A KAUST study explains how corals control their symbiotic algae using nutrient competition, tracking carbon and nitrogen isotopes. The research shows that cnidarians limit nitrogen available to the algae, preventing overgrowth and maintaining a balanced symbiosis. This mechanism evolved independently in corals, sea anemones, and jellyfish. Why it matters: The findings have implications for coral reef restoration efforts like the KAUST Reefscape Restoration Initiative by disrupting traditional views of symbiosis.
A team from KAUST attended the 9th International Symbiosis Society Congress in Oregon, U.S. in July. Hagen Gegner, a KAUST Ph.D. student, presented work on the role of high salinity in the thermotolerance of corals. He reflected on the pros and cons of presenting unpublished research, balancing transparency with potential exposure of sensitive findings. Why it matters: The participation of KAUST researchers in this international congress highlights the university's focus on marine biology and symbiosis, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in a competitive scientific field.
KAUST researchers have found that the symbiotic relationship between corals and micro-algae is 100 million years older than previously thought, dating back 160 million years. The study suggests that corals have endured numerous climate change events due to their biological characteristics. Researchers developed an updated naming scheme using genetic techniques to identify different micro-algal symbionts. Why it matters: This discovery offers a glimmer of hope for coral survival in the face of modern global warming and enhances conservation efforts, while also modernizing coral symbiont taxonomy.
KAUST Ph.D. student Nils Rädecker won a best student presentation award at the European Coral Reef Symposium (ECRS) 2017 for his talk on coral bleaching. Rädecker's presentation focused on the underlying mechanisms of coral bleaching and the breakdown of symbiosis between corals and endosymbiotic algae due to ocean warming. His research explores the nutrient exchange between the coral host and algal symbiont to understand why the symbiosis is disrupted. Why it matters: This award recognizes important research into coral bleaching, a critical issue for marine ecosystems in the Red Sea and globally, highlighting KAUST's contribution to addressing environmental challenges.