-
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. […]
Publications22.05.2026
-
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 […]
Publications22.04.2026
-
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 […]
Publications19.04.2026
-
Something ends, something begins
The last few months in our lab have been wonderfully busy. We’ve been teaching and wrapping up several projects, which are now reaching their well‑deserved finish lines. As always, this brings a mix of satisfaction, excitement, and just a touch of nostalgia. To honor these moments, we gathered in our traditional celebration spot and raised […]
News31.03.2026
-
PhD position in Conservation Genomics
We invite applications for a PhD position within the project “Genetic load and adaptive potential of European bison”, funded by the Polish National Science Centre (NCN) OPUS grant. About the Project In this project, we will investigate the dynamics of genomic erosion in the European bison, a species that survived both the late Pleistocene megafaunal […]
Jobs27.01.2026
-
Dissertatione conscripta et publice defensa
We’ve just celebrated another successful PhD defense in our lab! Katarzyna Burda defended her thesis, “Determinants of Genetic Load in Natural Populations of Guppies.” In her work, she directly estimated mutation rates, validated machine learning approaches for these analyses, and investigated genetic load in wild guppy populations from Trinidad and Tobago. Katarzyna joined our group […]
News16.04.2025
-
-
Ladies and Gentlemen – Dr Chmielewski!
Long awaited day in the lab – we can proudly and loudly celebrate PhD defense. In the thesis entitled “The genomics of sexual selection in the bulb mite, Rhizoglyphus robini” Sebastian explored genomic basis of sexual selection and mole morph determination. He constructed genetic map and assembled genome into chromosome scale, perform large scale evolve and […]
News21.03.2025
-
New assistant professor in the group
Our own dr Jonathan Parrett has been recently employed at the Adam Mickiewicz University as an assistant professor. Jon did his PhD at the Queen Mary University of London, where he studied the role of sexual selection in adaptation to novel environments using dung beetles and moths. Later, he moved to our group, where he […]
News14.03.2025
