CINXE.COM
Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses
<!DOCTYPE html><html lang="en" dir="ltr"><head><meta charSet="utf-8"/><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width"/><link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com"/><link rel="preconnect" href="https://fonts.gstatic.com" crossorigin=""/><link rel="stylesheet" data-href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Open+Sans:wght@400;500;700&display=swap" data-optimized-fonts="true"/><style>:root {--prezly-font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif;--prezly-accent-color: #14B8A6;--prezly-accent-color-light: #17d4bf;--prezly-accent-color-lighter: #22e7d1;--prezly-accent-color-lightest: #3eead7;--prezly-accent-color-dark: #119c8d;--prezly-accent-color-darker: #0e8174;--prezly-accent-color-darkest: #0b655b;--prezly-accent-color-button-text: #334155;--prezly-header-background-color: #FFFFFF;--prezly-header-link-color: #475569;--prezly-placeholder-background-color: #e2e8f0}</style><link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/-/preview/180x180/Logo%20square.png"/><link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/-/preview/180x180/Logo%20square.png"/><meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/-/preview/180x180/Logo%20square.png"/><meta name="msapplication-TileColor" content="#FFFFFF"/><meta name="theme-color" content="#FFFFFF"/><link rel="alternate" hrefLang="en" href="https://blog.vib.be/beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses"/><link rel="alternate" hrefLang="nl" href="https://blog.vib.be/duik-mee-in-de-opmerkelijke-evolutie-van-zeegrassen"/><link rel="alternate" hrefLang="nl-BE" href="https://blog.vib.be/duik-mee-in-de-opmerkelijke-evolutie-van-zeegrassen"/><link rel="alternate" hrefLang="x-default" href="https://blog.vib.be/beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses"/><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary"/><meta name="twitter:site" content="VIB Blog"/><meta property="og:locale" content="en"/><link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://blog.vib.be/feed"/><title>Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses </title><meta name="robots" content="index,follow"/><meta name="description" content="A story for International Darwin Day "/><meta property="og:title" content="Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses "/><meta property="og:description" content="A story for International Darwin Day "/><meta property="og:url" content="https://blog.vib.be/beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses"/><meta property="og:type" content="article"/><meta property="article:published_time" content="2024-02-12T08:16:00+00:00"/><meta property="article:modified_time" content="2024-02-20T08:59:10+00:00"/><meta property="article:author" content="Steve Bers"/><meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/preview/600x600/"/><meta property="og:image:alt" content="Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses "/><meta property="og:image:width" content="4000"/><meta property="og:image:height" content="1255"/><meta property="og:site_name" content="VIB Blog"/><link rel="canonical" href="https://blog.vib.be/beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses"/><meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/><meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/preview/600x600/"/><link rel="alternate" type="application/json" href="https://blog.vib.be/beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses.json"/><script type="application/ld+json">{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Article","datePublished":"2024-02-12T08:16:00+00:00","description":"A story for International Darwin Day ","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://blog.vib.be/beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses"},"headline":"Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses ","image":["https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/preview/600x600/"],"dateModified":"2024-02-20T08:59:10+00:00","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Steve Bers"}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"VIB Blog","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/newsroom/14288/782c7d4b7e70712aaadb92a3b032c8887dabf44191181147423535d8f2d31912?t=1733107583&v=3"}}}</script><meta name="next-head-count" content="39"/><meta name="og:locale" content="en"/><link rel="preload" href="/_next/static/css/422a9ab3fb848d94.css" as="style"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/422a9ab3fb848d94.css" data-n-g=""/><link rel="preload" href="/_next/static/css/9317134af270975d.css" as="style"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/9317134af270975d.css"/><link rel="preload" href="/_next/static/css/3d94237bd197f2d1.css" as="style"/><link rel="stylesheet" href="/_next/static/css/3d94237bd197f2d1.css"/><noscript data-n-css=""></noscript><script defer="" nomodule="" src="/_next/static/chunks/polyfills-78c92fac7aa8fdd8.js"></script><script defer="" src="/_next/static/chunks/221.de3304deb9d9b0fb.js"></script><script defer="" src="/_next/static/chunks/919-1a3a2062343620c4.js"></script><script defer="" src="/_next/static/chunks/7858.873dc86dbb3c7c27.js"></script><script defer="" src="/_next/static/chunks/770.42bdb6ea74e9816e.js"></script><script defer="" src="/_next/static/chunks/9988.a17bf03d387d6877.js"></script><script defer="" src="/_next/static/chunks/1102.32a08bac19288eef.js"></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/webpack-7b90088d9280ac57.js" defer=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/framework-40461e51349ca8e7.js" defer=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/main-6d42f5514af3f438.js" defer=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/pages/_app-e4bbf343a168eac4.js" defer=""></script><script src="/_next/static/chunks/pages/%5Bslug%5D-960f583156209092.js" defer=""></script><script src="/_next/static/k4C2RMCl2KVKeOlW9YiUI/_buildManifest.js" defer=""></script><script src="/_next/static/k4C2RMCl2KVKeOlW9YiUI/_ssgManifest.js" defer=""></script><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Open+Sans:wght@400;500;700&display=swap"/></head><body><div id="__next"><noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-WTFT48LC" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript><div class="Layout_layout__xvC8B Layout_customBg__4LTgZ"><header class="Header_container__XCDpp"><div class="container"><nav role="navigation" class="Header_header__GEQnq"><a class="Header_newsroom__zGCMK" href="/"><h1 class="Header_title__rk48G Header_hidden__DNke7">VIB Blog</h1><img alt="" loading="lazy" width="160" height="87.03812316715542" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="Logo_logo__ke6Mu Logo_landscape__VJwg3 Logo_medium__FHGJ7" style="color:transparent" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/-/format/auto/-/stretch/off/-/progressive/yes/-/resize/256x/-/quality/smart/vib_notag_pos_rgb.png 1x, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/-/format/auto/-/stretch/off/-/progressive/yes/-/resize/384x/-/quality/smart/vib_notag_pos_rgb.png 2x" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/-/format/auto/-/stretch/off/-/progressive/yes/-/resize/384x/-/quality/smart/vib_notag_pos_rgb.png"/></a><div class="Header_navigationWrapper__AQr4U"><button type="button" class="Button_button__nz0om Header_navigationToggle__LOEfM Button_navigation__ELjnb Button_iconOnly__jrGQu" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="menu" title="Toggle navigation" aria-label="Toggle navigation"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="Button_icon__LcaaC Button_left__B9Wq8"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M3 6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h16a1 1 0 1 1 0 2H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1Zm0 6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h16a1 1 0 1 1 0 2H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1Zm0 6a1 1 0 0 1 1-1h16a1 1 0 1 1 0 2H4a1 1 0 0 1-1-1Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><span></span></button><a href="/search" class="Button_button__nz0om Header_searchToggle__PJd_m Button_navigation__ELjnb" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="search-widget" title="Search" aria-label="Search"><svg viewBox="0 0 16 16" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="Button_icon__LcaaC Button_left__B9Wq8"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M6.543.667a5.877 5.877 0 1 0 3.496 10.601l3.81 3.81a.869.869 0 1 0 1.23-1.228l-3.812-3.81A5.877 5.877 0 0 0 6.543.666Zm-4.14 5.877a4.14 4.14 0 1 1 8.28 0 4.14 4.14 0 0 1-8.28 0Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><span>Search</span></a><div class="Header_navigation__3Ix1k"><div role="none" class="Header_backdrop__fJhJJ"></div><ul id="menu" class="Header_navigationInner__uHfyV"><li class="Header_navigationItem__vvLy_"><div class="Dropdown_container__A3eCx LanguagesDropdown_container__Y71K6" data-headlessui-state=""><button type="button" class="Button_button__nz0om Header_navigationButton__hr_y1 Dropdown_buttonWithMobileDisplay__Wne9K Button_navigation__ELjnb" id="headlessui-menu-button-:R3pomnm:" aria-haspopup="menu" aria-expanded="false" data-headlessui-state=""><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="Button_icon__LcaaC Button_left__B9Wq8"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M12 0C5.373 0 0 5.373 0 12s5.373 12 12 12 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0ZM2.575 9.24A9.822 9.822 0 0 0 2.182 12c0 4.785 3.423 8.77 7.954 9.641a2.027 2.027 0 0 1-.031-.352 1.45 1.45 0 0 0-.425-1.025l-.54-.54a2.036 2.036 0 0 1-.597-1.44v-.894c0-.386-.153-.756-.426-1.029l-.727-.726a1.394 1.394 0 0 1 .986-2.38h5.143c1.023 0 1.852.828 1.852 1.851v1.04c0 .127.103.23.23.23.735 0 1.332.596 1.332 1.331 0 .127.102.23.23.23h.036c.798 0 1.437.434 1.728 1.02a9.822 9.822 0 0 0-3.546-16.179v1.433c0 1.021-.825 1.85-1.846 1.85H11.98c-.698 0-1.265.568-1.265 1.27 0 1.02-.826 1.85-1.846 1.85h-.453a.813.813 0 0 0-.812.813c0 .369-.147.723-.407.984l-.134.134a1.844 1.844 0 0 1-2.612 0L2.575 9.24Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><span>English<svg viewBox="0 0 12 12" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="12" height="12" class="Dropdown_caret__SWUnP"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M1.135 3.37a.631.631 0 0 0-.01.907L5.468 8.62a.664.664 0 0 0 .94 0l4.343-4.342a.631.631 0 0 0-.011-.907.668.668 0 0 0-.929.01L5.937 7.254 2.064 3.381a.668.668 0 0 0-.929-.01Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></span></button></div></li></ul></div></div></nav></div></header><div class="CategoriesBar_wrapper__timK3"><div class="CategoriesBar_container___lX0h"><a href="/category/neuroscience" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Neuroscience</span></a><a href="/category/cancer-biology" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Cancer Biology</span></a><a href="/category/immunity--inflammation" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Immunity & Inflammation</span></a><a href="/category/medical-biotechnology" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Medical Biotechnology</span></a><a href="/category/plant-biology" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Plant Biology</span></a><a href="/category/microbiology" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Microbiology</span></a><a href="/category/structural-biology" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Structural Biology</span></a><a href="/category/computational-biology" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Computational Biology</span></a><a href="/category/institutional-news" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Institutional News</span></a><a href="/category/tech-ecosystem" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Tech Ecosystem</span></a><a href="/category/deep-dive" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Deep Dive</span></a><a href="/category/faces-of-science" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Faces of Science</span></a><a href="/category/interview" class="Button_button__nz0om CategoriesBar_link__3Ih1F Button_navigation__ELjnb"><span>Interview</span></a></div></div><main class="Layout_content__hZcBN"><article class="Story_story__TdUTP"><div class="Story_container__kSD_S Story_withImage__mr9PP"><div class="Story_categories__sd9CX"><a class="CategoryLink_link__wYVUn Story_categoryLink__dqgJl" href="/category/plant-biology"><span>Plant Biology</span></a><a class="CategoryLink_link__wYVUn Story_categoryLink__dqgJl" href="/category/deep-dive"><span>Deep Dive</span></a></div><div class="HeaderRenderer_renderer__dpgga"><section class="prezly-slate-document" data-version="0.50"><h1 class="prezly-slate-heading prezly-slate-heading--heading-1 prezly-slate-heading--align-inherit"><strong>Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses</strong> </h1><p class="Subtitle_subtitle__fvSfR"><em><strong>A </strong></em><em><strong>story</strong></em><em><strong> for International Darwin D</strong></em><em><strong>ay</strong></em> </p></section></div><p class="Story_date__v5TtZ Story_left__kvsEa">February 12, 2024</p><div class="ContentRenderer_renderer__tPJbs"><section class="prezly-slate-document" data-version="0.50"><figure class="prezly-slate-image prezly-slate-image--contained"><a class="prezly-slate-image-rollover" id="image-adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN%20banner.jpg" style="max-width:4000px"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__content"><img alt="" class="prezly-slate-media prezly-slate-image__media prezly-slate-media--image" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/format/auto/20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN%20banner.jpg" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/resize/1200/20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN%20banner.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/resize/2400/20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN%20banner.jpg 2400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/resize/800/20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN%20banner.jpg 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/resize/1600/20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN%20banner.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/resize/400/20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN%20banner.jpg 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/resize/800/20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN%20banner.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px" title=""/><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__dim"></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption--empty"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 16 16" role="img" class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M5.828 10.172a.5.5 0 0 0-.707 0l-4.096 4.096V11.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v3.975a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H4.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H1.732l4.096-4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0-.707m4.344-4.344a.5.5 0 0 0 .707 0l4.096-4.096V4.5a.5.5 0 1 0 1 0V.525a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H11.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0 1h2.768l-4.096 4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0 .707"></path></svg></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-text"><span class="" title=""></span></span></span></span></a></figure><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6"><strong>In 1859, ‘On the Origins of Species’ by Charles Darwin was published. This world famous book is perceived as the foundation of evolutionary biology. The concept of evolutionary adaptation through natural selection did not only spark scientific debate in the 19</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> century, it still inspires researchers to this day. Yves Van de Peer, director of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology and group leader of the lab for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Genomics,</strong><em><strong> </strong></em><strong>does research on the evolution of plants. In his latest publication, he and a team of scientists studied the evolution of seagrasses to understand how these plants adapted to an extremely challenging environment. To celebrate Darwin Day, we want to dive deep into this research and explain why evolutionary research remains important to this day. </strong> </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6"><strong>The strange journey of seagrasses</strong> </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">You might be wondering why the evolution of seagrasses is so interesting. Let us go back in time. Life on planet Earth started in the sea, billions of years ago. From then on, organisms slowly evolved and migrated to freshwater and land. Land plants evolved from freshwater algae around 450 million years ago, which led to the enormous diversity we see today: mosses, ferns, conifers, flowering plants, and grasses. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">Surprisingly, some 100 million years ago, from (only) three independent lineages, some plants were able to migrate ‘back to the sea’, eventually leading to the 80 or so different species of seagrasses we know today. In contrast, re-adaptation to freshwater happened more than 200 times, and we now recognize thousands of freshwater plant species. This means that seagrasses must have undergone an extremely rare set of adaptations to be able to survive fully submerged in a highly saline environment with chronic light limitations, while rooting in soil with constantly reducing sediment under considerable hydrodynamic forces. </p><figure class="prezly-slate-image prezly-slate-image--contained"><a class="prezly-slate-image-rollover" id="image-b766b926-dfd9-4ba1-9db2-42efa714fdac" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b766b926-dfd9-4ba1-9db2-42efa714fdac/-/crop/3648x1915/0,0/-/preview/20130512_CymodoceaNodosa_ThorstenReusch-GEOMAR.jpg" style="max-width:3648px"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__content"><img alt="Seagrasses Cymodocea nodosa. Copyright Thorsten Reusch (GEOMAR)" class="prezly-slate-media prezly-slate-image__media prezly-slate-media--image" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b766b926-dfd9-4ba1-9db2-42efa714fdac/-/crop/3648x1915/0,0/-/preview/-/format/auto/20130512_CymodoceaNodosa_ThorstenReusch-GEOMAR.jpg" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b766b926-dfd9-4ba1-9db2-42efa714fdac/-/crop/3648x1915/0,0/-/preview/-/resize/1200/20130512_CymodoceaNodosa_ThorstenReusch-GEOMAR.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b766b926-dfd9-4ba1-9db2-42efa714fdac/-/crop/3648x1915/0,0/-/preview/-/resize/800/20130512_CymodoceaNodosa_ThorstenReusch-GEOMAR.jpg 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b766b926-dfd9-4ba1-9db2-42efa714fdac/-/crop/3648x1915/0,0/-/preview/-/resize/1600/20130512_CymodoceaNodosa_ThorstenReusch-GEOMAR.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b766b926-dfd9-4ba1-9db2-42efa714fdac/-/crop/3648x1915/0,0/-/preview/-/resize/400/20130512_CymodoceaNodosa_ThorstenReusch-GEOMAR.jpg 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b766b926-dfd9-4ba1-9db2-42efa714fdac/-/crop/3648x1915/0,0/-/preview/-/resize/800/20130512_CymodoceaNodosa_ThorstenReusch-GEOMAR.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px" title="Seagrasses Cymodocea nodosa. Copyright Thorsten Reusch (GEOMAR)"/><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__dim"></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption--empty"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 16 16" role="img" class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M5.828 10.172a.5.5 0 0 0-.707 0l-4.096 4.096V11.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v3.975a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H4.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H1.732l4.096-4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0-.707m4.344-4.344a.5.5 0 0 0 .707 0l4.096-4.096V4.5a.5.5 0 1 0 1 0V.525a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H11.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0 1h2.768l-4.096 4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0 .707"></path></svg></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-text"><span class="" title=""></span></span></span></span></a><figcaption class="prezly-slate-image__caption">Seagrasses Cymodocea nodosa. Copyright Thorsten Reusch (GEOMAR)</figcaption></figure><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6"><strong>How did they do it?</strong> </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">Despite this challenging new marine environment, seagrasses did not only survive, they thrived! Today, we estimate that seagrasses cover an area between 600.000 km² and 1.6 million km², making them among the most widely distributed flowering plants. This raises the question: what adaptations did these plants go through? And what can we learn from this? </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">A team of 38 scientists from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the USA, and Italy tried to find an answer to these questions. Professor Yves Van de Peer, director of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, coordinated the genome sequencing and analysis of three of the most important seagrass species: the Mediterranean Neptune Grass (<em>Posidonia oceanica</em>), the widely distributed Little Neptune Grass (<em>Cymodocea nodosa</em>), and the Caribbean Turtlegrass (<em>Thalassia testudinum</em>). They studied the whole genome and determined which gene families and pathways play a role in seagrasses' structural and physiological adaptations to marine environments. They compared these findings to the genome and pathways of their freshwater relatives. </p><figure class="prezly-slate-image prezly-slate-image--contained"><a class="prezly-slate-image-rollover" id="image-3502e72a-55a8-42bf-812d-0f5b92496e0b" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3502e72a-55a8-42bf-812d-0f5b92496e0b/-/crop/4000x2394/0,358/-/preview/20180511_Posidonia-Divers_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN.jpg" style="max-width:4000px"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__content"><img alt="Divers above a Posidonia seagrass meadow. Copyright Gabriele Procaccini (SZN)" class="prezly-slate-media prezly-slate-image__media prezly-slate-media--image" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3502e72a-55a8-42bf-812d-0f5b92496e0b/-/crop/4000x2394/0,358/-/preview/-/format/auto/20180511_Posidonia-Divers_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN.jpg" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3502e72a-55a8-42bf-812d-0f5b92496e0b/-/crop/4000x2394/0,358/-/preview/-/resize/1200/20180511_Posidonia-Divers_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN.jpg 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3502e72a-55a8-42bf-812d-0f5b92496e0b/-/crop/4000x2394/0,358/-/preview/-/resize/800/20180511_Posidonia-Divers_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN.jpg 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3502e72a-55a8-42bf-812d-0f5b92496e0b/-/crop/4000x2394/0,358/-/preview/-/resize/1600/20180511_Posidonia-Divers_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN.jpg 1600w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3502e72a-55a8-42bf-812d-0f5b92496e0b/-/crop/4000x2394/0,358/-/preview/-/resize/400/20180511_Posidonia-Divers_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN.jpg 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/3502e72a-55a8-42bf-812d-0f5b92496e0b/-/crop/4000x2394/0,358/-/preview/-/resize/800/20180511_Posidonia-Divers_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px" title="Divers above a Posidonia seagrass meadow. Copyright Gabriele Procaccini (SZN)"/><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__dim"></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption--empty"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 16 16" role="img" class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M5.828 10.172a.5.5 0 0 0-.707 0l-4.096 4.096V11.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v3.975a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H4.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H1.732l4.096-4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0-.707m4.344-4.344a.5.5 0 0 0 .707 0l4.096-4.096V4.5a.5.5 0 1 0 1 0V.525a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H11.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0 1h2.768l-4.096 4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0 .707"></path></svg></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-text"><span class="" title=""></span></span></span></span></a><figcaption class="prezly-slate-image__caption">Divers above a Posidonia seagrass meadow. Copyright Gabriele Procaccini (SZN)</figcaption></figure><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">The study revealed that the seagrass and freshwater sister lineages all share an ancient whole genome triplication at around 86 million years ago. This is interesting because genome multiplications are considered macromutations that increase biological complexity, facilitate adaptation, and reduce the risk of extinction. It also became clear that, rather than (extra) genes evolving completely novel functions, there was the fine-tuning of many genes and pathways. For example, a higher efficiency of the genes regulating salt tolerance occurred, necessary to survive the high salinity of the sea. Other gene functions became useless and disappeared. The stomata, the tiny holes in the leaf surface that enable gas exchange with the atmosphere, are no longer necessary in seagrasses and were lost. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">“In evolutionary biology, we often speak of “use it or lose it.” The evolution of these seagrasses is quite a compelling example of this. Functions that are no longer necessary were lost during evolution, while new ecologically important functions emerged or improved” – Professor Yves Van de Peer. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6"><strong>Insights for conservation</strong> </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">The importance of seagrasses cannot be underestimated. They fulfill critical ecosystem functions, such as coastal erosion protection and carbon sequestration. While occupying only 0.1% of the ocean surface, seagrasses have been estimated to bury 27 to 44 teragrams of organic carbon per year globally, accounting for 10 to 18% of the total carbon burial in the oceans and being up to 40 times more efficient at capturing organic carbon than land-forest soils. Along with mangroves and coral reefs, seagrass meadows are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth. Because they act as breeding grounds for a huge variety of organisms, including fish, mollusks, crabs, and shrimp, but also for marine megafauna, such as sea turtles and manatees, the importance of seagrasses is unrivaled. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">Due to global warming, seagrass meadows are disappearing on a worldwide scale, leading to a marine biodiversity crisis, and a loss of carbon burial. Understanding how seagrasses adapt to changing environments is crucial for the restoration and survival of seagrass meadows and, therefore, the survival of entire marine ecosystems. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">“How seagrasses adapted to new ecologically important functions involves the interaction of many genes that play roles in many different pathways. By understanding their evolution, and the genes that are important for survival, we can now begin to test and manipulate them experimentally. This way, we can help plant survival under changing conditions, improve nature management, and restore entire ecosystems” – Professor Yves Van de Peer. </p><figure class="prezly-slate-image prezly-slate-image--contained"><a class="prezly-slate-image-rollover" id="image-ab3735cd-5ebb-4392-bf59-40e7285b014f" href="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab3735cd-5ebb-4392-bf59-40e7285b014f/QUOTE%20W%20PICTURE%20V01.png" style="max-width:1600px"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__content"><img alt="" class="prezly-slate-media prezly-slate-image__media prezly-slate-media--image" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab3735cd-5ebb-4392-bf59-40e7285b014f/-/format/auto/QUOTE%20W%20PICTURE%20V01.png" srcSet="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab3735cd-5ebb-4392-bf59-40e7285b014f/-/resize/1200/QUOTE%20W%20PICTURE%20V01.png 1200w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab3735cd-5ebb-4392-bf59-40e7285b014f/-/resize/800/QUOTE%20W%20PICTURE%20V01.png 800w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab3735cd-5ebb-4392-bf59-40e7285b014f/-/resize/1600/QUOTE%20W%20PICTURE%20V01.png 1600w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab3735cd-5ebb-4392-bf59-40e7285b014f/-/resize/400/QUOTE%20W%20PICTURE%20V01.png 400w, https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/ab3735cd-5ebb-4392-bf59-40e7285b014f/-/resize/800/QUOTE%20W%20PICTURE%20V01.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 992px) 800px, (max-width: 576px) 400px, 1200px" title=""/><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__dim"></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption--empty"><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon-container"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 16 16" role="img" class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-icon"><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="evenodd" d="M5.828 10.172a.5.5 0 0 0-.707 0l-4.096 4.096V11.5a.5.5 0 0 0-1 0v3.975a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H4.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0-1H1.732l4.096-4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0-.707m4.344-4.344a.5.5 0 0 0 .707 0l4.096-4.096V4.5a.5.5 0 1 0 1 0V.525a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H11.5a.5.5 0 0 0 0 1h2.768l-4.096 4.096a.5.5 0 0 0 0 .707"></path></svg></span><span class="prezly-slate-image-rollover__caption-text"><span class="" title=""></span></span></span></span></a></figure><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">In conclusion, Darwin’s legacy is still of huge importance today. Evolutionary biology focuses on adaptation and survival. This knowledge teaches us more about our living planet and can be implemented to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems. In the light of a changing climate, Darwin’s publication remains now, 165 years later, as poignant as ever. </p><hr class="prezly-slate-divider"/><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">Inspired by this blog? Want to read more about this research? You can find the original publication here. Nature plant, doi: <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01608-5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_self">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01608-5</a></p><hr class="prezly-slate-divider"/><div id="contact-f4b9773e-18d2-45de-b4ff-71802c40eeb0" class="ContactCard_container__G0CgW ContactCard_contactCard__LOEl7 ContactCard_card__qy2sy"><div class="ContactCard_content__uU14s"><img class="ContactCard_avatar__WotaX" src="https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0d84d00e-e143-44ca-8778-8c97b171ea88/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/" alt="Steve Bers"/><div class="ContactCard_meta__qyHjT"><h4 class="ContactCard_name__93N5O">Steve Bers</h4><h5 class="ContactCard_position__XBtdn">Science Communications Expert, VIB</h5></div></div><hr class="ContactCard_divider__qy639"/><div class="ContactCard_links__hi46i"><div class="ContactCard_linkGroup__45TtP"><a href="mailto:steve.bers@vib.be" class="ContactCard_link__Edc7n"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="ContactCard_icon__gKxWA"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M0 5.759V18.26c0 1.786 1.472 3.24 3.273 3.24h17.454C22.53 21.5 24 20.046 24 18.26V5.74c0-1.786-1.471-3.24-3.273-3.24H3.273C1.472 2.5 0 3.954 0 5.74v.019Zm2.286-.475c.175-.366.553-.623.987-.623h17.454c.434 0 .812.257.987.623L12 12.029 2.286 5.284ZM21.818 7.85v10.41c0 .589-.492 1.078-1.09 1.078H3.272c-.599 0-1.091-.49-1.091-1.079V7.85l8.858 6.152c.576.4 1.344.4 1.92 0l8.858-6.151Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><span class="ContactCard_linkText__LldzY">steve.bers@vib.be</span></a></div><div class="ContactCard_linkGroup__45TtP ContactCard_social__c23q5"><a href="https://twitter.com/Steve_Bers" class="ContactCard_link__Edc7n" title="Twitter"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="ContactCard_icon__gKxWA"><path d="M18.901 1h3.68l-8.04 9.319L24 23h-7.406l-5.8-7.691L4.155 23H.474l8.6-9.968L0 1h7.594l5.243 7.03L18.901 1ZM17.61 20.766h2.039L6.486 3.116H4.298l13.312 17.65Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a></div></div></div><h3 class="styles_headingTwo__ZQS6u">About the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology</h3><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology wants to gain insight into how plants grow and respond to the environment. Scientists study how leaves and roots are formed, which micro-organisms live on and around the plant and which substances the plant makes. They map out the genetic diversity of the plant kingdom. This knowledge can lead to sustainable innovations in agriculture and food.</p><h3 class="styles_headingTwo__ZQS6u">About VIB</h3><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">VIB’s core mission is to generate disruptive insights in the molecular underpinning of life and to translate these actively into impactful innovations for patients and society. VIB is an independent research institute where some 1,800 top scientists from Belgium and abroad conduct pioneering basic research. As such, they are pushing the boundaries of what we know about molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms such as human beings, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University – and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute. VIB’s technology transfer activities translate research results into concrete benefits for society such as new diagnostics and therapies and agricultural innovations. These applications are often developed by young start-ups from VIB or through collaborations with other companies. This also leads to additional employment and bridges the gap between scientific research and entrepreneurship. VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information. </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6">More info can be found on <a class="styles_link__gwrpq" href="http://www.vib.be/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_self">www.vib.be</a>.</p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6"> </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6"> </p><p class="styles_paragraph__GiKq6"> </p></section></div></div></article><div class="StoryLinks_container__QLAze"><button type="button" class="Button_button__nz0om ScrollToTopButton_button__D073z StoryLinks_scrollToTop__A0c5Z Button_secondary__tWb_n" aria-label="Scroll to top"><span><svg viewBox="0 0 18 20" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="ScrollToTopButton_icon__8Dgqc"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M1.307 9.375a1.16 1.16 0 0 1 0-1.619l6.899-6.483a1.107 1.107 0 0 1 1.587 0l6.899 6.484a1.16 1.16 0 0 1 0 1.618 1.107 1.107 0 0 1-1.587 0l-4.984-4.53v13.282c0 .632-.502 1.144-1.122 1.144-.62 0-1.122-.512-1.122-1.144V4.844l-4.983 4.53a1.107 1.107 0 0 1-1.587 0Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></span></button><button type="button" class="Button_button__nz0om StoryLinks_button__c7DtI Button_secondary__tWb_n" aria-label="facebook"><span><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="StoryLinks_icon__wylM7"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M24 12.073C24 5.405 18.627 0 12 0S0 5.405 0 12.073C0 18.1 4.388 23.094 10.125 24v-8.437H7.078v-3.49h3.047v-2.66c0-3.025 1.791-4.697 4.533-4.697 1.313 0 2.686.236 2.686.236v2.971H15.83c-1.491 0-1.956.93-1.956 1.886v2.264h3.328l-.532 3.49h-2.796V24C19.612 23.094 24 18.1 24 12.073Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></span></button><button type="button" class="Button_button__nz0om StoryLinks_button__c7DtI Button_secondary__tWb_n" aria-label="twitter"><span><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="StoryLinks_icon__wylM7"><path d="M18.901 1h3.68l-8.04 9.319L24 23h-7.406l-5.8-7.691L4.155 23H.474l8.6-9.968L0 1h7.594l5.243 7.03L18.901 1ZM17.61 20.766h2.039L6.486 3.116H4.298l13.312 17.65Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></span></button><button type="button" class="Button_button__nz0om StoryLinks_button__c7DtI Button_secondary__tWb_n" aria-label="linkedin"><span><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="16" height="16" class="StoryLinks_icon__wylM7"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M.07 1.72C.07.77.86 0 1.833 0h20.324c.973 0 1.762.77 1.762 1.72v20.56c0 .95-.789 1.72-1.762 1.72H1.833C.859 24 .07 23.23.07 22.28V1.72ZM7.3 20.09V9.253H3.696V20.09H7.3ZM5.497 7.773c1.256 0 2.038-.832 2.038-1.872-.023-1.063-.781-1.872-2.014-1.872-1.232 0-2.038.809-2.038 1.872 0 1.04.782 1.872 1.99 1.872h.024Zm7.397 12.317H9.293s.047-9.82 0-10.837h3.602v1.534a3.325 3.325 0 0 0-.024.038h.024v-.038C13.374 10.05 14.231 9 16.141 9c2.37 0 4.147 1.549 4.147 4.877v6.214h-3.601v-5.797c0-1.457-.522-2.451-1.825-2.451-.995 0-1.588.67-1.848 1.317-.095.232-.119.555-.119.88v6.051Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></span></button><div class="StoryShareUrl_container__nAC_h"><button type="button" class="Button_button__nz0om StoryShareUrl_paste__o0hWQ Button_secondary__tWb_n" title="Copy URL"><span><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="StoryShareUrl_icon___wCN2"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M11.646 4.575a1.178 1.178 0 0 0 1.666 1.666l1.964-1.964a3.144 3.144 0 1 1 4.447 4.447l-3.928 3.928a3.145 3.145 0 0 1-4.447 0 1.179 1.179 0 0 0-1.666 1.666 5.5 5.5 0 0 0 7.779 0l3.928-3.929a5.5 5.5 0 1 0-7.778-7.778l-1.965 1.964Zm-7.37 15.148a3.142 3.142 0 0 1 0-4.447l3.93-3.928a3.14 3.14 0 0 1 4.446 0 1.179 1.179 0 0 0 1.666-1.666 5.5 5.5 0 0 0-7.779 0l-3.928 3.929a5.5 5.5 0 0 0 7.778 7.778l1.965-1.964a1.179 1.179 0 0 0-1.666-1.666l-1.964 1.964a3.142 3.142 0 0 1-4.447 0Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></span></button></div></div><div class="LoadingBar_bar__L89By"></div></main><div class="Boilerplate_container__EUeIG"><div class="container"><div class="Boilerplate_columns__3Z_sc"><div class="Boilerplate_aboutUs__tlOrD"><h2 class="Boilerplate_heading__B5Gcq">About VIB Blog</h2><div class="Boilerplate_about__zIi98"><p>On our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.</p> <p>Want to be kept up-to-date on our biotechnological news and stories? Join our community and <a href="https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6">subscribe</a> to our bi-monthly newsletter <a href="https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6">here</a>.</p></div></div><div class="Boilerplate_contacts__HshWH"><h2 class="Boilerplate_heading__B5Gcq">Contact</h2><div class="Boilerplate_linkWrapper__hSqkz"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="14" height="14" class="Boilerplate_icon__SQ6fT"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M2.25 21.375c0 .207.168.375.375.375H6v-1.875c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h3.75c.621 0 1.125.504 1.125 1.125v1.875h3.375a.375.375 0 0 0 .375-.375V2.625a.375.375 0 0 0-.375-.375H2.625a.375.375 0 0 0-.375.375v18.75ZM2.625 24A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 0 21.375V2.625A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 2.625 0h12.75A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 18 2.625v18.75c0 .127-.009.253-.027.375h3.402a.375.375 0 0 0 .375-.375v-8.947a.375.375 0 0 0-.167-.312l-1.582-1.055a1.125 1.125 0 1 1 1.248-1.872l1.582 1.055A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 24 12.428v8.947A2.625 2.625 0 0 1 21.375 24h-5.25c-.102 0-.201-.014-.296-.04-.147.026-.299.04-.454.04h-4.5a1.125 1.125 0 0 1-1.125-1.125V21h-1.5v1.875c0 .621-.504 1.125-1.125 1.125h-4.5ZM4.5 5.625c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 2.25h-.75A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 4.5 5.625ZM5.625 9a1.125 1.125 0 1 0 0 2.25h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0-2.25h-.75ZM4.5 14.625c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 2.25h-.75A1.125 1.125 0 0 1 4.5 14.625Zm7.125-1.125a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0 2.25h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0-2.25h-.75ZM10.5 10.125c0-.621.504-1.125 1.125-1.125h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1 0 2.25h-.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 1-1.125-1.125ZM11.625 4.5a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0 2.25h.75a1.125 1.125 0 0 0 0-2.25h-.75Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><p>Suzanne Tassierstraat 1 9052 Ghent</p></div><div class="Boilerplate_linkWrapper__hSqkz"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="14" height="14" class="Boilerplate_icon__SQ6fT"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M0 5.759V18.26c0 1.786 1.472 3.24 3.273 3.24h17.454C22.53 21.5 24 20.046 24 18.26V5.74c0-1.786-1.471-3.24-3.273-3.24H3.273C1.472 2.5 0 3.954 0 5.74v.019Zm2.286-.475c.175-.366.553-.623.987-.623h17.454c.434 0 .812.257.987.623L12 12.029 2.286 5.284ZM21.818 7.85v10.41c0 .589-.492 1.078-1.09 1.078H3.272c-.599 0-1.091-.49-1.091-1.079V7.85l8.858 6.152c.576.4 1.344.4 1.92 0l8.858-6.151Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><p><a class="Boilerplate_link__SsdVh" href="mailto:communications@vib.be">communications@vib.be</a></p></div><div class="Boilerplate_linkWrapper__hSqkz"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="14" height="14" class="Boilerplate_icon__SQ6fT"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M12 0C5.373 0 0 5.373 0 12s5.373 12 12 12 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0ZM2.575 9.24A9.822 9.822 0 0 0 2.182 12c0 4.785 3.423 8.77 7.954 9.641a2.027 2.027 0 0 1-.031-.352 1.45 1.45 0 0 0-.425-1.025l-.54-.54a2.036 2.036 0 0 1-.597-1.44v-.894c0-.386-.153-.756-.426-1.029l-.727-.726a1.394 1.394 0 0 1 .986-2.38h5.143c1.023 0 1.852.828 1.852 1.851v1.04c0 .127.103.23.23.23.735 0 1.332.596 1.332 1.331 0 .127.102.23.23.23h.036c.798 0 1.437.434 1.728 1.02a9.822 9.822 0 0 0-3.546-16.179v1.433c0 1.021-.825 1.85-1.846 1.85H11.98c-.698 0-1.265.568-1.265 1.27 0 1.02-.826 1.85-1.846 1.85h-.453a.813.813 0 0 0-.812.813c0 .369-.147.723-.407.984l-.134.134a1.844 1.844 0 0 1-2.612 0L2.575 9.24Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg><p><a href="http://vib.be" class="Boilerplate_link__SsdVh" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">vib.be</a></p></div><div class="Boilerplate_socialMedia__mrN05 SocialMedia_container__PzxF8"><a href="https://facebook.com/VIBlifesciences" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Facebook" aria-label="Facebook" class="SocialMedia_link__vpV8c"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" class="SocialMedia_icon__bGh__"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M24 12.073C24 5.405 18.627 0 12 0S0 5.405 0 12.073C0 18.1 4.388 23.094 10.125 24v-8.437H7.078v-3.49h3.047v-2.66c0-3.025 1.791-4.697 4.533-4.697 1.313 0 2.686.236 2.686.236v2.971H15.83c-1.491 0-1.956.93-1.956 1.886v2.264h3.328l-.532 3.49h-2.796V24C19.612 23.094 24 18.1 24 12.073Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a><a href="https://instagram.com/VIBlifesciences/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Instagram" aria-label="Instagram" class="SocialMedia_link__vpV8c"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" class="SocialMedia_icon__bGh__"><path d="M12 2.162c3.204 0 3.584.012 4.849.07 1.17.054 1.805.249 2.228.413.56.218.96.478 1.38.898.42.42.68.82.898 1.38.164.423.36 1.058.413 2.228.058 1.265.07 1.645.07 4.849s-.012 3.584-.07 4.849c-.053 1.17-.249 1.805-.413 2.228-.218.56-.478.96-.898 1.38-.42.42-.82.68-1.38.898-.423.164-1.058.36-2.228.413-1.265.058-1.645.07-4.849.07s-3.584-.012-4.849-.07c-1.17-.053-1.805-.249-2.228-.413a3.718 3.718 0 0 1-1.38-.898c-.42-.42-.68-.82-.898-1.38-.164-.423-.36-1.058-.413-2.228-.058-1.265-.07-1.645-.07-4.849s.012-3.584.07-4.849c.053-1.17.249-1.805.413-2.228.218-.56.478-.96.898-1.38.42-.42.82-.68 1.38-.898.423-.164 1.058-.36 2.228-.413 1.265-.058 1.645-.07 4.849-.07ZM12 0C8.74 0 8.332.014 7.052.072 5.775.131 4.902.333 4.14.63a5.882 5.882 0 0 0-2.126 1.384A5.882 5.882 0 0 0 .63 4.14c-.297.763-.5 1.635-.558 2.912C.014 8.332 0 8.741 0 12c0 3.26.014 3.668.072 4.948.058 1.277.261 2.15.558 2.912.307.79.717 1.459 1.384 2.126A5.88 5.88 0 0 0 4.14 23.37c.763.297 1.635.5 2.912.558C8.332 23.986 8.741 24 12 24c3.259 0 3.668-.014 4.948-.072 1.277-.059 2.15-.261 2.912-.558a5.88 5.88 0 0 0 2.126-1.384 5.883 5.883 0 0 0 1.384-2.126c.297-.763.5-1.635.558-2.912.058-1.28.072-1.689.072-4.948 0-3.259-.014-3.668-.072-4.948-.059-1.277-.261-2.15-.558-2.912a5.883 5.883 0 0 0-1.384-2.126A5.882 5.882 0 0 0 19.86.63c-.763-.297-1.635-.5-2.912-.558C15.668.014 15.259 0 12 0Zm0 5.838a6.162 6.162 0 1 0 0 12.324 6.162 6.162 0 0 0 0-12.324ZM12 16a4 4 0 1 1 0-8 4 4 0 0 1 0 8Zm7.846-10.406a1.44 1.44 0 1 1-2.88 0 1.44 1.44 0 0 1 2.88 0Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/vib/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="LinkedIn" aria-label="LinkedIn" class="SocialMedia_link__vpV8c"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" class="SocialMedia_icon__bGh__"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M.07 1.72C.07.77.86 0 1.833 0h20.324c.973 0 1.762.77 1.762 1.72v20.56c0 .95-.789 1.72-1.762 1.72H1.833C.859 24 .07 23.23.07 22.28V1.72ZM7.3 20.09V9.253H3.696V20.09H7.3ZM5.497 7.773c1.256 0 2.038-.832 2.038-1.872-.023-1.063-.781-1.872-2.014-1.872-1.232 0-2.038.809-2.038 1.872 0 1.04.782 1.872 1.99 1.872h.024Zm7.397 12.317H9.293s.047-9.82 0-10.837h3.602v1.534a3.325 3.325 0 0 0-.024.038h.024v-.038C13.374 10.05 14.231 9 16.141 9c2.37 0 4.147 1.549 4.147 4.877v6.214h-3.601v-5.797c0-1.457-.522-2.451-1.825-2.451-.995 0-1.588.67-1.848 1.317-.095.232-.119.555-.119.88v6.051Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a><a href="https://twitter.com/VIBlifesciences" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" title="Twitter" aria-label="Twitter" class="SocialMedia_link__vpV8c"><svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="24" height="24" class="SocialMedia_icon__bGh__"><path d="M18.901 1h3.68l-8.04 9.319L24 23h-7.406l-5.8-7.691L4.155 23H.474l8.6-9.968L0 1h7.594l5.243 7.03L18.901 1ZM17.61 20.766h2.039L6.486 3.116H4.298l13.312 17.65Z" fill="currentColor"></path></svg></a></div></div></div></div></div><footer class="Footer_container__yfXGm"><div class="container"><div class="Footer_footer__Q0Z6t"><div class="Footer_links___ZUw0"><a href="https://privacy.prezly.com/en/newsroom/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/data-request" class="Footer_link__uhkRB">Privacy requests</a></div></div></div></footer></div></div><script id="__NEXT_DATA__" type="application/json">{"props":{"pageProps":{"newsroomContextProps":{"newsroom":{"uuid":"3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36","id":14288,"name":"VIB Blog","display_name":"VIB Blog","subdomain":"vib-blog","thumbnail_url":"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/newsroom/14288/782c7d4b7e70712aaadb92a3b032c8887dabf44191181147423535d8f2d31912?t=1733107583\u0026v=3","timezone":"europe/brussels","status":"active","is_active":true,"is_archived":false,"is_demo":false,"is_online":true,"is_offline":false,"is_multilingual":true,"is_indexable":true,"url":"https://blog.vib.be/","links":{"media_gallery_api":"https://api.prezly.com/v1/rooms/14288/media","analytics_and_visibility_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/integrations","categories_management":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/categories","company_info_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information","contacts_management":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/contacts","domain_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/domain","edit":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information","gallery_management":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/galleries","hub_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/hub","languages":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/languages","look_and_feel_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/themes","privacy_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/privacy","manual_subscription_management":"","widget_settings":"","room_contacts_api":""},"time_format":"HH:mm","date_format":"DD/MM/YYYY","domain":"blog.vib.be","is_hub":false,"cultures":[{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"}],"campaigns_number":2,"stories_number":145,"pitches_number":4,"coverage_number":0,"public_galleries_number":0,"square_logo":{"version":2,"uuid":"b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289","filename":"Logo square.png","mime_type":"image/png","size":78589,"original_width":698,"original_height":698,"effects":[],"isImage":true,"download_url":"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/-/inline/no/Logo+square.png","cdnUrl":"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/b385acc3-9f8b-4231-b530-93e1ecca3289/"},"newsroom_logo":{"version":2,"uuid":"dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d","filename":"vib_notag_pos_rgb.png","mime_type":"image/png","size":7750,"original_width":682,"original_height":371,"effects":[],"isImage":true,"download_url":"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/-/inline/no/vib_notag_pos_rgb.png","cdnUrl":"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/dff0c99e-6881-4a4e-ab8d-eadc63c9938d/"},"icon":null,"email_logo":null,"email_branding_mode":"default","email_branding":{"background_color":"#ffffff","title_color":"#475569","text_color":"#475569","link_color":"#14B8A6","header_background_color":"#FFFFFF","header_link_color":"#475569"},"email_logo_alignment":"center","is_privacy_portal_enabled":true,"custom_privacy_policy_link":null,"custom_data_request_link":null,"auto_create_contacts_from_subscribers":true,"tracking_policy":"default","cookiepro":{"is_enabled":false,"category":""},"onetrust_cookie_consent":{"is_enabled":false,"category":"","script":""},"google_search_console_key":null,"google_analytics_id":"GTM-WTFT48LC","ga_tracking_id":"GTM-WTFT48LC","segment_analytics_id":"","is_subscription_form_enabled":false,"is_white_labeled":true,"is_plausible_enabled":true,"plausible_site_id":"blog.vib.be"},"companyInformation":{"name":"VIB Blog","about":"\u003cp\u003eOn our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to be kept up-to-date on our biotechnological news and stories? Join our community and \u003ca href=\"https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6\"\u003esubscribe\u003c/a\u003e to our bi-monthly newsletter \u003ca href=\"https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","about_plaintext":"On our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.Want to be kept up-to-date on our biotechnological news and stories? Join our community and subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter here.","email":"communications@vib.be","website":"http://vib.be","phone":null,"address":"Suzanne Tassierstraat 1 \n9052 Ghent","twitter":"VIBlifesciences","facebook":"VIBlifesciences","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/company/vib/","pinterest":null,"youtube":null,"instagram":"VIBlifesciences","tiktok":null,"discord":null,"skype":null,"snapchat":null,"twitch":null,"email_disclaimer":"","cookie_statement":"","subscribe_disclaimer":"","seo_settings":{"default_meta_title":"VIB Blog","default_meta_description":"On our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.Want to be kept...","meta_title":"VIB Blog: Insights and innovations in life sciences research","meta_description":"Get to know the researchers driving cutting-edge research at VIB and delve into the latest advancements in life sciences.","canonical_url":null}},"categories":[{"id":6012,"display_name":"Neuroscience","display_description":"","stories_number":57,"public_stories_number":57,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Neuroscience","description":"","slug":"neuroscience","public_stories_number":45},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Neurowetenschappen","description":"","slug":"neurowetenschappen","public_stories_number":12}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":6200,"display_name":"Cancer Biology","display_description":"","stories_number":9,"public_stories_number":9,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Cancer Biology","description":"","slug":"cancer-biology","public_stories_number":6},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Kanker","description":"","slug":"kanker","public_stories_number":3}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":6201,"display_name":"Immunity \u0026 Inflammation","display_description":"","stories_number":10,"public_stories_number":10,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Immunity \u0026 Inflammation","description":"","slug":"immunity--inflammation","public_stories_number":6},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Immuniteit \u0026 Ontsteking","description":"","slug":"immuniteit--ontsteking","public_stories_number":4}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":6202,"display_name":"Medical Biotechnology","display_description":"","stories_number":5,"public_stories_number":5,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Medical Biotechnology","description":"","slug":"medical-biotechnology","public_stories_number":4},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Medische Biotechnologie","description":"","slug":"medische-biotechnologie","public_stories_number":1}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":6203,"display_name":"Plant Biology","display_description":"","stories_number":16,"public_stories_number":16,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Plant Biology","description":"","slug":"plant-biology","public_stories_number":9},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Plantenbiologie","description":"","slug":"plantenbiologie","public_stories_number":7}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":6204,"display_name":"Microbiology","display_description":"","stories_number":10,"public_stories_number":10,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Microbiology","description":"","slug":"microbiology","public_stories_number":7},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Microbiologie","description":"","slug":"microbiologie","public_stories_number":3}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":6205,"display_name":"Structural Biology","display_description":"","stories_number":1,"public_stories_number":1,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Structural Biology","description":"","slug":"structural-biology","public_stories_number":1},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Structurele Biologie","description":"","slug":"structurele-biologie","public_stories_number":0}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":6206,"display_name":"Computational Biology","display_description":"","stories_number":5,"public_stories_number":5,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Computational Biology","description":"","slug":"computational-biology","public_stories_number":4},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Computationele Biologie","description":"","slug":"computationele-biologie","public_stories_number":1}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":6207,"display_name":"Institutional News","display_description":"","stories_number":13,"public_stories_number":13,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Institutional News","description":"","slug":"institutional-news","public_stories_number":10},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Institutioneel Nieuws","description":"","slug":"institutioneel-nieuws","public_stories_number":3}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":6208,"display_name":"Tech Ecosystem","display_description":"","stories_number":23,"public_stories_number":22,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Tech Ecosystem","description":"","slug":"tech-ecosystem","public_stories_number":17},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Tech Ecosysteem","description":"","slug":"tech-ecosysteem","public_stories_number":5}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":8702,"display_name":"Impact Story","display_description":"","stories_number":0,"public_stories_number":0,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Impact Story","description":"","slug":"impact-story","public_stories_number":0},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Impact Story","description":"","slug":"impact-story","public_stories_number":0}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":8701,"display_name":"Deep Dive","display_description":"","stories_number":7,"public_stories_number":7,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Deep Dive","description":"","slug":"deep-dive","public_stories_number":6},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Deep Dive","description":"","slug":"deep-dive","public_stories_number":1}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":8700,"display_name":"Faces of Science","display_description":"","stories_number":5,"public_stories_number":5,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Faces of Science","description":"","slug":"faces-of-science","public_stories_number":4},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Faces of Science","description":"","slug":"faces-of-science","public_stories_number":1}},"image":null,"is_featured":false},{"id":8703,"display_name":"Interview","display_description":"","stories_number":14,"public_stories_number":14,"i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Interview","description":"","slug":"interview","public_stories_number":14}},"image":null,"is_featured":false}],"languages":[{"code":"nl_BE","locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"is_default":false,"stories_count":33,"public_stories_count":33,"categories_count":13,"default_email_disclaimer":"\u003cp\u003eU heeft deze e-mail ontvangen, omdat u een contact van %companyname% bent. Als u deze e-mails niet meer wenst te ontvangen, kunt u zich \u003ca href='%unsubscribe_url%'\u003euitschrijven\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","default_cookie_statement":"\u003cp\u003eWe maken gebruik van cookies op onze website. Deze helpen ons om u iets beter te leren kennen en te zien hoe u onze website gebruikt. Dit helpt ons een waardevollere en op maat gemaakte ervaring te bieden voor u en anderen.\u003c/p\u003e","default_subscribe_disclaimer":"\u003cp\u003eDoor uw abonnement te bevestigen, bevestigt u dat u begrijpt dat u zich registreert om materiaal te ontvangen en dat uw gegevens veilig worden verwerkt en opgeslagen.\u003c/p\u003e","company_information":{"name":"VIB Blog","about":"\u003cp\u003eOp onze blog vindt u inhoud samengesteld door de VIB-gemeenschap. Ontdek ons onderzoek door de ogen van onze wetenschappers.\u003c/p\u003e","about_plaintext":"Op onze blog vindt u inhoud samengesteld door de VIB-gemeenschap. Ontdek ons onderzoek door de ogen van onze wetenschappers.","email":"communications@vib.be","website":"http://vib.be/nl","phone":null,"address":"Rijvisschestraat 120\n9052 Zwijnaarde","twitter":"VIBLifeSciences","facebook":"DitisVIB","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/company/vib/","pinterest":null,"youtube":null,"instagram":null,"tiktok":null,"discord":null,"skype":null,"snapchat":null,"twitch":null,"email_disclaimer":"","cookie_statement":"","subscribe_disclaimer":"","seo_settings":{"default_meta_title":"VIB Blog","default_meta_description":"Op onze blog vindt u inhoud samengesteld door de VIB-gemeenschap. Ontdek ons onderzoek door de ogen van onze wetenschappers.","meta_title":null,"meta_description":null,"canonical_url":null}},"notifications":[]},{"code":"en","locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"is_default":true,"stories_count":112,"public_stories_count":110,"categories_count":14,"default_email_disclaimer":"\u003cp\u003eYou have received this email because you are a contact of %companyname%. If you no longer wish to receive these emails please \u003ca href='%unsubscribe_url%'\u003eunsubscribe\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","default_cookie_statement":"\u003cp\u003eWe use cookies on our website. They help us get to know you a little and how you use our website. This helps us provide a more valuable and tailored experience for you and others.\u003c/p\u003e","default_subscribe_disclaimer":"\u003cp\u003eBy confirming your subscription you are confirming you understand that you are registering to receive content and consent to your information being securely processed and stored.\u003c/p\u003e","company_information":{"name":"VIB Blog","about":"\u003cp\u003eOn our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to be kept up-to-date on our biotechnological news and stories? Join our community and \u003ca href=\"https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6\"\u003esubscribe\u003c/a\u003e to our bi-monthly newsletter \u003ca href=\"https://vib.activehosted.com/f/6\"\u003ehere\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e","about_plaintext":"On our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.Want to be kept up-to-date on our biotechnological news and stories? Join our community and subscribe to our bi-monthly newsletter here.","email":"communications@vib.be","website":"http://vib.be","phone":null,"address":"Suzanne Tassierstraat 1 \n9052 Ghent","twitter":"VIBlifesciences","facebook":"VIBlifesciences","linkedin":"https://www.linkedin.com/company/vib/","pinterest":null,"youtube":null,"instagram":"VIBlifesciences","tiktok":null,"discord":null,"skype":null,"snapchat":null,"twitch":null,"email_disclaimer":"","cookie_statement":"","subscribe_disclaimer":"","seo_settings":{"default_meta_title":"VIB Blog","default_meta_description":"On our blog, you can find content curated by the VIB community. Discover our research through the eyes of our scientists.Want to be kept...","meta_title":"VIB Blog: Insights and innovations in life sciences research","meta_description":"Get to know the researchers driving cutting-edge research at VIB and delve into the latest advancements in life sciences.","canonical_url":null}},"notifications":[]}],"localeCode":"en","notifications":[],"themePreset":{"theme":{"id":"9648bb4f-19df-44a3-a1b4-18bce22c76fd","codename":"lena","name":"Lena","description":"Lena is a multipurpose theme with a unique and modern design. This theme allows you to display all your categories on header, for easy navigation.","use_case":"Newsrooms, magazines, investor reports","features":["search","categories","media_galleries","boilerplate","multi_language","homepage_contacts","subscribe_form","custom_colors","cta_buttons","video_layout","embed_layout","story_pinning","title_formatting"],"preview_image":{"version":2,"uuid":"a98eea81-f87b-4d93-87ac-ebcf33b56674","filename":"Theme_ Lena.png","mime_type":"image/png","size":4295352,"original_width":3600,"original_height":2700,"effects":[],"isImage":true,"download_url":"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/a98eea81-f87b-4d93-87ac-ebcf33b56674/-/inline/no/Theme_+Lena.png","cdnUrl":"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/a98eea81-f87b-4d93-87ac-ebcf33b56674/"},"is_custom":false,"is_legacy":false,"demo_url":null,"status":"stable"},"editable_settings":{"type":"object","required":["accent_color","header_background_color","header_link_color","font","show_date","show_subtitle"],"properties":{"font":{"enum":["inter","roboto","open_sans","merriweather","pt_serif","source_code_pro","mulish"],"type":"string","default":"mulish"},"logo_size":{"enum":["small","medium","large"],"type":"string","default":"medium"},"show_date":{"type":"boolean","default":true},"accent_color":{"type":"string","default":"#14B8A6"},"show_subtitle":{"type":"boolean","default":true},"header_link_color":{"type":"string","default":"#475569"},"header_background_color":{"type":"string","default":"#FFFFFF"}},"additionalProperties":false},"settings":{"font":"open_sans","logo_size":"medium","show_date":true,"accent_color":"#14B8A6","show_subtitle":true,"header_link_color":"#475569","header_background_color":"#FFFFFF"},"is_active":true,"email_branding":{"background_color":"#ffffff","title_color":"#475569","text_color":"#475569","link_color":"#14B8A6","header_background_color":"#FFFFFF","header_link_color":"#475569"},"preview_url":"https://c37e5478533ad79c6df260a145207b33-3a8116cf3104c39a.lena.v2.t.prezly.com"},"searchSettings":{"apiKey":"eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJhcGlLZXlVaWQiOiI0ZDM4MDNiYS0wMDQwLTQ1YjYtYjhhMi1kZTRlMWI1MjQ5NjciLCJzZWFyY2hSdWxlcyI6eyJwdWJsaWNfc3RvcmllcyI6eyJmaWx0ZXIiOiJfdGFncyA9IFwibGljZW5zZV83MDg4XCIgQU5EIF90YWdzID0gXCJuZXdzcm9vbV8xNDI4OFwiIn19fQ.u-v9hb2cuRv-10PBIzRoh4ymlrWQ6pfO8Nc8RyUtnuo","host":"https://search.prezly.com","index":"public_stories","searchBackend":"meilisearch"},"currentStory":{"id":638635,"uuid":"c5bef822-218e-4cfe-be77-ecd078832888","thumbnail_url":"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/story/7088/638635/da646a705e3cc6f1eb466d223e3c5f3e0ffc1d84e5a65ce16e4f0f12d661666b?t=1708419550\u0026v=3","title":"Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses ","subtitle":"A story for International Darwin Day ","intro":"","summary":"In 1859, ‘On the Origins of Species’ by Charles Darwin was published. This world famous book is perceived as the foundation of evolutionary biology. The concept of evolutionary adaptation through natural selection did not only spark scientific debate in the 19th century, it still inspires researchers to this day. Yves Van de Peer, director of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology and group leader of the lab for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Genomics, does research on the evolution of plants. In his latest publication, he and a team of scientists studied the evolution of seagrasses to understand how these plants adapted to an extremely challenging environment. To celebrate Darwin Day, we want to dive deep into this research and explain why evolutionary research remains important to this day.","culture":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"slug":"beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses","auto_slug":"beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses","custom_slug":null,"format_version":6,"language":"EN","status":"published","lifecycle_status":"published","publication_status":"published","visibility":"public","is_archived":false,"is_finalized":true,"is_published":true,"is_draft":false,"is_embargo":false,"is_private":false,"is_confidential":false,"is_scheduled":false,"is_analytics_available":true,"is_shared_to_prpro":false,"is_pinned":false,"is_sharable":true,"created_at":"2024-02-09T09:15:36+00:00","updated_at":"2024-02-20T08:59:10+00:00","published_at":"2024-02-12T08:16:00+00:00","scheduled_at":null,"author":{"id":16671,"username":"steve.bers@vib.be","email":"steve.bers@vib.be","name":"Steve Bers","display_name":"Steve Bers","first_name":"Steve","last_name":"Bers","avatar_url":"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/user/16671/1edf9eb773dd75b1af7c7dfbcf23e737c1710db31f92ab5d29ebd6dcd271fa0d?v=3\u0026c=ceb77c5fcd39fec40dfd8fc5961706e4f7f9df4480310da2f8a364e330d36aa6","use_case_answer":null,"sign_in_flow":"password","created_at":"2023-03-16T09:23:49+00:00","is_terms_of_service_accepted":true,"last_seen_at":"2024-09-18T13:50:42+00:00","locked_until":null},"pinned_by":null,"newsroom":{"uuid":"3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36","id":14288,"name":"VIB Blog","display_name":"VIB Blog","subdomain":"vib-blog","thumbnail_url":"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/newsroom/14288/782c7d4b7e70712aaadb92a3b032c8887dabf44191181147423535d8f2d31912?t=1733107583\u0026v=3","timezone":"europe/brussels","status":"active","is_active":true,"is_archived":false,"is_demo":false,"is_online":true,"is_offline":false,"is_multilingual":true,"is_indexable":true,"url":"https://blog.vib.be/","links":{"media_gallery_api":"https://api.prezly.com/v1/rooms/14288/media","analytics_and_visibility_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/integrations","categories_management":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/categories","company_info_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information","contacts_management":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/contacts","domain_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/domain","edit":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information","gallery_management":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/galleries","hub_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/hub","languages":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/languages","look_and_feel_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/themes","privacy_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/privacy","manual_subscription_management":"","widget_settings":"","room_contacts_api":""},"time_format":"HH:mm","date_format":"DD/MM/YYYY"},"oembed":{"type":"link","url":"https://blog.vib.be/beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses","title":"Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses ","description":"A story for International Darwin Day ","thumbnail_url":"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/preview/600x600/","thumbnail_width":4000,"thumbnail_height":1255,"version":"1.0"},"links":{"short":"http://prez.ly/9iGc","newsroom_view":"https://blog.vib.be/beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses","newsroom_preview":"https://blog.vib.be/s/90642a27-3d9d-4e5a-bf4c-16e99d3a9754?preview"},"categories":[{"id":6203,"display_name":"Plant Biology","display_description":"","i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Plant Biology","description":"","slug":"plant-biology"},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Plantenbiologie","description":"","slug":"plantenbiologie"}}},{"id":8701,"display_name":"Deep Dive","display_description":"","i18n":{"en":{"locale":{"code":"en","locale":"en","name":"English (Global)","native_name":"English (Global)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"en"},"name":"Deep Dive","description":"","slug":"deep-dive"},"nl_BE":{"locale":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"name":"Deep Dive","description":"","slug":"deep-dive"}}}],"translations":[{"id":638659,"uuid":"1324236d-00bc-4f20-b27e-0f13149bae3e","slug":"duik-mee-in-de-opmerkelijke-evolutie-van-zeegrassen","thumbnail_url":"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/story/7088/638659/7f7533a047adb5c81009561ca8d08110b9709e0929df2a8686c8878dfb439db7?t=1707476593\u0026v=3","title":"Duik mee in de opmerkelijke evolutie van zeegrassen","culture":{"code":"nl_BE","locale":"nl_BE","name":"Dutch (Belgium)","native_name":"Nederlands (België)","direction":"ltr","language_code":"nl"},"language":"NL","status":"published","lifecycle_status":"published","publication_status":"published","visibility":"public","created_at":"2024-02-09T09:54:27+00:00","updated_at":"2024-02-09T11:03:13+00:00","published_at":"2024-02-12T08:15:00+00:00","scheduled_at":null,"author":{"id":16671,"username":"steve.bers@vib.be","email":"steve.bers@vib.be","name":"Steve Bers","display_name":"Steve Bers","first_name":"Steve","last_name":"Bers","avatar_url":"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/user/16671/1edf9eb773dd75b1af7c7dfbcf23e737c1710db31f92ab5d29ebd6dcd271fa0d?v=3\u0026c=ceb77c5fcd39fec40dfd8fc5961706e4f7f9df4480310da2f8a364e330d36aa6","use_case_answer":null,"sign_in_flow":"password","created_at":"2023-03-16T09:23:49+00:00","is_terms_of_service_accepted":true,"last_seen_at":"2024-09-18T13:50:42+00:00","locked_until":null},"newsroom":{"uuid":"3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36","id":14288,"name":"VIB Blog","display_name":"VIB Blog","subdomain":"vib-blog","thumbnail_url":"https://avatars-cdn.prezly.com/newsroom/14288/782c7d4b7e70712aaadb92a3b032c8887dabf44191181147423535d8f2d31912?t=1733107583\u0026v=3","timezone":"europe/brussels","status":"active","is_active":true,"is_archived":false,"is_demo":false,"is_online":true,"is_offline":false,"is_multilingual":true,"is_indexable":true,"url":"https://blog.vib.be/","links":{"media_gallery_api":"https://api.prezly.com/v1/rooms/14288/media","analytics_and_visibility_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/integrations","categories_management":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/categories","company_info_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information","contacts_management":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/contacts","domain_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/domain","edit":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/information","gallery_management":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/galleries","hub_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/hub","languages":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/languages","look_and_feel_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/themes","privacy_settings":"https://rock.prezly.com/accounts/vib/sites/3592e92d-df8d-459e-8b9c-914979d14d36/settings/privacy","manual_subscription_management":"","widget_settings":"","room_contacts_api":""},"time_format":"HH:mm","date_format":"DD/MM/YYYY"},"url":"https://blog.vib.be/duik-mee-in-de-opmerkelijke-evolutie-van-zeegrassen","oembed":{"type":"link","url":"https://blog.vib.be/duik-mee-in-de-opmerkelijke-evolutie-van-zeegrassen","title":"Duik mee in de opmerkelijke evolutie van zeegrassen","description":"Een verhaal voor Internationale Darwin-dag","thumbnail_url":"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245/-/preview/600x600/","thumbnail_width":4000,"thumbnail_height":1255,"version":"1.0"},"links":{"newsroom_view":"https://blog.vib.be/duik-mee-in-de-opmerkelijke-evolutie-van-zeegrassen"}}],"coverage_number":0,"images_number":4,"videos_number":0,"last_coverage_at":null,"seo_settings":{"default_meta_title":"Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses ","default_meta_description":"A story for International Darwin Day ","meta_title":null,"meta_description":null,"canonical_url":null},"is_demo":false,"thumbnail_image":"{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245\",\"filename\":\"20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN banner.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":792226,\"original_width\":4000,\"original_height\":1255,\"effects\":[]}","header_image":"{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245\",\"filename\":\"20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN banner.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":792226,\"original_width\":4000,\"original_height\":1255,\"effects\":[]}","preview_image":null,"social_image":null,"social_text":"Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses ","tag_names":["VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology"],"content":"{\"type\":\"document\",\"children\":[{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"adb1514c-fd83-4238-96d7-7f0238071245\",\"filename\":\"20220930_Posidonia-Vents_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN banner.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":792226,\"original_width\":4000,\"original_height\":1255,\"effects\":[]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"100%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-one\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"},{\"text\":\"Beneath the Waves: The Remarkable Evolution of Seagrasses\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" \"}],\"role\":\"title\"},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"},{\"text\":\"A \",\"bold\":true,\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\"story\",\"bold\":true,\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\" for International Darwin D\",\"bold\":true,\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\"ay\",\"bold\":true,\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\" \"}],\"role\":\"subtitle\"},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"In 1859, ‘On the Origins of Species’ by Charles Darwin was published. This world famous book is perceived as the foundation of evolutionary biology. The concept of evolutionary adaptation through natural selection did not only spark scientific debate in the 19\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\"th\",\"bold\":true,\"superscript\":true},{\"text\":\" century, it still inspires researchers to this day. Yves Van de Peer, director of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology and group leader of the lab for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Genomics,\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" \",\"bold\":true,\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\"does research on the evolution of plants. In his latest publication, he and a team of scientists studied the evolution of seagrasses to understand how these plants adapted to an extremely challenging environment. To celebrate Darwin Day, we want to dive deep into this research and explain why evolutionary research remains important to this day. \",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The strange journey of seagrasses\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"You might be wondering why the evolution of seagrasses is so interesting. Let us go back in time. Life on planet Earth started in the sea, billions of years ago. From then on, organisms slowly evolved and migrated to freshwater and land. Land plants evolved from freshwater algae around 450 million years ago, which led to the enormous diversity we see today: mosses, ferns, conifers, flowering plants, and grasses. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Surprisingly, some 100 million years ago, from (only) three independent lineages, some plants were able to migrate ‘back to the sea’, eventually leading to the 80 or so different species of seagrasses we know today. In contrast, re-adaptation to freshwater happened more than 200 times, and we now recognize thousands of freshwater plant species. This means that seagrasses must have undergone an extremely rare set of adaptations to be able to survive fully submerged in a highly saline environment with chronic light limitations, while rooting in soil with constantly reducing sediment under considerable hydrodynamic forces. \"}]},{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"b766b926-dfd9-4ba1-9db2-42efa714fdac\",\"filename\":\"20130512_CymodoceaNodosa_ThorstenReusch-GEOMAR.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":6390576,\"original_width\":3648,\"original_height\":2736,\"effects\":[\"/crop/3648x1915/0,0/\",\"/preview/\"]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"100%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Seagrasses Cymodocea nodosa. Copyright Thorsten Reusch (GEOMAR)\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"How did they do it?\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Despite this challenging new marine environment, seagrasses did not only survive, they thrived! Today, we estimate that seagrasses cover an area between 600.000 km² and 1.6 million km², making them among the most widely distributed flowering plants. This raises the question: what adaptations did these plants go through? And what can we learn from this? \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"A team of 38 scientists from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, the USA, and Italy tried to find an answer to these questions. Professor Yves Van de Peer, director of the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, coordinated the genome sequencing and analysis of three of the most important seagrass species: the Mediterranean Neptune Grass (\"},{\"text\":\"Posidonia oceanica\",\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\"), the widely distributed Little Neptune Grass (\"},{\"text\":\"Cymodocea nodosa\",\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\"), and the Caribbean Turtlegrass (\"},{\"text\":\"Thalassia testudinum\",\"italic\":true},{\"text\":\"). They studied the whole genome and determined which gene families and pathways play a role in seagrasses' structural and physiological adaptations to marine environments. They compared these findings to the genome and pathways of their freshwater relatives. \"}]},{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"3502e72a-55a8-42bf-812d-0f5b92496e0b\",\"filename\":\"20180511_Posidonia-Divers_GabrieleProcaccini-SZN.jpg\",\"mime_type\":\"image/jpeg\",\"size\":5177508,\"original_width\":4000,\"original_height\":3000,\"effects\":[\"/crop/4000x2394/0,358/\",\"/preview/\"]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"100%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Divers above a Posidonia seagrass meadow. Copyright Gabriele Procaccini (SZN)\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The study revealed that the seagrass and freshwater sister lineages all share an ancient whole genome triplication at around 86 million years ago. This is interesting because genome multiplications are considered macromutations that increase biological complexity, facilitate adaptation, and reduce the risk of extinction. It also became clear that, rather than (extra) genes evolving completely novel functions, there was the fine-tuning of many genes and pathways. For example, a higher efficiency of the genes regulating salt tolerance occurred, necessary to survive the high salinity of the sea. Other gene functions became useless and disappeared. The stomata, the tiny holes in the leaf surface that enable gas exchange with the atmosphere, are no longer necessary in seagrasses and were lost. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"“In evolutionary biology, we often speak of “use it or lose it.” The evolution of these seagrasses is quite a compelling example of this. Functions that are no longer necessary were lost during evolution, while new ecologically important functions emerged or improved” – Professor Yves Van de Peer. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Insights for conservation\",\"bold\":true},{\"text\":\" \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The importance of seagrasses cannot be underestimated. They fulfill critical ecosystem functions, such as coastal erosion protection and carbon sequestration. While occupying only 0.1% of the ocean surface, seagrasses have been estimated to bury 27 to 44 teragrams of organic carbon per year globally, accounting for 10 to 18% of the total carbon burial in the oceans and being up to 40 times more efficient at capturing organic carbon than land-forest soils. Along with mangroves and coral reefs, seagrass meadows are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth. Because they act as breeding grounds for a huge variety of organisms, including fish, mollusks, crabs, and shrimp, but also for marine megafauna, such as sea turtles and manatees, the importance of seagrasses is unrivaled. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Due to global warming, seagrass meadows are disappearing on a worldwide scale, leading to a marine biodiversity crisis, and a loss of carbon burial. Understanding how seagrasses adapt to changing environments is crucial for the restoration and survival of seagrass meadows and, therefore, the survival of entire marine ecosystems. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"“How seagrasses adapted to new ecologically important functions involves the interaction of many genes that play roles in many different pathways. By understanding their evolution, and the genes that are important for survival, we can now begin to test and manipulate them experimentally. This way, we can help plant survival under changing conditions, improve nature management, and restore entire ecosystems” – Professor Yves Van de Peer. \"}]},{\"type\":\"image-block\",\"href\":\"\",\"file\":{\"version\":2,\"uuid\":\"ab3735cd-5ebb-4392-bf59-40e7285b014f\",\"filename\":\"QUOTE W PICTURE V01.png\",\"mime_type\":\"image/png\",\"size\":551271,\"original_width\":1600,\"original_height\":900,\"effects\":[]},\"layout\":\"contained\",\"align\":\"center\",\"new_tab\":true,\"width\":\"100%\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"In conclusion, Darwin’s legacy is still of huge importance today. Evolutionary biology focuses on adaptation and survival. This knowledge teaches us more about our living planet and can be implemented to preserve and protect fragile ecosystems. In the light of a changing climate, Darwin’s publication remains now, 165 years later, as poignant as ever. \"}]},{\"type\":\"divider\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"Inspired by this blog? Want to read more about this research? You can find the original publication here. Nature plant, doi: \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01608-5\",\"new_tab\":false,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01608-5\"}]},{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"divider\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"contact\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}],\"uuid\":\"f4b9773e-18d2-45de-b4ff-71802c40eeb0\",\"reference\":\"a9c94902-9959-4788-acbd-5e53ad5790e5\",\"contact\":{\"avatar_url\":\"https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/0d84d00e-e143-44ca-8778-8c97b171ea88/-/scale_crop/128x128/center/-/format/auto/\",\"company\":\"VIB\",\"description\":\"Science Communications Expert\",\"email\":\"steve.bers@vib.be\",\"facebook\":\"\",\"mobile\":\"\",\"name\":\"Steve Bers\",\"phone\":\"\",\"twitter\":\"@Steve_Bers\",\"website\":\"\",\"address\":\"\"},\"show_avatar\":true,\"layout\":\"card\"},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"About the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology wants to gain insight into how plants grow and respond to the environment. Scientists study how leaves and roots are formed, which micro-organisms live on and around the plant and which substances the plant makes. They map out the genetic diversity of the plant kingdom. This knowledge can lead to sustainable innovations in agriculture and food.\"}]},{\"type\":\"heading-two\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"About VIB\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"VIB’s core mission is to generate disruptive insights in the molecular underpinning of life and to translate these actively into impactful innovations for patients and society. VIB is an independent research institute where some 1,800 top scientists from Belgium and abroad conduct pioneering basic research. As such, they are pushing the boundaries of what we know about molecular mechanisms and how they rule living organisms such as human beings, animals, plants, and microorganisms. Based on a close partnership with five Flemish universities – Ghent University, KU Leuven, University of Antwerp, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Hasselt University – and supported by a solid funding program, VIB unites the expertise of all its collaborators and research groups in a single institute. VIB’s technology transfer activities translate research results into concrete benefits for society such as new diagnostics and therapies and agricultural innovations. These applications are often developed by young start-ups from VIB or through collaborations with other companies. This also leads to additional employment and bridges the gap between scientific research and entrepreneurship. VIB also engages actively in the public debate on biotechnology by developing and disseminating a wide range of science-based information. \"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"More info can be found on \"},{\"type\":\"link\",\"href\":\"http://www.vib.be/\",\"new_tab\":false,\"children\":[{\"text\":\"www.vib.be\"}]},{\"text\":\".\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]},{\"type\":\"paragraph\",\"children\":[{\"text\":\"\"}]}],\"version\":\"0.50\"}","attached_gallery_content":null,"referenced_entities":{"stories":{},"coverages":{}},"attached_videos_content":null,"attached_bookmarks_content":null,"attached_attachments_content":null,"attached_contacts_content":null}},"isTrackingEnabled":true,"translations":{"actions.backToHomepage":[{"type":0,"value":"Back to homepage"}],"actions.copyShareUrl":[{"type":0,"value":"Copy URL"}],"actions.download":[{"type":0,"value":"Download"}],"actions.loadMore":[{"type":0,"value":"Load more"}],"actions.more":[{"type":0,"value":"More"}],"actions.privacyRequests":[{"type":0,"value":"Privacy requests"}],"actions.readMore":[{"type":0,"value":"Read more"}],"actions.reload":[{"type":0,"value":"Reload"}],"actions.share":[{"type":0,"value":"Share:"}],"actions.startUsingCookies":[{"type":0,"value":"Start using cookies"}],"actions.stopUsingCookies":[{"type":0,"value":"Stop using cookies"}],"actions.subscribe":[{"type":0,"value":"Subscribe"}],"actions.toggleFilters":[{"type":0,"value":"Toggle search filters"}],"actions.unsubscribe":[{"type":0,"value":"Unsubscribe"}],"boilerplate.contact":[{"type":0,"value":"Contact"}],"boilerplate.title":[{"type":0,"value":"About "},{"type":1,"value":"companyName"}],"categories.title":[{"type":0,"value":"Categories"}],"contacts.title":[{"type":0,"value":"Contact us"}],"cookieConsent.accept":[{"type":0,"value":"Yes, you can use cookies"}],"cookieConsent.notice":[{"type":0,"value":"You can revoke cookies at anytime at the bottom of the page."}],"cookieConsent.reject":[{"type":0,"value":"No, do not use cookies"}],"cookieConsent.subtitle":[{"type":0,"value":"We use cookies on our website. They help us get to know you a little and how you use our website. This helps us provide a more valuable and tailored experience for you and others."}],"cookieConsent.title":[{"type":0,"value":"We would like to use cookies"}],"errors.emailInvalid":[{"type":0,"value":"Introduce a valid email address"}],"errors.fieldRequired":[{"type":0,"value":"This field is required"}],"errors.unknown":[{"type":0,"value":"Something went wrong. Please try submitting the form again"}],"homepage.allStories":[{"type":0,"value":"All stories"}],"homepage.latestStories":[{"type":0,"value":"Latest stories"}],"mediaGallery.imagesCount":[{"offset":0,"options":{"=0":{"value":[{"type":0,"value":"No images"}]},"few":{"value":[{"type":7},{"type":0,"value":" images"}]},"many":{"value":[{"type":7},{"type":0,"value":" images"}]},"one":{"value":[{"type":7},{"type":0,"value":" image"}]},"other":{"value":[{"type":7},{"type":0,"value":" images"}]}},"pluralType":"cardinal","type":6,"value":"imagesCount"}],"mediaGallery.title":[{"type":0,"value":"Media galleries"}],"mediaGallery.titleSingular":[{"type":0,"value":"Media gallery"}],"mediaGallery.videosCount":[{"offset":0,"options":{"=0":{"value":[{"type":0,"value":"No videos"}]},"few":{"value":[{"type":7},{"type":0,"value":" videos"}]},"many":{"value":[{"type":7},{"type":0,"value":" videos"}]},"one":{"value":[{"type":7},{"type":0,"value":" video"}]},"other":{"value":[{"type":7},{"type":0,"value":" videos"}]}},"pluralType":"cardinal","type":6,"value":"videosCount"}],"misc.embargoMessage":[{"type":0,"value":"Embargo until "},{"type":1,"value":"date"}],"misc.loading":[{"type":0,"value":"Loading..."}],"misc.shareUrlCopied":[{"type":0,"value":"URL copied!"}],"misc.toggleMobileNavigation":[{"type":0,"value":"Toggle navigation"}],"newsroom.title":[{"type":0,"value":"Site"}],"noStories.subtitle":[{"type":0,"value":"Come back later to see new stories."}],"noStories.title":[{"type":0,"value":"Welcome to "},{"type":1,"value":"newsroom"},{"type":0,"value":"!"}],"notFound.subtitle":[{"type":0,"value":"If you typed the URL yourself, check the spelling in the address bar."}],"notFound.title":[{"type":0,"value":"The page you’re looking for doesn’t exist..."}],"search.action":[{"type":0,"value":"Search"}],"search.facets.category":[{"type":0,"value":"Category"}],"search.facets.month":[{"type":0,"value":"Month"}],"search.facets.year":[{"type":0,"value":"Year"}],"search.filters":[{"type":0,"value":"Filters"}],"search.fullResultsSubTitle":[{"type":0,"value":"We found "},{"type":1,"value":"resultsCount"},{"type":0,"value":" results for "},{"type":1,"value":"searchQuery"}],"search.fullResultsTitle":[{"type":0,"value":"Search results"}],"search.inputHint":[{"type":0,"value":"Type your search"}],"search.inputLabel":[{"type":0,"value":"Search"}],"search.noResults":[{"type":0,"value":"Nothing found! Please try another search term!"}],"search.resultsTitle":[{"type":0,"value":"Quick results"}],"search.showAllResults":[{"type":0,"value":"Show all results"}],"search.title":[{"type":0,"value":"Search"}],"search.viewLess":[{"type":0,"value":"View less"}],"search.viewMore":[{"type":0,"value":"View more"}],"serverError.subtitle":[{"type":0,"value":"Try refreshing the page or coming back a bit later."}],"serverError.title":[{"type":0,"value":"Something went wrong..."}],"subscription.disclaimer":[{"type":0,"value":"By clicking \""},{"type":1,"value":"subscribe"},{"type":0,"value":"\" I confirm I have read and agree to the "},{"type":1,"value":"privacyPolicyLink"},{"type":0,"value":"."}],"subscription.formTitle":[{"type":0,"value":"Get updates in your mailbox"}],"subscription.labelEmail":[{"type":0,"value":"Your email address"}],"subscription.privacyPolicy":[{"type":0,"value":"Privacy Policy"}]},"_sentryTraceData":"9c5b73521ee74244a95bf776e243f9a9-b90e1cbf5f1fc44f-0","_sentryBaggage":"sentry-environment=production,sentry-release=k4C2RMCl2KVKeOlW9YiUI,sentry-public_key=4eed54d2d76c4e109bdb48d7a7a4cd73,sentry-trace_id=9c5b73521ee74244a95bf776e243f9a9,sentry-sample_rate=0.005,sentry-transaction=%2F%5Bslug%5D,sentry-sampled=false"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/[slug]","query":{"slug":"beneath-the-waves-the-remarkable-evolution-of-seagrasses"},"buildId":"k4C2RMCl2KVKeOlW9YiUI","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[71102,51330,2239],"gssp":true,"locale":"qps-ploc","locales":["qps-ploc","ae","af","af-za","ar","ar-ae","ar-bh","ar-qa","ar-sa","at","au","az","bd","be","bg","bg-bg","bh","br","ca","ch","cn","cs","cs-cz","cz","da","da-dk","de","de-at","de-be","de-ch","de-de","dk","ee","el","el-gr","en","en-ae","en-au","en-bd","en-be","en-bh","en-ca","en-cn","en-de","en-dk","en-gb","en-hk","en-id","en-ie","en-il","en-in","en-jm","en-jp","en-kh","en-kr","en-lk","en-mm","en-mv","en-my","en-np","en-nz","en-ph","en-pk","en-qa","en-sa","en-sg","en-th","en-tw","en-us","en-vn","en-za","es","es-419","es-es","es-mx","et","et-ee","fi","fi-fi","fil","fr","fr-be","fr-ca","fr-ch","fr-fr","fr-lu","ga","ga-ie","gb","gr","he","he-il","hi","hi-in","hk","hr","hr-hr","hu","hu-hu","id","id-id","ie","il","in","it","it-it","ja","ja-jp","jm","jp","kh","kk","ko","ko-kr","kr","ky","lk","lt","lt-lt","lu","lv","lv-lv","mm","ms","ms-my","mt","mt-mt","mv","mx","my","nb","nb-no","nl","nl-be","nl-nl","no","np","nz","ph","pk","pl","pl-pl","pt","pt-br","pt-pt","qa","ro","ro-ro","rs","ru","ru-ru","sa","se","sg","si","sk","sk-sk","sl","sl-si","sr","sr-rs","sv","sv-se","sw","th","th-th","tr","tr-tr","tw","ua","uk","uk-ua","ur","ur-pk","us","uz","vi","vi-vn","vn","za","zh","zh-cn","zh-hant","zh-hk","zh-tw"],"defaultLocale":"qps-ploc","scriptLoader":[]}</script></body></html>