Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 19h

Join us this fall at #SRCKC25 for a deep dive into protein behavior, artificial intelligence, and the future of molecular #research. Hear from a previous attendee! ⬇️ #SciSky #AI

Learn more + register here: bit.ly/4m1BGvu

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 23h

Join us in celebrating 25 years of discovery at the Institute’s 25th Anniversary Symposium on Friday, November 14! Hear from world-class scientists and explore the breakthroughs shaping the next era of #biology. #Stowers25

✨ RSVP today: bit.ly/3KZPp8g

2

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 1d

A new study published in @natcomms.nature.com from the Piotrowski Lab reveals how a single gene can flip the fate of a sensory cell — a finding that could one day help restore hearing in humans. #hearingloss

🔗 Read here: bit.ly/3KAMMd4

How one gene flips the fate of sensory cells

Stowers scientists discover a master gene in zebrafish that determines hair cell type, a potential target for restoring hearing loss in humans

bit.ly

1 5

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 1d

Great presentations last week at #FridayScienceClub from @cameronwberry.bsky.social and Aditya Bhattacharya!

4

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 2d

Congratulations to Investigator @juliazeitlinger.bsky.social for being named one of Kansas City Business Journal's “20 to Know" in #KansasCity. A leader in applying AI to #genomics, Zeitlinger heads the Institute’s #AI Initiative & studies how genes are regulated. Read here➡️ bit.ly/42qwlGl

1

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 2d

This week's #MicroscopyMonday features a confocal #microscopy image that shows cell nuclei in #zebrafish skin (blue) and different types of skin ionocytes (magenta, orange). 🔬 (Piotrowski Lab)

2 19

Reposted by Stowers Institute

feña Palominos @fishfena.bsky.social · 4d

🚨 🚨 Science Alert: Join us by the end of the month at the @sacnas.bsky.social NDiSTEM 2025 Meeting! We’ll be hosting a workshop with Emma Rangel-Huerta from @stowersinstitute.bsky.social and @niasv.bsky.social from @ucscscience.bsky.social to talk about navigating a PhD in life sciences 🤩🫶

latinxdb.bsky.social @latinxdb.bsky.social · 6d

🚨LatinxDB organize: “Why didn’t I know this before? What to expect from a PhD or a postdoc in life sciences”

Thanks Estefania Vasquez, M. Fernanda Palominos and Emma Rangel for creating this space and discussion. @niasv.bsky.social @fishfena.bsky.social

Join us at 2025NDiSTEM @sacnas.bsky.social

3 10

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 6d

More scenes from the 3 days of invigorating discussion and collaboration! 📸

1

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 6d

That’s a wrap on the Avian Model Systems Meeting at the Institute! 🐦✨

Scientists came together in KC to share discoveries & highlight the power of birds in advancing biology—from evolution to regeneration. Thanks to all who joined!💡🌍

#AvianModels2025 #Biology #Science

2 3 12

Reposted by Stowers Institute

David L. Stern @gallseeker.bsky.social · 7d

It's official! We are moving to Stowers!
Very exciting opportunity to expand our studies of insect-plant interactions. We have many opportunities available in biochemistry, development, behavior, genetics, evolution, genomics, AI, and even pest control. Interested in any of these things? Reach out!

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 7d

NEWS🎉 We’re excited to announce @hhmijanelia.bsky.social Investigator David Stern will join the Institute from Janelia Research Campus. His lab studies how aphids transform plants at the genetic level, uncovering secrets of #evolution & new strategies for pest control. @hhmi.org bit.ly/4np96Fb

Stowers Institute recruits renowned developmental and evolutionary…

David Stern, Ph.D., brings groundbreaking research on insect–plant interactions for next-generation pest control to the Institute.

bit.ly

12 18 72

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 7d

(Part 2)

“From my first visit, I was struck by the energy and excitement...It feels like being a graduate student again, chasing curiosity wherever it leads."

@hhmi.org Investigator David Stern will join the Stowers Institute in Feb. 2026 from @hhmijanelia.bsky.social.

Read more: bit.ly/4np96Fb

5 6

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 7d

(Part 1) Hear from @hhmi_news Investigator David Stern about his research program and what he's uncovering in the lab.

Stern will join the Institute in February 2026, bringing his lab and HHMI appointment to Kansas City. @hhmi.org

Read more: bit.ly/4np96Fb

7 14

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 7d

NEWS🎉 We’re excited to announce @hhmijanelia.bsky.social Investigator David Stern will join the Institute from Janelia Research Campus. His lab studies how aphids transform plants at the genetic level, uncovering secrets of #evolution & new strategies for pest control. @hhmi.org bit.ly/4np96Fb

Stowers Institute recruits renowned developmental and evolutionary…

David Stern, Ph.D., brings groundbreaking research on insect–plant interactions for next-generation pest control to the Institute.

bit.ly

6 16

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 9d

✨ Day 1 of the XII Avian Model Systems Meeting is officially underway with scientists from across the globe gathered at the Institute! Together they will showcase the power of avian models in scientific research 🐦🔬 #AvianModels2025

Learn more: www.stowers.org/events/avian...

4

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 11d

Registration is open for #SRCKC25 AI-Driven Approaches to Emergent Protein Behaviors Oct. 22–24. Join a community of researchers exploring how #artificialintelligence is advancing our understanding of complex #protein behaviors.

Register + learn more: bit.ly/4m1BGvu

2

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 11d

✨ #Science meets #art ✨ To bring their discovery of Robertsonian chromosomes to life, the Gerton Lab partnered with @ella-maru.bsky.social. Together, they created a visual of how two chromosomes fuse — transforming complex science into an image that tells the story. #SciArt

More: bit.ly/4pJxSBw

2

Reposted by Stowers Institute

Gopal Kushawah @gopalkushawah.bsky.social · 11d

It is always a great pleasure to discuss your science with the scientific community you love the most. This time the platform was provided by #MidwestSDB25 @Cincinnatichildren's. Thanks for this opportunity @bazzinilab.bsky.social @stowersinstitute.bsky.social .

1 4

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 11d

🚨 Next week is #AvianModels25! Can’t make it to Kansas City? You can still join us virtually. 🖥️ Featuring keynote speakers Marianne Bronner & Olivier Pourquié! #SciSky #ResearchSky

👉 Register here: bit.ly/3ZBw2qS

Avian Models System Meeting Stowers Institute

Research Organisms in Flight: Revealing the Roots of Vertebrate Form and Function. The XII Avian Model Systems Meeting will showcase the integrative power…

bit.ly

2

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 12d

#CRC25 is a snapshot of what makes Stowers distinctive: scientists across disciplines coming together to share bold ideas – take a peek at what this year's conference looked like. ⬇️ #biology #collaboration

www.stowers.org/news/crossro...

Crossroads Research Conference 2025 wrap-up

Stowers scientists presented novel research aimed to inspire scientific discussion, collaboration, and discovery — without shortcuts.

www.stowers.org

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 12d

Then ➡️ Now: From a construction site to a 200-seat auditorium, this space has become the heart of our campus gatherings—hosting scientific seminars, Friday Science Club, and community events. #Stowers25

See more of our campus 25 years ago vs. today: bit.ly/4nmrEpn

Reposted by Stowers Institute

Cyril Ribeyre @cyril-ribeyre.bsky.social · 12d

Really interesting, here's the link to the original paper www.nature.com/articles/s41...

1 3

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 12d

🚨 Landmark discovery in The Scientist: For the first time, the Gerton Lab & collaborators sequenced Robertsonian chromosomes—structural variants linked to Down syndrome & #cancer, revealing the exact #DNA breakpoints that cause them.

📰Full story: bit.ly/4mDHevN

Exact Breakpoints in Robertsonian Chromosomes, Common Structural Variants, Revealed

For the first time, scientists sequenced Robertsonian chromosomes, which can cause Down syndrome and cancer.

bit.ly

Stowers Institute @stowersinstitute.bsky.social · 13d

Science takes flight at the XII Avian Model Systems Meeting — and you can attend virtually! 💻 #AvianModels25 #DevBio

Register NOW: bit.ly/3ZBw2qS

Avian Models System Meeting Stowers Institute

Research Organisms in Flight: Revealing the Roots of Vertebrate Form and Function. The XII Avian Model Systems Meeting will showcase the integrative power…

bit.ly

1 2

Reposted by Stowers Institute

Adam Phillippy @aphillippy.bsky.social · 13d

Also the lead story on Washington Post's Science page today, featuring Jen looking at a colorless liquid in a tube! 🧪 Thanks for the gracious quotes @glennislogsdon.bsky.social! [3/3] www.washingtonpost.com/science/2025...

For decades, scientists puzzled over a genetic anomaly. They just solved it.

By examining “junk DNA,” scientists are finding clues to understanding human biology.

www.washingtonpost.com

1 5

Reposted by Stowers Institute

Adam Phillippy @aphillippy.bsky.social · 13d

🚂 The T2T train keeps rolling: "The formation and propagation of human Robertsonian chromosomes" with Gerton and Garrison labs is out! What's a Robertsonian chromosome? Let Jen tell you herself in this great video, or read our paper: [1/3]
📺 youtu.be/JmlY5omxQVc
📄 www.nature.com/articles/s41...

How Stowers Scientists Found the DNA Site Where Robertsonian Chromosomes Fuse

YouTube video by Stowers Institute for Medical Research

youtu.be

2 27 41