Our research integrates computational approaches, molecular techniques, and field studies to address fundamental questions in biodiversity science and conservation biology. We focus on the unique ecosystems of northeastern Brazil, particularly the Caatinga biome, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional ecological knowledge.
Research Areas
Computational Biology & Bioinformatics
Development of computational tools and algorithms for biological data analysis and biodiversity modeling.
Learn MoreMolecular Ecology & Conservation Genetics
Investigation of genetic diversity, population structure, and evolutionary processes in threatened species.
Learn MoreEnvironmental Genomics & Microbiome Research
Study of microbial diversity and functions in soil, water, and extreme environments using metagenomics.
Learn MorePlant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular characterization of medicinal plants and investigation of adaptive mechanisms to environmental stress.
Learn MoreClimate Change & Biodiversity Modeling
Predictive modeling of species distributions and ecosystem responses to global environmental changes.
Learn MoreBiodiversity Informatics & Data Science
Development of databases, visualization tools, and analytical frameworks for biodiversity research.
Learn MoreComputational Biology & Bioinformatics
Our computational biology group develops innovative bioinformatics pipelines and machine learning algorithms to analyze complex biological datasets. We focus on genomic data analysis, species distribution modeling, and phylogenetic reconstruction. Current projects include: development of web-based platforms for biodiversity data integration, machine learning models for predicting species responses to climate change, and automated tools for molecular marker identification. We work with large-scale genomic datasets, environmental DNA metabarcoding data, and ecological occurrence records to generate insights into biodiversity patterns and conservation priorities in northeastern Brazil.
← Back to Research AreasMolecular Ecology & Conservation Genetics
This research line applies molecular markers and genomic techniques to understand population dynamics, genetic diversity, and evolutionary relationships of native species. We use microsatellites, SNPs, and whole-genome sequencing to assess genetic health of populations, identify conservation units, and inform management strategies. Our projects address critical conservation questions for endemic and threatened species of the Caatinga and Cerrado-Caatinga transition zones, including reptiles, mammals, and plants. We collaborate with environmental agencies to translate our findings into practical conservation actions, including breeding programs, translocation strategies, and habitat restoration planning.
← Back to Research AreasEnvironmental Genomics & Microbiome Research
Our environmental genomics research explores the hidden diversity and functional potential of microbial communities in semiarid ecosystems. Using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and metagenomics, we characterize soil and rhizosphere microbiomes, investigating their roles in plant health, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem resilience. We study extremophile microorganisms adapted to harsh conditions (drought, high temperatures, saline soils) and explore their biotechnological applications in bioremediation, agriculture, and industrial processes. Recent work includes isolation of novel bacterial strains capable of degrading environmental contaminants and characterization of plant-microbe symbioses that enhance drought tolerance.
← Back to Research AreasPlant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
This research area focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to semiarid conditions and identifying bioactive compounds from native medicinal plants. We employ transcriptomics, metabolomics, and functional genomics approaches to study drought tolerance, heat stress responses, and secondary metabolite production. Projects include genomic characterization of endemic cacti and succulents, identification of stress-responsive genes, and bioprospecting for pharmaceutical and agricultural applications. We also document traditional ethnobotanical knowledge and validate medicinal properties through molecular and biochemical analyses, bridging traditional and scientific knowledge systems.
← Back to Research AreasClimate Change & Biodiversity Modeling
Our climate change research integrates ecological niche modeling, paleoclimatic reconstructions, and future climate projections to predict how species and ecosystems will respond to global change. We develop and validate species distribution models (SDMs) using machine learning algorithms, incorporating genetic, ecological, and physiological data. Current projects assess climate-driven range shifts, identify climate refugia, and prioritize areas for conservation under different climate scenarios. We also investigate adaptive capacity and evolutionary potential of populations facing rapid environmental change. This work directly informs conservation planning and climate adaptation strategies for the Caatinga biome.
← Back to Research AreasBiodiversity Informatics & Data Science
This interdisciplinary research line combines computer science, statistics, and biology to create innovative solutions for managing and analyzing biodiversity data. We develop web-based platforms for data integration from multiple sources (molecular databases, museum collections, citizen science observations, remote sensing), create interactive visualization tools for exploring spatial and temporal patterns, and implement quality control pipelines for ensuring data reliability. Our team builds open-source software packages for reproducible research and contributes to global biodiversity informatics initiatives. Recent developments include a regional biodiversity database with georeferenced occurrence records and molecular data for over 5,000 species.
← Back to Research AreasRecent Publications
Our research has been published in leading international journals. Below are selected recent publications from our team.
Machine learning approaches for predicting species distribution in Caatinga biome under climate change scenarios
Costa B, Silva MS, Rodrigues AP, Mendes CE (2025)
Ecological Informatics
Novel machine learning algorithms applied to biodiversity modeling with high accuracy predictions for endemic species distribution patterns.
Read Publication →Phylogenetic relationships and cryptic diversity in Caatinga flora: insights from molecular markers
Santos JP, Silva MS, Mendes CE (2025)
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
Comprehensive phylogenetic analysis revealing previously unrecognized species diversity in endemic plant families.
Read Publication →Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals hidden diversity of soil microbiomes in semiarid ecosystems
Rocha CF, Rodrigues AP, Silva MS (2024)
Environmental Microbiology
First comprehensive assessment of microbial diversity in Caatinga soils using next-generation sequencing technologies.
Read Publication →Molecular characterization and conservation genetics of endemic reptile species from northeastern Brazil
Lima LG, Mendes CE, Silva MS (2024)
Conservation Genetics
Population genetic analysis informing conservation strategies for threatened reptile species in fragmented habitats.
Read Publication →Bioinformatics pipeline for rapid identification of medicinal plant compounds from transcriptomic data
Ferreira RA, Silva MS, Rodrigues AP (2024)
BMC Bioinformatics
Development of computational tools for accelerating drug discovery from native plant species.
Read Publication →Climate-driven range shifts in Caatinga endemic species: evidence from ecological niche modeling
Rodrigues AP, Silva MS, Mendes CE (2024)
Global Change Biology
Predictive models showing significant habitat loss for endemic species under future climate scenarios.
Read Publication →Bioremediation potential of native bacterial consortia from contaminated mining sites in Piauí
Souza JM, Rodrigues AP, Silva MS (2024)
Journal of Hazardous Materials
Isolation and characterization of heavy metal-resistant bacteria with biotechnological applications.
Read Publication →Comparative genomics reveals adaptive evolution in drought-tolerant plant species
Silva MS, Santos JP, Rodrigues AP, Mendes CE (2023)
Nature Plants
Identification of genomic signatures associated with drought tolerance mechanisms in Caatinga flora.
Read Publication →Web-based platform for integrating biodiversity data from multiple sources in northeastern Brazil
Araújo PH, Silva MS, Costa B (2023)
Biodiversity Data Journal
Development of open-source tools for biodiversity data management and visualization.
Read Publication →Ethnobotanical knowledge and genetic diversity of traditional medicinal plants in rural communities of Piauí
Silva MC, Ferreira RA, Mendes CE, Silva MS (2023)
Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Documentation of traditional ecological knowledge combined with molecular characterization of medicinal plant populations.
Read Publication →Population genomics of threatened cacti species: implications for conservation and restoration
Mendes CE, Santos JP, Silva MS (2023)
Molecular Ecology
Genome-wide analysis providing guidelines for conservation breeding programs of endangered cacti.
Read Publication →Metagenomic insights into functional diversity of microbial communities in Caatinga rhizosphere
Rodrigues AP, Rocha CF, Silva MS (2022)
Microbiome
Functional characterization of plant-microbe interactions in drought-stressed environments.
Read Publication →Interested in Collaborating?
We welcome collaborations with researchers, institutions, and conservation organizations. Contact us to discuss potential research partnerships.
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