Prof. M. Turelli (UC-Davis) scientific visit: collaboration on Wolbachia-Drosophila research

• Grant number: 17/07007-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: July 14, 2018
• End date: July 28, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Rodrigo Cogni
• Grantee: Rodrigo Cogni
• Visiting researcher: Michael Anthony Turelli
• Visiting researcher institution: University of California, Davis (UC Davis), United States
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/25991-0 - Ecological genomics of insects: climate adaptations and evolution of ecological interactions, AP.JP

Abstract

During this two weeks visit, Prof. Turelli will participate in three main activities. (i) Discussion and review of current projects on the host group. (ii) Finalization of a collaborative project on the evolution of mutualistic and parasitic traits on the Drosophila-Wolbachia interaction. In this project, we are testing parasitic and mutualistic effects on the interactions of 12 Drosophila species from the subgroup montium with different lines of the endosymbiont bacteria Wolbachia. (iii) Giving the mutual interest in studying biology and natural history of the Drosophila-Wolbachia interaction, we will also plan future collaborative projects. Additionally, Prof. Turelli will give a graduate course on speciation, a seminar on his recent research results and will be available to chat with students and researchers from IB-USP and other institutions. (AU)