Stuart Fulton

• BSc Biology
• Is there evidence of senescence (aging) in reef-building corals?

This study focuses on aging mechanisms of reef-building corals. These corals form inter-connected colonies which produce a skeleton. Previous studies indicate that these colonies grow continuously over centuries and that fragments of these colonies resettle after damage and continue to grow. This has led people to believe these corals are immortal. Recent studies show many corals have finite lifespans and show characteristics of aging (senescence). A fundamental aspect of these studies is to be able to understand and trace the creation and death of individual polyps within a colony, this information can be used to accurately measure mutation rates. This research aims to assess the senescence of coral polyps using time-lapse photography and x-rays of coral skeletons to measure growth patterns and rates.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Professor John Bythell