The group is mainly dedicated to the research of the molecular bases that control different polyphenisms present in the biological cycles of aphids. In particular, we studied which genes are responsible for the induction of the sexual phase produced by short days and which genes are responsible for the maintenance of parthenogenesis during seasons with long days. Although we work with different types of genes, for some years now we have focused our activity on the possible role played by circadian clock genes, as well as genes and molecules related to the circadian clock. 

We also studied the interaction of some aphid species with different ant species and the factors responsible for the variation in this interaction. In particular, we are interested in a polyphenism related to this interaction. Again, our main interest is to identify the molecular basis controlling this polyphenism. In the group we have been handling common molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, real-time quantitative PCR (to quantify gene expression under different conditions), classical and NGS sequencing, etc.

We also developed, among others, in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry techniques (both of which involve the mastery of aphid dissection techniques).

Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering