Unit News

A macro photograph of a cluster of mushroom-like plants on the forest floor against a mossy backdrop. These are Balanophora fungosa ssp. fungosa from southern Okinawa Island.

Research Update

The evolutionary mysteries of a rare parasitic plant

New study maps the strange genomes of Asia-Pacific Balanophora species, giving new insights into the evolution of parasitic plants and an unconventional role of plastids.

10 December 2025

Foraminifera header image

Research Update

Underwater architects: The ‘burrowing effect’ of foraminifera on marine environments

Impact of single-cell organisms on sediment oxygen levels and bacterial diversity measured for the first time.

11 December 2023

SDGS: Global representation

Research Update

Global study finds increased female and youth legislative representation may improve SDG performance

The study also shows a divide in achieving socio-economic and environmental goals.

podcast header coral and star sand

Research Update

Analyzing the never-ending power struggle

Prof. Filip Husnik talks symbiosis and what it can tell us about evolution and cell biology on the most recent episode of the OIST podcast.