Constructing an embryo. This project investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying temporal and spatial organisation in the eutherian preimplantation embryo. It will examine: the relative roles of cell cycle and circadian clocks in developmental timing; the molecular mechanism by which intercellular adhesion patterns influence spatial organisation; the extent to which marsupials use similar timing and spatial localisation mechanisms to eutherians; the impact of in-vitro manipulat ....Constructing an embryo. This project investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying temporal and spatial organisation in the eutherian preimplantation embryo. It will examine: the relative roles of cell cycle and circadian clocks in developmental timing; the molecular mechanism by which intercellular adhesion patterns influence spatial organisation; the extent to which marsupials use similar timing and spatial localisation mechanisms to eutherians; the impact of in-vitro manipulations over the first 5 days of mouse pregnancy on embryonic temporal and spatial organisation.Read moreRead less
Integrative behaviour: a new synthesis. The research will use a uniquely integrative behavioural approach to a) analyse swarming in locusts, and b) apply powerful new models in nutrition to address key problems in biology, agriculture and human health. Outcomes will include i) an understanding of the molecular and environmental mechanisms controlling swarming in locusts, providing new management and control strategies; ii) insights into human obesity, with health policy recommendations; iii) new ....Integrative behaviour: a new synthesis. The research will use a uniquely integrative behavioural approach to a) analyse swarming in locusts, and b) apply powerful new models in nutrition to address key problems in biology, agriculture and human health. Outcomes will include i) an understanding of the molecular and environmental mechanisms controlling swarming in locusts, providing new management and control strategies; ii) insights into human obesity, with health policy recommendations; iii) new technologies for designing nutritional regimes for animal production; iv) an understanding of the responses of insect pests to changing environments; and v) insights into the flow of nutrients across trophic levels within terrestrial ecosystems.Read moreRead less