Olivia Kosterlitz

Horizontal gene transfer by plasmids relaxes the evolutionary constraints of its own tradeoff

The paper examines the evolutionary tradeoff between horizontal and vertical gene transfer in plasmids, finding mixed evidence and proposing that HGT relaxes constraints by introducing plasmids into novel hosts.

Molecular pet or parasite? Exploring selection for vertical and horizontal plasmid transfer

This study develops a mathematical model to understand selection for horizontal plasmid transfer and shows that modifying lab protocols can tip selection towards horizontal gene transfer.

Long-term population studies uncover the genome structure and genetic basis of xenobiotic and host plant adaptation in the herbivore Tetranychus urticae

The paper uses experimental evolution in spider mites to map genetic loci underlying pesticide resistance and host plant adaptation, revealing polygenic and locus-specific mechanisms.