Behind the Paper
The real stories behind the latest research papers, from conception to publication, the highs and the lows
Filtered by: Ecology & Evolution
Using degenerating genes to understand the evolution of rare intact genes across bacteria
An overview and broader look at the paper "Pseudogenes act as a neutral reference for detecting selection in prokaryotic pangenomes" published in Nature Ecology & Evolution (2024).
Blog post authors: Gavin M. Douglas and B. Jesse Shapiro
EuMP cycle enable new gateway for one-carbon compound assimilation
In the pursuit of carbon-negative pathways for future biosynthesis, researchers are engaged in deconstructing natural pathways into modular components and reassembling them akin to assembling LEGO blocks. This work serves as an inspiration, highlighting the diversity inherent in natural enzymes.
Creating the next generation of protein sequence reference libraries for marine microbial eukaryotes
The Marine Functional Eukaryotic Reference Taxa (MarFERReT) project is an up-to-date protein sequence reference library designed for flexible and adaptive use and re-use in marine microbial eukaryotic research.
“Effective interactions” shape the evolution of drug resistance (and much more)
In a new study, we examine how global epistasis—where gene-gene interactions follow a tractable pattern—is shaped by the environment, and defines how drug resistance evolves in malaria. This may allow us to better predict and control adaptive evolution at the molecular level.
When is a loss a gain? Decoding annelids dietary secrets ~630 million years ago
Explore our Nature Communications study unraveling annelids' ancient secrets. We decode sterol evolution in animals’ ancient ancestor at the dawn of their evolution.
How many species are in your house?
Most ecologists are oblivious to the shockingly high biodiversity in front of their eyes every day. Our new paper explores the astonishing biodiversity in an urban Australian home - a house of a thousand species.
