A New Framework for Coral Resilience: Evolution-Guided Probiotics

Our evolution-guided framework identifies persistent probiotics and has been recognized as a next-generation strategy for microbiome engineering.

Published in Cell Host & Microbe, our approach sets a new benchmark by using evolutionary genomics to identify bacteria naturally primed for long-term host association, rather than relying on standard screening for short-term probiotic effects.

The Breakthrough Results:

• Built to Last: In rigorous field trials, our selected probiotic strains (such as coral-associated Ruegeria) successfully colonized their host and remained detectable in the tissues for over 8 months.

• Zero Reapplication Needed: These resilient bacteria persisted through a natural ocean bleaching event without needing a single reapplication.

• Proven Resilience: Most importantly, this persistent colonization measurably enhanced the host's thermal resilience against severe heat stress.

By shifting from temporary boosts to persistent colonization, we are providing a highly scalable, long-term "biological insurance" policy for marine restoration and the blue economy.

Source: Next-generation coral microbiome stewardship: From holobiont restoration to ecosystem resilience. Cell Host & Microbe. DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2026.07.010