Dr Daniel Read

Dr Daniel Read

Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Maclean Building
Wallingford
OX10 8BB
T: +44 (0)1491 838800
F: +44 (0)1491 692424
E-mail: Dr Daniel Read
 

Current work

My current research focuses on developing the use of Raman microspectroscopy, in combination with molecular techniques, as a tool to determine the identity and functional relationships of soil-dwelling microorganisms. Raman has previously been used in combination with 13C labelled substrates for the elucidation of microbial ecological and metabolic function, both in the laboratory and natural ecosystems. I am currently conducting research to gain a better understanding of the influence of other commonly used stable isotopes (e.g. 15N, 2H) and variable growth conditions on the Raman microbial metabolic ‘fingerprint’. Linked to this research, other current projects focus on developing Raman microspectroscopy for obtaining in vivo measurements of the nutrient status of individual algal cells, and for an EHFI funded collaborative project with Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML), utilising Raman for the chemometric identification of bacterial micro-colonies within gel microdrops (GMDs).

Research Interests

  • Molecular detection of trophic interactions between soil fauna.
  • The impact of the introduction of parasitic biopesticides in the agri-environment
  • Use of molecular techniques for determining the diversity of soil-dwelling biota
  • Development of Raman Microspectroscopy for studying microbial identity, function and metabolic history.

 

 

 

Brief CV

  • 2003 to 2007: PhD in Molecular Biology/Soil Ecology at Cardiff University
  • 2007 to 2008: Post Doctoral research position at Cardiff University, investigating the consequences of co-infection in an insect-pathogen system
  • 2008-present: Higher Scientific Officer at CEH Oxford within the environmental microbiology research group

Selected publications

Read, D.S., Whiteley, A.S. (In Prep) Single cell techniques for examining microbial diversity and function. In: Environmental Microbiology: Current Technology and Water Applications, Sen K., and Ashbolt N. eds. Horizon Scientific Press.

Read, D.S., Huang, W.E., Whiteley, A.S. (In Press) Raman-FISH. In: Handbook of Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology. Volume 4, Timmis, KN. ed. Springer.

King, R.A., Read, D.S., Traugott, M.S., Symondson, W.O.C. (2008) Molecular detection of predation: A review of best practice. Molecular Ecology. 17, 4. 947-963

Read, D.S., Sheppard, S.K., Bruford, M.W., Glen, D.M., Symondson, W.O.C. (2006) Molecular detection of predation by soil micro-arthropods on nematodes. Molecular Ecology. 15. 1963-1972

Harper, G.L., Sheppard, S.K., Harwood, J.D., Read, D.S., Glen, D.M., Bruford, M.W., Symondson, W.O.C. (2006) Evaluation of temperature gradient gel electrophoresis for the analysis of prey DNA within the guts of invertebrate predators. Bulletin of Entomological Research. 10. 295-304

Read, D.S., Bruford, M.W., Glen, D.M., Symondson, W.O.C.S. (2005) Molecular detection of the nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita within slugs and predators of slugs. IOBC/WPRS Bulletin.