In yellow-green and purple versions of the reef-building Acropora tenuis, the genes that code for particular fluorescent and other colorful proteins become more active in the summer, protecting symbiotic algae from thermal stress and resisting bleaching.

Researchers uncover the “body-snatching” tactics of fungi that flourish immediately after wildfires.

The ChoanoVirus genome codes for rhodopsin, perhaps giving its choanoflagellate host extra energy-harvesting capabilities.

The antimicrobial compounds ants excrete to defend themselves from pathogens may protect plants as well.

Evolution imbued ants with an agriculture strategy that optimizes food rewards.

Anemones keep their algae populations in check.

The finding that a bacterium within a bacterium within an animal cell cooperates with the host on a biosynthetic pathway suggests the endosymbiont is, practically speaking, an organelle.

Water flows between a dead-looking stump and nearby trees on an alternating schedule.

Symbiotic fungi can adjust where they transport nutrients to plant roots based on where they are needed.

Kelp in warm, acidified waters develop blistered fronds—and the composition of microbial communities could help explain why, a study suggests.

Green fluorescent protein lures algal symbionts to corals.

Scientists discover a third fungus that is widespread in lichens, but it’s not clear yet whether it’s a partner in the algal-fungal symbiosis or a bystander.

The fungi are made to generate electricity with the help of photosynthesizing bacteria looped together on a graphene circuit. 

Aphids induce their host plants to produce tiny hairs that help keep the surfaces water-repellent.

Gates was director of the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology and a strong advocate for coral conservation.

A marine flatworm swarms in a circular fashion off the coast of Guernsey.

A newly described species of shrimp, Odontonia bagginsi, has been named after Bilbo Baggins. 

Climate change is bleaching sea anemones, and it’s stressing out the clownfish that live in them.

Scientists study the unusual genome evolution of the bacteria that live within a genus of cicadas.