Predicting the Effects of Climate Change on sea urchins
The researcher Vanessa Arranz from the Biodiversity Research Institute and the Faculty of Biology of the University of Barcelona and the research group headed by Dr. Rocio Pérez-Portela, has won a post-doctoral Marie S. Curie Fellowship funded by the EU with which she is carrying out pioneering research on the ability of marine organisms to adapt to the acidification of oceans.
The main objective is to understand how these organisms could respond to a future where the oceanic pH decreases due to the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which, when absorbed by the oceans, causes an acidification of the water. Calcifying marine organisms, such as molluscs, echinoderms and corals among others, are particularly vulnerable because they rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons.
Marine gradients: a window into the future
The project, in collaboration with the University of La Laguna, is being developed in La Palma, an ideal location due to its unique characteristics due to the presence of a natural marine pH gradient. This Canary Island allows the researchers to observe how marine organisms react to different pH levels in a relatively small space, offering a valuable insight into how they might adapt to future conditions.
To better understand the genetic adaptations and phenotypic plasticity of hedgehogs to exposure to various concentrations of acidity, Dr. Arranz uses advanced techniques such as transcriptomics and metagenomics. The team analyzes biological samples and studies changes in the genetic expression and microbiota of sea urchins exposed to different levels of ocean acidification. The project also analyzes the influence of ocean acidification on the activities and respiration and reproduction, "It is observed that, despite the difficulties, the urchin larvae show a remarkable capacity for adaptation and survive better than could be expected" tells us Dr. Arranz This research is crucial for predicting possible responses to changes in their natural environment.
Being a female scientist in marine sciences
The experience of Dr. Arranz illustrates the complexity of being a female scientist in the marine sciences. Despite her passion for science, Vanessa Arranz recognizes the difficulties women face in this field. The balance between career and family responsibilities becomes a dilemma: "At the age of 35, I see the difficulty of choosing between fully dedicating myself to my career or having children," she says. This choice may imply a pause or the cessation of the professional development of women in science. This reality raises questions about equal opportunities and the support necessary for women to thrive in the world of academia and scientific research. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of perseverance and support. "I think I've been lucky to have the support of my family and mentors, who have always encouraged me to follow my dreams," he shares. With her dedication to science, Dr. Arranz strives to be an example for other women and to break barriers in her field.
His research will contribute to scientific knowledge about the adaptation of marine organisms, highlighting the critical importance of protecting marine ecosystems in the face of climate change. Ocean acidification is an urgent threat, and the work of Dr. Arranz and his team offer hope in finding solutions to address this global challenge.