UC Berkeley biologists uncovered clues to how the symbiosis between algae and corals evolved using a new state-of-the-art lab devoted to year-round genetic experiments on spawning coral.
By Robert Sanders
Coral polyps of the reef-building species Galaxea fascicularis, tinted purplish brown by symbiotic algae, and their bright green tentacles, colored by fluorescent green protein. The tentacles both capture food passing by and defend the coral from predators and other coral.
Brandon Sanchez Mejia for UC Berkeley
July 1, 2026
