I am broadly interested in natural sciences, particularly biology.
My research experience has revolved around understanding how biological and environmental processes
within and among populations or species produce biodiversity and adaptations and how to preserve them.
Below, some of the main topics of my studies:
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CephRes
Why some animals are particularly intelligent? Understanding the evolution of complex nervous systems, advanced cognitive abilities and rich behavioural repertories in cephalopods |
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NEREA
Naples Ecological REsearch for Augmented observatories. Learn more about NEREA (click here)! Analysing environmental "omics" samples collected during the NEREA expeditions to shed light on coastal ecology and biology, particularly the marine microbiome |
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Genomic susceptibility to extinction
ENDEMIXIT: a whole-genomes approach to study and protect endangered Italian endemics (and many spin-off projects). Follow us in the ENDEMIXIT's website (click here)! |
Figure from von Oosterhout C. Nat Ecol Evol 4, 1004–1006 (2020)
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Genetic load in non-model organisms
How to estimate the burden of deleterious mutations without direct fitness information? Developing theoretical and bioinformatics approaches to quantify genetic load using whole genomes |
Photo courtesy of Daria Shipilina
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Biological invasions
Why some biological invasions fail and others succeed? Examining the determinants of range expansion and contraction using both successful and failed colonizations |
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Repeated hybrid zones in marine snails
Observing evolution in action before our eyes through hybrids in beautiful shores to uncover the processes underlying biodiversity. Multiple lines of research all involving Littorina snails, check the Littorina Research Team's website (click here)! |
Picture courtesy of Axel Meyer
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Asymmetry and lateralization
Exploring the origin and maintenance of bilateral head asymmetry and lateralized behaviour in an unique example of balanced polymorphism |
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Sympatric speciation in cichlid fishes
How species diverge in absence of obvious isolation? Why some species speciate even in sympatry and others do not? Looking at multiple potentially adaptive traits and their genomic architecture to understand speciation and adaptation in cichlid fishes |
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Connectivity in marine invertebrates
What are the biological and abiotic factors affecting gene flow, diversity and distribution in marine populations? Towards an Integrated Coastal Zone Management of the European shores |
Picture: © Manfred Bortoli
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Conservation genetics of a crucial marine fishery resource
Investigating genetic differentiation and conservation actions in the Mediterranean Bluefin tuna |
