The genetic, biochemical and physiological processes of individual organisms are integrated into population- and ecosystem-level processes. Therefore molecular biology can be invaluable in addressing process-oriented questions in ocean sciences, including understanding the basis for biogeochemical processes, microbial population dynamics and marine diversity.
At BIOS we are using molecular and genomic tools to help us understand the dynamics of Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and the production of toxins by the algae.
Since the molecular processes of organisms are often the most sensitive to environmental stress, understanding these processes is vital in order to predict the responses of ocean ecosystems to global climate change. Research at BIOS is focused on the development of molecular tools to predict environmental stress in corals prior to physiological decline and mortality.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that marine organisms represent a largely untapped resource of unique compounds, such as antibiotics and anti-cancer compounds, and some exhibit unique biological properties, such as the apparent immortality of certain marine invertebrates. Fundamental molecular research on marine organisms could fuel commercial opportunities in the medical and biotechnology fields. Researchers at BIOS are developing sea urchins as a model system in order to understand the great longevity of some marine invertebrates.
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