B. Momeni

Revisiting the invasion paradox: resistance-richness relationship is driven by augmentation and displacement trends

The paper uses mathematical simulations to show colonization resistance does not have a monotonic relationship with species richness, but instead depends on augmentation and displacement trends.

Weakly alkaline conditions degrade aflatoxins through lactone ring opening

This study shows that weakly alkaline conditions can degrade aflatoxins by opening their lactone ring, reducing contamination without harsh chemicals.

Starch can expedite the screening for bacterial aflatoxin degraders

This study screens environmental isolates for aflatoxin degradation using starch as a carbon source, finding it improves degrader identification and performance compared to glucose.

When does a Lotka-Volterra model represent microbial interactions? Insights from in-vitro nasal bacterial communities

The paper tests when Lotka-Volterra models accurately represent microbial interactions using in vitro nasal bacterial communities and finds they work best under low-nutrient and complex environments.

Spatial structure may favor or disfavor microbial coexistence

The paper models microbial coexistence in spatially structured environments, finding that slower motility and balanced mediator exchange promote coexistence.

Partner-assisted artificial selection of a secondary function for efficient bioremediation

This study introduces partner-assisted artificial selection (PAAS) to improve microbial enzymatic functions for bioremediation, showing it enhances toxin degradation despite stochasticity.

Mechanistic investigation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant spike mutants via full quantum mechanical modeling

The paper uses quantum mechanical modeling to predict and analyze binding strengths of SARS-CoV-2 spike variants to the human ACE2 receptor, validating predictions experimentally.

Anticipating future SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern through ab initio quantum mechanical modeling

This paper uses quantum mechanical modeling to predict the impact of SARS-CoV-2 mutations on hACE2 binding and identify potential future variants of concern.

Enzyme fatigue limits the detoxification of aflatoxin by Rhodococcus species

This study examines detoxification of aflatoxin by Rhodococcus species, finding that enzyme fatigue limits detoxification efficiency and that enzyme production is species- and environment-dependent.

Mechanistic Insight from Full Quantum Mechanical Modeling: Laccase as a Detoxifier of Aflatoxins

The paper uses quantum mechanical modeling to show that low steric affinity, not oxidative activity, limits laccase's ability to detoxify aflatoxins, identifying key residues for enzyme optimization.

Impact of temporal pH fluctuations on the coexistence of nasal bacteria

The paper examines how temporal pH fluctuations affect nasal bacterial coexistence using experimental data and a mathematical model, finding that community composition is robust against pH changes.

The impact of interactions on invasion and colonization resistance in microbial communities

The paper models chemical-mediated interactions in microbial communities to determine how invasion outcomes are influenced by resident and invader interactions.

Full quantum mechanical modeling of the enzyme-substrate system: how laccase detoxifies aflatoxin

This paper uses quantum mechanical modeling to study laccase detoxification of aflatoxin, identifying affinity limitations and environmental dependencies, and proposes a roadmap for enzyme optimization.

Bacterial and plant produced lipids can exacerbate the Olive Quick Decline Syndrome caused by Xylella

This study identifies plant and bacterial lipids that exacerbate Olive Quick Decline Syndrome by modulating X. fastidiosa biofilm formation and growth.

Microbial coexistence through chemical-mediated interactions

This study shows that chemical-mediated interactions, particularly growth-facilitating influences and self-restraint, promote microbial coexistence in communities.

Resolving challenges in quantitative modeling of microbial community dynamics

The paper identifies and resolves challenges in modeling microbial community dynamics by re-measuring strain phenotypes in community-like environments.

Horizontal Gene Transfer Can Help Maintain the Equilibrium of Microbial Communities

This study uses a population dynamics model to show that horizontal gene transfer affects microbial community stability and species coexistence by altering gene flux and direction.