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Practical matters How to find us prof. dr. B. (Bregje) Wertheim

prof. dr. B. (Bregje) Wertheim

Professor & Rosalind Franklin Fellow - Evolutionary biology of ecological interactions

Research interests

In my research, I use state-of-the-art technologies and analyses, and employ these to fundamental questions in evolutionary ecology, and in applied research. Rather than trying to minimize the genetic variation in our genomics experiments to facilitate the analyses, my strategy is actually to exploit, quantify and characterize genomic variation to gain fundamental knowledge on ecological traits and evolutionary processes.

In my research, I focus on Drosophila, as this genetically tractable model system with well-studied ecological drivers is ideal for addressing the molecular mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation. In this system, I map the complex gene networks that coordinate ecologically relevant traits and reveal how genomes change during evolution. My research aims are  to unravel the molecular principles of evolutionary innovation, and to study functional diversification and interference of gene regulatory networks. For applied research, I will continue to work together with my commercial partners for co-creation of knowledge for biological control, insect mass-rearing and in developing insects as mini-livestock for feed.

Publications

Aggregation pheromones have a non-linear effect on oviposition behavior in Drosophila melanogaster

Behaviour of two fly species reared for livestock feed: Optimising production and insect welfare

Circadian rhythm entrainment of the jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, by antagonistic interactions of multiple spectral inputs

More persistent bacterial than fungal associations in the microbiota of a pest insect

Towards evolutionary predictions: Current promises and challenges

Adaptations and counter-adaptations in Drosophila host-parasitoid interactions: Advances in the molecular mechanisms

Coenzyme A precursors flow from mother to zygote and from microbiome to host

Development of sustainable business models for insect-fed poultry production: opportunities and risks

Evolution of parasitoid host preference and performance in response to an invasive host acting as evolutionary trap

Health of the black soldier fly and house fly under mass-rearing conditions: Innate immunity and the role of the microbiome

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Press/media

Waar komen al die fruitvliegjes ineens vandaan?

Last van fruitvliegjes? Hoe houd je ze buiten?

Waar komen die fruitvliegjes ineens vandaan?

Hoogvliegers: Waar zouden we zijn zonder de fruitvlieg

Pas op voor gevaarlijke exotische fruitvliegjes: Zo kom je ervan af

Article contribution in Science Journal for Kids and Teens

Waar ligt de kiem van fruitvliegjes?

Vliegen belazeren elkaar in de liefde

More integrated measures against Suzuki fruitfly

Zijn er meer fruitvliegen dan vroeger?

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