Data Science Seminars | They Are Me! The Intertwined History of Human and Microbe Evolution

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | 5:00 p.m.
Data Science and Bioinformatics Lab (Building 21)
Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria - Politecnico di Milano
Speaker: Erika Ferrandi (Università degli Studi di Milano)
Contacts: Silvia Cascianelli | silvia.cascianelli@polimi.it
Data Science and Bioinformatics Lab (Building 21)
Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria - Politecnico di Milano
Speaker: Erika Ferrandi (Università degli Studi di Milano)
Contacts: Silvia Cascianelli | silvia.cascianelli@polimi.it
Abstract
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Erika Ferrandi (Università degli Studi di Milano) will hold a seminar titled "They Are Me! The Intertwined History of Human and Microbe Evolution" in the Data Science and Bioinformatics Lab (Building 21). The event is part of the Data Science Seminars organized by the Data Science Lab at Politecnico di Milano.
The seminar introduces a PhD research project focused on developing an analytical workflow to identify geographic patterns in the evolution of human-associated microorganisms. Given the significant role of microorganisms in shaping various aspects of human life, it is plausible to hypothesize that both pathogens and commensal microbes have co-evolved with their human hosts through similar phylogeographic dynamics.
The research also addresses key challenges, such as inconsistencies in geographic data annotation, and explores potential strategies to mitigate these issues. Ultimately, this work builds on the understanding that the genetic variation observed in modern human populations reflects complex patterns of migration and adaptation, leading to genetically distinct groups across different geographic regions.