Dr. Seth R. Bordenstein's lab studies the interactions between bacteria and their insect hosts, focusing on a specific bacterium called Wolbachia. They investigate how Wolbachia manipulates insect reproduction, particularly in mosquitoes, to control the spread of diseases like Zika and dengue. By examining the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions, the lab aims to enhance strategies for using Wolbachia as a tool in public health to reduce mosquito populations and disease transmission.

Dr. Andrew Patterson's lab investigates how environmental chemicals influence the gut microbiota and affect overall health. By studying the interactions between toxic exposures and gut microbes, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that link environmental factors to diseases like metabolic disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases. The research has broader implications for public health, particularly in developing new probiotic treatments and improving risk assessments for chemical exposures.

The Makova Lab focuses on studying how unique DNA structures, which differ from the standard double helix, influence genome evolution and function. By examining these non-canonical DNA forms, the lab aims to uncover their roles in genetic variation, disease, and genome architecture. The research combines experimental techniques with computational analysis to deepen our understanding of human genetics and contribute to advancements in personalized medicine.

Dr. Mauricio Henriques Pontes leads a research lab focused on understanding the unique interactions between a bacterium called Sodalis glossinidius and tsetse flies, which are known vectors for serious diseases like sleeping sickness. The lab aims to uncover how this bacterium survives and replicates within the fly, potentially paving the way for innovative strategies to control trypanosomiasis. By employing advanced genetic techniques, the lab explores how modifying this bacterium could help in producing flies that resist trypanosome infections.