early bird deadline extended for #AGTA #AGTA2025
This year will be quite different, with a big focus on tech, low cost Rego, digital engagement, and in a central location.
Don't miss the ECR events, exhibitor lounges (à la AGBT) and two lightning talk sessions, open to industry members: agta2025.com
Reposted by Martin Smith
selfdz.bsky.social
Yesterday we had a brilliant start to #ARNASydney2025. We kicked off with the #RNA in neuroscience & RNA tech, AI & Bioinformatics sessions. Speakers included @sergiuppasca.bsky.social, Mike Clark, @sabaaltaf.bsky.social, Nicole Green and several others

#RNASky @unswrna.bsky.social
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
Prof Nils Walter from U.Michigan back in Sydney, mentions it's his favourite place!
Opening up the #ARNASydney2025 structure, chemistry and dynamics session.
Reposted by Martin Smith
twbredy.bsky.social
#A-RNA2025 off to a great start. @martinalexsmith.bsky.social sharing his views on why lncRNAs should no longer be consider wallflowers.
martinalexsmith.bsky.social
The annual meeting of the Australasian RNA association is on for the next 3 days at UTS.
Possibly one of the longest hashtags ever #ARNASydney2025