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Assessment of ship hull-attached marine diatoms: species composition and reattachment
No full textShip biofouling is a primary pathway for the introduction and global spread of non-indigenous species, posing significant risks to marine ecosystems. However, the extent to which ship hull-attached diatoms survive and disperse following in-water hull cleaning (IwHC) remains poorly understood. Here, we analyzed the attached diatoms compositions in the in-water hull cleaning water (IwHCW) from three international ships entering Korea as well as benthic diatoms at nearby stations, using both morphological and molecular methods. In addition, we assessed the survival of ship hull-attached diatoms using reattachment analysis. Water temperature and salinity varied during sampling of the IwHCW of the ships, while the conditions at the four nearby stations were more consistent. The diatom Halamphora spp. was most abundant in the IwHCW of the ships, whereas Achnanthes species dominated at the nearby stations. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) revealed significant variation in species composition between the IwHCW and the stations, suggesting limited dispersal of ship-associated diatoms or spatiotemporal influences. Survival and reattachment analyses revealed that Halamphora oceanica survived for over 21 days in unfiltered IwHCW, with no attached diatoms observed in IwHCW filtered through 5 and 32 μm filters. These findings indicate that diatoms in an unfiltered IwHCW may survive and reattach to substrates, highlighting the need for IwHC risk assessment and biofouling management in coastal waters.11Nsciescopu
Development of ICT-IoT-VR Ocean Healing Platform Using Wearable Device Linkage Application
No full textThe rapid advancement of ICT technologies, including IoT and VR, has enabled innovative healthcare applications. This study proposes an ICT-IoT-VR ocean healing platform utilizing wearable devices for comprehensive health management. Previous research demonstrates the efficacy of wearable devices for continuous monitoring and real-time data collection, as well as VR's potential in psychological therapy and stress relief. This platform integrates wearable devices to monitor biometric data during ocean healing activities, providing personalized health management programs through real-time data collection. VR content simulating ocean environments enhances the therapeutic experience. Smartwatches measure physical activity, heart rate, and steps. This comprehensive approach leverages advanced ICT technologies for personalized health services. Future research will validate the platform's effectiveness through extensive user testing and refine the system for broader healthcare applications. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.1
TSG System for high resolution and real-time data aquisition
No full text본 발명은 선박 내부에 설치되는 고정밀의 표층수온염분측정 센서(TSG)를 적용할 수 있도록 고안된 시스템에 대한 것으로 선박이 항해 또는 정선해 있는 위치의 표층 해수에 대한 수온, 염분, 전도도를 연속적/실시간으로 관측할 수 있으며, 자체 고장진단이가능하며, 취득된 데이터를 통합 저장하고, 원격으로 실시간 모니터링 할 수 있는 소프트웨어를 포함한다.
먼저, 해수 공급부는 센서의 요구 유량에 맞춰 일정하게 해수를 공급한다. 그리고, 해수 배출부에는 버퍼 탱크를 적용하여 센서 시스템과 선외 배출 펌프를 독립시킴으로서 시스템 내부 유량의 유속과 유량의 안정성을 확보하여 신뢰성 있는 데이터를 취득한다. 또한, TSG 센서의 고장진단을 위하여 TSG 센서의 전/후에 온도센서를 추가로 설치하고, 해당 데이터의 비교분석을 통해 TSG 센서의 고장여부를판단할 수 있다. 마지막으로, '데이터 통합저장 및 실시간 모니터링 소프트웨어'를 통해 취득된 데이터를 시간과 선박의 위치와 함께 저장하여 그 활용도를 높이고, 실시간으로 데이터를 모니터링 함으로써 직관적이고 효율적인 센서 운용이 가능하다
Unlocking marine treasures: isolation and mining strategies of natural products from sponge-associated bacteria
No full textMarine sponges form unique ecosystems through symbiosis with diverse microbial communities, producing natural products including bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively addresses the key steps in the discovery of natural products from sponge-associated microorganisms, encompassing microbial isolation and cultivation, compound identification, and characterisation. Various cultivation methods, such as floating filter cultivation, microcapsule-based cultivation, and in situ systems, are examined to highlight their applications and strategies for overcoming limitations of conventional approaches. Additionally, the integration of genome-based methodologies and compound screening is explored to enhance the discovery of novel bioactive substances and establish a sustainable platform for natural product research. This review provides insights into the latest trends in sponge-associated microbial research and offers practical perspectives for expanding the utilization of marine biological resources.11Nsciescopu
Genome-based classification and phylogenetic revision of the family Colwelliaceae with proposals for new genera and species
No full textIntroduction: Psychrophilic marine bacteria belonging to the family Colwelliaceae have garnered increasing industrial and ecological interest. However, their phylogenetic positions remain ambiguous when classified solely based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, limiting accurate taxonomic resolution.
Methods: To resolve these ambiguities, we characterized four newly isolated species using a comprehensive taxogenomic framework. We analyzed genome-based indices, including average nucleotide identity (ANI), digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH), and average amino acid identity (AAI), across all publicly available Colwelliaceae genomes. Genus-level AAI thresholds were established through repetitive clustering and evaluation strategies.
Results: Our analysis revealed that genus-level AAI values within Colwelliaceae ranged from 74.07% to 75.11%. Based on these thresholds, we re-evaluated 47 species, including the four novel isolates, and proposed the establishment of 18 new genera, expanding the current taxonomy from 6 to 24 genera. The four novel species were assigned to three of these newly proposed genera.
Discussion: This study presents a revised classification of the family Colwelliaceae grounded in genome-based taxonomic metrics. Our findings highlight the limitations of traditional 16S rRNA-based phylogenies and support the use of taxogenomic approaches to achieve higher taxonomic resolution in marine microbial lineages.11Nsciescopu
Identification of genetic signatures of positive selection in apes linked to life-history trait adaptations
No full textBackgroundApes, including humans, exhibit distinctive life history traits such as increased brain mass, delayed sexual maturity, and extended longevity compared to non-ape primates. These pronounced interspecific differences likely arise from underlying genetic architecture. However, the molecular mechanisms contributing to these traits remain largely unknown.ObjectiveThis study aims to identify genetic factors under positive selection that may have contributed to the evolution of ape-specific life history traits, particularly extended longevity.MethodsComparative genomic analyses were performed between 7 ape species and 22 non-ape primate taxa to identify positively selected genes (PSGs). Functional enrichment analyses were conducted to determine the biological processes associated with these PSGs. Additionally, expression analyses were carried out to assess tissue-specific patterns and their potential roles in neurodevelopment and systemic homeostasis.ResultsA total of 143 PSGs were idetntified, showing significant enrichment in biological processes including homeostatic regulation, protein complex assembly, and G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways. Among these, ADCY5, PRKCB, and IL2 were of particular interest due to their established roles in longevity-associated mechanisms. Expression analyses revealed tissue-specific patterns suggesting potential involvement in brain evolution, neurodevelopment, and glucose homeostasis.ConclusionThis study provides molecular insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying longevity in apes and highlights key biological processes that may have contributed to the evolution of ape-specific life history traits. These findings enhance our understanding of how positive selection has shaped complex phenotypes, particularly extended lifespan, in the ape lineage.11Nsciescopuskc
Effect of Environmental Changes on DNA Viral Community Diversity and Composition in Korean Coastal Waters
No full textRecent advances in metavirome technologies have provided new insights into viral diversity and function. Research on viral metagenomes has uncovered numerous putative viral genomes previously unidentified in various environments. Most marine metavirome studies have primarily focused on open ocean ecosystems, whereas viral community structures in coastal environments remain comparatively underexplored. Here, we performed a comprehensive metavirome analysis using quarterly surface water samples collected in coastal waters of South Korea, 2021, yielding 307 gigabytes of sequencing data. Overall, 7,510 DNA viral contigs were obtained, with 89.7% being bacteriophages and 7% being nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs). Taxonomic profiling identified 2,115 bacteriophages taxa and 116 NCLDVs taxa. Pelagibacter phage HTVC008M of bacteriophage and Micromonas sp. RCC1109 virus MpV1 of NCLDVs exhibited the highest relative abundance. Bacteriophage diversity was approximately twice that of NCLDVs, with the diversity being larger in summer and smaller in winter, likely due to seasonal salinity changes. These findings enhance our understanding of DNA viral community diversity and provide insights into temporal and spatial environmental changes in viral community composition.2
Prediction of Metabolic Pathways for Metamorphosis of Sanderia malayensis through Metagenomic and Transcriptomic Approaches
No full textJellyfish have adapted and evolved over a long period of time by alternating between sexual and asexual reproduction. Blooms of scyphozoan species are common worldwide and can have numerous detrimental consequences for not only marine ecosystem but industries. Jellyfish polyps are important in the scyphozoan life cycle because they have a relatively long lifespan, the potential for mass reproduction, and the ability to withstand a wide range of adverse environmental conditions. For this reason, research on asexual reproduction is underway in relation to mass reproduction, and studies on polyps and ephyra are especially necessary. Microorganisms can influence the development of their hosts with complex survival strategies, such as inducing morphological changes. Signaling between scyphozoan species and symbionts through specific substances is related to retinol- and indole-derived compounds, and studies on induction of metamorphosis by these
substances have revealed. In this study, metagenome analysis of ephyra and medusa symbiotic microorganisms of the highly toxic jellyfish Sanderia malayensis, a scyphozoan species, was conducted. In addition, we compared retinol- and indole- related gene expression levels in ephyra hosts according to the stage of metamorphosis through a transcriptomic approach. While the medusa symbiotic microorganisms do not have carotene biosynthesis-related genes, the ephyra symbionts were confirmed to be capable of producing several carotenes, including beta-carotene. In addition, beta-carotene- and retinol-related genes (BCO1, RPE65, RDH2, RETSAT, XDH) were found to be more expressed in the recent developed ephyra group than in the older group. As a result, it is expected that host operate retinol metabolism which is expected to be involved in metamorphosis by using beta-carotene produced by the symbiont. [Supported by Marine Biotics project (2021046,
MOF)].1
기후변화에 대응한 갯녹음 평가지표 개발방향 연구
No full textBarren ground can be defined as a phenomenon in which coastal seaweed beds disappear due to various factors, while encrusting coralline algae proliferate, causing the rock surfaces to turn red or white. Consequently, barren ground phenomenon has negative impacts in natural
marine environment, such as the degradation of habitats for aquatic organisms, the weakening of the ocean’s carbon absorption capacity, and the loss of the beneficial functions of marine ecosystems. This study aims to explore the development direction of indicators and indices by
analyzing the current indices used for marine environmental management in Korea. The Marine Environmental Comprehensive Index are currently presented as heavy metal pollutants included only lead and mercury in marine water quality; however, it could be expanded to include the eight heavy metals specified in the marine environmental standards: copper, lead, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, chromium (VI), mercury, and nickel. For the Aquatic Ecosystem Health Assessment Index, the evaluation items for aquatic organisms, such as attached encrusting organisms, benthic large invertebrates, and fish, could be replaced with organisms related to barren ground, such as non-calcified (coral) algae, seaweeds, sea urchins, and top shells, but also include the distribution of rocky outcrops, slope, the presence of rivers, seawalls/harbors, and breakwaters, as well as evaluations of domestic or industrial sewage inflow or temporary pollution-inducing activities. For the Marine Ecosystem Health Assessment Index, the water quality indicators currently follow the marine water quality standards (DO, chlorophyll,transparency, DIN, and DIP) but it is necessary to add factors such as water temperature, salinity, and hydrogen ion concentration. The sediment environment indicators currently utilize organic and heavy metal pollutants, and the benthic organism indicators are set as metrics such as benthic organism diversity, the benthic pollution index, and the benthic organism index;however, these could be replaced with the presences of non-calcified algae, seaweeds, sea urchins, and top shells. The threat factor indicators, currently set as the proportion of licensed fishing areas, could be replaced with indicators such as pollutant inflow or temporary pollution-inducing activities.1
Optimal Bioinformatics Strategy for Marine Meta-Virome Analysis
No full textViruses are the most abundant biological entities in marine ecosystems, with recent studies indicating that their populations surpass those of bacteria. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of viruses remain uncultivated, establishing metagenomics as the primary methodology for viral discovery and characterization. Identifying viruses within metagenomic datasets poses a significant challenge, as selecting optimal analytical tools, parameter configurations, and cutoff thresholds remains complex despite ongoing advancements in bioinformatics-driven viral detection methodologies. This study presents a comprehensive review of integrative bioinformatics strategies utilized in marine viral metagenomic research, emphasizing the pivotal role of efficient sequence preprocessing, assembly, and the deployment of advanced computational tools for accurate viral classification across diverse marine ecosystems. We systematically evaluate the performance of various viral identification tools, providing viromics researchers with a robust framework for informed tool selection and parameter optimization. The insights gained from this study are anticipated to enhance our understanding of marine viral diversity and their ecological significance, fostering more precise and reproducible viral metagenomic analyses.2