Our latest paper on the physiological roles of carotenoids in Tigriopus californicus copepods. Here is a link to the paper We found that the red carotenoid, astaxanthin is not only responsible for its coloration, but also provides protection from an oxidative challenge.
I was honored to be invited to give a talk at the Gordon Research Seminar on Carotenoids this summer. As one of 10 speakers from fields ranging from plant physiology, human nutrition, aquaculture, and biology, I added an evolutionary perspective on the role of carotenoids in animals by discussing their use as pigments of sexually selected ornaments.
This seminar series is unique in that it provides an opportunity to network with other early career researchers from fields of study that I may not otherwise encounter at the conferences I typically attend. I am thankful for the opportunity to share my research. It was a great meeting with new ideas and perspectives from diverse fields of carotenoid research! |