Unit News

Photo taken near Iriomote Island - underwater scenes with abundant fish.

Research Update

Creating a map of coral distribution with environmental DNA

New Ryukyu Islands Coral eDNA Atlas provides valuable data to support coral conservation, education and research

An illustration of the arrow worm Paraspadella gotoi on a background of strings of DNA.

Research Update

Charting the evolution of life through the ancient chaetognath

In a new Nature study, the genomic, epigenomic, and cell-level characteristics of the mysterious arrow worm have been tied together.

Graphic illustration of the research story, showing a stylized crown-of-thorns starfish in a coral reef under attack getting baited with a cloud of nice-smelling pheromones to an awaiting diver with an injection rod.

Research Update

Deciphering starfish communication may help protect coral reefs

By mimicking one of their own scents, researchers have found an efficient method of a controlling the highly destructive Crown-of-Thorns Starfish.

Kerama blue

Research Update

Discovering the rich biodiversity of coral reefs using a comprehensive new system

A new cutting-edge eDNA system enables efficient detection of nearly all reef-building coral genera in Japan.

Coral header image - eDNA sampling with Mini-ROVs

Research Update

Robots give scientists unprecedented access to study coral reef biodiversity

Study confirms accurateness of underwater robot eDNA samplers to track corals.

06 December 2024

OIST coral project series header

Institutional News

OIST’s Coral Project celebrates noteworthy achievements in its first year

Scientists and locals join forces for coral reef conservation in Okinawa, Japan.

21 February 2024

Coral series header image for underwater drones

Research Update

Diving deeper into our oceans: Underwater drones open new doors for global coral reef research

Industry-academia partnership takes innovation in coral e-DNA monitoring to the next level.

15 February 2024

Header Podcast#2 Bioconvergence Center Satoh and Ravasi

Institutional News

Deep dive into marine science: Dynamic duo boosts coral reef research at OIST

Podcaster discusses marine biodiversity research and threats to coral reefs with OIST marine scientists.

28 November 2023

Coral Project Press Release Header

Institutional News

OIST Coral Project: Launching the world’s first coral reef conservation project using the latest genome research

Individuals and companies are encouraged to support this project to protect the beautiful oceans of Okinawa and the world!

Sea anemones and anemonefish

Research Update

OIST research paper on sea anemones receives 2023 Zoological Science Award

Research that can help better understand the relationship between sea anemone hosts and clownfish has been highly acclaimed

A coral reef in Okinawa

Research Update

Detecting coral biodiversity in seawater samples

Coral eDNA has been accurately detected in seawater samples, and this has huge implications for coral reef conservation, says researchers

Starfish Genom

Research Update

New Insights into Chordate Body Plan Development Answer Long-Standing Questions on Evolution

Examination of development-relevant gene expression patterns in starfish embryos reveals how echinoderm and chordate body plans evolved from a common ancestor.

24 February 2023