Obiettivo Millions of people are exposed to harmful levels of the potent neurotoxin mercury (Hg), concretely to the organic form methylmercury (MeHg) that bio-accumulates in organisms and biomagnifies in marine food webs. Understanding Hg transformations in the ocean is critical because commercial fish are mainly marine species. While it is well known that both MeHg formation and degradation are genetically mediated by prokaryotes, there are still sizable gaps in the fundamental understanding of the organisms and mechanisms involved in Hg transformations in the environment and therefore a clear lack of available techniques for Hg removal based on the action of these genes. MER-CURE aims at filling this gap by providing the first Hg reference gene catalogue at a global ocean scale and by quantifying the individual and/or combined effect of the activity of these genes in a pilot Hg removal system. MER-CURE develops a novel and multidisciplinary methodological approach by merging omics and Hg stable isotope tracer technologies for studying the biogeochemistry and detoxification of Hg. Concretely, the fellow will take advantage of the available sequenced metagenomes and metatranscriptomes and isolates from the Global Ocean Circunnavigation Expedition Malaspina. She will carry out laboratory conducted experiments to elucidate the capacity of different marine isolates to detoxify Hg-contaminated sediments. MER-CURE will contribute to advance knowledge by identifying “where” and “which” prokaryotes in the ocean are involved in Hg cycling and to produce readily applicable results that can in the future help municipality and private industries. MER-CURE is committed to knowledge sharing and to engage the public into the action. The incorporation of metagenomic and metatranscriptomics analyses in Dr. Bravo toolbox will lead the fellow to master a rather unique combination of chemistry, biology, experimental approaches, public engagement, and knowledge sharing and communication skills. Campo scientifico natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrytransition metalsnatural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesgeochemistrybiogeochemistry Programma(i) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Argomento(i) MSCA-IF-2016 - Individual Fellowships Invito a presentare proposte H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinatore AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS Contribution nette de l'UE € 158 121,60 Indirizzo CALLE SERRANO 117 28006 Madrid Spagna Mostra sulla mappa Regione Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Tipo di attività Research Organisations Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Partecipazione a programmi di R&I dell'UE Opens in new window Rete di collaborazione HORIZON Opens in new window Costo totale € 158 121,60