Research group
Hall Group
Decoding evolution in microbes
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We study how microbes evolve and interact with hosts to understand how pathogens emerge and adapt.
We are using genome sequencing to study parasites such as Trichomonas and Trypanosoma (African sleeping sickness, leishmania and chagas disease) which cause important diseases in both humans and animals. We also apply these methods to plant pathogens using population genetics methods to understand how new crop pathogens emerge.
We use comparative and functional genomics to identify the genes that are involved in interaction with the host. By studying strains and species that have defined phenotypic differences (such as differences in virulence or host specificity) we can use direct genome analysis to identify their genetic basis and study the rate at which genes are evolving.
We are also developing methods to sequence individual cells from environmental samples to better understand how different species evolved and how they interact with each other.
Projects.
Team members.
Publications.
Related reading.
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23 August 2020
Science
FEATURE
| 10 min READ
The Weird and Wonderful World of Protists: an interview with Sally Warring
Dr Sally Warring tells us that studying protists could make us rethink what we know about biology, genetics, and the complexities of life on Earth.
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13 November 2020
Science
FEATURE
| 8 min READ
From climate change to mind control, protists run the world
You may never have heard of them but protists have the power to make or break life on Earth. From mind-controlling parasites to oxygen-belching phytoplankton, these single-celled organisms dominate the tree of life - yet we know precious little about them.
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March 29, 2021
Science
FEATURE
| 15 min READ
Marrying Microbes: in sickness and in health
From the beneficial bacteria making up a healthy microbiome to the deadly parasites that afflict millions worldwide, microbes play an integral role in sickness and in health.
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May 14, 2021
Science
FEATURE
| 15 min READ
Hidden biodiversity: a matter of life or death
How can we better understand and protect the planet's biodiversity, so that we can continue to benefit from it and prosper for many generations to come?
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11 June 2021
Science
FEATURE
| 10 min READ
The biodiversity ‘outsiders’ - the protist gang
What does biodiversity mean to you? The common focus is the loss of rainforests and wildlife conservation, but what about the lesser known, microscopic species?
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18 October 2018
Science
FEATURE
| 3 min READ
Spotlight on: Neil Hall Group - targeting pathogens
Group Leader Neil Hall explains about the work of the Hall Group, which is focussed on researching genomes of microbes and microbial communities.