[Coral-List] Current state of research in corals?

[D. Wade Lehmann]

As a recent graduate, I have been attempting to find out where current
research is focused in regards to coral and coral reef and environmental
interaction in order to shape my own future.  In that vein, I had a couple
of questions regarding direction and focus and I’d welcome any opinions.

I realize that answers will vary dependant on the person providing the
answer, but I would like to find out what the current state of the science
is so that I can pursue a post-doc that will help provide the techniques
which will benefit the reefs (and myself) the most.


1- Is there a mechanism by which the public can browse current
NSF/NOAA/etc grant funding to see where current funding has been directed?

2- Is there more focus on molecular biology, analytical, biomarker, or
histopathological methods currently? Is one likely to be more valuable
than another?

3- Where does the field need to be focused in the next 5-10 years in order
to progress?  Do we need better definition of genome maps, well defined
markers of exposure to toxicants or bleaching, a better understanding of
gene expression or protein function, more mechanistic approaches to reef
restoration/transplantation, or other avenues?  Which is more important in
your opinion?


Thank you for any discussion!

___________________________________________
D. Wade Lehmann
Dept Environmental and Molecular Toxicology
PHP Department, College of Vet Medicine
4700 Hillsborough St, CVM Research Bldg
Raleigh, NC 27606
919-515-7402 (lab)
919-515-4237 (fax)
__________________________________________
There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets
knowledge, the latter ignorance. Hippocrates (460 BC - 377 BC), Law