The wasp spider is a large orb-weaving spider with striking colors, freaturing black and white bands on a yellow abdomen. Females are much larger than males. It is commonly found in meadows, fields and along roadsides throughout Europe. It builds large circular webs that include a zig-zag shaped band called stabilimentum, whose function is still…
Genomic interest areas: Model species
S. solfataricus
Saccharolobus solfataricus is an archaeal species that thrives in volcanic environments with high temperatures and acidity. It serves as a model organism for studying DNA replication, the cell cycle, chromosomal integration, transcription, RNA processing, and translation. 10.1073/pnas.141222098 (Jun 26, 2001) Author: Mar Iglesias Navarrete
D. radiodurans
Deinococcus radiodurans is the most radiation resistant organism. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding extreme radiation resistance and enhancing bioremediation applications. 10.1126/science.286.5444.1571 (Nov 19, 1999) Author: Vera Alfaro Tena
Pyrolobus fumarii
Pyrolobus fumarii is a hyperthermophilic chemolithoautotroph known as the primary producer of organic matter at deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Its genome sequencing provides insights into early life evolution and extremophile adaptations. Author: Elena Jiménez
Social Amoeba
Dictyostelium discoideum, the social amoeba, is a soil-dwelling unicellular protist which forms fruiting bodies made of many cells that aggregate under starvation. Its genome has a very high AT percentage and can help us learn about the evolution of amoebae and how multicellularity happens. Authors: Lucas Bartolomé Grosso, Joan Ortiz Badia, Marc Pedra Vilalta
Corn plant
Maize cobs typically have an even number of rows — it’s a cool quirk of plant biology—. Regardless of the variety, kernels rows follow a predictable pattern, with most types having between 8 and 20 rows. This happens because of the way maize develops, ensuring the total number of rows is almost always an even…
Zombie-ant fungus
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis is valued in local traditions for its medicinal properties. It contains cordycepin, known for its anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer effects. Additionally, it supports kidney health and may help manage depression and diabetes. de Bekker, C., Ohm, R. A., Loreto, R. G., Sebastian, A., Albert, I., Merrow, M., Brachmann, A., & Hughes, D. P….
Yellow fever mosquito
Aedes aegypti, the yellow fever mosquito, is a vector for several viral diseases, including yellow fever. Its genome is approximately 1.38 Gb in size, with around 15,000 genes. This improved reference genome provides valuable insights into its biology and can inform strategies for controlling arbovirus transmission. Author: Manel Gómez García
Jewel wasp
Nasonia vitripennis is a parasitic wasp species used as a model organism in evolutionary genetics research. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding insect genetics, development, and parasitic relationships. 10.1126/science.1178028 (Jan 15, 2010)
Axolotl
Ambystoma mexicanum, the axolotl, is a salamander species capable of regenerating lost body parts, including limbs and spinal cord. Its genome sequencing aids in understanding regeneration mechanisms and evolution. 10.1038/nature25458 (Jan 24, 2018)