Inside the Tangled Bank of Arthropods

 

We unravel the molecular-genetic mechanisms of hybrid dysfunction, herbivory, and pesticide resistance. One of the major research lines dissects the mechanistic underpinnings of symbiont-host interactions. We use interdisciplinary approaches to study the molecular architecture of these complex traits.

 

 

 

Three chromosomes, and a column

Details

Delighted to announce that a study that started over four years ago and on which many people have worked has been published in GENETICS. By tracking allele frequency changes in populations under long-term selection, we were able to assemble the genome of Tetranychus urticae to the chromosome level. We subsequently used this new genomic resource to characterize the genomic architecture underlying pesticide resistance and host plant adaptation. Please click here for Wybouw&Kosterlitz et al!

 

In addition, Phegea published my column on mite taxonomy in their March edition. Please click here to read!

 

I also finished reading Animal Kingdom, by Jack Ashby. The book is both highly entertaining and informative, and was excellent to refresh my memory of my zoology courses when I was a bachelor student (already too many years ago). I would like to add that the book seems to be quite rain proof. My copy survived (more or less) a hailstorm at the Belgian coast and in the Scottish countryside.