My research interests are in the broad areas of Sexual conflict, Sexual Selection, Life-History Evolution and Evolutionary Ecology of Immunity. My research program aims to understand the effects of sexual conflict and sexual selection on aging and immune response. Theory predicts that intersexual conflict promotes increased investment in sexual activity under certain conditions. Hence, when these conditions are satisfied, increased investment in reproduction related activity should divert resources away from other activities involved with somatic maintenance. Further, sexual conflict may also influence the sex- specific gene regulation, especially of the ones involved in metabolic and immune path ways. Hence iIt follows that with resource acquisition having an upper limit, sexual conflict will influence both aging and immunity. I am testing these hypotheses using classical laboratory selection, phenotypic manipulation as well as molecular approaches. Find more about me here (www.ngprasad.com)
Hello, I'm a PhD student with a passion for ecology and evolution. Belonging from the semitribal region of Kalahandi, Odisha, I find inspiration in the rich biodiversity around me. When I'm not immersed in my research, I enjoy experimenting with various cuisines, both in the kitchen and on my plate. I enjoy exploring new places which increases my curiosity and complements my academic journey. Apart from that, I have a deep love for traveling, especially on my bike. I obtained my BSc and MSc in Botany but gradually my research interests took a new turn towards evolutionary biology. I am interested in how various reproductive traits gets affected due to the selection of larval crowding in Drosophila melanogaster. I have looked at how various reproductive traits like male mate choice, sperm length and SR (Seminal Receptacle) evolve due to the larval crowding. I am currently working on how male sterility gets affected post heat shock after larval crowding and will also look at the changes in the genomic level.
Tsering ChotonMSc Zoology, Jammu University [Email: (chotonsc07@gmail.com)]
I study how the immune system of Drosophila melanogaster changes when it's under selection pressure and how it affects the life-history traits of the flies. I focus on how immunity evolves during bacterial infections. Additionally, I do molecular work, like RNA sequencing and genomic sequencing, to explore gene expression and other aspects of biology. I am from the picturesque region of Ladakh in India and have a profound appreciation for nature. I am quite interested in learning diverse cultures and languages. Beyond my academic pursuits, I enjoy watching movies and touring around new places.
Shivam SrivastavaMSc Zoology, Siddhartha University [Email: (shivam10901@gmail.com)]
Hey everyone! I'm delving into the mysteries of evolutionary biology with our tiny friends, the Drosophila melanogaster. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, my days are a blend of caffeine-fueled science adventures. When I'm not in the science world, I hang out with my favorite creatures—dogs! I love to sing. You can find me bothering everyone when I am in the lab. My research focuses on elucidating sexual conflict dynamics in Drosophila melanogaster, with an emphasis on understanding the coevolutionary processes between males and females. Additionally, my work extends to probing the effects of dietary protein restriction on intersexual conflict.
Hi, I’m Aindrila but after joining EBL, my name got modified a lot! I obtained my B.Sc Hons in Biological Sciences from Presidency University, Kolkata and joined IISER Mohali as an Integrated PhD student in 2021. Temperature is a crucial abiotic factor influencing ectotherm distribution and abundance, with a profound impact on various aspects of their survival and fitness, encompassing its physiological, reproductive, and life-history characteristics. Extreme temperatures, caused by rapid climate change and cold temperatures, have a significant impact on ectotherms. I am interested in looking at the evolution of reproductive traits in population selected for extreme thermal stress in Drosophila melanogaster. I also want to explore the evolution of thermal fertility limits in males and females adapted to cold shock and as well as eager to understand the genetic mechanisms underlying evolution of extreme thermal stress. The first thing that comes to my mind about myself that I was an introvert person but this has changed after joining the EBL. I am a big foodie and love cooking which is one of the important criteria of our lab. I also love to travel and enjoy the beauty of nature which has increased my interest towards the intricate realms of ecology and evolution.
In the realm of Drosophila innate immunity, elucidating the intricate molecular mechanisms that underlie host defense against microbial challenges is paramount. As a research student immersed in this dynamic field, my focus lies in unraveling the interplay between evolutionary conserved signaling pathways, immune effectors, and the adaptability of Drosophila melanogaster to pathogenic threats. The innate immune responses of Drosophila serve as a paradigm for understanding fundamental principles of host-pathogen interactions, offering invaluable insights with translational implications for broader contexts, including human health. By delving into the genetic and cellular processes that govern Drosophila innate immunity, our research endeavors aim to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the conserved defense mechanisms that have evolved over millions of years in the insect immune system.
Hello, I'm currently pursuing my PhD in EBL since January 2023. I am originally from the vibrant city Kolkata, West Bengal. You'll find me in lab “Dark Room”, particularly during lighter work hours. When not engrossed in research, you'll often find me embracing my love for performing on stage—be it through dance or ramp walking. From time to time, I enjoy spicing up my room's bland walls with my own paintings. Additionally, count me in for impromptu adventures and delicious food; saying 'no' to either is simply not in my vocabulary. I completed my BS-MS Dual Degree from IISER, Berhampur. My fascination with research ignited during my bachelor's studies, sparked by an encounter with this little insect called fruit fly. Exploring the impact of ecological factors on life history traits and reproductive traits in Drosophila melanogaster captivates me. Currently, I'm investigating the effects of heat shock on the reproductive fitness of male Drosophila melanogaster.
My study is based on obesity and diabetes like condition which is most common in today's era. I am interested to know impact of obesity on survival and fitness using model organism Drosophila melanogaster.
Teaching
BIO 102 - Genetics and Evolution
BIO 112 - Genetics and evolution Laboratory
BIO 202 - Behaviour and Ecology
BIO 212 - Behaviour and Ecology Laboratory
BIO 303 - Experimental Design and Hypothesis Testing
BIO 403 - Advanced Evolutionary Biology
BIO 606 - Biostatistics
BIO 501 - Topics in Biology
BIO 614 - Topics in Evolutionary Biology
BIO 202 - Cells and Organismal Architecture
BIO 211 - Biology Laboratory III
IDC 412 - Field Experience in Science Education
Publication
72. Aabeer Kumar Basu, Nagaraj Guru Prasad.
2024,
Parental effects of pathogenic bacterial infections in Drosophila melanogaster: trans-generational immune priming without apparent costs.
bioRxiv, 2024.02.07.579292
67. TNC Vidya, Sutirth Dey, NG Prasad, Amitabh Joshi.
2023,
The Darwinian core of evolutionary theory and the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis: Similarities and differences.
Evolutionary biology: Contemporary and historical reflections upon core theory
66. TNC Vidya, Sutirth Dey, NG Prasad, Amitabh Joshi.
2023,
Causes and consequences of selection: A commentary on Baedke and Fabregas-Tejeda.
Evolutionary biology: Contemporary and historical reflections upon core theory
52. R Dutta, TS Chechi, A Yadav, NG Prasad.
2022,
Indirect selection on cuticular hydrocarbon divergence in Drosophila melanogaster populations evolving under different operational sex ratios.
Journal of Zoology, (316) 188--196
50. Karan Singh, Nagaraj Guru Prasad.
2022,
Cold stress upregulates the expression of heat shock and Frost genes, but the evolution of cold stress resistance is apparently not mediated through.
bioRxiv, 2022.03.07.483305
32. VN Shenoi, SZ Ali, NG Prasad.
2016,
Evolution of increased adult longevity in Drosophila melanogaster populations selected for adaptation to larval crowding.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology, (29) 407--417
29. Karan Singh, Nagaraj Guru Prasad.
2016,
Evolution of pre-and post-copulatory traits in female Drosophila melanogaster as a correlated response to selection for resistance to cold stress.
Journal of insect physiology, (91) 26--33
28. VN Shenoi, NG Prasad.
2016,
Local adaptation to developmental density does not lead to higher mating success in Drosophila melanogaster.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology, (29) 2036--2042
27. Karan Singh, Mohammad Zulkifli, Nagaraj Guru Prasad.
2016,
Identification and characterization of novel natural pathogen of Drosophila melanogaster isolated from wild captured Drosophila spp..
Microbes and infection, (18) 813--821
24. Karan Singh, Ekta Kochar, NG Prasad.
2015,
Egg viability, mating frequency and male mating ability evolve in populations of Drosophila melanogaster selected for resistance to cold shock.
PloS one, (10) e0129992
22. Imroze Khan, NG Prasad.
2013,
The aging of the immune response in Drosophila melanogaster.
Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biomedical Sciences and Medical Sciences, (68) 129--135
19. Imroze Khan, Nagaraj Guru Prasad.
2013,
Male Drosophila melanogaster show adaptive mating bias in response to female infection status.
Journal of insect physiology, (59) 1017--1023
15. Bodhisatta Nandy, NG Prasad.
2011,
Reproductive behavior and fitness components in male Drosophila melaogaster are non-linearly affected by the number of male co-inhabitants early in.
Journal of insect science, (11) 67
14. K Imroze, NG Prasad.
2011,
Sex-specific effect of bacterial infection on components of adult fitness in Drosophila melanogaster.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology Research, (3) 79--86
13. K Imroze, NG Prasad.
2011,
Mating with large males decreases the immune defence of females in Drosophila melanogaster.
Journal of Genetics, (90) 427--434
5. NG Prasad, Amitabh Joshi.
2003,
What have two decades of laboratory life-history evolution studies on Drosophila melanogaster taught us?.
Journal of Genetics, (82) 45--76
Work Email: prasad[at]iisermohali[dot]ac[dot]inAddress: Office: 4F8 AB1, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Sector 81, SAS nagar, PO Manauli, Punjab 140306, India