Samuel H. Church

Organisms associated with siphonophores revealed by short-read whole-genome sequencing

The paper analyzes DNA captured during siphonophore genome sequencing to identify associated organisms, revealing bacterial and eukaryotic diversity.

Integrative genomics of the siphonophore Physalia utriculus reveals the regulatory logic of colonial division of labour and the molecular basis of venom activity

This study presents a multi-omic atlas of the siphonophore Physalia utriculus, revealing the regulatory mechanisms of colonial division of labour and the molecular basis of venom activity.

A Chromosome-Scale Genome of Nanomia septata Reveals Extensive Rearrangement But No Clear Driver of the Unique Colony-Level Organization of Siphonophores

The paper sequenced the chromosome-scale genome of Nanomia septata, revealing genome rearrangements and expansion but no clear genomic drivers for siphonophore colony-level organization.

High-throughput iNaturalist image analysis reveals flower color divergence in Monarda fistulosa

The paper analyzes community science images of Monarda fistulosa to show geographic divergence in flower color, finding western flowers are deeper violet than eastern ones.

Global distribution patterns of an ocean-surface dwelling animal are associated with organismal mirror asymmetry

The paper examines the global distribution of Velella jellyfish and finds that mirror asymmetry correlates with geographic patterns, supporting wind-sorting as the primary mechanism.

From surfacing to stranding: The origins and dispersal dynamics of a neustonic siphonophore

This study uses genomic data and a particle-tracking model to investigate the dispersal and stranding dynamics of Physalia physalis along the US East Coast.

Global genomics of the man-o'-war (Physalia) reveals biodiversity at the ocean surface

The paper sequences 133 Physalia genomes and analyzes citizen-science images to reveal five distinct lineages and four species, with geographic population structure and long-distance dispersal.

Automation and Evaluation of the SOWH Test with SOWHAT

The paper introduces SOWHAT, a tool automating the SOWH test for phylogenetic topology evaluation, and finds that replicate numbers affect reliability.

Stem cells in Nanomia bijuga (Siphonophora), a colonial animal with localized growth zones

This study identifies stem cell distribution and proliferation patterns in Nanomia bijuga, showing their localization in growth zones and their role in colony development.