BBSR's access to the deep ocean environment presents numerous other
opportunities for marine molecular biology research. For example, BBSR proposes to study the physiology, molecular biology and adaptation to pressure of deep-sea fish and other organisms to see how the properties of
these organisms can be used for the betterment of humankind. This may present educational opportunities as well. The BBSR web site presents one research and educational tool for scientists and students from around the world
interested in these unusual
Coral reefs are as diverse as rain forests. This wealth of biodiversity suggests a potential for extracting unusual compounds
that may have benefits for humans. Already a number of key pharmaceuticals have been extracted from marine organisms. BBSR envisages broadening the scope of its existing
Molecular Marine Biology Program to include not just coral organisms,
but also to investigate the adaptability of deep sea organisms. Most of these organisms have never been analyzed; some may have developed specific attributes that can be used for the benefit of humans. Research objectives
include exploring the deep ocean to the search for compounds that have useful properties (such as anti-fouling).
