[Seminar] Don’t assume that you know me! The dangers of biological preconceptions and the fascinating diversity of life.

Speaker: Dr. Octavio Ruben Salazar Moya

Research Scientist of Marine Science, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

Hosted by: Professor Timothy Ravasi, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: Climate change poses challenges that urgently require our attention. It threatens to result in major environmental alterations, endangering sensitive ecosystems, water availability, and ultimately food security. In order to ameliorate the effects of climate change, it is crucial that we have an understanding of the biology of the endangered organisms. (...)

[Seminar] The Intricate Dance of Coral Symbiosis: A Journey Through Partnership, Competition, and Environmental Challenges

Speaker: Prof. Manuel Aranda, Professor of Marine Science, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Hosted by: Professor Timothy Ravasi, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: Coral reefs serve as a masterclass in ecological efficiency and evolutionary resilience. These highly productive and biodiverse ecosystems exist in one of the most nutrient-poor environments on our planet, a phenomenon known as Darwin’s paradox. At the heart of these ecosystems are reef-building corals that form the structural and trophic foundation. The metabolic symbiosis between corals and their photosynthetic dinoflagellate endosymbionts (...)

Cancelled [Seminar] Natural analogues provide valuable insights on the potential mechanisms for fish adaptation and acclimation in the face of changing ocean conditions

Speaker: Dr. Davide Spatafora, Shimoda Marine Research Centre (SMRC), Tsukuba University, Shimoda City, Shizuoka, Japan

Hosted by: Professor Timothy Ravasi, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: Natural analogues are characterized by temporal and spatial environmental fluctuations and are home to pre-adapted ‘biodiversity’ (e.g., organisms chronically exposed to high CO₂ conditions). Therefore, these spots provide a unique opportunity to investigate the ability of the fish to acclimate or adapt to future ocean conditions thus informing us about how they may adjust in a future world. (...)

[Seminar] Tara Jambio Microplastic Joint Survey: Science x Art x Education

Speaker: Sylvain Agostini (Dr. Sci.)

Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba (Assistant Professor)
Tara Ocean Japan (Director)

Hosted by: Professor Timothy Ravasi, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: This presentation will introduce the activities of the Tara Océan Foundation around the world and the Tara JAMBIO Microplastics Joint Survey, which began in 2020 using research vessels of marine stations around Japan. With the support of various private organizations, and with the cooperation of national universities participating in the JAMBIO network. (...)

[Seminar] Coral reef ecology and restoration research at the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory, Singapore

Speakers:
Dr. Jani Tanzil, the Deputy Director of the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory and a Senior Research Fellow at the Tropical Marine Science Institute (TMSI), National University of Singapore
Dr. Lionel Ng, Research Fellow at TMSI, National University of Singapore
Mr. Ow Yong Wei Long, Research Assistant with the Coral Team at TMSI, National University of Singapore

Hosted by: Professor Timothy Ravasi, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

This talk will a broad overview of marine science research conducted in Singapore, with a focus on coral reef ecology and restoration efforts. This talk will also share more about Singapore’s only offshore marine research facility, the St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory (SJINML), as a research infrastructure open to all marine science researchers, both local and international (https://sjinml.nus.edu.sg/).

[Seminar] Temperate carbonate reefs, 'blue carbon' and the 'plastisphere'

This talk will introduce two major forms of cold-water biogenic habitats.   Deep-sea coral reefs are extensive in the NE Atlantic region due to high food availability and high carbonate saturation levels.  Maerl beds are calcified seaweed habitats and are the oldest biogenic habitat type found in shallow waters of the region. (...)

[Seminar] Enhancing detection of pest species using environmental DNA/RNA in biosecurity

Speaker: Dr Alejandro Trujillo-Gonzalez, Principal Scientist, National eDNA Reference Centre, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia

Hosted by: Dr. Roger Huerlimann, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: Globalisation is increasing the rate and complexity of trade connections between countries. This increasing network of interactions, in hand with the movement of both people and goods, puts countries at risk of invasive pests and diseases, constraining their capacity to protect economic, ecological, and social livelihood. Tackling the increasing influx of invasive pests and pathogens requires the use of biosecurity measures within diverse methodologies used to detect, eradicate, and minimize the inherent risks of these unwanted species. (...)

[Seminar] Comparative analysis of the cobia (Rachycentron canadum) genome identifies ephx1 as a novel putative master sex-determining gene in teleosts

Speaker: Dr Xueyan Shen, Senior Lecturer Aquaculture Institute, James Cook University Singapore.

Hosted by: Dr. Roger Huerlimann, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract:

Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is the only member of the Rachycentridae family and exhibits considerable sexual dimorphism in growth rate. Sex determination in teleosts has been a long-standing basic biological question. The molecular mechanisms of sex determination/differentiation in cobia species is completely unknown. We reported high-quality, chromosome-level genome sequences of male cobia with a genome assembly size of 586.51 Mb (contig/scaffold N50: 86.0 kb/24.3 Mb) and female cobia, 583.88 Mb (79.9 kb/22.5 Mb). (...)

[Seminar] The R&D pathway to growing aquaculture through innovative technologies

Speaker: Professor Dean R. Jerry, Tropical Futures Institute, James Cook University Singapore, Australian Research Council Hub for Supercharging Tropical Aquaculture through Genetic Solutions, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia.

Hosted by: Dr. Roger Huerlimann, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: As the farming of aquaculture species matures the industry is progressively adopting innovation to increase productivity and lower risk due to disease and environmental perturbations. Technologies based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, rapid diagnostics, biosensors, and integration of genomic data are being developed in efforts to obtain precise information on the health and well-being of the cultured species, along with allowing finer-scale management of the production system. (...)

[Seminar] When does taxonomy matter?

Speaker: Professor Andrew Baird, Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University

Hosted by: Professor Timothy Ravasi, OIST Marine Climate Change Unit

Abstract: Molecular approaches have revolutionised our understanding of the systematics and evolution of most branches on the tree of life, including corals. Over the last twenty-five years molecular research has revealed that few of the 18 families and 111 genera recognised by Veron (2000) were monophyletic. New techniques and vision promise a more robust and consistent species level taxonomy, but it will take time and there is always likely to be some uncertainty. It is therefore important to establish when taxonomy matters and when it does not. (...)