The Lab has submitted a pair of preprints. In the first, we describe our protocol for quantifying SARS-CoV-2 in NYC wastewater. In the second, we used this protocol to sequence SARS-CoV-2 isolated from NYC wastewater. In our targeted sequencing assay, we find a high frequency of mutations associated with circulating Variants of Concern.
Irene submitted a pre-print describing her analysis of rotavirus A evolution over the past 60 years.
Irene submitted a pre-print describing her analysis of rotavirus A evolution over the past 60 years. Interestingly segments have unique evolutionary histories and RVA genetic diversity declined following the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine.
Rotavirus A Genome Segments Show Distinct Segregation and Codon Usage Patterns
Dr. Dennehy Speaks About the Future of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dr. Dennehy gave a talk about the future of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
A recording is available on YouTube: At Home with Queens College Presents: What Does SARS-CoV-2 Evolution Mean for the Future of the Pandemic?
Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in Wastewater
Manuscript Published: Reproducibility and sensitivity of 36 methods to quantify the SARS-CoV-2 genetic signal in raw wastewater: findings from an interlaboratory methods evaluation in the U.S.
The Dennehy Lab participated in a nationwide consortial project comparing the best protocols for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. Our pasteurize, filter, PEG concentrate protocol was among the best performing methods for quantifying SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in wastewater. The results are published in Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology.
The Dennehy Lab receives funding from NIH for proposal “Novel Strategies for Treating Biofilm-Forming Pathogens with Phage Therapy”
The Dennehy Lab receives funding from NIH for proposal “Novel Strategies for Treating Biofilm-Forming Pathogens with Phage Therapy”
This project is a collaboration with Dr. Fabrizio Spagnolo. The aim of the proposed work is to assess the viability of a multi-pronged phage therapy approach to eliminate biofilm-associated bacteria. Specifically, we propose to induce prophages already contained within biofilm-associated bacteria to disrupt biofilms. Simultaneously, lytic phages will be applied to kill bacteria dispersing from the biofilm at the point of exit. This dual strategy may allow the eradication of intransigent infections resistant to traditional antibacterial therapy.
The Dennehy Laboratory receives funding from NSF for proposal titled “Metapopulation Modeling to Develop Strategies to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission in Public Spaces”
The Dennehy Laboratory receives funding from NSF for proposal titled “Metapopulation Modeling to Develop Strategies to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission in Public Spaces”
A recently developed computational model (the Ephemeral Island Metapopulation Model (EIMM) that applies metapopulation theory to explain how pathogens persist in hospital environments will be revised to address the spatial spread of SARS-CoV-2 within built environments. An enveloped bacteriophage phi6 will be used to validate model predictions as well as test control strategies. Recommendations resembling established building and fire codes, which regulate how space is allotted per occupant based upon design and usage requirements, will be generated. These recommendations are published at “COVID Code”.
Dr. Sherin Kannoly’s manuscript is published in iScience
In this manuscript, we show that noise in the timing of a cellular event, host cell lysis, follows a concave up curve. This finding suggests that lysis timing has an optimum value that minimizes noise. As such, lysis timing noise may be a target of natural selection. The manuscript is available here.
Virus ecology and evolution symposium 2019
Graduates
SEA PHAGES 2019
