Palumbi Lab
The Palumbi Lab
The Palumbi Lab at Stanford University's Hopkins Marine Station conducts pioneering research at the intersection of marine ecology, evolutionary biology, and conservation genetics. Led by Dr. Stephen Palumbi, the lab investigates how marine organisms adapt to environmental changes, with a particular focus on the genetic mechanisms underlying resilience to climate stressors.
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The lab’s work encompasses a diverse array of marine species. Notably, the lab has used DNA data to identify species in the seafoodtrade to help plan networks of marine reserves, and identify unique patterns of DNA evolution from sea urchins to sharks to corals. Currently the lab is identifying heat-resistant coral populations in regions like Palau, American Samoa, and Hawaii, offering promising avenues for reef restoration efforts amid global warming challenges. Additionally, the Palumbi Lab uses environmental DNA methods along the California coast, specifically within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary to monitor the biodiversity of kelp forests. By integrating field studies with genomic analyses, the lab contributes to our growing understanding of marine biodiversity and the development of strategies to protect it in a rapidly changing world.