I. B. Baums

Genome assemblies and genetic maps highlight chromosome-scale macrosynteny in Atlantic acroporids

This paper presents chromosome-scale genome assemblies and genetic maps for two endangered Atlantic corals, revealing macrosynteny, gene collinearity, and recombination patterns that inform their adaptive capacity and conservation.

Precise age estimation in clonal species using a somatic genetic clock

This paper develops a somatic genetic clock to estimate age in clonal species by analyzing fixed somatic genetic variation, demonstrating its application in Zostera marina and revealing genet ages up to 1,403 years.

Discovery of deep-sea coral symbionts from a novel family of marine bacteria, Oceanoplasmataceae, with severely reduced genomes

The paper identifies two deep-sea coral symbionts from a new bacterial family, Oceanoplasmataceae, with reduced genomes and unique energy acquisition strategies.

An algal symbiont (Breviolum psygmophilum) responds more strongly to chronic high temperatures than its facultatively symbiotic coral host (Astrangia poculata)

This study compares the thermal stress response of a coral host and its algal symbiont, finding the symbiont shows a stronger transcriptional response to heat stress.

The coral symbiont Candidatus Aquarickettsia is variably abundant in threatened Caribbean acroporids and transmitted horizontally.

This study investigates the ecology and transmission of Aquarickettsia in Caribbean corals, finding horizontal transmission and regional genetic variation.

Juvenile corals inherit mutations acquired during the parents lifespan

This paper shows that post-embryonic mutations in corals are heritable, challenging the Weismann theory and suggesting a new mechanism for adaptation through somatic mutations.

Deep-sea corals near cold seeps associate with chemoautotrophic bacteria that are related to the symbionts of cold seep and hydrothermal vent mussels.

The paper identifies SUP05 chemoautotrophic bacteria associated with deep-sea corals near cold seeps, suggesting a novel symbiotic relationship between corals and chemoautotrophic microbes.