Jason Munshi-South

Sep 19, 2024 | science.org | Jason Munshi-South |Joseph A. Garcia |David Orton |Megan Phifer-Rixey

AbstractThe brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) occupies nearly every terrestrial habitat with a human presence and is one of our most important model organisms. Despite this prevalence, gaps remain in understanding the evolution of brown rat commensalism, their global dispersal, and mechanisms underlying contemporary adaptations to diverse environments.

Apr 26, 2024 | nature.com | Mark Urban |Luc De Meester |Yuyu Zhou |Brian C. Verrelli |Marta Szulkin |Patrick Roberts | +10 more

AbstractClimate change and urbanization are two of the most prominent global drivers of biodiversity and ecosystem change. Fully understanding, predicting and mitigating the biological impacts of climate change and urbanization are not possible in isolation, especially given their growing importance in shaping human society.

Apr 18, 2024 | nature.com | Marc Johnson |Jason Munshi-South |Marta Szulkin |Brian C. Verrelli |Elizabeth J. Carlen |Josefa Gonzalez | +4 more

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests that urbanization is associated with higher mutation rates, which can affect the health and evolution of organisms that inhabit cities. Elevated pollution levels in urban areas can induce DNA damage, leading to de novo mutations.

Aug 27, 2023 | nytimes.com | Jason Munshi-South

Mayor Eric Adams of New York, who often uses public appearances to reiterate that he " hates " rats, hired a rat czar this year dedicated to exterminating them. As rat hater in chief, Mr. Adams has continued the long "war on rats" that New York City mayors have waged for decades, with limited success.