Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ariana S. Huffmyer, Nina K. Bean, Eva Majerova, Casey Harris, Crawford Drury
Summary: This study highlights the positive impact of intraspecific diversity on the survival of adult corals under high temperatures in coral reefs. The presence of diverse phenotypes within a community enhances complementarity and improves overall community performance. The findings suggest that genetic diversity might contribute to the resilience of coral reefs and should be considered in conservation and management efforts.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Qingsong Yang, Wenqian Zhang, Ying Zhang, Xiaoyu Tang, Juan Ling, Yanying Zhang, Junde Dong
Summary: This study investigates the settlement-promoting effect of Ca2+ on larvae of the brooding coral Pocillopora damicornis for the first time. It finds that treatment with 40 mM CaCl2 effectively promotes coral larval settlement and is comparable to the natural inducer, crustose coralline algae (CCA). However, high concentrations of CaCl2 have toxic effects on larval survival and growth, which can be minimized by optimizing concentration and exposure period.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zhuojun Guo, Xin Liao, Tingyu Han, Junyuan Chen, Chunpeng He, Zuhong Lu
Summary: This study sequenced the full-length transcriptome of the coral Pocillopora damicornis and identified unique genes in both the coral and its symbiotic zooxanthellae. The results indicate that zooxanthellae provide energy and nutrition for the coral host through photosynthesis, and that both partners have anti-stress molecular mechanisms.
Article
Ecology
Qingsong Yang, Ying Zhang, Manzoor Ahmad, Juan Ling, Weiguo Zhou, Yanying Zhang, Junde Dong
Summary: The study revealed significant changes in the coral microbial community during a natural bleaching event in the South China Sea, highlighting potential roles of specific bacterial groups in association with the symbiotic algae Symbiodinium during coral bleaching process and supporting the beneficial microorganisms theory for corals.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antoine Saint-Amand, Jonathan Lambrechts, Emmanuel Hanert
Summary: Estimating connectivity between coral reefs is essential for conservation efforts. Researchers assessed the impact of biophysical models resolution on connectivity estimates and found that higher resolution models produced more complex dispersal patterns with weaker connections. Fine-resolution models showed larger clusters of well-connected reefs and increased local retention. As a result, reef management recommendations should be made at scales coarser than the model resolution, not exceeding about 500 m.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jenny Fong, Rosa Celia Poquita-Du, Peter A. Todd
Summary: This study found that Pocillopora acuta is able to acclimate to very low-light conditions by adjusting their photophysiology in urban environments, showing differences in phenotypic plasticity among genotypes for photoacclimation and heterotrophy, but with similar overall responses. The results provide additional evidence of the resilience of this species to urbanization-related stress.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rene M. van der Zande, Yannick R. Mulders, Dorothea Bender-Champ, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Sophie Dove
Summary: Continuous nutrient enrichment poses a threat to coral health, but episodic nutrient pulses resembling natural supplementation can significantly benefit coral health and physiology.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ming Li, Wen Huang, Qian Wu, Yi Feng, Yinmin Chen, Kefu Yu, Biao Chen, Enguang Yang, Linqing Meng, Xueyong Huang, Xin Wang
Summary: Global warming has led to rapid degradation of coral reefs, with branching corals degrading the fastest. This study assessed the genetic diversity and adaptive potential of the branching coral Pocillopora verrucosa in the South China Sea. The results showed moderate genetic diversity in the South China Sea, but significant genetic differentiation between populations. The genetic differentiation was positively correlated with sea surface temperature and temperature variance.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alexis Enrique Medina-Valmaseda, Paul Blanchon, Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip, Esmeralda Perez-Cervantes
Summary: The development of coral reefs is a result of the interaction between ecological and geological processes in space and time. Despite the difficulty in detecting the impact of ecological changes on geological reef development, issues such as the decline in coral cover have significantly impaired the function of ecological processes on reefs. In addition, reports of ecological decline have mainly focused on intrinsic parameters, with limited consideration of extrinsic ones such as geomorphic and environmental variables. Despite attempts to predict long-term accretion status based on the contemporary health status of benthic communities, any accurate assessment of the future viability of reefs requires consideration of the geomorphic context to avoid miscalculating the impact of ecological changes on long-term reef development.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Xu Mao, Yufei Nie, Yunzhi Huang, Hongmei Ji, Xiaowu Li
Summary: The study shows that the arrangement of internal calices in the skeleton of Pocillopora verrucosa coral affects its compressive behavior, with the central part providing higher strength and the marginal part capable of larger deformation, thus offering stronger internal support and a tougher external layer.
Article
Ecology
Camille Leonard, Laetitia Hedouin, Margaux C. Lacorne, Julien Dalle, Matthieu Lapinski, Philippe Blanc, Maggy M. Nugues
Summary: This study investigates the efficacy of several innovative materials as recruitment substrates for corals and other sessile benthic communities. The results suggest that the structural micro-complexity and durability of an artificial material and the composition of the benthic communities colonizing it can strongly influence coral recruitment.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Emmanuelle S. Botte, Neal E. Cantin, Veronique J. L. Mocellin, Paul A. O'Brien, Melissa M. Rocker, Pedro R. Frade, Nicole S. Webster
Summary: This study investigated the impact of heat stress events on the microbial communities of corals in the Great Barrier Reef, finding that while Symbiodiniaceae densities were similar, microbial communities differed significantly between reefs, not based on bleaching severity. Site-specific factors and species-specific traits played a key role in shaping the microbiome of the coral Pocillopora acuta.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Danielle M. Becker, Hollie M. Putnam, Deron E. Burkepile, Thomas C. Adam, Rebecca Vega Thurber, Nyssa J. Silbiger
Summary: The study showed that in an oligotrophic fore reef environment, nutrient enrichment can cause changes in coral endosymbiont physiology that increase the performance of the coral holobiont.
Article
Ecology
Simone Montano, Inga Dehnert, Davide Seveso, Davide Maggioni, Enrico Montalbetti, Giovanni Strona, Federica Siena, Hana Amir, Athina Antoine, Camila Marino-Ramirez, Luca Saponari, Nirmal J. Shah, Ruben Azcarate Molina, Angela Alegria Ortega, Paolo Galli, Phanor H. Montoya-Maya
Summary: Coral restoration initiatives require the implementation and upkeep of coral nurseries, which are demanding tasks. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the temporary abandonment of several coral gardening infrastructures, causing interruptions in data collection and slowing down project progress. Despite this, abandoned coral nurseries can remain functional for several months before experiencing critical failure.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youfang Sun, Lei Jiang, Sanqiang Gong, Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Xiangcheng Yuan, Haoya Tong, Lintao Huang, Guowei Zhou, Yuyang Zhang, Hui Huang
Summary: Climate change leads to ocean warming and acidification, posing threats to coral reef ecosystems. This study explores the molecular mechanisms of larval responses to elevated temperature and pCO(2) in Pocillopora damicornis, revealing that larvae exposed to high temperatures experience reduced net photosynthesis, while those exposed to high pCO(2) levels exhibit increased photosynthetic capabilities.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paola Valbonesi, Marilin Profita, Ivo Vasumini, Elena Fabbri
Summary: Evaluating the occurrence of selected CECs in surface water at drinking water treatment plants, this study found that CFF, NP, PFOA, BPA, and CBZ were the most frequently detected contaminants in treated water. These contaminants showed a wide range of concentrations in the water samples.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Meschini, Francesca Prati, Ginevra A. Simoncini, Valentina Airi, Erik Caroselli, Fiorella Prada, Chiara Marchini, Mariana Machado Toffolo, Simone Branchini, Viviana Brambilla, Claudia Covi, Stefano Goffredo
Summary: Tourism is a significant economic sector worldwide, with potential negative impacts on local ecosystems. Informal environmental education through Citizen Science projects can increase citizen awareness and knowledge, leading to long-term behavioral changes for more sustainable tourism. Despite the limited sample size, the study observed positive trends in volunteer awareness, personal satisfaction, and motivation for pro-environmental behavior in the long-term.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Elena Biagi, Margherita Musella, Giorgia Palladino, Valeria Angelini, Sauro Pari, Chiara Roncari, Daniel Scicchitano, Simone Rampelli, Silvia Franzellitti, Marco Candela
Summary: The study found that almost all fecal samples from rescued sea turtles in the Northwestern Adriatic Sea between 2017 and 2019 contained plastic debris (PD), reflecting high levels of plastic pollution in the area. Higher plastic contamination was associated with putative marine pathogens, indicating that PD can transport environmental pathogenic bacteria into marine organisms. Sea turtles play a crucial role as flagship species for plastic pollution in the marine environment and the ingestion of PD may have potential impacts on the microbial community of large marine organisms, affecting animal and ecosystem health.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Marta Meschini, Mariana Machado Toffolo, Erik Caroselli, Silvia Franzellitti, Chiara Marchini, Fiorella Prada, Alessio Boattini, Viviana Brambilla, Grit Martinez, Francesca Prati, Ginevra Simoncini, Marco Visentin, Valentina Airi, Simone Branchini, Stefano Goffredo
Summary: The study assessed the effectiveness of Glocal Education in improving tourist environmental interest, showing significantly positive impact on tourist knowledge, attitude, and awareness, while also increasing satisfaction and loyalty towards the tour operator hosting the project.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Capolupo, Kuddithamby Gunaalan, Andy M. Booth, Lisbet Sorensen, Paola Valbonesi, Elena Fabbri
Summary: Ocean contamination by synthetic polymers can pose a risk to marine species due to leaching of chemical additives. This study evaluated the sub-lethal effects of plastic and rubber leachates on mussels, showing that different leachates can impact various biomarkers and enzyme activities. The mussel expert system (MES) categorized mussels' health status based on biomarker responses, indicating varying levels of stress from different leachates.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Limnology
Chiara Marchini, Francesca Gizzi, Thomas Pondrelli, Lisa Moreddu, Luca Marisaldi, Francesco Montori, Valentina Lazzari, Valentina Airi, Erik Caroselli, Fiorella Prada, Giuseppe Falini, Zvy Dubinsky, Stefano Goffredo
Summary: Ocean acidification has negative effects on the sexual reproduction of Astroides calycularis, including delayed spermary development and a delay or interruption in the fertilization process.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rajapaksha Haddokara Gedara Rasika Wathsala, Margherita Musella, Paola Valbonesi, Marco Candela, Silvia Franzellitti
Summary: This study evaluated the transcriptional profiles of genes related to physiological responses in the digestive glands of Mytilus galloprovincialis under the influence of seasonal changes, gender bias, and gonadal development. The study also explored the composition of the DG microbiome. The results showed seasonal variations and gender-specific differences in the DG microbiome composition, with metabolic accommodations likely facing season progression and reproductive cycle.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fiorella Prada, Leonardo Brizi, Silvia Franzellitti, Stefano Mengoli, Simona Fermani, Iryna Polishchuk, Nicola Baraldi, Francesco Ricci, Quinzia Palazzo, Erik Caroselli, Boaz Pokroy, Loris Giorgini, Zvy Dubinsky, Paola Fantazzini, Giuseppe Falini, Stefano Goffredo, Katharina E. Fabricius
Summary: This study found that four tropical zooxanthellate corals from Papua New Guinea underwater volcanic vent system exhibit increased skeletal porosity and changes in organic matrix and water content under long-term exposure to OA, suggesting a common phenotypic response to environmental pressures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Laura Canesi, Angelica Miglioli, Teresa Balbi, Elena Fabbri
Summary: Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) refer to chemicals that are not commonly monitored in aquatic ecosystems but have the potential to cause adverse effects on biota. This review focuses on the effects of CECs on the serotonergic system of bivalve molluscs, which is a sensitive target for neuroendocrine disruption in these animals.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Quinzia Palazzo, Marco Stagioni, Steven Raaijmakers, Robert G. Belleman, Fiorella Prada, Joerg U. Hammel, Simona Fermani, Jaap Kaandorp, Stefano Goffredo, Giuseppe Falini
Summary: The features of otoliths are related to the development and sex of fish. Compared with females, the surface of otoliths in males is smoother, while the otolith features of females are more protruding and rough. This difference may be associated with the auditory adaptation of fish during the spawning season.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rajapaksha Haddokara Gedara Rasika Wathsala, Elena Catasus Folgueras, Letizia Iuffrida, Marco Candela, Roberto Gotti, Jessica Fiori, Silvia Franzellitti
Summary: This study investigates the effects of glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA on cytoprotective and detoxification mechanisms in the haemocytes of Mytilus galloprovincialis. The results show that glyphosate and AMPA can increase MXR efflux activity and modulate the expression of P-glycoprotein. However, the mixtures of glyphosate and AMPA reduce MXR efflux activity and down-regulate ABCB. In addition, the modulation of lysosomal and immune functions by glyphosate and AMPA is consistent with their known effects, suggesting that they may pose a potential threat to the biological vulnerability of marine habitats.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Arianna Mancuso, Ruth Yam, Fiorella Prada, Marco Stagioni, Stefano Goffredo, Aldo Shemesh
Summary: Stable isotopes in mollusc shells can provide valuable information on the environmental conditions, but the biological control over biomineral formation affects the accuracy of paleoenvironmental reconstructions. In a study on Chamelea gallina shells from the Adriatic Sea, the oxygen and carbon isotopic composition varied among sites and along a latitudinal gradient, deviating from isotopic equilibrium. These results highlight the challenges in using this bivalve as a reliable proxy for environmental reconstructions.
Letter
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Changlei Xia, Su Shiung Lam, Huan Zhong, Elena Fabbri, Christian Sonne
Article
Biology
Fiorella Prada, Silvia Franzellitti, Erik Caroselli, Itay Cohen, Mauro Marini, Alessandra Campanelli, Lorenzo Sana, Arianna Mancuso, Chiara Marchini, Alessia Puglisi, Marco Candela, Tali Mass, Franco Tassi, Todd C. LaJeunesse, Zvy Dubinsky, Giuseppe Falini, Stefano Goffredo
Summary: Ocean acidification caused by increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations is threatening calcifying organisms such as corals. This study examined the adaptation of Mediterranean coral Balanophyllia europaea to low pH/high pCO(2) conditions. It found that the coral's dinoflagellate endosymbiont density increased at lower pH sites, along with changes in the distribution of symbiont haplotypes. The results also suggested an increase in autotrophy and diazotroph N-2 fixation in the coral tissue under ocean acidification. Overall, this study highlights the ability of some corals to adapt to predicted future ocean acidification scenarios.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)