Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
E. Michael Henley, Mariko Quinn, Jessica Bouwmeester, Jonathan Daly, Claire Lager, Nikolas Zuchowicz, Daniel W. Bailey, Mary Hagedorn
Summary: Sessile invertebrates often engage in synchronized spawning events to increase likelihood of fertilization. This study compared the reproductive behavior of two Hawaiian corals, Montipora capitata and Montipora flabellata. The results showed distinct differences in their reproductive patterns, with Montipora capitata exhibiting coordinated gamete maturation and synchronized release, while Montipora flabellata had a less synchronous and aperiodic spawning. Climate change and local stressors may pose a threat to the reproductive strategy of Montipora flabellata.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
E. Michael Henley, Mariko Quinn, Jessica Bouwmeester, Jonathan Daly, Nikolas Zuchowicz, Claire Lager, Daniel W. Bailey, Mary Hagedorn
Summary: This study compared reproductive metrics of two Hawaiian Montipora corals after consecutive bleaching events, finding significant differences in sperm motility and mitochondrial membrane potential between M. capitata and Montipora spp. The disparity in these results may be attributed to the species' different UVR protective mechanisms.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marco Reschini, Luca Pagliardini, Luca Boeri, Francesca Piazzini, Veronica Bandini, Gianfranco Fornelli, Carolina Dolci, Greta Chiara Cermisoni, Paola Vigano, Edgardo Somigliana, Maria Elisabetta Coccia, Enrico Papaleo
Summary: This study examined the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on male reproductive health by assessing semen parameters and fertilization rate before and after vaccination. The results indicate that the vaccine does not affect sperm quality and fertilization capacity of men undergoing ART treatments.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mila Grinblat, Ira Cooke, Tom Shlesinger, Or Ben-Zvi, Yossi Loya, David J. Miller, Peter F. Cowman
Summary: Research has shown that while the impacts of climate change and other pressures on coral reefs are well documented, studies on species-specific trends are limited. Traditional coral taxonomy may underestimate the diversity of coral families. This study highlights strong biogeographic structuring in Fungia fungites and Herpolitha limax, emphasizing the need for taxonomic reassessments in some species and genera within the family Fungiidae.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Seiya Kitanobo, Sho Toshino, Masaya Morita
Summary: Studies show that the sperm concentration after coral spawning plays a crucial role in fertilization success, with highly fecund and genetically diverse colonies contributing to increased genetic diversity and number of descendants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Andrology
Maria Teresa Villani, Daria Morini, Giorgia Spaggiari, Angela Immacolata Falbo, Beatrice Melli, Giovanni Battista La Sala, Marilina Romeo, Manuela Simoni, Lorenzo Aguzzoli, Daniele Santi
Summary: The study found that sperm motility and morphology play important roles in predicting fertilization rate, pregnancy rate, and live birth rate in assisted reproductive technology. These parameters can be considered reliable tools to measure the male role in ART outcomes, potentially impacting the clinical management of infertile couples.
Article
Fisheries
Carlos Molinet, Ruben H. Roa-Ureta, Paulina Gebauer, Manuel Diaz, Patricio A. Diaz, Thamara Matamala, Katherine Espinoza, Jorge Henriquez, Daniela Uribe, Oscar de Lazaro, Andres Olguin, Kurt Paschke, Jose Valenzuela, Yohnatan Jaramillo
Summary: Sex-biased fishing mortality and male-only fishing can lead to sperm limitation and recruitment overfishing. By studying the size at functional reproduction (SFR) of lithodid females, we observed changes in male-to-female ratio, size truncation, and SFR in southern king crab populations in two areas with different fishing pressures. The shape of the reproductive ogive changed in response to fishing pressure, indicating sperm limitation in the heavily fished region. The assumption of a symmetric logistic curve may not be appropriate for fitting maturity ogives in male-only crab fisheries, and more general shapes of the ogive should be considered and studied.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Mirjam I. Binner, Anna Kogan, Karin Panser, Alexander Schleiffer, Victoria E. Deneke, Andrea Pauli
Summary: Fertilization is a crucial process in sexual reproduction, but the molecular mechanisms behind it are still unclear. A study on zebrafish reveals that Spaca6, a conserved protein, is essential for sperm-egg binding and fusion. The research also uncovers a previously unknown dependence of Dcst2 expression on Spaca6 in sperm.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jacob L. Johansen, Lauren E. Nadler, Adam Habary, Alyssa J. Bowden, Jodie Rummer
Summary: The study reveals that coral reef fishes exhibit varying acclimation responses to thermal stress over time, with differences between species. Monitoring biomarkers proved critical in assessing acclimation progression and completion.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Anna J. Korzekwa, Angelika M. Kotlarczyk
Summary: The use of assisted reproduction techniques in Cervidae is crucial for conservation efforts, particularly in managing endangered species and farmed deer. While some techniques like IVF have shown satisfactory results, others such as cryopreservation still require refinement.
Article
Cell Biology
Damien B. Wilburn, Christy L. Kunkel, Richard C. Feldhoff, Pamela W. Feldhoff, Brian C. Searle
Summary: Reproductive proteins in amphibians, particularly salamanders, evolve rapidly and exhibit significant diversity. This study provides the first detailed molecular characterization of gametes from two salamander species, revealing the expression of genes common to vertebrate gametes and the presence of salamander-specific courtship pheromones in the testis transcripts. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that these proteins evolved at distinct evolutionary time points. Overall, this research sheds light on the evolution and reproduction of salamanders.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Fen Wei, Mengyao Cui, Wen Huang, Yonggang Wang, Xu Liu, Xinru Zeng, Hongfei Su, Kefu Yu
Summary: This study investigated the early life cycle of Galaxea fascicularis by monitoring adult colonies and recording their development for one year. The results showed that G. fascicularis could reproduce sexually and the spawning occurred in April and May. Larvae associated with zooxanthellae 9 days after spawning and completed metamorphosis after 1 month. The survival rate of the recruits decreased each month, with the most significant decline in the second month, possibly due to competition with algae. This study improves our understanding of the early life cycle of scleractinian corals.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Bruno Garcia Montagnini, Simone Forcato, Karine Vandressa Pernoncine, Mariana Cunha Monteiro, Marina Rangel Ferro Pereira, Nathalia Orlandini Costa, Estefania Gastadello Moreira, Janete Aparecida Anselmo-Franci, Daniela Cristina Ceccatto Gerardin
Summary: The study found that TCS may act as an endocrine disruptor for the reproductive system. Exposure to TCS was shown to decrease sperm viability and motility, potentially related to the programming of reproductive cells during fetal/neonatal development.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Chieh-Jhen Chen, Yu-Ying Ho, Ching-Fong Chang
Summary: This study establishes a molecular database of merulinid corals in Taiwan and discovers two new species. The results of this study are important for biodiversity estimates, systematic taxonomy, and reproduction research in Taiwan's coral ecosystem.
Article
Cell Biology
Tanja Turunen, Martina Magris, Marjo Malinen, Jukka Kekalainen
Summary: This study investigates the effects of seminal plasma (SP) identity and protein composition on human sperm function. The results show that SP identity and its protein composition play a role in sperm swimming velocity, viability, and hyperactivation. The interaction between sperm and SP donor also affects sperm performance. Additionally, specific SP proteins, such as DPP4 and NEP, are positively associated with sperm swimming velocity and hyperactivation.
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Catalina Ramirez-Portilla, Andrew H. Baird, Peter F. Cowman, Andrea M. Quattrini, Saki Harii, Frederic Sinniger, Jean-Francois Flot
Summary: Distinguishing coral species is important for various studies and effective ecosystem management. Despite challenges in species delimitation, this study on tabular Acropora corals shows that different lines of evidence can help identify species boundaries accurately. Results suggest that species of the genus Acropora are reproductively isolated and independently evolving units that can be distinguished morphologically.
SYSTEMATIC BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Netanel Kramer, Gal Eyal, Raz Tamir, Yossi Loya
Summary: This study compares the response of corals settled on mesophotic tiles and transplanted to shallow reefs in the northern Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba, Red Sea. The results show higher mortality for transplanted corals, but higher survivorship at the marine protected area (MPA) site. Different coral genera exhibit contrasting trends in survival and growth rates.
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miguel Angel Perez-Castro, Nadine Schubert, Gabriela Ang-Montes De Oca, Gerardo Esteban Leyte-Morales, Gal Eyal, Gustavo Hinojosa-Arango
Summary: Research in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) region suggests the potential presence of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems (MCEs), which are influenced by factors such as light availability and water transparency. Studies mainly focus on taxonomy, ecosystem function, and reviews, indicating a need for further research in areas such as environmental variable structure, molecular ecology, and natural resource management. Light availability is identified as a key driver for the bathymetric distribution of MCEs, although other local factors should also be considered for potential shifts in depth limits.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
S. Motai, J. Kawano, S. Harii, Y. Seto, T. Watanabe, T. Nagai
Summary: New research suggests that the symbiotic relationship between coral hosts and dinoflagellate algae has an impact on the formation of aragonite skeletons in coral calcification.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-BIOGEOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Sanaz Hazraty-Kari, Morita Masaya, Masanobu Kawachi, Saki Harii
Summary: Symbiotic algae are beneficial for Acropora tenuis coral larvae, providing supplemental energy and promoting settlement. Larvae that acquire symbiotic algae have higher growth and lower mortality rates. Symbiotic larvae have longer dispersal periods and are better able to settle in favored locations.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Kristen T. Brown, Gal Eyal, Sophie G. Dove, Katie L. Barott
Summary: Increasing ocean temperatures pose a threat to coral reefs worldwide, and corals in habitats with high thermal variability are believed to be more resilient to climate-induced heat stress. This study used long-term ecological observations and temperature data to examine how temperature dynamics in different reef habitats changed during a marine heatwave and its impact on coral community survival. The findings showed that thermally variable habitats experienced greater heat stress and subsequent declines in hard coral cover compared to stable sites. Interestingly, habitats with greater seawater exchange with the open ocean provided the most protection to corals during severe marine heatwaves.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tanya Singh, Kazuhiko Sakai, Jun Ishida-Castaneda, Akira Iguchi
Summary: Mass bleaching and mortality of reef corals due to heat stress caused by global warming have increased globally since the late 20th century. Monitoring the growth, survival, and bleaching status of Acropora corals in Okinawa, Japan, revealed that although the level of heat stress was higher in 2017 than in 2016, the same colonies exhibited less bleaching and mortality in 2017. The study suggests that genetic or epigenetic changes in coral hosts and/or algal symbionts, or the shifting or switching of non-endosymbiotic microbes, may have improved coral holobiont heat tolerance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tom Shlesinger, Robert van Woesik
Summary: Anomalously high ocean temperatures have increased in frequency, intensity, and duration due to greenhouse gas emissions. These temperature anomalies have led to coral bleaching, mortality, and changes in community structure. However, there are geographical differences in thermal regimes and past disturbances that may result in different bleaching responses among corals within and among oceans.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mila Grinblat, Lee Eyal-Shaham, Gal Eyal, Or Ben-Zvi, Saki Harii, Masaya Morita, Kazuhiko Sakai, Mamiko Hirose, David J. Miller, Yossi Loya
Summary: Living organisms need to adjust the allocation of energy resources for growth, survival, maintenance, and reproduction throughout their life histories in order to compete effectively. The energy demands and allocations change as the organism ages and understanding these strategies requires determining the relative age of individuals. The study focuses on solitary mushroom corals to investigate how energy allocation varies as a function of age between growth, reproduction, and maintenance processes.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Miguel Angel Perez-Castro, Gal Eyal, Gerardo Esteban Leyte-Morales, Gustavo Hinojosa-Arango, Susana Enriquez
Summary: The distinction between shallow coral reefs and mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) has not been fully clarified yet, and recent studies have shown that water transparency and light availability may explain the variation in MCEs among different locations. This study aimed to assess the presence and distribution of MCEs along the central coast of Oaxaca using optical depths and benthic community surveys. Significant differences in benthic communities were found between depths and locations, and the distribution of photosynthetic taxa varied between the two locations, indicating the impact of upwelling season on light availability and the development of MCEs on the central coast of Oaxaca.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanna Rapuano, Tom Shlesinger, Lachan Roth, Omri Bronstein, Yossi Loya
Summary: Constraints on the body plan of colonial organisms are almost absent, similar to unitary organisms. However, coral colonies delay reproduction until reaching a critical size, just like other organisms. To understand this process, fragmented colonies of five coral species were nurtured for extended periods, and it was found that most fragments were able to reproduce regardless of their size and growth rates. These findings highlight the importance of aging in colonial animals, which are often considered non-aging.
Article
Biology
J. C. Gijsbers, N. Englebert, K. E. Prata, M. Pichon, Z. Dinesen, R. Brunner, G. Eyal, F. L. Gonzalez-Zapata, S. E. Kahng, K. R. W. Latijnhouwers, P. Muir, V. Z. Radice, J. A. Sanchez, M. J. A. Vermeij, O. Hoegh-Guldberg, S. J. Jacobs, P. Bongaerts
Summary: Using genome sequencing, this study revealed deep divergences and undescribed diversity within the two dominant mesophotic coral genera, Leptoseris and Agaricia. The presence of genetically divergent lineages associated with mesophotic depths suggests a greater diversity of mesophotic-specialist coral species than previously acknowledged, calling for urgent assessment.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Netanel Kramer, Raz Tamir, Claudia Tatiana Galindo-Martinez, Daniel Wangpraseurt, Yossi Loya
Summary: Urbanization and infrastructure development have caused changes in the night-time light regime of coastal marine habitats, and Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is now a global ecological concern for nearshore coral reef ecosystems. In this study, we conducted a long-term ex situ experiment to investigate the effects of ALAN on the morphology and optical properties of juvenile Stylophora pistillata corals. Corals exposed to ALAN showed altered skeletal morphology and reduced light capture capacity, but also exhibited better structural and optical modifications in response to increased light levels. Additionally, light-polluted corals developed a more porous skeleton compared to control corals. We suggest that ALAN induces light stress in corals, leading to decreased solar energy available for photosynthesis during the day.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joerg Wiedenmann, Cecilia D'Angelo, M. Loreto Mardones, Shona Moore, Cassandra E. Benkwitt, Nicholas A. J. Graham, Bastian Hambach, Paul A. Wilson, James Vanstone, Gal Eyal, Or Ben-Zvi, Yossi Loya, Amatzia Genin
Summary: Research shows that corals acquire dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus by feeding on symbiont cells, which are essential nutrients for their success in nutrient-poor waters.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joerg Wiedenmann, Cecilia D'Angelo, M. Loreto Mardones, Shona Moore, Cassandra E. Benkwitt, Nicholas A. J. Graham, Bastian Hambach, Paul A. Wilson, James Vanstone, Gal Eyal, Or Ben-Zvi, Yossi Loya, Amatzia Genin