Three new species of Aponuphis (Annelida: Onuphidae) from eastern Australia
By: PAXTON, HANNELORE. Zootaxa 4344, no. 2 (2017): 246-260. | Find with Google Scholar »
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Dear all,
What a week! Academic staff had a productive and enjoyable time at the retreat on Monday and Tuesday. Thanks to Jenny for organising all. Check out the happy snaps below.
Congratulations to all of you who worked so hard for the all-important ‘Yes’ vote this week. It was fantastic news and it was great to celebrate with many of you at the Ally BBQ on Wednesday. May this decision be a watershed moment for equality for all in this country and everywhere!
Have a great weekend,
Grant Hose
Save the Date
This coming week 20th – 24th November – Projector Upgrade in E8A 280 Tearoom all week- the usual bookings will be moved elsewhere.
Tues 21st: Special Seminar – Dr Carsten Kulheim – Genes to ecosystems: The problem with complex traits; 9.30am – 10.30am; E7A-801.
Wed 22nd: Department Morning Tea; 10.30am – 11.30am; The Hill.
Wed 22nd: No Seminar This Week – Seminars will resume in 2018.
Thu 23rd: Special Seminar – Assoc Prof Jaco Le Roux – Australian acacias – a fascinating experiment in global biogeography; 10.00am – 11.00am; Molecular Sciences – F7B-322 & 325.
Thu 23rd: Writing Workshop; 2.30pm – 4.30pm, E8C-212.
Thu 23rd: Student & Staff Drinks; 5pm – 5.30pm, Biology Courtyard.
Next week 27th – 30th November
Wed 29th: Department Morning Tea; 10.30am – 11.30am; E8A-280 (Tea Room).
Thu 30th: Writing Workshop; 2.30pm – 4.30pm, E8C-212.
Coming up
Every Thursday for the next few months: Writing Workshop; 2.30-4.00pm; E8C-212
Dec 5th: MRes Year 2 Poster Presentation; 9am – 11am; E8A 280 (Tea room).
Dec 5th: 11am Formal Department Meeting for Grading in E8A 280, followed by the Christmas Party in the Biology Courtyard at 1pm.
General News and Announcements
Academics Retreat
Have you noticed that it’s been a little quiet around the biology area? The reason maybe that our Department held its annual academic planning retreat. This was a valuable time away from it all for the Academics to discuss important learning and teaching issues and present their research ideas. There were two special guests this year; Professor David Coutts, our Faculty Associate Dean of Research, who presented information about ERA and EIA and Emeritus Professor Ian Dawes from UNSW who presented insightful information about applying for ARC grants.
Excellent Patch of Ant-lions Outside E8B
If you enter E8B through the side door there is an excellent patch of ant-lion pits! If you are very quiet, you might be able to hear them roar.
Eventually the ant-lions emerge as lacewings!
Christmas Charity Collection
Collecting Food and gifts for:
North Ryde Community Aid
(for frail and elderly residents of North Ryde)
Please donate by Monday 11 December
Place labelled presents under the Christmas tree (or food in the adjacent box)
Food hampers will be packed on Friday 15 December and delivered Monday 18 December. If you can help with either of these please email Samantha Newton (Biology)samantha.newton@mq.edu.au and/or Laura Hamilton (Sustainability) laura.hamilton@mq.edu.au
See poster (attached) for suggestions.
Special Seminar
Day/Date/Time/Place: Tuesday, 21st November, 9.30am – 10.30am, Location E7A 801.
Speaker: Dr Carsten Külheim.
Title: Genes to ecosystems: The problem of complex traits
Abstract: Ecologists often talk about “genes to ecosystems” to describe how genetic variation influences ecological interactions. Many of the traits of interest are “complex” and controlled by many genes. Understanding the architecture of these complex traits is a major roadblock in integrating molecular approaches in ecology. In this talk I will describe the molecular basis of variation in an important group of plant secondary metabolites, the terpenes, in Australian Myrtaceae.
Using a candidate gene approach, I was able to discover genetic variants that explained some, but not all of the genetic component of trait variation, showing that much of the trait heritability remains unaccounted for. To test whether the “missing heritability” was caused by variants outside known candidate genes I changed to a whole genome sequencing approach, which discovered both novel genes involved in secondary metabolite variation and increased the amount of variation that could be accounted for. While Genome-wide Association Studies allow to dissect the genetic architecture of complex traits, Genomic Selection is the only method in non-model organisms that can integrate whole genome variation and account for the vast majority of the heritability. This approach also allows for efficient and fast selection of individuals for use in breeding programs.
Bio: Carsten Külheim graduated from Umea University in Sweden with a major in Plant Molecular Biology in 2000. He completed his PhD in 2005 at Umea University, having worked with short term adaptation mechanisms in photosynthesis to changes in light environment. Dr. Külheim then moved on for a two-year Post Doc at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where he worked on plant-herbivore interactions using poplar as a model system with funding from the Swedish Research Council. In 2008 he joined the Australian National University continuing in the field of plant-herbivore interactions with the focus on Australian Myrtaceae. His current work focuses on the genetic basis of quantitative and qualitative variation of plant secondary metabolites in eucalypts and tea tree. These variations are implicated in the interactions of the plants with their environment, including herbivores, pathogens and abiotic stress mitigation. Dr. Külheim’s research is applicable to conservation biology, nurseries and reforestation industries as well as essential oil producing industries.
Special Seminar
Day/Date/Time/Place: Thursday, 23rd November, 10.00am – 11.00am, Location F7B 322 & 325.
Speaker: Assoc Prof Jaco Le Roux.
Title: Australian acacias – a fascinating experiment in global biogeography
Abstract:
Australian acacias have been extensively introduced around the globe over the past 250 years. Nearly 40% of the total species pool (ca. 1045 spp.) are now found outside Australia, 23 of which are considered invasive. I will review some of my past and ongoing research on the historical biogeography, population genetic structure, and introduction histories of acacias, both contemporary (within the past 250 years) and presumed historical (>1000 years ago). While genetic structure provides valuable clues on the histories of natural and human-aided species movements it may also shed light on the adaptive potential in novel ranges. Many acacias are characterised by genetic bottlenecks, but with seemingly little impediment on their fitness. Interestingly, anthropogenic processes such as restoration and cultivation within Australia, have sometimes led to changes in the genetic makeup of populations prior to their introductions elsewhere in the world. I will also discuss the extremely peculiar biogeographic patterns of some extra-Australian acacias and provide an example of one of the most extreme natural long-distance plant dispersal events ever recorded. The role of interactions between acacias and soil microbes, in particular with mutualistic nitrogen-fixing rhizobia, in facilitating invasions will be discussed by drawing insights from comparative studies between native and introduced ranges, whole soil microbial community analyses, and the presumed link between plant-mutualist symbiotic promiscuity and invasion success. I will also discuss potential impacts of acacia invasions on native legume-rhizobium associations. In conclusion, the truly remarkable dissemination of Australian acacias globally represent a fascinating experiment in biogeography and a promising system for studying the ecology and evolutionary biology of both native and invasive plants.
Bio: Jaco is an Associate Professor of Botany, and a Core Team Member at the Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa. Jaco recieved his PhD from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa in 2007. His primary research interests lie in invasion biology, plant ecology, plant-soil microbial interactions, population genetics, and phylogeography. He applies these approaches to better understand the microevolutionary dynamics and biogeography of plants, particularly introduced non-native species. Jaco is also interested in unravelling the patterns and pathways of historical extreme long-distance dispersal to explain peculiar plant distributions. His research interests in plantsoil microbial interactions (especially between legumes and nitrogen-fixing rhizobia) aim to understand role these may play in facilitating the establishment of non-native legumes and their subsequent impacts on soil microbial function and native plant-microbial interactions. To date, Jaco has published over 65 research papers.
Five Myths About Email at Work and How to Cope with Communications Overload
Potentially useful article from The Conversation: http://theconversation.com/five-myths-about-email-at-work-and-how-to-cope-with-communications-overload-86272
Commonwealth Rutherford Fellowship to Work in UK – due Dec 11
Biology Safety Alert
Minutes of the Biology WHS committee meeting held 10th October 2017.
Research Grant
The Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment Postgraduate Research Grants close to applications of the 31st March 2018. These grants enable postgraduate students to conduct research on ecology, wildlife management or natural history. Grants are worth up to AUD 7,500 per year and renewable for a period of two to three years.
Cultural Safety Training
Do you feel comfortable and confident talking about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their history and cultural knowledge? Do you want to engage more with Indigenous cultures and embed Indigenous knowledge into your teaching and research but are worried about causing offense? If so, this is the workshop for you! Phil Duncan, from the Indigenous Strategy unit will provide Cultural Safety Training for Biology staff. There are only 25 places available, so be quick – sign up now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cultural-safety-training-biological-sciences-staff-tickets-39633526946
When: Thursday 7th December, 9am-12:30pm (includes morning tea and lunch)
Where: E8A280 (Biology Tea Room),
Who: Biology staff
Dietary restrictions? Please email Jenny Ghabache with your needs after registering.
Photo Competition – November 2017 – Chance to WIN $100 Gift Card
This month’s theme is FIELDWORK!
Please follow the drop box file request link to submit your images.
Submission close: 30 November 2017
The top photos each month will be shared on our Department website and this newsletter. The top winning photo for the month will be featured on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The best image from the preceding 12 months will be announced at the annual Biology Department Christmas party and the lucky winner will receive a $100 Gift Card! You can enter as many photos as you like.
Criteria
- Shows what’s unique about the work being done
- Taken in the last five years
Please provide the following details to <jenny.ghabache@mq.edu.au>:
- Details of where/what/who/ is featured in the photo
- Who took the photo
- Date/Year is was taken
Session 1 2018 Biology Tutor Applications are Now Open
If you’re interested, you can apply here.
More information about the application process, including selection criteria, can be found on the BIOL899 or BIOL990 iLearn webpages.
Please contact Caitlin Kordis if you have any questions.
Applications close 30 November 2017.
A New Method for Submitting to Department Matters
Department Matters submissions now have their own email address. Please send all future submissions to the newsletter to <fse.bionewsletter@mq.edu.au>
Also, please see the following to correctly format your additions, and keep them rolling in!
You may have noticed that we try to keep all the articles to the same format for the Department Matters, however, rest assured, they do NOT all turn up in this format! To help keep your Department Matters looking as good as possible, when sending in additions to the Newsletter, please try to keep these formatting guidelines in mind.
- Please write in third person. The information is coming from the Newsletter, not directly from you.
- Do not use fancy text formatting. Bold heading, normal text, and only italics or bold to highlight. No font size changes will make it through, sorry.
- If sending via email, set your email output to basic. HTML output will add all sort of formatting that will have to be removed before your article can go into the newsletter.
Keeping to these guidelines will streamline your article’s addition to the newsletter. Thank you.
Biological Sciences Administrative Requests
Please email any admin requests you have to <sci.bio-adm@mq.edu.au>. The email is monitored by the whole Admin Team, so your request won’t sit unanswered in a single person’s inbox should they be away or on leave. If you need to contact the individual admin staff member directly, you will find their contact details in this document.
And if you need HoD signoff on any applications, forms, etc please send to <fse.bio-hod@mq.edu.au>
STEM Speakers in Schools
What is it?
The Speakers in Schools program places Macquarie University academics in schools to connect students and teachers with researchers who inspire, inform and challenge students to question their thinking. Presentations discuss hot topics, global issues affecting society, have inspirational and significant impact for students.
How does it work?
We request that interested schools give us 4 weeks’ notice with some suggested dates, Alison Willard (FSE Future Students) will then liaise with you to see if any of those dates suit your schedule. The FSE Future Students Team provides transport for you (either someone will accompanying and drive you, or you can get a cab charge voucher).
Are you interested?
Please express your interest here:
Are you getting credit for your Outreach Activities? Have participated in an activity for Biology recently?
Don’t forget to fill in the super-quick form here – ACCESS OUTREACH FORM HERE
Worm Farm and Tea Bags
Our worms are healthy and enjoying the lovely coffee, banana and salad scraps you’ve been providing. The worm farm is about to be refreshed, with lovely worm castings available for the home veggie garden.
A quick inspection reveals a layer of tea bags and tags.
Further investigation, via google, has revealed some interesting information about tea bags:
- Most teabags (including the Dilmah tea supplied by the department) is 70-80% biodegradable
- T2 tea bags are made of Nylon (not biodegradable)
- Loose leaf tea is fully biodegradable and tastes better
Therefore, for the sake of our worms, our gardens and or planet, please switch to loose-leaf tea, or non-T2 teabags where possible. If you absolutely must use a T2 tea bag, or a bag sealed with a staple, please throw the used bag into the general waste, not the worm container.
If you would like to take home some worm castings for your garden, please email Samantha Newton, <samantha.newton@mq.edu.au>
Faculty of Human Sciences public lecture: ‘Opening Minds – Civil discourse in an uncivil age: the quest for a post-partisan citizenship’
The Faculty of Human Sciences invites you and any networks of which you may be a part, to a public lecture given by Alexander Heffner (bio in the link below), host of the Public Broadcasting Service show (PBS in the US), The Open Mind.
Date: Tuesday 21 November 2017
Venue: The Macquarie Theatre
Time: 6:15pm for a 6:30pm punctual start
Title: Opening Minds – Civil discourse in an uncivil age: the quest for a post-partisan citizenship
We believe this will be a very enlightening talk by one of the most well-known public affairs program hosts in the world. First broadcast in 1956, The Open Mind was hosted by Mr Heffner’s grandfather, Richard Heffner. In 2014, Alexander Heffner became the new host, renewing the show’s commitment to civil discourse for the new generation.
Light refreshments will be served following the presentation.
Please refer to the link for further information, speaker biography and registration.
RSVP: Friday 17 November 2017 (please use the link below)
MU Species Spectrum Research Centre — call for expressions of interest for 2018 working group funding
The MUSSRC Executive Committee is calling for expressions of interest to fund MUSSRC working groups in 2018.
The MQ Species Spectrum Research Centre (MUSSRC) was established in 2017 and funds working group activity around the application of the trait-based approach to a broad range of questions and organisms (http://www.mq.edu.au/research/research-centres-groups-and-facilities/secure-planet/centres/species-spectrum-research-centre). The unifying element across the working groups is the compilation of trait data for a broad set of organisms, materials and behaviours to understand their function at the continental and global scale: ie to characterise “species spectra”.
EOI’s for 2018 working group funding should be no more than 250 words. Each EOI should outline the question being addressed, how it will be addressed, a budget (with the amount of funding requested), the researchers involved, and the proposed outputs. EOI’s should be sent to fse.species-spectrum-admin@mq.edu.au no later than 5pm on the 30th Nov.
Selected EOI’s will be invited to present a short pitch to the MUSSRC Executive Committee in December. Successful pitches will be notified later in December. Funds will be made available in early 2018 and would need to be used by the end of 2018.
Bright Sparks 2017
The Macquarie Law School and Centre for Environmental Law warmly invite you to attend Bright Sparks 2017 – an exciting free event next Wednesday 22 November at 6.30pm in Macquarie Theatre.
Students from five high schools (Brigidine College, Chatswood High School, Carlingford High School, Masada College and Normanhurst Boys High School) have been investigating positive solutions to the local impacts of climate change. The students’ research has been supported by Ku-ring-gai Council, The Big History Institute and academic staff from Macquarie University. We hope you will join us when the students present their research findings, and look forward to welcoming you to what will be a memorable event.
Please register and RSVP online. All are welcome, so please forward this invitation to anyone you feel would like to attend this event, including colleagues and students in other faculties. For any queries, please contact Dr Kirsten Davies
NSW DPI Tech Officer position
NSW DPI is advertising a position for a Technical Officer in Weed Biological Control to maintain nursery collections, quarantine cultures, field work etc.
New Publications
Reaction rates of glutathione and ascorbate with alkyl radicals are too slow for protection against protein peroxidation in vivo
By: Nauser, Thomas, and Janusz M. Gebicki. Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics 633 (2017): 118-123. | Find with Google Scholar »Females drive asymmetrical introgression from rare to common species in Darwin’s tree finches
By: Peters, Katharina J., Steven A. Myers, Rachael Y. Dudaniec, Jody A. O'Connor, and Sonia Kleindorfer. Journal of Evolutionary Biology (2017). | Find with Google Scholar »A review of escape behaviour in orthopterans
By: Lagos, P. A. Journal of Zoology, 2017. | Find with Google Scholar »Is the behavioural divergence between range-core and range-edge populations of cane toads (Rhinella marina) due to evolutionary change or developmental plasticity?
By: Gruber, Jodie, Gregory Brown, Martin J. Whiting, and Richard Shine. Royal Society Open Science 4, no. 10 (2017): 170789. | Find with Google Scholar »Landscape Genomics: Understanding Relationships Between Environmental Heterogeneity and Genomic Characteristics of Populations
By: Niko Balkenhol, Rachael Y Dudaniec, Konstantin V Krutovsky, Jeremy S Johnson, David M Cairns, Gernot Segelbacher, Kimberly A Selkoe , Sophie von der Heyden, Ian J Wang, Oliver Selmoni, Stephane Joost (2017) In: Population Genomics Concepts, Strategies and Approaches (Edited by Om Rajora). Springer Verlag. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/13836_2017_2 | Find with Google Scholar »Predicting virus emergence amid evolutionary noise
By: Geoghegan, Jemma L., and Edward C. Holmes. Open Biology 7, no. 10 (2017): 170189. | Find with Google Scholar »The role of visual cues in mother–pup reunions in a colonially breeding mammal
By: Kaja Wierucka, Benjamin J. Pitcher, Robert Harcourt, Isabelle Charrier Published 1 November 2017. BIOLOGY LETTERS DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2017.0444 | Find with Google Scholar »In the Media
Jane Williamson authored the article in Coastal Watch
Associate Professor Jane Williamson from the Department of Biological Sciences authored the article “Why QLD’s culling program is not the solution to NSW shark problem”, published in Coastal Watch.
Michael Gillings was interviewed on 2SM
Professor Michael Gillings from the Department of Biological Sciences was interviewed on 2SM on antibiotic resistance, which he argues will become the most pressing medical problem of this century. See page 3 of the report.
Jemma Geoghegan was interviewed for The Atlantic and ABC Radio
Dr Jemma Geoghegan was interviewed by science writer Ed Yong in The Atlantic about her new paper – https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/10/pandemic-prediction-challenge/543954/
Jemma was also interviewed on ABC Radio by Wendy Harmer about her new paper.