Magdalena recently completed a two-month research stay at the Department of Life Sciences (DSV), University of Trieste, Italy, returning just last week. Magdalena's host was Dr.sc. Marco Gerdo, associate professor specialized in genomics of non-model organisms, especially bivalves. During her stay, the main goals were to familiarise herself with basics of comparative genomics analyses and the start-off of the analyses of the recently sequenced genome of cave bivalve Congeria kusceri. These analyses will help elucidate the evolution of C. kusceri and answer questions of evolution of its specific adaptations to cave life. Among others, these include loss of pigmentation, changes in the circadian rhythm and the sensory system. Furthermore, exploring the genome of this cave-dwelling bivalve will help unveil previously unknown adaptations to the subterranean lifestyle of this amazing species. Preliminary results are already exciting so we can't wait to learn more!
The mobility program MOBDOK-2023 of the Croatian Science Foundation (HrZZ) financed the research stay, and you can read more about it here.