J. Spencer Johnston

Genome assembly of the southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmerman) reveal the origins of gene content reduction in Dendroctonus

The paper presents a chromosome-level genome assembly of the southern pine beetle and identifies gene content reduction and annotation biases in the Dendroctonus clade.

Genome and Genetic Engineering of the House Cricket (Acheta domesticus) Applications for Sustainable Agriculture

The paper presents the first high-quality genome assembly of the house cricket and demonstrates genetic engineering techniques for improving its agricultural and industrial applications.

The genomic basis of evolutionary novelties in a leafhopper

This study identifies the genomic basis of evolutionary novelties in the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter, revealing novel genes, horizontal gene transfer, and symbiotic associations contributing to its adaptations.

Spodoptera littoralis genome mining brings insights on the dynamic of expansion of gustatory receptors in polyphagous noctuidae

The paper sequenced and analyzed the S. littoralis genome to investigate the expansion mechanisms of gustatory receptors in polyphagous noctuidae, identifying transposable elements and positive selection as potential drivers.

Comparison of long read sequencing technologies in resolving bacteria and fly genomes

This study compares PacBio and Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing technologies for bacterial and fly genome assembly and methylation detection, finding no single technology outperforms others across all metrics.

Whole genome assembly of Culex tarsalis

The paper assembles and annotates a reference genome for Culex tarsalis, identifies genetic clusters, and estimates divergence time from Culex quinquefasciatus.

Improved reference genome of the arboviral vector Aedes albopictus

The paper presents an improved genome assembly of Aedes albopictus, revealing new biological features and enabling population and developmental studies.

Measuring genome sizes using read-depth, k-mers, and flow cytometry: methodological comparisons in beetles (Coleoptera)

The paper compares genome size estimation methods using read-depth, k-mers, and flow cytometry in beetles, finding that no single method performs well across all species and that sequence-based methods tend to underestimate genome sizes.

A chromosome-level assembly of the cat flea genome uncovers rampant gene duplication and genome size plasticity

The paper presents a chromosome-level genome assembly of the cat flea, revealing extensive gene duplication and genome size variation, along with novel Wolbachia strains.

Molecular evolutionary trends and feeding ecology diversification in the Hemiptera, anchored by the milkweed bug genome

The paper presents the milkweed bug genome and comparative analyses to study molecular evolution and feeding ecology in Hemiptera.

Improved Aedes aegypti mosquito reference genome assembly enables biological discovery and vector control

The paper presents an improved Aedes aegypti genome assembly, AaegL5, which enhances biological understanding and vector control efforts by resolving key genomic features and identifying new targets for intervention.