Projects of Livestock Research
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Unraveling mechanisms of Prokaryotic Argonautes
August 24, 2021 - Project - Prokaryotic Argonautes (pAgos) are a diverse group of proteins that can use DNA or RNA guides to target complementary DNA/RNA. They protect their bacterial or archaeal host against invading nucleic acids such as plasmids and viruses. However, the exact mechanisms and possible alternative functions of pAgos are unknown. We aim to unravel the mechanisms and function of prokaryotic Argonautes. -
Genebank for livestock and aquatic species
January 1, 2022 - Project - The Dutch genebank for livestock and aquatic species secures the genetic diversity from the past, the current and the future generations. All genetic material is divided over two locations, Wageningen and a mirror site elsewhere in the Netherlands. -
Monitoring genetic diversity aquatic genetic resources
January 1, 2022 - Project - Monitoring genetic diversity of wild populations of shellfish, fish and seaweed relevant to Dutch aquaculture is important for conservation and sustainable use of these aquatic genetic resources in aquaculture. -
Characterisation of novel prokaryotic Argonaute Systems
August 31, 2021 - Project - Prokaryotes are under constant threat of invading nucleic acids such as viruses and plasmids. To withstand infection by these nucleic acids, prokaryotes have evolved different host-defense mechanisms such as restriction modification systems, abortive infection systems, CRISPR-Cas system and the recently discover prokaryotic Argonautes (pAgo). This research will focus on the characterization of the molecular mechanisms and function of unexplored pAgos. -
What are the effects of lightning on Central African forests?
March 30, 2023 - Project - Though electrical storms have long been known to impact vegetation, few studies have been conducted in tropical forests and none in Africa. This project aims to investigate how lightning shapes forests in the Albertine Region: we will assess lightning strike sites, quantify lightning-caused damage and measure electrical properties of trees. -
Optimising the Quality of the Chain for Tropical Fruits
June 14, 2021 - Project - In this sub-project, research is conducted into better management of the chain quality of tropical fruits. Papaya serves as a case study, with the aim of being able to offer a higher proportion of high-quality, ready-to-eat fruit to the retail sector and in turn, the consumer. Work is also being done to improve the shelf life of the incoming product so that losses are reduced. -
Concentration is key: unravelling mechanisms regulating Auxin Response Factor stability
March 13, 2023 - Project - We strive for a more complete understanding of how the phytohormone auxin steers virtually all developmental processes that constitute plant life. We focus on family of proteins called Auxin Response Factors, which regulate the transcriptional machinery in response to auxin. It was demonstrated that variation in expression patterns/levels of different ARF subclasses are deterministic in generating proper transcriptional output. During this project we discern the underlying mechanisms that determine ARF stability and their biological significance for plant physiology. -
In-flight mating in sympatric swarms of Anopheles malaria mosquito and their hybrids
March 14, 2023 - Project - To develop efficient vector control tools against malaria, better knowledge of the biology and ecology of the vectors is needed. Here, I aim to contribute to this by studying the mating behavior of two sympatric species of African malaria mosquitoes. -
Grassland-forest transitions in South American rangelands
February 24, 2014 - Project - Rafael Bernardi studies socio-ecological drivers of tree cover and estimates effects of grassland transitions to savannas/forests in South America. -
Firm and Tasty Blueberries
June 14, 2021 - Project - The consumption of blueberries is growing steadily. Sustainable development for this market demands consistent, high quality to avoid disappointment upon purchase. Which quality parameters are most important here? This sub-project investigates how the chain can be optimised from producer to consumer, with the aim of achieving consistent quality in the form of a firm/crisp blueberry with a good taste. The development of a measuring method for the quality (particularly firmness and mealiness) of blueberries in the chain. The effect of harvest time and chain conditions on quality is also investigated.