#Coral Resilience Lab

[bumblebeeappletree]

Coral reefs around the world are threatened by rising ocean temperatures, but hope is growing off the coast of Hawaii. There, researchers at the Coral Resilience Lab selectively breed corals to withstand ever-increasing amounts of heat stress.

Corals are tiny animals that have a mutually beneficial relationship with an algae that lives within their cells. When stressed by heat, many expel their algae and turn white — known as “bleaching” — losing their main source of food and often dying within days. Half of all coral has been lost since the 1950s. But some corals do survive these bleaching events, and they’ve become the focus of Kira Hughes and her team’s work. By selectively breeding the coral that doesn't bleach, Kira hopes they can increase their resilience from one generation to the next.

To scale up their efforts, Kira’s team collects coral pieces that have naturally broken off in the ocean. With the help of volunteers, they prep and test these corals, and eventually replant the heat-tolerant corals they’ve found back into the reef they came from. This year, for the first time, the selectively bred coral “babies” will be planted too, giving the reef a fighting chance to survive the warming ocean.

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - September 1-7

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!

1. Rescue Dog Who Helped Raise Dozens of Foster Puppies Finds Forever Home

“Three and a half years ago, Noel arrived at Lucky Dog as a pregnant pooch pulled from [an] animal control shelter. […] Once the puppies were old enough to start life on their own, Lucky Dog found homes for all of them. […] Noel was an "amazing mom" to over two dozen foster puppies while staying at [a foster] house.”

2. Radiant cooling device uses significantly less energy than traditional air conditioning

“Testing of the device […] showed the cooling device capable of cooling the skin by approximately 7.3°C. It also showed that it consumed 50.4% less energy than an average air-conditioner of comparable ability. The research team notes that the device can also be run in reverse, to serve as a radiant heater.”

3. How a Native elections official is breaking down voting barriers in Arizona

“Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, Pima County Recorder, [… ran for office in 2020] to represent people who were being ignored by the democratic system and denied the right to vote. […] “People started getting the voter registration cards back, getting their voter IDs in the mail, and they were so excited to show me or thank me for helping them register,” she said.”

4. Scientists are growing [coral] babies in a lab to save animals from extinction

“Each August, corals in Florida release their eggs and sperm into the water[, … but “they] can’t reproduce on their own anymore.” [So, researchers are] collecting and freezing the spawn and growing them into genetically diverse baby corals that can be replanted into the wild[….] These resilient corals could pass important adaptations to their babies[….]”

5. New Legislation Will Accelerate Offshore Wind Energy in Delaware

““The responsible development of offshore wind and the transition to renewable energy is essential for the protection of wildlife, habitats, and communities from the havoc of climate change[….]” “This legislation is the product of careful consideration and input from multiple state agencies, industry experts, energy researchers and environmental advocates[….]””

6. Removal of Apache Trout from Endangered Species List Due to Collaborative Conservation Efforts

“[A]fter more than five decades of recovery efforts by federal, state and Tribal partners, […] the restoration of Arizona’s state fish marks the first […] trout delisted due to recovery, a significant conservation success[….] The Apache trout is found exclusively in streams of the White Mountains in the eastern part of Arizona […] and is sacred to the White Mountain Apache Tribe.”

7. [Texas] State court rules Austin must release files on police complaint

“Under the act, records of any complaint – even if no disciplinary action was taken – must be handed over to the civilian-led Office of Police Oversight. [… T]he ruling ushers in a new level of oversight of the complaint process and the department writ-large.”

8. Super-rare hairy-nosed wombat caught waddling through a woodland in Australia

“Ecologists at Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) say the video footage provides exciting evidence wombats are breeding in the refuge again. […] There are only 400 of them in the world, making them rarer than the giant panda and the Sumatran tiger. […] “Although this isn’t the first joey born at the refuge, it is the first juvenile spotted for a few years.””

9. The country’s biggest electric school-bus fleet will also feed the grid

“[The] country’s first all-electric school-bus fleet[,…] which serve the district’s special-needs students, […] can charge with low-cost power and discharge spare capacity at times of grid stress[…. V]ehicle-to-grid charging is something for which electric school buses are particularly well suited.”

10. The Push to Save Horseshoe Crabs Is Gaining Momentum

“Conservationists hope new restrictions on harvesting and synthetic alternatives to a crab-blood compound used in biomedical testing can turn the tide for the ancient arthropods, whose eggs are a vital food source for Red Knots [threatened migratory birds]. […] Now conservationists are in the thick of a multi-pronged push to save both species.”

August 22-28 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[coralmorphologic]

A Tale of Two Corals (in the Anthropocene): The past summer’s record hot temperatures were devastating to South Florida’s reefs, wiping out a significant percentage of critically important staghorn corals (Acropora cervicornis aka ACER). Staghorn is a keystone species, and the primary coral grown by restoration practitioners in the Caribbean. They grow fast, but can die a lot faster. 

In 2009 we discovered a unique strain of staghorn coral that had naturally recruited to one of the breakwaters on nearby Fisher Island. Since 2020 we’ve been helping NOAA cultivate fragments of this urban ACER on an experimental nursery adjacent to the Camera. 

In conjunction with University of Miami’s Rescue a Reef program we’ve been using the CCC site to test the resilience of staghorn corals they grow offshore. Like other FL restoration orgs, Rescue a Reef saw many of their outplanted ACER die this past summer. Finding strains that can withstand future heat stress is critical for long term success in restoring our reefs. 

As seen in this 7 month timelapse, a fragment of urban ACER (we’ve dubbed the ‘Ventura’ strain) not only didn’t bleach, but grew at a significant rate. The 2nd staghorn, one of the offshore strains, began strong, but quickly bleached, died, and then was eroded away by parrotfish.  

In early August, UM transported fragments of the ‘Ventura’ strain offshore where the water was cooler for safekeeping. While the ‘Ventura’ strain has proven successful in the nearshore environment, it is important to see how it fares in deeper water before amplifying it for restoration purposes. We are pleased to hear from Rescue a Reef that it is thriving in its new environment! Preliminary analysis of the ‘Ventura’ strain shows it is hosting Durusdinium glynni zooxanthellae, a symbiont known to provide massive corals with thermal tolerance. However, its presence in Caribbean staghorn corals is previously undocumented. Could ACER ‘Ventura’ help restore Miami’s inshore and offshore reefs? Can it confer resilient genetics to future offspring by spawning it in a lab? These are some of the exciting questions we seek to answer in the future!

[brittxxbpierce]

I want to be as beautiful as the ocean

wait, is that BRITTANY PIERCE? they kinda look a lot like HUNTER SCHAFER, don’t they? i heard the TWENTY-TWO year old is known as the THE BRAINLESS BEAUTY around mckinley. it seems like they auditioned to be in THE TROUBLETONES which is so lame? people at campus have said they’re ALTRUISTIC, but don’t be fooled since they’re also GULLIBLE. rumor has it, you can find them at CHEERIOS when they aren’t belting show tunes. their entire vibe revolves around MINI SKIRTS, INCONVIENT BUT NECESSARY ANIMAL RESUCE MISSIONS, AND KISSING GIRLS but no one pays attention to that here in ohio.

LIST ABOUT 3+ HEADCANONS ABOUT YOUR CHOSEN CHARACTER!

Brittany only auditioned for Troubletones because she thought it was the nice thing to do after hearing so many of her peers talk badly about the “Glee” kids. 

Brittany drives a bright yellow Volkswagen Beetle that breaks down more often than it actually runs. 

Brittany has known from a young age that she’s at the very least not 100% percent hetereosexual and finds it very confusing that some people require a label or formal notice of her penchant for kissing pretty girls, namely Santana.

BIOGRAPHY 

Brittany Pierce, a 22-year-old college student, radiates warmth and determination. Growing up in a tight-knit family in a small town, Brittany’s love for animals and the ocean was nurtured by her supportive parents and her younger sister Jamie. From a young age, Brittany was captivated by the wonders of the natural world, spending weekends exploring tide pools and volunteering at the local animal shelter with Jamie by her side.

Personality: Brittany is a compassionate and driven individual with a heart as vast as the ocean she adores. Her optimism is contagious, and she approaches every challenge with a can-do attitude and a genuine smile. She values kindness, empathy, and authenticity, and her easy-going nature makes her a beloved friend to all who know her.

Education: Currently in her junior year at Oceanview University, Brittany is pursuing a degree in Marine Biology with a minor in Conservation Studies. Her academic pursuits are fueled by her passion for protecting marine life and preserving the world’s oceans for future generations. Whether she’s conducting research in the lab, analyzing data, or participating in fieldwork expeditions, Brittany’s dedication to her studies is unwavering.

Family: Brittany’s family is her rock, providing unwavering love and support as she navigates the ups and downs of college life. Her sister Jamie, just a year younger, shares Brittany’s love for animals and often accompanies her on beach clean-ups and conservation projects. Their parents, who run a local bed and breakfast, have always encouraged Brittany and Jamie to pursue their passions and follow their dreams, instilling in them a strong sense of determination and resilience.

Dreams and Aspirations: Brittany’s ultimate goal is to combine her love for animals and the ocean with her desire to make a positive impact on the world. She dreams of working for organizations like National Geographic or the World Wildlife Fund, conducting research, and advocating for marine conservation on a global scale. Whether she’s studying coral reefs in the Caribbean, tracking sea turtles in the Pacific, or raising awareness about plastic pollution, Brittany is committed to making a difference.

In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time outdoors, whether it’s surfing, hiking, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach. She also cherishes quiet moments with her family, sharing stories, laughing, and making memories that will last a lifetime.

Driven by her love for animals, her connection to the ocean, and her unwavering determination to follow her dreams, Brittany Pierce is destined to make waves in the world of marine conservation.

[omarhussainchicago]

URB Planning’s Sustainable Initiatives in Dubai: A Vision for the Future

URB, a pioneering urban planning and development firm, is leading the way in transforming Dubai into a model of sustainability and innovative urban living. With a commitment to environmental conservation, green economies, and improving residents’ quality of life, URB’s key projects such as Dubai Reefs, the Urban Tech District, and The Loop are setting new benchmarks for sustainable urban development. These initiatives showcase a holistic approach to urban planning that integrates ecological, economic, and social sustainability says, Omar Hussain Chicago.

Dubai Reefs: A Beacon of Ocean Restoration

One of URB’s most ambitious projects is Dubai Reefs, the world’s largest ocean restoration initiative. This groundbreaking project aims to create a floating living lab dedicated to marine ecosystem restoration and ecotourism. At its core is a marine institute focused on protecting Dubai’s coastal environment. The project aims to enhance marine science capabilities and foster conservation efforts by creating a diverse artificial reef spanning 200 square kilometers. This reef will serve as a habitat for over 1 billion corals and 100 million mangrove trees​.

The initiative is designed to generate over 30,000 jobs within a green economy framework, emphasizing marine research, education, and sustainable tourism. Dubai Reefs will feature floating eco-lodges powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and hydropower. Additionally, the project includes wave farms to generate clean energy and regenerative ocean farming for climate-friendly food production. This integration of renewable energy sources ensures that the community remains self-sustaining and minimizes its environmental footprint​.

Urban Tech District: A Hub for Green Innovation

URB is also spearheading the development of the Urban Tech District, poised to be the world’s largest net-zero carbon urban technology hub. This district is designed to foster green innovation, education, and job creation, with an estimated 4,000 jobs in these sectors​​. The district will house offices, conference rooms, training areas, research centers, and business hubs, all designed with biophilic principles to enhance well-being and productivity.

The Urban Tech District aims to offset all embodied carbon emissions from its construction and operations, making it a model for future sustainable urban developments. The district’s design promotes the use of renewable energy, advanced waste management systems, and green building practices. This initiative aligns with Dubai’s goals of leading the global transition towards sustainability and establishing itself as a pioneer in green technologies​​.

The Loop: Revolutionizing Urban Mobility

The Loop is another transformative project by URB, focusing on revolutionizing urban mobility in Dubai. This initiative aims to create the world’s smartest cycling and walking infrastructure, supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The Loop is designed to reduce car dependency by enabling residents to walk or cycle to essential amenities within minutes from their homes​​.

Omar Hussain Chicago: The project supports the vision of making Dubai a 20-minute city, where daily needs and destinations are accessible by foot or bicycle within 20 minutes. This shift in urban planning promotes healthier lifestyles, reduces congestion, and lowers pollution levels. The Loop will feature integrated leisure and wellness facilities, sports courts, fitness stations, and vertical farms, contributing to food security and social engagement within communities. By incorporating renewable energy sources and green infrastructure, The Loop aims to create a resilient and sustainable urban environment​​.

Expanding the Vision: Integrating Sustainability Across Urban Projects

URB’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond these flagship projects. The firm is involved in numerous other initiatives aimed at promoting ecological conservation, social inclusivity, and economic resilience.

Promoting Green Spaces and Biodiversity

URB emphasizes the importance of green spaces and biodiversity in urban planning. Their projects often include extensive landscaping with native plants, green roofs, and urban gardens. These green spaces not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the urban environment but also provide critical habitats for local wildlife, reduce urban heat island effects, and improve air quality​.

Renewable Energy and Resource Efficiency

A key aspect of URB’s sustainable initiatives is the integration of renewable energy sources and resource efficiency measures. Solar panels, wind turbines, and energy-efficient building designs are standard features in their projects. Additionally, URB promotes water conservation through advanced irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling, ensuring that their developments use resources responsibly and sustainably​.

Community Engagement and Education

URB recognizes that sustainable urban development requires active community engagement and education. They organize workshops, seminars, and community events to raise awareness about sustainability issues and encourage residents to adopt eco-friendly practices. By involving the community in the planning and implementation process, URB ensures that their projects meet the needs and aspirations of the people who live there​​.

Economic Opportunities and Job Creation

URB’s projects are designed to create significant economic opportunities and jobs. By fostering green industries and sustainable businesses, URB contributes to the development of a resilient and diversified economy. Their initiatives aim to provide long-term employment opportunities in fields such as renewable energy, environmental conservation, and sustainable tourism, helping to build a more inclusive and prosperous society​.

URB’s initiatives exemplify a comprehensive approach to sustainable urban development, balancing ecological preservation with economic growth and social well-being. Projects like Dubai Reefs, the Urban Tech District, and The Loop not only address current environmental and urban challenges but also set new standards for future developments globally. By pioneering such transformative projects, URB is playing a crucial role in shaping a sustainable, resilient, and thriving future for Dubai says, Omar Hussain Chicago.

Through their innovative designs and commitment to sustainability, URB is helping to redefine urban living for the 21st century, ensuring that Dubai remains a leader in sustainable development and a model for cities worldwide.

Originally Posted: https://omarhussainchicago.com/urb-plannings-sustainable-initiatives-dubai/

[evoldir]

Fwd: Postdoc: YorkU_Toronto.Genomics

Begin forwarded message: > From: evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca > Subject: Postdoc: YorkU_Toronto.Genomics > Date: 1 August 2023 at 06:06:10 BST > To: rdmpage@gmail.com > > > Postdoctoral positions in Ecological Genomics at York University, > Toronto, Canada > > Our group (www.yorku.ca/zayedlab) at York University’s Dept. of > Biology (Toronto, Canada) has positions available for a postdoctoral > fellow in Ecological Genomics with demonstrable expertise in genomics > and bioinformatics for the following two projects: > > 1. BeeCSI: Our group is leading a national Genome Canada-funded >   initiative called BeeCSI (https://beecsi.ca/) to develop stressor- >   specific biomarkers for honey bees. We are looking for a postdoctoral >   fellow with experience in transcriptomics and interest in honey bee >   biology to lead the analysis of a large RNAseq dataset consisting of >   43 laboratory and 12 field experiments where honey bees were >   naturally and experientially exposed to a large number of relevant >   stressors, alone and in combination. The RNAseq datasets have been >   fully assembled and the successful candidate will be able to initiate >   the bioinformatics analyses immediately after starting the position. >   The goal of our research is to characterize the molecular machinery >   underlying the honey bee’s response to multiple stressors, and to >   discover diagnostic transcriptional signatures that can be used to >   predict exposure to stressors in the field. > 2. Genomics of Coral Resilience: A new research direction for the lab! >   The Postdoctoral fellow will use several ‘Omic tools to study the >   genomic basis underlying symbiont shuffling and tolerance to thermal- >   stress in reef-building corals, in collaboration with the Coral >   Resilience Lab at the Hawaiian Institute of Marine Biology. > > Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter outlining > their expertise, a CV, reprints of relevant papers, and contact > information for 3 referees to honeybee@yorku.ca. We will evaluate the > applications as they are received, with an application deadline of August > 31st, 2023. > > In addition to the honey bee lab, York University is home to the Center > for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (BEEc, https://bees.yorku.ca). > Successful candidates will have a chance to interact with the diverse > faculty, fellows and students at BEEc, and participate in BEEc activities > and training initiatives. > > Start Date: Fall 2023 > Salary: Starting from $50,000 and Commensurate with experience. > > > Ida Conflitti

[kailasharudraksha]

Natural Red coral With Lab Certified Gemstone

Benefits of Red Coral Gemstone

Red coral, also known as "Moonga" or "Praval" in some cultures, is a precious gemstone that holds various benefits and is highly regarded in many traditions. Here are some potential benefits associated with red coral:

Health and Vitality: Red coral is believed to enhance physical strength and vitality. It is said to have a positive impact on the circulatory system, stimulating the production of red blood cells and improving blood circulation. Some people wear red coral as a way to boost energy levels and combat lethargy.

Protection and Courage: Red coral is often associated with protective properties. It is believed to ward off negative energies, evil spirits, and black magic. Wearing red coral is said to provide courage and resilience, helping individuals overcome obstacles and face challenges with confidence.

Emotional Balance: Red coral is believed to have a calming effect on emotions and can promote inner peace and harmony. It may assist in reducing anxiety, stress, and restlessness. The gemstone is also thought to enhance emotional intelligence and promote positive thinking.

Creativity and Passion: Red coral is associated with the planet Mars, which is connected to energy, passion, and creativity. It is believed to stimulate the creative aspects of the mind and increase motivation. Wearing red coral is thought to enhance one's artistic abilities and boost enthusiasm for various pursuits.

Relationships and Love: In certain traditions, red coral is considered a stone of love and relationships. It is believed to promote marital harmony, strengthen partnerships, and attract love and affection. Some people wear red coral as a symbol of their commitment to their loved ones.

Healing Properties: Red coral is believed to have healing properties for various ailments. It is said to assist in conditions related to the bones, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Some also believe that red coral can aid in the treatment of digestive disorders and skin-related issues.

It's important to note that the benefits of red coral are often based on traditional beliefs and folklore. While many people attribute positive effects to red coral, it's essential to consult with experts and professionals in gemstone therapy or alternative healing practices for personalized guidance and advice.

Read more

Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj)

Blue Sapphire (Neelam)

Emerald (Panna)

Ruby (Manik)

Opal (Doodhiya Patthar)

Red Coral (Moonga)

Pearl (Moti)

View All Precious Stone

Contact Details

Unit of Salasar Ji Gems LLP 1185-87, Shop No. 9, Gems Plaza, Chhatta Madan Gopal, Maliwara, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India, 110006

Working Hrs. : 09:30 AM to 08:30 PM

+91-987 312 3421

+91-997 139 1757

info@gemswisdom.com

Connect for More Information

[xtruss]

An ecologist studies an ancient lobe coral in Kingman Reef, found about halfway between Hawaii and American Samoa in the Pacific Ocean. A new study indicates lobe coral may be able survive a limited amount of climate change. Photograph By Brain Skerry, National Geographic Image Collection

Climate-resilient Coral Species Offer Hope For The World’s Reefs

A new study found two common reef-builders can cope with 2ºC of global warming.

— By Sarah Gibbens March 10, 2022

Two of the world’s most ubiquitous species of reef-building corals seem surprisingly able to survive and even cope well with climate change, according to a new study—at least so long as global warming is kept below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), the target set by the Paris Agreement.

“We found hope,” says Rowan McLachlan, a coral expert at Oregon State University and lead author of the study published today in Nature Scientific Reports.

Hope has been a scarce thing lately on coral reefs. As a result of human-made greenhouse gas emissions, they face chronically warmer water, more intense marine heat waves, and an increasingly acidic ocean. That’s in addition to local stresses from pollution and overfishing.

The world has so far warmed by 1.1°C (1.98°F), and coral reefs have already suffered mass fatalities. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest reef system, is currently in “crisis,” a recently published UN report said. That report, by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), warned that some coral reef ecosystems could face irreversible damage if the world warms more than 1.5°C (2.7°F). A 2018 report by the IPCC concluded that at 2ºC (3.6°F) or more, 99 percent of all reef-building corals could be lost—meaning that living coral reefs would essentially disappear from the planet.

But that’s not what McLachlan and her colleagues observed when they subjected Hawaiian corals to a simulated 2ºC world for nearly two years. They found that two common coral species were especially resilient: Two-thirds of those corals survived the simulated future.

“We were expecting to see more mortality than we did, to find that the corals were just barely hanging on,” McLachlan says. “We were really shocked. They had really high survivorship.”

Within limits, it seems, some corals can acclimate to a warmer world.

Simulating Tomorrow’s Oceans

Oceans absorb some of the heat building up in the atmosphere. Heat waves amplified by climate change prompt corals to expel the symbiotic algae that nourish them—an effect called coral bleaching, which can ultimately kill them. Meanwhile, oceans also absorb some of the atmosphere’s excess carbon dioxide, making seawater more acidic, which weakens coral skeletons.

Marine heat waves killed over a third of the corals on Hawaii’s coral reefs in 2014 and 2015. In late 2015, to learn more about how both warming and acidification might jeopardize reefs in the future, McLachlan and her colleagues visited four reefs in diverse settings around Oahu. Using a hammer and chisel, they collected samples of three common coral species: rice coral, finger coral, and lobe coral.

The researchers placed the corals in 70-liter tanks—but not in a lab, as other experiments on coral resilience had done, but outside on Coconut Island, where they would be exposed to the same weather as a reef just offshore.They filled a total of 40 tanks with sand, rubble, reef fish, plankton, and other reef features. The idea was to simulate ocean conditions as realistically as possible.

“That’s why our experiment is different,” McLachlan says. “It’s more informative of how Hawaiian reefs might actually respond [to climate change].”

It’s also the longest such coral experiment ever to be conducted, she says.

For 22 months, the researchers subjected some corals to 2ºC of warming, some to acidified water, and some to both changes. A fourth set of tanks was left completely alone to serve as a control.

The tanks that tested both warming and ocean acidification together were the most realistic simulations of the future, says Andréa Grottoli, a coral biogeochemist at Ohio State and the senior author on the study. In all the tanks, she and her colleagues monitored a suite of physiological indicators to see how the corals were responding over time to their environment—and the results were heartening.

“We saw this long-term arc where you see stress responses, but after long enough there was acclimatization,” says Grottoli. The implication is that, with enough time to adapt to their surroundings, some corals may survive the stressful conditions wrought by climate change.

Overall, of the corals exposed to both conditions, 46 percent of rice coral, 56 percent of lobe coral, and 71 percent of finger coral survived. Many of the corals were even thriving.

“They weren’t just struggling. Two of the three species were doing really well,” says Grottoli. And her team may have underestimated the resilience of the third species, rice corals, she says. Rice corals are nourished not just by their symbiotic algae but by eating zooplankton, and in the experiments they were fed less zooplankton than they might normally get in the wild.

“The paper supports what has been observed in Hawaii,” says Ku'ulei Rodgers, a coral expert at the University of Hawaii at Manōa who monitors the state’s reefs and was not involved with the study.

“However, there is a limit to the rate at which acclimatization can protect corals from bleaching as temperatures continue to increase,” she says in an email, noting that the 2014-2015 marine heat wave in Hawaii also killed many lobe and finger corals.

“Although it is hopeful that some species will survive this century, unless drastic reductions in emissions occur, corals will eventually lose their fight for survival,” Rodgers says. Current policies to reduce emissions have the world on track to warm by about 2.7°C (4.86°F) by the end of the century, according to the Climate Action Tracker—substantially above the 2ºC simulated by McLachlan and her colleagues.

While many of the experiment's coral survived, extreme heat is still pushing reefs to their limits. Here, healthy heads of lobe coral, Porites lobata, are surrounded by bleached rice coral, Montipora capitata, weakened by a marine heat wave. Photograph By Doug Perrie, Alamy Stock Photo

What Do These Findings Mean For Reefs?

Rice coral is common around Hawaii and in the waters of the north and central Pacific. But finger coral and lobe coral are found throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and their ability to survive could be a sign that coral reefs in the future might be able to rebound from the brink of collapse, the study says. Lobe coral in particular is an essential reef builder in the Pacific Ocean.

Alan Friedlander, a coral reef ecologist at the University of Hawaii who was not involved with the study, argues that more marine protected areas are needed to ensure these climate resilient corals aren’t jeopardized by local pollution and degradation. Friedlander is chief scientist for National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative, which promotes marine protected areas.

“This work shows that coral reefs can survive and even thrive into the future if we can curb carbon dioxide emissions and manage local stressors like overfishing, sedimentation, and pollution,” he says in an email.

“Absent local stressors, there is hope moving forward,” says McLachlan. “If we can’t mitigate local stressors, the outcome for coral is much worse.”

But her team’s findings also may provide support for more proactive forms of reef management.

Given the dire state of corals today, some conservationists argue that it is no longer enough just to protect them from pollution and fishing and leave them alone—that active restoration work is needed. Knowing that a coral species like lobe coral can survive climate change means it’s a candidate for restoration projects that select hardy corals and plant them in degraded reefs, Grottoli suggests.

“Introducing a coral from somewhere else is now the lesser of two evils,” she says. “That kind of conversation is now on the table. Some conservationists wouldn’t have considered it a decade ago.”

As humanity struggles to eliminate the greenhouse gas emissions that might otherwise doom coral reefs worldwide, climate-resilient corals may offer a lifeline to the future.

“We have a chance to maintain reef systems long enough so when warming slows, reefs can catch up,” Grottoli says. “We have a window to work with.”

[zara2148]

Fethsteel: “Real Names”

So here’s my first one-shot in my proposed “Fethry accidentally joins FOWL” verse, set sometime after the boys have gotten to know each other. May rework this later, but for now I’m tired and I want the people to have this.

Warning for a lot of dark implications regarding Steelbeak’s past. The child abuse and such is vaguely touched upon, though there is a strong mention of gun violence.

EDIT: Now on AO3!

It had started with what should have been an innocent question. “So what’s your name?”

The lab lights around them were dim. The last time Fethry looked at a clock it had been 3 a.m. It had been a while since he looked at a clock.

He was running through various 3-D printed coral reef designs, trying to get the texture and shape just right. The other scientists had not so slowly filed out as the usual workday ended, a few of them giving him a quick “Good night,” that Fethry would cheerfully echo back.

Steelbeak had walked in with Heron mid-afternoon, but stayed behind as she left. He wasn’t due for another mission for a few days, so sleep wasn’t an immediate priority.

And he had learned that if left alone in a maniac state like this, Fethry would eventually pass out on the lab floor. Most of the other scientists would at least step around Fethry when that happened, albeit with pitying shakes of their heads.

Most.

(They should all know better now, of course, given the last one to walk over Fethry was still recovering in the medical ward. Although, Heron might pretend she was going to step on Fethry, just to watch him grind his beak.)

It was better that he stay here to make sure that one way or another, Fethry made it back to bed.

He blinked at Fethry’s question. “Steelbeak.” Were it anyone else who asked, he would have added a “Duh!” 

Fethry shook his head, struggling with getting the coral’s material to be resilient yet biodegradable. “No, no. I mean… did your parents name you Steelbeak?” It was possible if he had been born needing a prosthesis. Maybe they wanted to make it clear to him it wasn’t something to be ashamed of, but something he could take pride in.

Still, it would be like Cousin Della wanting to be called Steelleg. Fethry would if that's want she wanted, but it seemed awfully reductive.

“I never knew my parents.” 

The soft answer made Fethry pause in fiddling with the 3-D printer’s settings. He turned away to look at the rooster sitting at a lab table behind him.

“I never had a name before Steelbeak.”

Fethry wasn’t going to ask more. Already what he heard was causing a lump in his throat. His eyes were going blurry from tears ready to escape. He could feel an ache in his arms as he resisted the urge to hug Steelbeak, who still tensed up if Fethry’s hand so much as brushed against his.

Fethry swallowed. He racked his head for something to say that would let Steelbeak know he didn’t have to say more, without dismissing what he had already said.

But Steelbeak couldn’t take the sudden silence. It was somehow worse than the time he accidentally called Heron, “Mom.” And he had thought nothing could be worse than that.

Yet it was all too similar to that time as well, full of unspoken things he had missed out on in his life. The silence then had been damning, until he laughed it off and said “Joking!” Heron had winced at his sudden boisterousness but had been more than willing to let it drop there.

Fethry wouldn’t buy this as just a joke. Already, Fethry looked as if he was a second away from a crying fit. When it came to most people, he couldn’t care if they literally cried their eyes out.

But Fethry wasn’t most people.

Steelbeak didn’t pause to take a deep breath, didn’t need it to brace himself. If he stopped to breathe, he might never get this out. “I was hatched in the pens of an underground fighting ring. And I mean underground. I didn’t see anything outside until… well, until I looked more like this.”

Fethry could hardly bear to breathe either. The moment between them was glass, transparent but all too easy to shatter.

“I had no fancy schooling. It was just the school of hard knocks for me. And some punches. A few kicks, here and there. Just beating up some other kids like me.”

The tears were running down Fethry’s face now. He barely noticed.

“They called me Number 4, in the ring and out. That’s all they called me.”

The feel of the tag around his ankle still crept up on Steelbeak sometimes. He’d scratch at it without thinking, only to feel nothing underneath his foot.

“Then one day, the ring was busted by some cops. I tried to peck a few of them as they came close, and that got them antsy. One of them pulled out a gun, and… ka-pow!”

He mimed shooting his beak off. Fethry grabbed at his own beak in sudden, painful sympathy.

“Then in prison, I got another number. This time, 101891.” He leaned his head back, almost looking relaxed at this point. “More people to beat up, more guards to hustle us all back into line. Not much different.”

“Then, I was busted out of prison. Well, I say busted, but there was a lot more papers then broken walls.” He gestured at the walls around him. “They got me out.”

Fethry felt a surge of pride within him even as the tears continued. Such kind, caring people they worked for, to give the two of them chances for a better life.

“They wanted to call me Agent 30-something or other... but I wasn’t going to be a number anymore. I wanted a name.”

He tapped his beak.

“Heron gave me this. It seemed as good a name as any.”

Steelbeak stopped, feeling strange. He had never said any of that aloud before. He dropped his hand against the table, feeling like a carton of ice cream that had just been entirely scooped out.

Fethry was swallowing hard, backed up snot clogging his throat. Tears of sympathy were still leaking from his eyes.

“I… I don’t know what to say.” An ‘I’m sorry’ would not fix anything. He was so, so sorry, but it would not change anything.

Then, perhaps not the right words but some better words to say came to him.

“It’s a nice name, y’know. Steelbeak.” His hand hovered over Steelbeak’s, going no farther. He met Steelbeak’s eyes. “May I?”

Steelbeak shrugged, one shoulder moving awkwardly out of sync with the other. Exposing vulnerability in any way was alien enough. This attempt at comfort was… well, it would feel entirely wrong if it wasn’t for the warmth from Fethry’s hand.

Fethry placed his hand over Steelbeak’s, squeezing softly. “I really like it.”

That’s what his voice said. What his eyes said was, “I really like you.” 

Fethry watched Steelbeak, who didn’t tense up under his grip. Didn’t watch him for an attack or look as if he was debating pecking him for getting too close.

It still was a bit much for Steelbeak, though. So after he was sure Fethry was no longer at risk of crying, he pulled away slightly. Fethry let him reclaim his hand, giving him a small smile the entire time.

Steelbeak cleared his throat for reasons he wasn’t quite sure of. After all, the only thing he had to dislodge was everything that had gone unsaid.

“What about you?” Steelbeak cocked an eye ridge. “Honestly, who names their kid Fethry? Not that’s not a nice name, it’s just… well, the only worse name I can think of for a kid is calling them ‘Duck.’ I’m glad that’s not your full name, what kind of cruel monsters would name their kid ‘Duck Duck?’”

(At that very moment elsewhere, Drake Mallard let out a sneeze.)

Fethry’s laugh quickly turned into a yawn. He’d have to go to bed soon, but they had time for another, lighter tale.

“Heh, it’s actually kind of a funny story...”

[coralmorphologic]

While bleaching has struck hard upon the offshore genotypes of staghorn and elkhorn coral transplanted experimentally to the CCC, some hopeful news is that the pioneering ‘urban’ strains of staghorn and elkhorn living alongside them have not yet bleached despite record hot temperatures. 

Taking no chances and erring on the side of caution, the good scientists at NOAA's AOML Coral Program have taken in clones of the two ‘urban’ genotypes of endangered elkhorn and staghorn corals native to Miami. 

In NOAA’s state-of-the-art Virginia Key lab, they will be provided with climate-controlled water where their well-being can be maintained until cooler water temps return. Their stay in the lab will also offer scientists the opportunity to analyze their genetics and microbiomes to try and understand the remarkable resilience of these two strains of endangered corals. 

It was the discovery of the mother colonies of these corals on Fisher Island in 2009 that sparked our ‘urban coral hypothesis’ of resilience, and inspired wider surveying of unexpected coastal locations to document the surprising local biodiversity of 26 stony coral species living on Miami-Dade infrastructure. We have seen these corals remain unbleached through extreme cold water temps in winter 2010 and the bleaching summers of 2014 and 2015. But with six weeks left of summer, this will likely be their biggest test of survival of their lives.

It is heartbreaking to realize that our oceans are becoming too hot to reliably keep corals alive. Coral restoration practitioners have been forced into triage mode. There is a desperate need to invest in land-based facilities and coral husbandry training in order to rapidly scale-up our ability to preserve their biodiversity as we slam headlong into a rapidly unfolding climate emergency. 

We will continue to monitor the health of their clones at the CCC CURES (Coral Urban Research Experimental Site) and hope that water temps don’t continue to rise. But with another 6 weeks left in summer, we have our fingers crossed and can only hope for the highest preservation of Floridian coral biodiversity possible. 

[stingray-stories]

Day 25 7/22/2021

Oh….hey! Didn’t see ya there. I’m Ray and here’s what I did today.

In the morning, Ben and I had lots of meetings. The first one was pretty short and was just an introduction to someone who is associated with the rainforest realignment project we are working on formally known as PARP (Palmyra Atoll Reef and Resilience Project). She’s writing a newsletter with updates about the project and is really excited since there hasn’t been much to talk about due to the pandemic. She’ll be sending us some questions about what we’ve doing on Palmyra which should be really fun. After that, we had a sea bird monitoring meeting with the lead scientist who’s name is Coral Wolf, so cool! It was great to meet her and get a better picture of what her goals are for the project going forward. Following that, we had our weekly call with Katie about projects and our priorities for next week. It was really nice to catch up with her as usual. Then after that we had our official PARP meeting where Ben gave updates about plots where there has been out planting of native plant saplings. After alllllll of those meetings we headed to lunch and had some yummies. When our tummies were full we headed back to the lab to do some computer work and look through photos from our adventure from the day before. Later in the afternoon, we headed out with the Cocos crew to check on our two decoy bird colonies on Barren and do a “crown of thorns survey” which ended up just being an hour long snorkel. No complaints from Ray Ray. Once on shore, we gandered at our decoy colonies which looked pretty good and none were missing so that’s good! This trip to Barren I made sure to bring my phone to take pictures since this really is my new favorite spot and I had to capture all the crazy wave action. We explored around again and walked to the furthest point. It was just as incredible as the previous day. Watching the waves is just so much fun. I could stay there for hours. After awhile of taking a TON of pictures and videos, I jumped in the water to snorkel. This time I did a biiiiiig loop to cover more ground. I saw lots of parrotfish, a turtle, a sling jaw wrasse that was stretching its loooooooong jaw (such a weird fish) a big black tip shark which was coming at me a little close eep, and then when I was swimming really close to shore I saw a shadow of a bird on the sea floor and when I looked out of the water a little curlew landed right by me!! So cool! After that, we headed back to camp for dinner. It was Ryan’s (one of the Cocos volunteers) birthday so we had one of his favorites, Shepherd’s pie, corn, garlic bread, and chocolate cake with ice cream!!! YUM!

Wow what a day! Goodnight!

PS Pictures will be shared in the next post!!

[evoldir]

Fwd: Postdoc: Guam.CoralMolecularEvolution

Begin forwarded message: > From: evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca > Subject: Postdoc: Guam.CoralMolecularEvolution > Date: 22 January 2021 at 07:29:53 GMT > To: rdmpage@gmail.com > > > Guam EPSCoR is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in > molecular ecology to study how coral microbiomes and photosymbionts affect > the resistance and resilience of corals to changing environmental > conditions. The postdoc will work at the Marine Laboratory of the > University of Guam and be able to leverage easy access to field sites for > specimen collection and field experiments. A state-of-the-art genetics lab > is on site at the Marine Laboratory and high-throughput computing resources > are being implemented as part of the Guam EPSCoR efforts to facilitate data > intensive analyses. > > The postdoc will be part of a dynamic team, including several faculty > researchers and graduate students with expertise in coral ecology, > genomics, and bioinformatics. Together we work toward understanding the > impacts of environmental change on coral resilience in Guam and the > Micronesian region. > > Minimum Qualifications: > > -PhD or postdoctoral experience in marine ecology, genetics/genomics, or > related field > -Experience in generating and analyzing complex genetic/genomic datasets > -Proficiency in computational approaches to data analysis (e.g., shell > scripting) > > Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities > -Strong quantitative skills and appropriate knowledge of statistical data > analysis- > -Good organizational skills > -High motivation and pro-active approach to work > -Excellent communication skills > > Preferred Qualifications: > -Proficient in Python and/or R > -American Association of Underwater Scientists (AAUS) diving certification > or equivalent > > Initial review of applications will begin on Feb 1st 2021 but the position > will remain open until filled. > > For application requirements please see position announcement RC-21-25 > posted on the website of the Research Corporation of the University of Guam > (RCUOG). > > https://ift.tt/362f5tS > > For questions and inquiries contact Dr. Bstian Bentlage ( > bentlageb@triton.uog.edu). > > Bastian Bentlage > via IFTTT

[kathleenseiber]

Lack of iron may limit coral resilience to warming seas

How resilient corals are in response to climate change could depend in part on the already scarce amount of iron available in their environment, according to a new study.

The study reveals that the combination of hot water temperatures and low iron levels compromises the algae that live within coral cells, suggesting that limited iron levels—which could decline with warming ocean waters—could exacerbate the effects of climate change on corals.

“Corals are the foundation for one of the most important ecosystems in the world,” says Todd LaJeunesse, professor of biology at Penn State. “They support significant amounts of biodiversity, protect our shorelines from storms, provide habitat for our fisheries, and boost our economies with their opportunities for tourism.

“Climate change affects not only the coral, but also their symbiotic microalgae and the partnership between them. In this study, we explored two aspects of climate change—warming waters and altered amounts of trace metals like iron—on the algae.”

High temperatures, low iron levels

The researchers previously found that the photosynthetic microalgae that live within coral cells—which provide up to 90% of the coral’s daily nutritional needs through photosynthesis—have very high iron demands.

“In this study, we found that limiting the available iron lowered the heat tolerances of two species of microalgae, which potentially could have cascading effects on the coral and on the reef ecosystem,” says Hannah Reich, a graduate student in biology at the time of the research and an author of the study.

As reported in the study in the Journal of Phycology, the researchers investigated the effects of high water temperatures and limited iron availability on the growth of two species of microalgae cultured in the lab—one species typically found in tropical waters and one from more temperate areas. At high temperatures and limited iron, both species grew poorly compared to at moderate temperatures and normal iron levels.

“High temperatures increase metabolic demands, which forces the microalgae to work harder function properly,” says Reich. “It also increases dependence on processes that require iron, like photosynthesis and assimilating other nutrients. We found that under high temperatures, the microalgae needed more than five times as much iron to reach typical, exponential growth rates.”

Limited iron limits coral growth

Limited iron availability at high temperatures also compromised the photosynthetic ability of the algae, reducing their efficiency, which the researchers think contributes to the reduced growth under these conditions. Additionally, warmer temperatures affected the relative amounts of trace metals within the algae, known as their metal profiles.

“These alterations could indicate differences in metal usage, likely affecting the biological functions in which they are used,” Reich says. “Notably, with limited iron, the more tropical species grew better and had less compromised photosynthetic ability at high temperatures and a larger reserve of many trace metals.”

“Our results also highlight that trace metal profiles could be a metric with which to assess heat sensitivity or tolerance among symbiont species,” says LaJeunesse. “Moreover, access to higher concentrations of trace metals may improve a coral’s tolerance of thermal stress.”

In the future, the researchers plan to explore how trace metal requirements change in different conditions in the field, and to explore the impacts of limited iron and warming waters on microalgae living within a host.

“While it is important to understand how access to iron supplies can impact the ability of corals to respond to climate change stressors, there is still a dire need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to combat the climate crisis,” Reich says.

Additional coauthors are from the University of Rhode Island, Academia Sinica, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The National Science Foundation, the Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan, the NASA Pennsylvania Space Grant Consortium, Academia Sinica, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration funded the work.

Source: Penn State

The post Lack of iron may limit coral resilience to warming seas appeared first on Futurity.

Lack of iron may limit coral resilience to warming seas published first on https://triviaqaweb.weebly.com/

[noaasanctuaries]

Enough air in the room: Monitoring hypoxia in Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Suck all the oxygen out of a room and it's impossible to breathe. In the ocean, reduction of oxygen can also be a major problem -- so scientists in Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary are working to track and understand hypoxic conditions.

Hundreds of rockfish swim over Cordell Bank. Photo: Clinton Bauder/BAUE

In extreme cases, hypoxia, or low-oxygen conditions, can cause die-offs of fish, shellfish, corals, and other organisms, which, like us, require oxygen to survive. More commonly, animals may experience physiological stress in low oxygen conditions. Animals may also avoid areas that are prone to hypoxia, reducing biodiversity.

Around the world, hypoxic areas have been increasing in severity and occurring more often, because hypoxic conditions are linked to the effects of climate change. As we burn fossil fuels, we release excess carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That carbon dioxide builds up and acts as a heat-trapping blanket, warming the planet, and, in turn, the ocean. This warming acts on the ocean in several ways. First, warm water simply holds less oxygen. Second, oxygen exchange between the atmosphere and the ocean occurs at the surface and the oxygenated surface water later mixes into deeper waters. But as surface water warms, it's less likely to mix with colder, deeper water, leaving that deep water depleted in oxygen.

Danielle Lipski, Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary research coordinator (left), and Kate Hewett, UC Davis graduate student (right) attach instruments to a mooring line as it is deployed. Photo: NOAA

In addition to warming, climate change causes other large scale changes in weather and the ocean. For example, climate change may shift seasonal upwelling patterns, which bring nutrient-rich water to the surface and cause mixing of the oxygen-rich surface water with deeper water. Upwelled nutrient-rich water fuels algae blooms, which then decompose in deeper water where they consume oxygen. Upwelling can also bring oxygen-poor water to the surface.

In recent years, seasonal and episodic hypoxia has been observed on continental margins, shelves, and estuaries that were previously well-oxygenated. Hypoxic conditions have been observed frequently in the Pacific Northwest since 2002, and less severe events have been observed along the north-central California coast -- meaning national marine sanctuaries like Cordell Bank and Greater Farallones are at risk.

Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary protects a vibrant invertebrate and rockfish community. Photo: Robert Lee/BAUE

Danielle Lipski, research coordinator at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary explains that "If long-term, large-scale hypoxic conditions were to occur in the sanctuary, it could be devastating to the sanctuary's abundant marine life." The deep-water reef of Cordell Bank is inhabited by a vibrant invertebrate and rockfish community, which could be vulnerable to hypoxic conditions.

With that in mind, since 2013, researchers from Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary and UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab have recorded hypoxic conditions at moorings in these sanctuaries. "Cordell Bank is a special place, and many of the organisms inhabiting this place are susceptible to low levels of oxygen," says Dr. John Largier, professor of oceanography and associate director for research at Bodega Marine Lab. Particularly because Cordell Bank is offshore, he explains, the sanctuary is far from human influences and coastal runoff; this makes it a particularly good location to study the impact of climate-change-driven hypoxia. "These deep data from Cordell Bank will help us gain a more profound understanding of hypoxia and future ocean conditions in our region."

Researchers deploy instruments for several months at a time each year, during the upwelling season from spring until fall. These instruments record dissolved oxygen concentration and temperature in both shallow and deep waters in Cordell Bank, and more recently have been fitted to track salinity.

Lipski deploys a dissolved oxygen sensor on a mooring line. Photo: NOAA

Lipski explains that in the last three years, hypoxia conditions in Cordell Bank have varied based on weather, and by season and year. In some cases, hypoxic conditions have been observed for weeks at a time. Researchers are still evaluating what is driving the hypoxia, but it appears to be influenced by both local conditions like upwelling, and larger phenomena like overall sea surface warming.

Hypoxia is just one factor influencing Cordell Bank's marine communities. And as a global phenomenon spurred on by climate change, hypoxia can be a difficult issue to manage on the local level. Lipski says the first step is for sanctuary scientists to best understand the conditions the sanctuary experiences and the factors influencing hypoxia. Then, she says, "our best approach as stewards of Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary is to protect the sanctuary from other stressors that may happen at the same time but that can be managed locally." That includes making sure that intact habitats are maintained, that water quality doesn't suffer from impacts like pollutants, and that biological communities remain strong.

By protecting ocean ecosystems, Lipski says, "we maintain their resilience and give them the best chance to thrive in the face of changing global conditions."

[sciencespies]

Cell atlas of stony corals is boost for coral reef conservation efforts

https://sciencespies.com/environment/cell-atlas-of-stony-corals-is-boost-for-coral-reef-conservation-efforts/

Cell atlas of stony corals is boost for coral reef conservation efforts

Researchers at the University of Haifa, the Weizmann Institute and the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) have built the first atlas of all of the different types of cells in Stylophora pistillata, a reef-building stony coral native to the Indo-Pacific oceans. Published today in the journal Cell, the study is the first to detect the presence of specialized immune cells in corals.

The findings provide new insights into the molecular biology and evolution of corals and will aid present and future conservation efforts to protect coral reef ecosystems threatened by rising temperatures and ocean acidification.

The map reveals that Stylophora pistillata has 40 different cell types over the three main stages in their life cycle. The researchers found molecular mechanisms responsible for vital biological processes such as the formation of the coral’s skeleton, which serves as the habitat for a large number of marine species. The team also uncovered how corals establish a symbiotic relationship with the photosynthetic algae that reside within their cells.

The researchers were also surprised to discover the presence of specialized immune cells that employ many genes typically associated to immune cell function in vertebrates. It has been previously thought that innate immunity plays a role in preserving the health of algae symbionts, as well as resilience to rising temperatures and acidification, but until now no specialized immune cells have been reported in corals.

According to Dr. Tali Mass, one of the authors of the study and researcher at the University of Haifa, “Coral reefs play a critical role in the ecosystem of oceans and seas, since they provide a habitat for around 25% of animals in the sea and build the largest biogenic structures in the world. The warming of the seawater and rising acidity pose a threat to the future of coral reefs, and accordingly, the genetic sequencing we have completed is extremely important for the survival of coral reefs and the future of the oceans.”

According to Arnau Sebe Pedrós, co-author of the study and Group Leader at the CRG, “Our work systematically defines the molecular biology of coral cells. This cell atlas will help to better understand the responses of corals to raising temperatures and ocean acidification, and may even eventually help design interventions that boost the resilience of the coral reefs we still have left. This work is also a good example of how single-cell genomics technologies are revolutionizing our understanding of animal biodiversity and evolution, bridging the gap between genomes and organisms.”

The researchers built the cell atlas by using a method called single-cell RNA sequencing to measure the gene expression of each individual cell. In research, single-cell RNA sequencing is almost exclusively limited to species that can be grown in laboratory conditions. As stony corals are difficult to grow in lab conditions, researchers in Israel collected the corals at different stages in their life cycle in the Gulf of Eilat and then transported them to the Weizmann Institute and to the CRG in Barcelona for sequencing and analysis. The study is one of the few to carry out single-cell analysis in species sampled from the wild.

Stony corals are the foundation species for many coral reefs. They begin their life as a swimming larva that disperses and settles as a polyp. Polyps rapidly build a protein-rich matrix that forms a calcium carbonate skeleton, eventually developing into a colonial adult composed of many individual polys. Stony coral colonies are the main habitat for a huge diversity of marine species, which is why coral reefs are considered the rainforests of the sea.

Stony corals live in tropical seas by forming a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae that lives within its cells. The algae provide photosynthetic products to the cell, which in turn provides the algae with carbon. The symbiotic relationship sustains the high energy demands of coral growth and reproduction, including the production of its skeleton.

In the last few decades, coral reefs have declined worldwide. The main drivers of this decline are rising ocean temperatures and acidification, which directly impact coral symbiosis by leading to coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, as well as affecting skeleton formation through reduced calcification rates.

Story Source:

Materials provided by Center for Genomic Regulation. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

#Environment

[materialsscienceandengineering]

X-rays reveal biting truth about parrotfish teeth: Interwoven crystal structure key to coral-crunching ability

So, you thought the fictional people-eating great white shark in the film "Jaws" had a powerful bite.

But don't overlook the mighty mouth of the parrotfish -- its hardy teeth allow it to chomp on coral all day long, ultimately chewing and grinding it up through digestion into fine sand. That's right: Its "beak" creates beaches. A single parrotfish can produce hundreds of pounds of sand each year.

Now, a study by scientists -- including those at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) -- has revealed a chain mail-like woven microstructure that gives parrotfish teeth their remarkable bite and resilience.

The natural structure they observed also provides a blueprint for creating ultra-durable synthetic materials that could be useful for mechanical components in electronics, and in other devices that undergo repetitive movement, abrasion, and contact stress.

Matthew Marcus, a staff scientist working at Berkeley Lab's Advanced Light Source (ALS) -- an X-ray source known as a synchrotron light source that was integral in the parrotfish study -- became intrigued with parrotfish during a 2012 visit to the Great Barrier Reef off of the coast of Australia.

Read more.