Extensive genetic resource for reef-building coral created

Scientists from Austin, Texas along with help from Indiana University in Bloomington and James Cook University in Townsville, Australia. Have assembled a nearly complete collection of genes for a species of reef building coral. “One of the most important questions for coral biologists is whether it will be possible for corals to adapt to the warming oceans,” says Eli Meyer, postdoctoral researcher in the Section of Integrative Biology. “Answering that question requires a detailed knowledge of the genes that corals use to respond to stress.” The scientists involved in the study hope to use the genetic data to better understand natural variations in corals located around the world including how they respond to rising water tempatures at the genetic level. You can view the coral genes online here.

Thanks Leonard

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