Robert J. Woods

Minding the gap: collective determinants of multiscale structure across interacting bacterial colonies

This study investigates gap formation between interacting bacterial colonies using experiments and modeling, finding that nutrient competition and direct growth inhibition drive this phenomenon.

Conformational dynamics of exopolysaccharides underlie biofilm matrix mechanics in Vibrio cholerae

This study characterizes the physical properties and conformational dynamics of Vibrio cholerae exopolysaccharides to understand their role in biofilm matrix mechanics.

Population genetic structure of disease-causing vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in a hospital closely reflects the dynamics of colonizing populations in patients

This study compares genetic structure and antimicrobial resistance of VREfm strains from blood and gut samples, finding they are similar and highlighting the importance of preventing gut colonization.

Reversion to sensitivity explains limited transmission of resistance in a hospital pathogen

The paper investigates how resistance in hospital pathogens reverts to sensitivity when antibiotic pressure is removed, finding that transmitted resistance loses less resistance than de novo resistance.

Evolution-informed forecasting of seasonal influenza A (H3N2)

The paper demonstrates a method to forecast seasonal H3N2 influenza incidence by integrating evolutionary changes with an epidemiological model, achieving accurate real-time predictions for the 2016/2017 season.

Role Of Competition In The Strain Structure Of Rotavirus Under Invasion And Reassortment

The paper uses a stochastic model to study how competition and reassortment affect rotavirus strain structure, finding that new strains displace existing ones in open antigenic niches.