Opatovsky’s Lab
Insect Nutrition and Metabolism
Dr. Itai Opatovsky
Head of Laboratory
Research interest
Insect nutrition Fatty acid metabolism Insect-fungi interactions
Email: itaio@migal.org.il
Phone number : +972-54-465-9454
I am an enthusiastic entomologist that is fascinated by insects wherever I can find them. In my research, I focus on insects as a source for nutrients and as a bioreactor for producing necessary biochemical components and for biodegrading wastes. Another field of interest is the effect of fungal symbionts on the metabolic pathways of insects
My work integrates laboratory experiments and molecular biochemical techniques.
My approach is to address general biological problems while contributing to applied science.
Lilach Ben-Mordechai
Lab Manager
I am studying insect-fungi interactions and whether the larvae consume directly the yeast (as food supplements) or the yeast live in the larvae gut and excrete metabolites that are used by the larvae (probiotics)
Ori Lemberg
MSc student
Research interest
Insect-Fungi interaction; Fungal dispersal
I study the interactions between the black soldier fly (BSF) and fungi, espacialy in the dispersal point of view. My research aims are to figure out if there is vertical transmission of fungi through the black soldier fly life-cycle or whether every generation of larva acquire their fungi symbionts from the environment.
Misaa Harb
MSc student
Research interest
AMP prduction by the BSF
I'm interested in the production of AMP in the BSF and whether they reach the larvae's gut. I'm also testing the effect of the AMP in the gut lumen on diffent microorganisms.