Scientific Breakthrough: Uncovering the Survival Strategy of a Unique Mediterranean Coral
19.10.25
A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Shani Levy, faculty member at the Department of Blue Biotechnologies and Sustainable Mariculture, was recently published in Nature, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals.
The research was conducted during Dr. Levy’s postdoctoral fellowship at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, in collaboration with Prof. Tali Mass’s Coral Biomineralization and Physiology Lab from our Department of Marine Biology.
At the heart of the study lies Oculina patagonica, a remarkable Mediterranean coral capable of surviving without the symbiotic algae that most corals rely on.
Its secret? A dual feeding strategy:
- When algae are present, it harnesses their energy.
- When algae are absent, it switches to feeding on particles in the water.
In a world where corals are under immense pressure from ocean warming, this adaptive ability could be key to their survival. The study provides crucial insights into how marine organisms may respond to climate change.
The research was also featured in Ynet, highlighting its potential impact on coral reef conservation and climate resilience.
