We are interested in understanding how evolutionary processes lead to the emergence of new developmental strategies and organismal forms. The approaches we take include modelling and simulation, phylogenetic analysis, isolation and characterization of new species, and laboratory experiments.

Our central focus is the evolution of multicellularity and cell differentiation in bacteria. In addition, we are also interested in projects relating to the origin of life, evolutionary genetics, infectious diseases, and human social history.

Recent projects

• Origin of multicellularity in cyanobacteria
• Evolutionary stability of cellular differentiation
• Emergence of multicellular life cycles in filamentous bacteria
• Isolation and characterization of new filamentous genera of bacteria
• Selfish genetic elements in wild house mice
• History of Syphilis in 16th century Europe

Ongoing projects

• The history and population genomics of syphilis

Group members

Head of the group: Dr. Homayoun Bagheri