M. J. Sheehan

Adaptive genomic variation is linked to a climatic gradient in a social wasp

This study links adaptive genomic variation to a climatic gradient in the social wasp Mischocyttarus mexicanus cubicola, identifying candidate SNPs associated with temperature and rainfall tolerance.

Major urinary protein (Mup) gene family deletion drives sex-specific alterations on the house mouse gut microbiota

This study shows that deleting the Mup gene family in male mice alters their gut microbiota composition, reducing microbial diversity and specific beneficial taxa, while no such effect is observed in females.

Genetically Identical Mice Express Alternative Reproductive Tactics Depending on Social Conditions in the Field

The study shows genetically identical mice adopt different reproductive tactics based on social conditions, with territorial males having higher survival and mating success.

Reproductive state switches the valence of male urinary pheromones in female mice

The paper investigates how female mice's reproductive state changes their response to male urinary pheromones, showing preference in estrus and avoidance in late pregnancy.

Local adaptation of host-species specific gut microbiota

This study shows that natural selection in house mice drives the assembly of gut microbiota from native and non-native sources, with adaptive advantages for native bacteria.

Postural analysis reveals persistent vigilance in paper wasps after conspecific challenge

This study shows that paper wasps maintain increased vigilance behaviors after a simulated social threat, even after the threat is removed.

Scent mark signal investment predicts fight dynamics in house mice

This study shows that scent mark investment in house mice predicts fight dynamics, with low-marking males engaging in more intense fights due to social costs of under-signaling.

Female behavior drives the formation of distinct social structures in C57BL/6J versus wild-derived outbred mice in field enclosures

The paper compares social structures formed by C57BL/6J and wild-derived mice in field enclosures, finding distinct differences in female behavior and social network density.

Dynamic changes to signal allocation rules in response to variable social environments in house mice

This study examines how male house mice adjust their urine marking behavior in response to social environment changes, revealing distinct behavioral strategies based on competitive experience and scent identity.

Color is necessary for specialized face learning in the Northern paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus

The paper tests if color is necessary for face recognition in Northern paper wasps by comparing performance on color and grayscale images.

Evidence for a selective link between cooperation and individual recognition

This study shows a fitness link between individual recognition and cooperation in paper wasps, with northern populations showing higher cooperation and recognition abilities.

Sex differences in deleterious genetic variants in a haplodiploid social insect

This study compares haploid and diploid genomes in paper wasps to identify deleterious variants, finding males have fewer harmful mutations than females.

Expansion and accelerated evolution of 9-exon odorant receptors in Polistes paper wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The paper studies odorant receptor gene evolution in paper wasps, finding 9-exon ORs expanded and under positive selection, but not uniquely diversified among species.

Distinct evolutionary trajectories of V1R clades across mouse species

The paper analyzes V1R receptor evolution across five Mus species, identifying distinct clade-specific evolutionary patterns and candidate receptors for social and predator signal detection.

RAD-Behavior (Recombining Atomized, Discretized, Behavior): A new framework for the quantitative analysis of behavioral execution

This paper introduces RAD-Behavior, a framework for quantitatively analyzing behavioral execution by comparing movement patterns and transition rates across species and contexts.

The giant pouched rat (Cricetomys ansorgei) olfactory receptor repertoire

This study identifies the olfactory receptor repertoire of the African giant pouched rat, finding it similar in size and subfamily count to mice and rats, with conserved genes across rodent species.