Category: Seminars

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Genómica Microfluídica ENG

27 March 2025

Seminar: High-capacity genomics using microfluidics

This seminar will explore the use of microfluidics in high-capacity genomics, highlighting its technological potential and applications in microbiology and biodiversity studies. We will also look at how high-capacity and high-sensitivity equipment such as the Biomark X9 can be used to facilitate environmental DNA (eDNA) and metagenomics analyses.

9h: Biomark X9: The power of microfluidics.
9:45h: Examples and applications.
10:15h: Q&A
10:45h: Coffee Break
11:45h: Practical example: “Uncovering Complexity: High-Throughput Microfluidic qPCR for Simultaneous Detection and Quantification of Oral Microbiota.” by Morgane Ortis, Université Cote d’Azur
12:30h: Individual meetings with potential users who wish to meet.

speaker

Ruth Montalbo Calafell, PhD (BFAS, Izasa Scientific by Palex)

María Peñuelas Hortelano, PhD (PM, Izasa Scientific by Palex)

when and where

27 March 2025

09:00h

Sala de Grados, Edificio de Posgrados – UIB

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Seminars

Seminar: Diversity and evolution of branching worms and their host sponges ing

February 3, 2025

Seminar: Diversity and evolution of branching worms and their host sponges

The annelid family Syllidae represents a fascinating lineage of marine worms. It is the largest and most diverse family among the annelids, with more than 1,000 species that inhabit virtually all habitats and deep seas. These marine worms are known for their various modes of reproduction (sexual and asexual) and their incredible capacity for regeneration. Among them, certain species stand out for their unique branched body structures, such as the symbiotic “arboreal silica worms” (Ramisyllis spp.) that live within sponges. These worms possess a single head but develop a body that repeatedly branches into numerous posterior ends. By employing an integrative approach that combines morphology, molecular biology, and ecology, our research seeks to uncover how these branching worms have evolved and formed specialized relationships with their sponge hosts.

speaker

Dra. Maite Aguado (Biodiversity Museum of the Georg-August-University Göttingen)

When and where

03/02/2025

12:00h

Edifici complex M2 (Carrer Blaise Pascal, 7, Parc Bit)

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Seminars

Seminario: Short read genomics ing

February 3, 2025

Seminar: Short read genomics

While long-read sequencing made it possible to assemble genomes with resolved chromosomes, the bottleneck to achieving the goal of sequencing all life on Earth was the availability of high-quality samples. Scientific collections, rich with specimens from around the globe, offer an invaluable resource for short-read sequencing . I will present methods of using genome sequencing data for draft genomic assemblages and highlight their potential for phylogenomics, genomics, and biodiversity research, using nereid phylogeny as an example.

speaker

Dr. Christoph Bleidorn (Georg-August-University in Göttingen)

where and when

03/02/2025

12:00h

Edifici complex M2 (Carrer Blaise Pascal, 7, Parc Bit)

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Seminario: Anatomy of an adaptive radiation: the red devil spiders of the Canary Islands Ing

September 19, 2024

Seminar: Anatomy of an adaptive radiation: the red devil spiders of the Canary Islands

Adaptive radiations are a hallmark of island evolution. Oceanic archipelagos, which rise from the ocean floor and have never been connected to mainland areas, provide unparalleled opportunities for accidental colonizers to flourish and diversify. However, identifying the patterns and mechanisms driving species proliferation and ecological adaptation in the context of adaptive radiation is not always straightforward.

To address this, we combined molecular phylogenetic analysis, comparative genomics, geometric morphometry, and experimental testing to investigate the origins and diversification of the red devil spiders (genus Dysdera) in the Canary Islands. This genus comprises approximately 60 endemic species within this volcanic archipelago. Our phylogenomic data support a single origin of these endemic species (with one exception) and suggest that the ancestor colonized the archipelago during the early formation of the present-day islands. The single origin hypothesis is further reinforced by the significant reduction in genome size among island species, primarily due to the loss of repetitive elements.

Trophic specialization has been a key driver of diversification in these endemic species, as evidenced by multiple independent events of onychophagia and accelerated speciation in specialized lineages. Notably, our findings also suggest that the processes of speciation and ecological adaptation are largely independent. The red devil spiders provide one of the most compelling examples of island diversification, and the extensive genomic, morphological, and ecological data available make this system an invaluable model for studying the mechanisms that generate and sustain biodiversity over time.

speaker

Dr. Miquel Arnedo (Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat, Universitat de Barcelona)

when and where

19/09/2024

12:00h

Edifici complex M2 (Carrer Blaise Pascal, 7, Parc Bit)

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Seminars

Seminario: ¿Por qué es tan importante la taxonomía? Ing

June 26, 2024

Seminar: Why is taxonomy so important?

Taxonomy underpins all biological sciences, making accurate species identification essential. A species name enables access to various databases and literature sources, allowing researchers to retrieve valuable information about that species, such as its distribution, ecology, genetic data, and more. However, many species, particularly among invertebrates, remain undescribed. Taxonomy is not a static science, especially in marine environments, where reexamination of previously described species often reveals they are actually groups of species that can be distinguished through additional molecular and morphological characteristics.

It is crucial for taxonomists to collaborate closely with other biologists, both within and across institutions, nationally and internationally. Museum collections play a vital role in documenting biodiversity. Well-organized, database-driven collections are particularly important at the national level, helping to track changes in species distributions due to climate change or to differentiate between native and introduced species.

Taxonomy is at a critical juncture, as many museums face funding cuts, leading to a reduction in positions. This lack of funding discourages students from pursuing taxonomic research if they cannot envision a viable career path.

speaker

Dra. Pat Hutchings (Australian Museum)

when and where

26/06/2024

11:00h

Edifici complex M2 (Carrer Blaise Pascal, 7, Parc Bit)