Parental imprinting and epigenetic inheritance in honey bees. This project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind epigenetic inheritance in bees, providing deep insights into their biology, and develop an outstanding new system for studying epigenetics. There are compelling theoretical and empirical reasons to predict epigenetic inheritance in honey bees. Further, reciprocal crosses reveal strong paternal effects suggesting that males modify their sperm to increase the reproductive success of the ....Parental imprinting and epigenetic inheritance in honey bees. This project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind epigenetic inheritance in bees, providing deep insights into their biology, and develop an outstanding new system for studying epigenetics. There are compelling theoretical and empirical reasons to predict epigenetic inheritance in honey bees. Further, reciprocal crosses reveal strong paternal effects suggesting that males modify their sperm to increase the reproductive success of their female offspring. Modification of DNA by methylation and the transfer of small RNA molecules in eggs or semen are two candidate mechanisms by which queens and drones may manipulate gene expression in their offspring.Read moreRead less
Genes in conflict in the social insects. Queen bees mate with 20 males, so it is in each male's interests to father female offspring that are more likely to become queens or reproductive workers. In contrast, queens want all workers to be sterile. This project will determine if some males pass on genes to offspring that have been modified so that their daughters are likely to become reproductive.
The role of epigenetic modifications in bovid adaptation to environmental change. This project will explore the role of epigenetic change, where gene expression is regulated without changing the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence, in how animals adapt to rapid climate change. This project will trace epigenetic markers in ancient bison and cows through 30,000 years of climate change, and identify key adaptive genes for the cattle industry.
How do Microbes Grow in High Salt at Very Cold Temperatures. The proposed research aims to define mechanisms of survival and speciation that underpin the capacity of a novel group of Antarctic microorganisms to evolve dominance in their very cold (-20 degrees Celsius) and very salty environment. Most (~85 per cent) of the Earth's biosphere is cold (<5 degrees Celsius), and yet contains a rich diversity of microorganisms of which we know little. The uniqueness and sensitivity of Antarctica partic ....How do Microbes Grow in High Salt at Very Cold Temperatures. The proposed research aims to define mechanisms of survival and speciation that underpin the capacity of a novel group of Antarctic microorganisms to evolve dominance in their very cold (-20 degrees Celsius) and very salty environment. Most (~85 per cent) of the Earth's biosphere is cold (<5 degrees Celsius), and yet contains a rich diversity of microorganisms of which we know little. The uniqueness and sensitivity of Antarctica particularly demands that we rapidly improve our understanding of its biology. The discoveries made could provide fundamental insight about speciation - processes controlling which life forms that colonise the planet.Read moreRead less