Elucidating the complexity of ecological systems
Our paper, ‘Conceptualizing microbe-plasmid communities as complex adaptive systems’ on ScienceDirect, available online starting from February 21, 2023. The article discusses the importance of understanding how plasmids shape microbial communities and proposes a theoretical approach to overcome the challenges of studying this complex system. Click on the link to read the paper.
Our paper titled “Multilayer networks of plasmid genetic similarity reveal potential pathways of gene transmission” was published on February 9th, 2023, in “The ISME Journall” under the DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-023-01373-5. The study utilized multilayer networks to analyze the genetic similarity between plasmids in a population of dairy cows and sheds light on the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes across animal hosts. For more details, please see our paper here.
We will miss her, but wish her all the best down the road!
There is limited understanding of how the disruption of keystone interactions, which are known to be important in the relationship between structure and stability, impacts multitrophic networks. In this study, we used the example of the Patagonian hummingbird-mistletoe-marsupial keystone interaction and its disruption by an invasive ungulate species to address this gap. Our model system and multilayer network analysis allow us to examine the broader consequences of disturbances, such as invasive species, on the structure and stability of multitrophic networks. Take a look here.
Students and researchers from around Israel were invited to participate in a workshop about plasmid biology. The workshop was organized by Shai and Prof. Itzik Mizrahi, with Prof. Alvaro San Millan as a guest teacher. The workshop featured insightful talks and inspiring discussions for all participants, while connecting researchers from a range of backgrounds and knowledge bases. Participants developed research ideas on topics at the forefront of plasmid biology after identifying gaps in knowledge.
By bringing concepts from ecological networks into molecular biology, we found that cancer environments modulate protein interaction structure and robustness in the mitochondria of cancer cells.
Take a look here!
Shai and Tiño traveled to Metz, France to participate in the joint meeting of SFE² GfÖ EEF. They presented projects from the lab, making new connections and engaging in discussion with researchers from all over the world.
Before leaving for vet school, Maya visited the lab one last time and gifted us with a beautiful painting she made.
Thank you Maya, and best of luck in the future!
Shai Matan and Geut traveled to Plön, Germany and participated in the workshop on mathematical modelling of microbiomes organized by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology – presenting active projects in the lab, meeting new people and engaging in discussion with researchers from all over the world.
Bringing concepts from disease ecology into microbial ecology, we found pathways of anti microbial resistance transmission across animal hosts in a multilayer plasmid sequence network. Take a look here!