E. Harrison

Superiority of chromosomal compared to plasmid-encoded compensatory mutations

This study compares the ecological effects of compensatory mutations on plasmids and chromosomes, finding that chromosomal mutations are more effective in reducing plasmid fitness costs and promoting plasmid spread.

Engineering Escherichia coli to produce aromatic chemicals from ethylene glycol

This study engineers Escherichia coli to produce aromatic chemicals from ethylene glycol, achieving higher yields than glucose and demonstrating feasibility with waste PET-derived EG.

Plasmid manipulation of bacterial behaviour through translational regulatory crosstalk

This paper identifies RsmQ as a plasmid translational regulator that globally controls bacterial behavior by altering the proteome, leading to a switch from motile to sessile lifestyle.

The origins and molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 in the UK

This study investigates the origins and molecular evolution of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 (Alpha) in the UK, finding that a chronically-infected immunocompetent individual likely drove its rapid mutation and spread.

Horizontal gene transfer increases microbiome stability

This study shows that horizontal gene transfer increases microbiome stability by spreading resistance genes, but affects individual taxa differently based on gene mobility and community interactions.

Exploring the onset of B12-based mutualisms using a recently evolved Chlamydomonas auxotroph and B12-producing bacteria

The paper investigates how a B12-dependent alga forms mutualisms with B12-producing bacteria, finding that higher B12 release by bacteria benefits both partners in co-culture.

The dilution effect limits plasmid horizontal transmission in multispecies bacterial communities

The paper shows that bacterial diversity limits plasmid horizontal transmission through the dilution effect and plasmid-plasmid interactions in multispecies communities.

Plasmid fitness costs are caused by specific genetic conflicts

The paper identifies specific genetic conflicts as the cause of plasmid fitness costs in Pseudomonas fluorescens, showing that single mutations can ameliorate these costs.

Positive selection inhibits plasmid coexistence in bacterial genomes

The paper shows that positive selection inhibits plasmid coexistence in bacterial genomes by retaining only the more beneficial plasmid, while compensatory evolution allows stable coinfection without positive selection.

A novel Ca2+ signalling pathway co-ordinates environmental phosphorus sensing and nitrogen metabolism in marine diatoms

This study identifies a novel Ca2+-dependent signaling pathway in diatoms that links phosphorus sensing to nitrogen metabolism, enhancing nutrient uptake and bloom formation.

Education influences knowledge about environmental issues in Washington, DC, USA

The paper surveys Washington, DC residents to show that education level affects knowledge and perceptions of environmental issues, with higher education linked to greater awareness of natural resource connections and climate change impacts.

Patterns of recurrence after curative-intent surgery for pancreas cancer reinforce the importance of locoregional control and adjuvant chemotherapy.

This study examines recurrence patterns in pancreas cancer patients after surgery, finding that locoregional recurrence is common and linked to R+ resection and venous invasion, with adjuvant chemotherapy improving survival.