One interesting side project revolved around the role of iron. We found that in cells with elevated internal free iron, mutation rates are not controlled by the social environment but 'maxed out' by oxidative stress driven by Fenton chemistry. 4/8

Using computational models to develop hypotheses and then testing these with Ecoli in the lab we show that higher density populations are able to better degrade environmental h2o2 in standard lab media, leading to lower mutation rates. 3/8

We have also produced this lay summary of the work which was a really fun process. While writing it we worked out that we grew enough e coli in this study to stretch to the moon and back and then to the pyramids in Cairo! 2/8 www.manchester.ac.uk/about/news/s...

Scientists control bacterial mutations to preserve antibiotic effectiveness

Scientists have discovered a way to control mutation rates in bacteria, paving the way for new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.Antibiotics are given to kill bad bacteria, however with just ...

Super excited that the final version of our paper on mutation rate plasticity and oxidative stress is out now at PLoS biology! This paper shows how mutation rates are a highly dynamic trait shaped by genotype, community composition and abiotic factors. 1/8 journals.plos.org/plosbiology/...

Collective peroxide detoxification determines microbial mutation rate plasticity in E. coli

In some bacteria, mutation rates depend on environmental factors such as population density. This study uses simulation-guided experiments to show that denser microbial populations detoxify their envi...

#SMBE2024@mermanchester.bsky.social visits teotihuacan, feeling very lucky to be in Mexico).

We had a great time at the Community Festival this weekend! It was amazing to chat with so many people about all things microbial and see the wonderful creations on our Make Your Own Bacteria stand!

@mermanchester.bsky.social Absolutely smashing the Manchester 10k once again 🧪🧑‍🔬💪

So excited to say I have been awarded a discipline hopping grant from the University of Manchester - I'll be going back to my old love Bdellovibrio and starting some work in plant systems in the dept of science and engineering 🌱 can't wait! @mermanchester.bsky.social

I’m starting a special interest group with monthly seminars + discussion focused on the role of mutation in evolution covering #evobio#popgen#histsci#philsci Upcoming speakers: @PeterALind, @DeepaAgashe, Grey Monroe, Rose Novick, Alex Klug To join, email <myfirstname>@umd.edu Please repost

Ah yeah sorry I meant the instructions might be a bit simplified, the experiment is definitely great for anyone!!! Enjoy 🧑‍🔬