Benjamin Kerr

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.

Intracellular interactions shape antiviral resistance outcomes in poliovirus via eco-evolutionary feedback

This paper develops an intra-host eco-evolutionary model of poliovirus under pocapavir treatment, showing that antiviral potency must balance immediate viral suppression with preserving coinfection to prevent resistance.