Michael J. Sheehan

A single-cell transcriptomic atlas of paper wasp brains highlights Kenyon cells' role in social behavior

The paper uses single-cell transcriptomics to analyze brain cells in paper wasps, showing that Kenyon cells vary with social roles and respond to social interactions.

The mouse gut microbiota responds to predator odor and predicts host behavior

This study shows that predator odor exposure alters mouse gut microbiota, which predicts host behavior through gene expression and microbial interactions.

The Sikkim mouse (Mus pahari) exhibits distinct spatial, circadian, and social behaviors compared to laboratory mice

This study compares spatial, circadian, and social behaviors between Sikkim mice and laboratory mice, finding distinct behavioral differences.

Seasonality of the estrus cycle in laboratory mice under constant conditions

This study shows that female C57BL/6J mice exhibit reproductive seasonality in controlled lab conditions, mirroring external seasonal patterns.

Sex-specific competitive social feedback amplifies the role of early life contingency in male mice

This study shows that in male mice, competition amplifies the impact of early life contingency, leading to divergent life trajectories, while this effect is absent in females.

Rewilding alters mouse epigenetic aging

This study compares epigenetic aging rates between lab-reared and rewilded mice, finding faster aging in rewilded mice with implications for environmental influences on aging.

Lineage-specific patterns of sexually dimorphic antennal transcription in the paper wasp Polistes fuscatus

The paper identifies lineage-specific sexually dimorphic antennal transcription patterns in Polistes fuscatus, highlighting differences from ants and honey bees.

Neural correlates of individual facial recognition in a social wasp

The paper identifies a localized population of neurons in social wasps that are specifically tuned to wasp faces, analogous to face cells in primates.

Into the Wild: A novel wild-derived inbred strain resource expands the genomic and phenotypic diversity of laboratory mouse models

The paper introduces 11 wild-derived inbred mouse strains with expanded genomic and phenotypic diversity, enhancing the scope of biomedical research.

Dynamic neurogenomic responses to social interactions and dominance outcomes in female paper wasps

The paper examines transcriptional responses in the central brain and optic lobe of female paper wasps after social interactions, finding stronger responses in the central brain and gene expression changes related to aggression and reproduction in losers.

Evolutionary dynamics of recent selection for enhanced social cognition

This study shows that recent evolution of visual individual recognition in paper wasps is driven by strong positive selection on genes related to memory and visual processing.