In Nature Ecology & Evolution, we show that genetic rescue can increase long-term fitness despite elevating putative genetic load.

Our new study in Nature Ecology & Evolution shows that genetic rescue can increase long-term fitness despite elevating putative genetic load. Genetic rescue is a promising conservation strategy for restoring fitness in small populations. Using our model system — the bulb mite — we tested whether alternative male morphs influence the efficacy of genetic rescue. […]

Publications

22.05.2026

New paper about a key regulator of missing-self innate immunity is now published online in Molecular Biology and Evolution

In this study, Rocco F. Notarnicola et al. (2026, https://doi.org/10.1093/molbev/msag082) show how an innate immune regulator (CFH), thought to be conserved  due its interactions with self-components, is instead very polymorphic and under diversifying selection, likely due to pathogen exploitation (e.g. Borrelia). Indeed, CFH sites involved in interactions with pathogens were under positive selection across rodents. This […]

Publications

22.04.2026

Our study on the effect of sexual selection on population dynamics out in Ecology Letters!

In the study by Neha Pandey at al. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ele.70377 we show that populations in which males are aggressive and armoured in lethal weapons are less stable compared to populations in which males are benign. Populations with aggressive males are mores sensitive to population disturbances and show slower recovery. This research was funded by NCN grant UMO-2020/39/B/NZ8/00152/4 […]

Publications

19.04.2026