

Dr Timothy Utteridge
24.6K posts

@timutteridge
Tropical botanist in Singapore - learning about SE Asian plants and biodiversity; sometimes observations on food, music and gardening (now on a balcony).









Genome sequencing goes off-grid! ๐๐งฌ Researchers from Johns Hopkins successfully sequenced the Red Coachwhip snake (Masticophis flagellum piceus) genome using a mobile lab in a camper van. Using a ONT Nanopore P2 Solo sequencing and Bento Lab, they show that genomes can be assembled at relatively low cost and without the need for a large laboratory! ๐ Nuclear & mitochondrial genomes of Masticophis flagellum piceus sequenced ๐ BUSCO completeness score better than most current snake genomes ๐ All work done in field- or field-simulated settings A great step toward decentralising and democratizing genomics, especially for research in remote locations! You can read the article here: Scott & Mohr (2026). A Nanopore-Only Assembly of a Nuclear and Mitochondrial Genome of a Red Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum piceus). Genes, 17(3), 307. doi.org/10.3390/genes1โฆ Images copyright Alan F. Scott.





Discover the beauty of nature through Asuka Hishikiโs watercolour and pencil works at the new โIn Greenโ exhibition at the Botanical Art Gallery! Open now till 15 Nov 2026 from 9am to 6pm daily (closed on the last Thu of the month). ๐ go.gov.sg/in-green-asukaโฆ












Hidden within the dense forests of Malesia, researchers have identified two new plant species, Meiogyne stenophylla and Meiogyne saundersii, distinguished by their tentacled petals and remarkably narrow leaves. Find out more by reading the full study: doi.org/10.3897/phytokโฆ




