R. Dhar

Exaptation and de novo mutations transcend cryptic variations as drivers of adaptation in yeast

This study shows that yeast populations in predictable environments lose adaptive potential, with adaptation to stress driven by de novo mutations rather than pre-existing cryptic variations.

Evolutionary engineering a larger porin using a loop-to-hairpin mechanism

This study experimentally validates a novel evolutionary mechanism where an extracellular loop converts to a transmembrane β-hairpin, increasing β-barrel strand number and pore size in membrane proteins.

Membrane barrels are taller, fatter, inside-out soluble barrels

The paper compares membrane and soluble beta-barrels to find differences in size, shape, and hydrophobicity, revealing membrane barrels are taller, wider, and have more regular alternation.

Genotypic and antigenic study of SARS-CoV-2 from an Indian isolate.

The paper analyzes the genotypic and antigenic characteristics of an Indian SARS-CoV-2 isolate, identifying its strain and predicting B and T cell epitopes for vaccine design.