Sam P. Brown

Using the Price equation to analyze multi-level selection on the reproductive policing mechanism of bacterial plasmids

The paper uses the Price equation to analyze multi-level selection on bacterial plasmid reproductive policing mechanisms, showing how selection at host and plasmid levels shapes plasmid replication control.

Manipulating virulence factor availability can have complex consequences for infections

This study manipulates virulence factor availability in Pseudomonas aeruginosa within an insect host and finds that it affects virulence and bacterial fitness in complex, non-linear ways.

The evolution of coercive policing in genetically mixed groups: the case of plasmid copy number control

This paper models the evolution of reproductive policing in genetically mixed groups using a computational model inspired by plasmid copy number control, showing that coercive policing strategies emerge under high migration rates.

Wolbachia confers sex-specific resistance and tolerance to enteric but not systemic bacterial infection in Drosophila

This study shows that Wolbachia in Drosophila provides sex-specific resistance and tolerance to enteric but not systemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection through antimicrobial and repair gene expression.

Microbiome engineering could select for more virulent pathogens

This study shows microbiome engineering can inadvertently select for more virulent pathogens by increasing competition, but aggressive treatment combined with damage limitation therapies can lead to pathogen eradication.