Sperm Sizer: a program to semi-automate the measurement of sperm length
By: McDiarmid, Callum S., Roger Li, Ariel F. Kahrl, Melissah Rowe, and Simon C. Griffith. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 75, no. 5 (2021): 1-8. | Find with Google Scholar »
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Message from the HoD
Dear all,
Congratulations this week to A/Prof. Melanie Bishop, A/Prof. Adam Stow, Hon. Prof. David Raftos and Prof. Paul Haynes (Mol. Sci.) whose research on Sydney Rock Oysters has been selected to feature in the 2021 NSW Research Impact Showcase. The project encompasses protection of oyster reefs, the impacts of disease and winter mortality on oyster populations, and has a strong primary industries focus. It’s another great example of cross-disciplinary collaboration in the Faculty of the kind that will hopefully be enhanced with the merger of Biology, Molecular Sciences, and Earth and Environmental Sciences in 2022.
Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday to all the lovely mums out there!
Cheers
Nathan Hart
Save the Date
This Coming Week
Wed 12th May, 1-2 pm: Biological Sciences seminar; Zoom link will be emailed out.
Future Events
7th June: L&T retreat – save the date
8th – 9th June: HDR Conference – save the date
General News and Announcements
Admin notices
Biology Admin team has relocated for the next few weeks to 7 Wally’s Walk ground floor (FSE offices).The best way to communicate with us is via email or by calling the team members extension. You can also set an appointment directly with the person you want to see. When you come to 7WW ground level, please call the extension numbers listed near the foyer phone.
Security concerns with after hours access: due to recent incidents, if you are entering Uni buildings after hours by swipe-card access, please do not allow unknown person to enter after you.
Travel: all travel, including fieldwork, must have Absence on Duty (AoD) submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of travel dates; this allows time for approvals and bookings. I.f you see the error ‘Disallowed Key Characters’, try deleting your browser cookies and logging in again.
New Staff Member
Please welcome Dr Jessica Dudley, Postdoctoral Fellow working with Oliver Griffith.
Jessica completed her PhD at the University of Sydney comparing the changes that occur to the uterus during pregnancy across several mammalian lineages.
Since then, she’s been working on project to understand the physiology of male pregnancy in seahorses, teasing apart the evolutionary genetics of the Orange-bellied parrot and closely related species and looking at the effect of diet on the heritability of immune genes in chickens. Jessica is excited to now be working with Oliver Griffith looking at maternal-fetal signalling and the evolution of marsupial placentation.
Grant success!
Congratulations to Dr Fleur Ponton and Dr Ajay Narendra and as well as USyd’s Dr Theotime Colin that were awarded for $379K for a project that aims to develop new control methods for the devastating honeybee pest, the hive beetle.
Congratulations to Associate Professor Jaco Le Roux who is also part of a team led by the Royal Botanic Gardens that has been awarded $393K for their project: Weed genomics to improve lantana biocontrol.
Boxes wanted for animal enrichment
There are notices and collection tubs in the tearooms of 14ER 280, 205a and 205b for the collection of used boxes and toilet rolls to be used as animal enrichment. Any boxes are welcomed ranging in size from small paracetamol boxes to larger cereal boxes. The more colour the better as the animals have colour vision and like a range of colourful objects in their homes. Any questions, please contact Jessica Dudley <jessica.dudley@mq.edu.au>
Biology Equity and Diversity Committee
Drag Bingo is around the corner – literally – in the Uni bar on May 17 from 5pm, to acknowledge IDAHOBIT day.
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Intesex and Biphobia, is a day to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination against LGBTIQ+ communities around the world and recognise that not everyone within the LGBTIQ+ community is safe.
The EDI committee is forming teams – so if you are keen to show your support for the LGBTIQ+ community and have some bingo fun email michelle.power@mq.edu.au or get a lab team together.
The Science of Eurovision
May is Eurovision Song Contest time and Rotterdam 2021 is in full swing. More locally, our very own Eurovision expert is taking the Science of Eurovision to a wider community at the next Queers In Science event. Within the walls of the Great Hall at the Salisbury Hotel the Science of Eurovision will be unpacked, with time for networking, and live stream of the 2021 final.
There will be a Eurovision quiz and we will be looking for the best Eurovision / European outfit – so gear up and get along to the Salisbury Hotel 6pm May 23. Winter canapes on arrival. Allies are welcome. Registration is required here: https://bit.ly/3txvaS8
We want your plant snaps!
The Which Plant Where team is currently on the hunt for high quality images of any street trees and garden plants that you have. If you would like to contribute please let Samiya know at samiya.tabassum@mq.edu.au
Plants of the Week: the Sandpaper Fig
Sandpaper Figs are common in gullies round Sydney, but why the name Sandpaper Fig? Well, the leaves are quite abrasive and were used by indigenous people to smooth and polish tools, but reinforced by minerals, can significantly reduce herbivory both by insects and grazing animals.
The fruit is quite tasty, but it’s not for vegetarians and definitely not for vegans!
OPPORTUNITIES
NSW Environmental Trust’s Environmental Research – Post bushfire flora research and recovery grants
The NSW Environmental Trust is now inviting applications to the Post bushfire flora research and recovery grants program.
Following the devastating 2019-20 fire season, more than 100 native plant species have been identified as high priority for survey work to determine the current status of these species. Data collected through this program will be used by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to inform recovery strategies.
A total of $500,000 is available for projects to carry out field work and undertake ecological surveys. Applications close 3pm Monday 31 May 2021
Application materials – The Program Guidelines, Application Form and a range of supporting resources are available on the Trust’s Environmental Research grant program webpage.
Questions? Contact the Trust Administration on (02) 8837 6093 or email.
To find out about other grants programs delivered by the Environmental Trust, please visit the Trust’s website.
Government tender for Species Expert Assessment Plans (SEAPs) project
SEAPs Project – Request for Tender – Applications close 17 May 2021.
The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has put out a Request for Tender around Species Expert Assessment Plans (SEAPs) for species and ecological communities:
https://www.tenders.gov.au/Atm/Show/c6828d8e-6894-4bf1-a228-45a846c40464
Other relevant documents are listed on the AusTender site. Rachael Gallagher can provide advice to anyone interested.
Looking for volunteers?
Want some help with your research or fieldwork? Contact Jenny Ghabache jenny.ghabache@mq.edu.au for the list of people that have registered their interest in doing volunteer work in our Dept.
Online volunteer application form
This is to be completed any time volunteers are brought onboard. The online form will require the volunteer to have their documents and work details ready to input – see attached PDF below for guidance and for the link to submit.
When a form is submitted, an email will come to the supervisor for approval, and they will then send it on to the admin team.
Volunteer form information Biological Sciences – see attached for details. If you have questions, please contact jenny.ghabache@mq.edu.au.
SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS
You are invited the next Applied BioSciences seminar on Tuesday, 11 May at 11am. The seminar will be delivered online using Zoom.
Our special guest Distinguished Professor Jaime Pinero, Extension Associate Professor at the University of Massachusets. Please see the attached brochure for more information.
Seminar title:
How research on insect sensory ecology has led to improved attract-and-kill systems for tephritid fruit flies
The ARC Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation would like to invite you to join our fourth online seminar of 2021 on Wednesday, May 19 at 9 am (Sydney time – AEST).
In this occasion, our special guest will be Dr María Teresa Vera from Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) and Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (Argentina).
Seminar title:
Are we what we eat? What, how and when? Anastrepha fraterculus brings its story
Please register in advance using the following link: https://macquarie.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYuduqqrz4oE9LnA874TLVjLWXcK0zyebD3
You will receive instructions on how to join the seminar after your registration is completed.
Molecular Sciences Seminars
Rescheduled Tue 25th May: Shane R Ellis – Mapping region-specific biochemistry using advanced mass spectrometry imaging technologies.
Mock Interviews
Mock Interviews: Interviewing for jobs can be challenging. Over the last few years, we have been offering mock-interviews for Students, Postdocs and Casual staff who have been shortlisted for one. If you are shortlisted for an interview and would like to do a mock before the real deal, please email Ajay [ajay.narendra@mq.edu.au] with relevant information [job description, application, mode of the interview – online or in person]. We will put together a relevant panel to help you prepare for your interview.
Venture Café – will be convening their community online, via Zoom, and offering the #ThursdayGathering programming in a Virtual format.
For more information visit: https://venturecafesydney.org/whats-on-this-week
HDR NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES
HDR – Grants
Australasian Agricultural & Resource Economics Society – conference travel award
AUD$1500 provided to a society member to fly and stay in New Zealand to present at conference; see info on AARES website; closes 30 May 2021.
Wildlife Disease Association – student travel grant (online conference)
Grant will cover conference registration; awarded based on need and involvement in the Association. See WDA website; closes 30 May 2021.
Australian Wildlife Society – university research grants
$1500 available for research on conservation on Australian animals and plants. Must be a member to apply; see AWS website; closes 31 May 2021.
Ecological Society of Australia – Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment
Grants up to $7500 are available to support fieldwork or other conservation biology & biodiversity research on Australian plants and animals. Applications must be made via MQ Research Office and Pure. See Holsworth website; closes 31 May 2021.
European Molecular Biology Laboratory – postdoctoral fellowships at EMBL and Stanford
Up to EUR240,000 (for 3-year fellowship). See EMBL website; closes 6 June 2021.
Forrest Research Foundation – postdoctoral fellowships in WA
Must be in final year of a PhD, or no more than 2 years post-PhD; must already have an offer of a position at a Western Australian university. Fellowship includes a salary contribution, accommodation allowance up to $21,000 pa and once-off $13,000 re-location allowance. See details and apply through Forrest website; closes 16 May 2021.
Society for Conservation Biology – Graduate Student Research Fellowship
Award (not specified) will go towards fieldwork costs; register on SCB website to apply; closes 18 May 2021.
Gottstein Trust – fellowships and awards in forestry
See Gottstein website. They have a few different awards, but in particular offer up to $5000/year for up to 3 years for PhD and Masters students working in wood or forest science, for “living and education-related costs”. The whole trust is very industry-focused. Applications close 9 am on 20 May 2021.
Shut Up & Write online with Digital Health CRC
When: Mondays 5:45pm-8:15pm AEDT, Tuesdays 11:45am-2:15pm AEDT
Green Talents Competition 2021: call for applications is now open!
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has held the prestigious “Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development” to promote the international exchange of ideas regarding green solutions since 2009. The award, whose patron is Minister Anja Karliczek, honours 25 young researchers from around the world each yearwho are engaged in excellent interdisciplinary work on environmental topics. The winners come from various scientific disciplines and are recognised for their outstanding achievements in making our societies more sustainable. The call is open to all disciplines.
Applications close 19 May 2021.
The Green Talents are selected by a high-ranking jury of German experts and are granted unique access to the country’s leading sustainability researchers and scientists. This includes:
- An invitation to a multi-day Virtual Science Forum in October 2021 with “Science sessions” with leading German sustainability facilities, institutions and companies, which will virtually provide exclusive insights into their leading-edge research and projects.
- A chance to present themselves and their work in virtual one-on-one discussions held as part of individual appointments with experts of their choice (during the Virtual Science Forum).
- An invitation to Germany in 2022 for a fully funded research stay of up to three months. At an inspiring location of their choice, the Green Talents will gain new experiences and advance their professional careers while establishing long-lasting partnerships.
- Exclusive access to the “Green Talents network” of currently 282 high potentials in sustainable development from over 72 countries.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Enrolment in a Master’s or PhD programme OR a degree (Master’s/PhD) completed no more than three years before the end of the application process
- Strong focus on sustainable development and an interdisciplinary approach realising the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- No more than three years of professional work experience (this excludes professional work experiences gained within the scope of an academic degree)
- Proven excellent command of English
- Significantly above-average grades
- Not a German citizen nor a resident of Germany (individuals, therefore, not eligible to apply: German passport holders as well as anyone living in Germany at the time of application even if the residence is temporary)
For more information please refer to the competition’s website www.greentalents.de.
GT2021_Announcement_EN
GT_Flyer_2021
Forms processing – send to below, NOT directly to Nathan, etc.
For timely processing of forms, e.g. enrolment, leave, etc.:
PhD: send pdfs to fse.bio-adm@mq.edu.au – Julian will arrange signature and send it on.
MRes: send to fse.biomres@mq.edu.au – Ajay or Matt Kosnik will sign and send on.
THIS AND THAT
Amazing article, just for a chuckle
We all get distracted; here’s a possible remedy (though there might be some WHS issues to sort out):
Be COVID Safe – clean meeting rooms after use
Please be reminded to clean meeting rooms, such as the Tearooms after use. This includes wiping down surfaces and used equipment like computers and keyboard.
Please do your part to look after the health of the University.
Outreach Activities
Have You Participated in an Activity for Biology Recently? Don’t forget to fill in the super-quick form here – ACCESS OUTREACH FORM HERE
Call out for Social Media Content
We are looking to feature a different student each week on the Biology Social Media accounts. If you would like to share your research or fieldwork with the public, please send photos and a short blurb about your work to Jenny Ghabache: <jenny.ghabache@mq.edu.au>
Correct Method for Submitting to Department Matters
Department Matters submissions now have their own email address. Please send all your news items for the newsletter to <fse.bionewsletter@mq.edu.au>
Have You Missed Out on an Issue of Department Matters? Back issues can be found at this newsletter archive link for your reading pleasure.
New Publications
Emerging Roles of Long Non-coding RNAs in Uterine Leiomyoma Pathogenesis: a Review
By: Falahati, Zahra, Masoud Mohseni-Dargah, and Reza Mirfakhraie. Reproductive Sciences (2021): 1-16. | Find with Google Scholar »Microbiology’s next top model: Galleria in the molecular age
By: Dinh, Hue, Lucie Semenec, Sheemal S. Kumar, Francesca L. Short, and Amy K. Cain. Pathogens and Disease 79, no. 2 (2021): ftab006. | Find with Google Scholar »Virome composition in marine fish revealed by meta-transcriptomics
By: Geoghegan, J.L., Di Giallonardo, F., Wille, M., Ortiz-Baez, A.S., Costa, V.A., Ghaly, T., Mifsud, J.C., Turnbull, O.M., Bellwood, D.R., Williamson, J.E. and Holmes, E.C., 2021. Virus evolution, 7(1), p.veab005. | Find with Google Scholar »In the Media
ABC News
Professor Culum Brown was featured regarding the myth of fish having three-second memory spans.
ABC NewsRadio
Professor Culum Brown was featured regarding methods of preventing shark attacks.
My Octopus Teacher: can you really make friends with an octopus?
Professor Culum Brown was featured in DivePlanIt about the documentary ‘My Octopus Teacher’. This story was originally published on The Lighthouse.
First possible sightings of Migaloo the all-white \ humpback whale recorded for 2021
The Fraser Coast Beacon (Print version)
Dr Vanessa Pirotta provided comment about possible sightings of Migaloo the white whale.
Curious kids: do whales fart and sneeze?
The Conversation [AU]
Dr Vanessa Pirotta contributed an article to The Conversation.
702 ABC Sydney
Dr Vanessa Pirotta was interviewed about whale spotting off the coast.
True Blue magazine (Print version)
Associate Professor Michelle Power was featured regarding care for native wildlife after bushfires. This story was originally published on The Lighthouse.
ABC News
Professor Nathan Hart provided comment about sharks using magnetic fields to navigate.