K. M. Davis

Ovoselenol, a Selenium-containing AnOoxidant Derived from Convergent Evolution

The paper identifies a novel selenium-containing antioxidant, ovoselenol, through bioinformatic and biochemical studies of a newly evolved enzyme class involved in selenometabolite biosynthesis.

Subtle, but perceptible, sexual dichromatism and disassortative mating based on plumage reflectance in Black Terns (Chlidonias niger)

This study finds subtle sexual dichromatism and disassortative mating based on plumage reflectance in Black Terns, suggesting visual signals unrelated to body condition influence mate choice.

Estradiol Mediates Greater Germinal Center Responses to Influenza Vaccination in Female than Male Mice

This study shows estradiol enhances germinal center responses and antibody production in female mice after influenza vaccination, leading to better protection against viral challenge.

Risk assessment during nest defense against three simulated predators by female northern house wrens (Troglodytes aedon)

This study examines how female northern house wrens adjust their nest defense behaviors based on perceived predator risk, finding that they respond differently to predators that threaten their offspring versus those that threaten both offspring and themselves.

The dietary fiber guar gum ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via attenuated Th1 activation and differentiation

This study shows that guar gum reduces neuroinflammation in EAE by inhibiting Th1 activation and differentiation in CD4+ T cells, independent of microbiota or short chain fatty acid changes.

Structural Basis for an Unprecedented Enzymatic Alkylation in Cylindrocyclophane Biosynthesis

This paper determines the structure and mechanism of the cyanobacterial enzyme CylK, which performs unique alkylation reactions in cylindrocyclophane biosynthesis.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis doxycycline tolerance strategies include modulating expression of genes involved in cell permeability and tRNA modifications

This study identifies gene expression changes in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in response to doxycycline, showing that OmpF porin and TusB tRNA modification influence antibiotic tolerance.

NO-stressed Y. pseudotuberculosis have decreased cell division rates in the mouse spleen

The paper develops a fluorescent reporter system to measure bacterial cell division rates in vivo and finds that NO stress reduces division rates in Y. pseudotuberculosis within mouse spleens.

Modifying TIMER, a slow-folding DsRed derivative, for optimal use in quickly-dividing bacteria

The paper develops a modified TIMER variant (TIMER42) to identify slow-growing bacteria in host tissues, showing it accumulates signal in stationary phase and under nitric oxide stress.

Subpopulations of stressed Y. pseudotuberculosis preferentially survive doxycycline treatment within host tissues

This paper develops a fluorescent reporter to track doxycycline diffusion in host tissues and shows stressed Y. pseudotuberculosis subpopulations survive treatment better than others.

Topologically correct synthetic reconstruction of pathogen social behavior found in deep tissue sites

The paper reconstructs microbial social behavior in deep tissue sites using microfluidics-driven microdroplets and NO generation, mimicking spatial regulation observed in tissues.

Iron-sulfur cluster repair contributes to Y. pseudotuberculosis survival within deep tissues

This study shows that Y. pseudotuberculosis uses Fe-S cluster repair via YtfE to survive in the spleen under nitrosative stress, even when NO detoxification is absent.

Attenuated amiloride-sensitive current and augmented calcium-activated chloride current in marsh rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) airways

The paper investigates ion transport adaptations in marsh rice rat airways, finding reduced ENaC activity and increased CaCC activity to aid in ASL regulation in salt marsh environments.