Extensive genetic differentiation detected within a model marsupial, the tammar wallaby (Notamacropus eugenii)
By: Eldridge, Mark DB, Emily J. Miller, Linda E. Neaves, Kyall R. Zenger, and Catherine A. Herbert. PloS one 12, no. 3 (2017): e0172777. | Find with Google Scholar »
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Dear all,
Nothing much from me this week – busy working on fixing department webpages! Enjoy this bumper edition!
cheerio,
Michelle
Save the Date
This coming week 27th – 31st March
Wed 29th: Morning Tea with HoD; 10:30am – 11am; The Hill.
Wed 29th: Weekly Seminar – Professor David Warton of University of NSW; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
Thurs 30th: Writing Workshop; 2:30-4:30pm; E8A 280 (Biology Tea Room).
Following week 3rd – 7th April
Tues 4th: Department meeting; lunch from 12.30 followed by regular meeting at 1pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
Wed 5th: Morning Tea with HoD; 10:30am – 11am; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
Wed 5th: Weekly Seminar – Associate Professor Clare McArthur of University of Sydney; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
Wed 5th: Research Enrichment Program – Bookclub: “How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors,” Ch 5-6; 4pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
Thurs 6th: Department social with drinks in the courtyard; 5pm
Coming up
April 19th: Research Enrichment Program – Bookclub: “How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors,” Ch 7-8; 4pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
May 3rd: Research Enrichment Program – Bookclub: “How to get a PhD: a handbook for students and their supervisors,” Ch 9-12; 4pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
June 13 – 15th: HDR Conference; Timetable TBA; Location TBA.
Department seminar schedule
Apr 12th: Weekly Seminar – Professor John Mattick, Executive Director, Garvan Institute of Medical Research; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
Apr 19th: Weekly Seminar – Departmental ECR’s; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
Apr 26th: Weekly Seminar – Departmental ECRs – Koa Webster & James Lawson; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
May 3rd: Weekly Seminar – Associate Professor Tim Parker, Whitman College, Washington; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
May 10th: Weekly Seminar – Associate Professor Eddie Holmes, The University of Sydney; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
May 17th: Weekly Seminar – Associate Professor Vanessa Hayes, The University of Sydney and The Garvan Institute; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
May 24th: Weekly Seminar – Professor Mike Archer, The University of NSW, PANGEA Research Centre & CREATE School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
May 31st: Weekly Seminar – Professor Michael Romero, Tufts University; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
June 7th: Weekly Seminar – Dr Ceridwen Fraser, ANU; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
June 14th: Weekly Seminar – Dr Caragh Threlfall, The University of Melbourne; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
June 21st: Weekly Seminar – Professor Bill Ballard, The University of NSW; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
June 28th: Weekly Seminar – Professor Madeleine Beekman, The University of Sydney; 1pm – 2pm; E8A-280 (Biology Tea Room).
General News and Announcements
Congratulations to Emeritus Professor Dick Frankham
Huge congratulations to Dick Frankham who has been awarded the MJD White Medal of the Genetics Society of Australasia for 2017!
Outreach
Do you have any outreach activities coming up or recently completed? DON’T FORGET to let us know via the outreach form – (an average of 1min 46sec to fill in but worth so much more in terms of brownie points for the department) – ACCESS OUTREACH FORM HERE
Flu-begone!
https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/wellbeing/staff-flu-shots
Making the Department More Inclusive – Call for Working Group
We are forming a ‘diversity and inclusion’ working group to develop and implement activities for the Department in 2017. We hope to increase awareness and inclusiveness of the diversity in our staff and students in everything we do in the Department. Please email Mariella <marie.herberstein@mq.edu.au> if you want to join the working group.
DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR SERIES
Day/Date/Time/Place: Wednesday, 29th March, 1-2pm, E8A-280 (Tea Room)
Speaker: Professor David Warton of University of NSW.
Title: The Case of the Missing Model: The Modernisation of Multivariate Analysis in Ecology
Abstract: For the best part of four decades, multivariate analysis in ecology has diverged substantially from mainstream statistics, perhaps because state-of-the-art in 1980’s statistics was not capable of handling the complexity frequently seen in multivariate abundance data simultaneously collected across many species. But the methods developed in the ecological literature, still widely used today, have some serious shortcomings that suggest they are fast approaching their use-by date.
James O’Hanlon Farewell
$$$PRIZES$$$
It’s time to dob in a colleague!
Do you think someone in the department is a Young, Tall Poppy? (YNB, “young” = < 35)? Applications for this prestigious prize close on Monday 10 April. Selection criteria includes excellence in research and in communication of science.
There are several other prizes coming up, and I need your help to identify people we should nominate. Please spend 5 minutes going through these and send me (Linda Beaumont) some names.
Australian Academy of Science Honorific awards: Early and mid career awards, as well as lifetime achievement. https://www.science.org.au/opportunities-scientists/recognition/honorific-awards. Closes 20 April 2017.
Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science, for mid-career researchers (8-15 years post-PhD). https://www.science.org.au/opportunities-scientists/recognition/honorific-awards/mid-career-awards/nancy-millis-medal-women. Closes 20 April 2017.
Australian Ecology Research Award. http://www.ecolsoc.org.au/research/aera. Closes 30 April, 2017.
Australian Museum Eureka Prizes: For Research & Innovation or Leadership or Citizen Science. https://eureka-entry.australianmuseum.net.au/. Closes 5 May 2017.
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, 2017 Tinker-Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica. USD$100,000. http://www.scar.org/2017/1010-muse-prize. Closes 17 May 2017.
Do You Want Help to Improve Your Writing?
Ken Cheng and Jennifer Hallinan run weekly writing workshops, Thursdays 2:30-4:30pm in the bio tea room.
These writing workshops are meant for HDR students and early-career researchers. In these face-to-face encounters, writing at any stage of any genre is welcome, from first draft to final polish, from empirical paper to literature review to popular news story. The sessions will involve personal feedback linked perhaps with rounds of revisions on selected passages during the session, but will vary depending on the needs of participants. The aim is not just to get stuff written, but to write everything well.
Those interested in attending a session must email both Ken Cheng <ken.cheng@mq.edu.au> and Jennifer Hallinan <jennifer.hallinan@mq.edu.au> by Wednesday 12:00 to let them know you are coming AND give an indication of what you’ll need help with (preferably with a draft attached).
Better Communicating the ‘Why’ of Research
This video might be be helpful in communicating your core message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sioZd3AxmnE
March Volunteers List
The March Volunteers List is now available. Please contact Ray Duell <ray.duell@mq.edu.au> if you would like access to it, however, please remember that Ray doesn’t maintain the list. Any additions to the list should be addressed to the form at the end of this page.
Opportunity for HDR students to study in USA in 2018 – applications due 12th June
The Australian Academy of Science invites applications from junior Australian scientists, who are 30 years of age at the time of application, to visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States of America during 2018 for between 6 and 13 weeks. The deadline for applications is 9am (AEST) Monday 12th June 2017. At the time of application, applicants should:
- have an intent to enrol in PhD study in an Australian institution
- be in the first two years of a PhD degree or equivalent
- be in the final year of a masters or a bachelors with honours degree or
- have completed a masters or a bachelors with honours degree
The successful applicant will receive a contribution towards the direct return air travel between Australia and the host institution up to a maximum of $2600AUD, and a once off living allowance of up to a maximum of $400AUD, provided by the Adam J. Berry Memorial Fund (AJBMF). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) will provide a small daily stipend during the participant’s stay in America.
Plant of the Week
Ferns!
Call for Thursday Drinks Team Members!
We hope you enjoyed the drinks and pizza yesterday! Due to thesis completion, job, and fieldwork obligations, our team is down to just about 1 person from July. So if you’d like these to continue on the same schedule, please consider helping us out. The time commitment is very small (a few hours, 2-4 Thursdays per year, max!), but provides a social and fun event for the department. If you’ve enjoyed attending the events in the past or just want to meet new people, you’d be a perfect addition to the team. Get in touch with Maria, Laura, James, Kiara or Louis if you can help out. Email, find us around the Biology buildings, or better yet – come to our next Thursday Drinks on 6 April and talk to us there!
Research Grant on Single Cell
This year QIAGEN are running their second research grant program which is focused on single cell research and making improvements in life possible.
This is part of an on-going initiative from QIAGEN Australia to work more collaboratively with the research community, and hopefully support a small project that might enhance a researcher’s chances of securing further funding down the track.
With the recent release of QIAscout, a new device that fits to most inverted microscopes, picking cells just got a lot easier. The unit is simple to use, and gives all researchers the ability to isolate viable, single cells. The successful applicant will receive a QIAscout for the duration of the grant redemption period, as well as $30,000 worth of QIAGEN reagents dedicated to analysis of DNA and RNA from single cells.
QIAGEN would like to provide as many researchers as possible with the opportunity to apply for this grant.
The website for the grant is here: Single Cell Research Grant, and I have also attached a flyer with more information.
Applications are very simple and short (for those with grant writing fatigue!) and they close on 31st March 2017.
QIAGEN hope this will spark the interest of anyone who is currently analyzing single cells, or would like to do so!
Please let Shilpa Choudhary <Shilpa.Choudhary@qiagen.com> know if you have any questions, and feel free to forward her details to any interested people.
The Importance of Imagery
The Institute of Photonics and Optical Science (IPOS) and the School of Physics of the University of Sydney invite you to attend the Dr Peter Domachuk Memorial Lecture. The lecture was established in honour of Peter’s outstanding contribution and commitment to optofluidics and biophotonics research.
We are proud to announce that Professor Dame Athene Donald from Cambridge University will be presenting this year’s lecture. This is Professor Donald’s first visit to Australia, so don’t miss the chance to see her live.
When: Tuesday, 4 April 2017, 5.45 p.m. for a 6 p.m. start
Where: Harry Messel Lecture Theatre, Sydney Nanoscience Hub, The University of Sydney
RSVP: To secure your free place, please register online by 31 March 2017
Abstract: In biology there have been many approaches to imaging samples in their natural state at high resolution beyond the diffraction limit of the light microscope. For many years I pursued the technique of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy, attempting to look at samples ranging from bread dough and onions, to mammalian cells and leaves. I will discuss the challenges and open questions the technique posed plus why I think it has not been more widely adopted as novel optical approaches have transformed biological research.
However, images matter far more widely than just within the science community. Reaching out to politicians and educators images can be really powerful in conveying key messages. When engaging the public too, images, are vitally important in catching their interest and putting fundamental ideas across: Powerpoint alone will never work! Finally, in our day to day lives, images convey (or can counter) stereotypes, which have their own importance in encouraging – and discouraging – children and young adults in their career choices. Image and imagery matters for scientists in every direction they look.
For further information, please visit the event homepage or contact Vera Brinkel.
Research Assistant Needed for Predator-Prey Behavioural Trials
Mariella is looking for a part-time casual research assistant to run behavioural trials using vertebrate and invertebrate predators. Experience in running behavioural trials necessary, with vertebrates desirable.
Email Mariella: <marie.herberstein@mq.edu.au>
Academic Positions @ The University of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle is advertising for an Associate Professor in Environmental Science and an Associate Professor in Conservation Biology (link below) within the School of Environmental and Life Sciences.
https://www.newcastle.edu.au/about-uon/jobs-at-uon/job-vacancies
New Publications
Place avoidance learning and memory in a jumping spider
By: Peckmezian, Tina, and Phillip W. Taylor. Animal Cognition (2016): 1-10. | Find with Google Scholar »The ecology of human mobility
By: Meekan, Mark G., Carlos M. Duarte, Juan Fernández-Gracia, Michele Thums, Ana MM Sequeira, Rob Harcourt, and Víctor M. Eguíluz. Trends in Ecology & Evolution (2017). | Find with Google Scholar »Variability in sea ice cover and climate elicit sex specific responses in an Antarctic predator
By: Labrousse S, Sallée JB, Fraser AD, Massom RA, Reid P, Hobbs W, Guinet C, Harcourt R, McMahon C, Authier M, Bailleul F. Scientific Reports. 2017;7. | Find with Google Scholar »Changes in biomass allocation buffer low CO2 effects on tree growth during the last glaciation
By: Li, Guangqi, Laci M. Gerhart, Sandy P. Harrison, Joy K. Ward, John M. Harris, and I. Colin Prentice. Scientific Reports 7 (2017). | Find with Google Scholar »Relationship between isoprene emission and photosynthesis in diatoms, and its implications for global marine isoprene estimates
By: Dani, KG Srikanta, Ana M. Silva Benavides, Marco Michelozzi, Gianfranco Peluso, Giuseppe Torzillo, and Francesco Loreto. Marine Chemistry (2016). | Find with Google Scholar »Stygophrynus orientalis sp nov (Amblypygi: Charontidae) from Indonesia with the description of a remarkable spermatophore
By: SEITER, MICHAEL, and JONAS O. WOLFF. Zootaxa 4232, no. 3 (2017): 397-408. | Find with Google Scholar »Simple process-led algorithms for simulating habitats (SPLASH v.1.0): robust indices of radiation, evapotranspiration and plant-available moisture
By: Davis, Tyler W., Iain Colin Prentice, Benjamin D. Stocker, R. J. Whitely, Han Wang, Bradley J. Evans, Angela V. Gallego-Sala, Martin T. Sykes, and Wolfgang Cramer. (2016). | Find with Google Scholar »Open cup nests evolved from roofed nests in the early passerines
By: Price, J. Jordan, and Simon C. Griffith. In Proc. R. Soc. B, vol. 284, no. 1848, p. 20162708. The Royal Society, 2017. | Find with Google Scholar »Ecological impacts and management implications of reef walking on a tropical reef flat community
By: Terrer, César, Sara Vicca, Bruce A. Hungate, Richard P. Phillips, and I. Colin Prentice. Science 353, no. 6294 (2016): 72-74. | Find with Google Scholar »Comment on “Mycorrhizal association as a primary control of the CO2 fertilization effect”
By: R. J. Norby, M. G. De Kauwe, A. P. Walker1, C. Werner, S. Zaehle, D. R. Zak. SCIENCE Volume: 355 Issue: 6323 Published: JAN 27 2017 | Find with Google Scholar »Representing nighttime and minimum conductance in CLM4.5: global hydrology and carbon sensitivity analysis using observational constraints
By: Lombardozzi, Danica L., Melanie JB Zeppel, Rosie A. Fisher, and Ahmed Tawfik. Geoscientific Model Development 10, no. 1 (2017): 321. | Find with Google Scholar »Worker brain development and colony organization in ants: does division of labor influence neuroplasticity?
By: Kamhi, J.F., Sandridge-Gresko, A., Walker, C., Robson, S.K.A., and J.F.A. Traniello (2017). Developmental neurobiology, doi:10.1002/dneu.22496. | Find with Google Scholar »In the Media
Culum Brown was interviewed on Channel Seven’s The Daily Edition program
Associate Professor Culum Brown from the Department of Biological Sciences was interviewed on Channel Seven’s The Daily Edition program in ongoing coverage of his new research on the social behaviours of sharks, which was conducted via scuba observation of the reef sharks in French Polynesia.
Culum Brown was interviewed on ABC Radio Adelaide’s Afternoons program
Associate Professor Culum Brown from the Department of Biological Sciences was interviewed on ABC Radio Adelaide’s Afternoons program in ongoing coverage of his new research on the social behaviours of sharks, which was conducted via scuba observation of the reef sharks in French Polynesia. See page 2 of the report.
Jonas Wolff was interviewed on ABC Radio National Evenings
Dr Jonas Wolff from the Department of Biological Sciences was interviewed on ABC Radio National Evenings on his research on spiders and spider silk, which has found spiders make or ‘print’ silk specifically to enhance the robustness of their silk threads.
Culum Brown was interviewed on ABC Radio Sydney’s Weekend Mornings
Associate Professor Culum Brown from the Department of Biological Sciences was interviewed on ABC Radio Sydney’s Weekend Mornings program in ongoing coverage of his new research on the social behaviours of sharks, which was conducted via scuba observation of the reef sharks in French Polynesia. See page 12 of the report.
Rob Harcourt spoke to ABC Radio Sydney’s Weekend Mornings program
Professor Rob Harcourt from the Department of Biological Sciences spoke to ABC Radio Sydney’s Weekend Mornings program about tracking human movement and behaviour using mobile phones in ongoing coverage of his piece in The Conversation. See page 11 of the report.