Blanca Figuerola
@bfiguerola.bsky.social
Ramon y Cajal researcher at @medrecover.bsky.social team, @icmcsic.bsky.social. PI of @marinecalcifiers.bsky.social 🪸
In love with remote islands.
#globalchange #biodiversity #ecology #paleoecology #benthos #Bryozoa #microbiome
In love with remote islands.
#globalchange #biodiversity #ecology #paleoecology #benthos #Bryozoa #microbiome
Hoy participamos en la mesa redonda de la Jornada Mujer y Ciencia Polar Pepita Castellví organizada por PolarCSIC. Se abordaron temas clave sobre el papel de la mujer y la posibilidad de que la base antártica pase a llevar el nombre de Pepita Castellví. Fotos de PolarCSIC y @nurito.bsky.social.
November 26, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Hoy participamos en la mesa redonda de la Jornada Mujer y Ciencia Polar Pepita Castellví organizada por PolarCSIC. Se abordaron temas clave sobre el papel de la mujer y la posibilidad de que la base antártica pase a llevar el nombre de Pepita Castellví. Fotos de PolarCSIC y @nurito.bsky.social.
Ready to take the next step in your research career at @icmcsic.bsky.social?We’re seeking enthusiastic candidates to join our team + apply for prestigious pre/postdoc fellowships. Learn more👇
🔗 icm.csic.es/ca/oferta-tr...
🔗 icm.csic.es/ca/oferta-tr...
@em-oyster.bsky.social @bryozoology.bsky.social
🔗 icm.csic.es/ca/oferta-tr...
🔗 icm.csic.es/ca/oferta-tr...
@em-oyster.bsky.social @bryozoology.bsky.social
October 1, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Ready to take the next step in your research career at @icmcsic.bsky.social?We’re seeking enthusiastic candidates to join our team + apply for prestigious pre/postdoc fellowships. Learn more👇
🔗 icm.csic.es/ca/oferta-tr...
🔗 icm.csic.es/ca/oferta-tr...
@em-oyster.bsky.social @bryozoology.bsky.social
🔗 icm.csic.es/ca/oferta-tr...
🔗 icm.csic.es/ca/oferta-tr...
@em-oyster.bsky.social @bryozoology.bsky.social
Happy to collaborate on this great work led by Antonietta Rosso, revising the bryozoan genus Fenestrulina with 77 species and describing seven new ones from the Mediterranean! @zookeys.pensoft.net
🔗 zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1579...
🔗 zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1579...
September 30, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Happy to collaborate on this great work led by Antonietta Rosso, revising the bryozoan genus Fenestrulina with 77 species and describing seven new ones from the Mediterranean! @zookeys.pensoft.net
🔗 zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1579...
🔗 zookeys.pensoft.net/article/1579...
Lab meeting today at @icmcsic.bsky.social. Feeling so lucky to be surrounded by amazing people and researchers, both growing in their own paths:one finishing the PhD and another starting the 2nd year! @marinecalcifiers.bsky.social #SeveroOchoa @cienciagob.bsky.social #INPhINIT @lacaixa.bsky.social
September 30, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Lab meeting today at @icmcsic.bsky.social. Feeling so lucky to be surrounded by amazing people and researchers, both growing in their own paths:one finishing the PhD and another starting the 2nd year! @marinecalcifiers.bsky.social #SeveroOchoa @cienciagob.bsky.social #INPhINIT @lacaixa.bsky.social
8/ These microbial shifts happened without visible host mortality. Microbiomes may act as early-warning systems, detecting stress before it becomes lethal.🔍
September 5, 2025 at 5:07 AM
8/ These microbial shifts happened without visible host mortality. Microbiomes may act as early-warning systems, detecting stress before it becomes lethal.🔍
6/ At 13m:
📈 Higher microbial diversity
📈 Opportunistic bacteria like Woeseia & Pelagibius thrived
📉 Beneficial/core taxa (Aquimarina, Vibrio) declined
This suggests early dysbiosis, a disrupted microbial balance ⚖️
📈 Higher microbial diversity
📈 Opportunistic bacteria like Woeseia & Pelagibius thrived
📉 Beneficial/core taxa (Aquimarina, Vibrio) declined
This suggests early dysbiosis, a disrupted microbial balance ⚖️
September 5, 2025 at 5:07 AM
6/ At 13m:
📈 Higher microbial diversity
📈 Opportunistic bacteria like Woeseia & Pelagibius thrived
📉 Beneficial/core taxa (Aquimarina, Vibrio) declined
This suggests early dysbiosis, a disrupted microbial balance ⚖️
📈 Higher microbial diversity
📈 Opportunistic bacteria like Woeseia & Pelagibius thrived
📉 Beneficial/core taxa (Aquimarina, Vibrio) declined
This suggests early dysbiosis, a disrupted microbial balance ⚖️
4/ Researchers sampled M. truncata at two depths (13m & 17m) in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve. Both sites endured the heatwave, but warmer, shallower waters were expected to show stronger microbial shifts.
September 5, 2025 at 5:07 AM
4/ Researchers sampled M. truncata at two depths (13m & 17m) in the Medes Islands Marine Reserve. Both sites endured the heatwave, but warmer, shallower waters were expected to show stronger microbial shifts.
3/ But not all species responded the same. The bryozoan Myriapora truncata looked resilient (no visible necrosis). Could its microbiome, the microbes living with it, be the hidden key?
September 5, 2025 at 5:07 AM
3/ But not all species responded the same. The bryozoan Myriapora truncata looked resilient (no visible necrosis). Could its microbiome, the microbes living with it, be the hidden key?
"Els arquitectes del mar, en risc per l’impacte combinat de l’acidificació i l’escalfament de l’oceà". #briozous
🔗 www.icm.csic.es/ca/noticia/e...
@fonamental.bsky.social @elpiratavell.bsky.social @polcapdevila.bsky.social
@commsbio.nature.com @natureportfolio.nature.com
🔗 www.icm.csic.es/ca/noticia/e...
@fonamental.bsky.social @elpiratavell.bsky.social @polcapdevila.bsky.social
@commsbio.nature.com @natureportfolio.nature.com
August 4, 2025 at 7:55 PM
"Els arquitectes del mar, en risc per l’impacte combinat de l’acidificació i l’escalfament de l’oceà". #briozous
🔗 www.icm.csic.es/ca/noticia/e...
@fonamental.bsky.social @elpiratavell.bsky.social @polcapdevila.bsky.social
@commsbio.nature.com @natureportfolio.nature.com
🔗 www.icm.csic.es/ca/noticia/e...
@fonamental.bsky.social @elpiratavell.bsky.social @polcapdevila.bsky.social
@commsbio.nature.com @natureportfolio.nature.com
9/
Bryozoans are key habitat-formers, yet often overlooked in climate research.
Our work shows they’re at risk under future ocean conditions.
🌊 We need more long-term, multi-stressor studies in natural settings. Stay tuned for the ongoing HOLOCHANGE and MedAcidWarm projects!
Bryozoans are key habitat-formers, yet often overlooked in climate research.
Our work shows they’re at risk under future ocean conditions.
🌊 We need more long-term, multi-stressor studies in natural settings. Stay tuned for the ongoing HOLOCHANGE and MedAcidWarm projects!
July 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
9/
Bryozoans are key habitat-formers, yet often overlooked in climate research.
Our work shows they’re at risk under future ocean conditions.
🌊 We need more long-term, multi-stressor studies in natural settings. Stay tuned for the ongoing HOLOCHANGE and MedAcidWarm projects!
Bryozoans are key habitat-formers, yet often overlooked in climate research.
Our work shows they’re at risk under future ocean conditions.
🌊 We need more long-term, multi-stressor studies in natural settings. Stay tuned for the ongoing HOLOCHANGE and MedAcidWarm projects!
8/
This is the first study to document long-term microbiome and skeletal responses to combined ocean acidification & warming in bryozoans in the wild.
We reveal:
✅ Complex, species-specific strategies
⚠️ Signs of vulnerability under future ocean conditions
This is the first study to document long-term microbiome and skeletal responses to combined ocean acidification & warming in bryozoans in the wild.
We reveal:
✅ Complex, species-specific strategies
⚠️ Signs of vulnerability under future ocean conditions
July 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
8/
This is the first study to document long-term microbiome and skeletal responses to combined ocean acidification & warming in bryozoans in the wild.
We reveal:
✅ Complex, species-specific strategies
⚠️ Signs of vulnerability under future ocean conditions
This is the first study to document long-term microbiome and skeletal responses to combined ocean acidification & warming in bryozoans in the wild.
We reveal:
✅ Complex, species-specific strategies
⚠️ Signs of vulnerability under future ocean conditions
7/
What about long-term effects?
We monitored Pentapora populations over 5 years:
📉 Bryozoan cover declined
☠️ Necrosis increased
🌡️ Warming & acidification together accelerated mortality
What about long-term effects?
We monitored Pentapora populations over 5 years:
📉 Bryozoan cover declined
☠️ Necrosis increased
🌡️ Warming & acidification together accelerated mortality
July 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
7/
What about long-term effects?
We monitored Pentapora populations over 5 years:
📉 Bryozoan cover declined
☠️ Necrosis increased
🌡️ Warming & acidification together accelerated mortality
What about long-term effects?
We monitored Pentapora populations over 5 years:
📉 Bryozoan cover declined
☠️ Necrosis increased
🌡️ Warming & acidification together accelerated mortality
6/
But not all are good news...
We also observed:
📉 Loss of key microbial genera
☠️Rise of opportunists & anaerobes
These microbial shifts may signal early dysbiosis — an early warning of declining host health.
But not all are good news...
We also observed:
📉 Loss of key microbial genera
☠️Rise of opportunists & anaerobes
These microbial shifts may signal early dysbiosis — an early warning of declining host health.
July 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
6/
But not all are good news...
We also observed:
📉 Loss of key microbial genera
☠️Rise of opportunists & anaerobes
These microbial shifts may signal early dysbiosis — an early warning of declining host health.
But not all are good news...
We also observed:
📉 Loss of key microbial genera
☠️Rise of opportunists & anaerobes
These microbial shifts may signal early dysbiosis — an early warning of declining host health.
5/
🦠 Microbial communities:
We found species-specific core microbiomes, conserved across both pH conditions.
This stability suggests potential acclimatization capacity in both species despite environmental stress.
🦠 Microbial communities:
We found species-specific core microbiomes, conserved across both pH conditions.
This stability suggests potential acclimatization capacity in both species despite environmental stress.
July 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
5/
🦠 Microbial communities:
We found species-specific core microbiomes, conserved across both pH conditions.
This stability suggests potential acclimatization capacity in both species despite environmental stress.
🦠 Microbial communities:
We found species-specific core microbiomes, conserved across both pH conditions.
This stability suggests potential acclimatization capacity in both species despite environmental stress.
4/
🧱 Mineral & skeletal structure:
The two species showed opposing strategies to low pH.
🦪 P. ottomuelleriana reduced Mg-calcite & zooid volume
🪸 M. truncata thickened its skeleton
→ Different energy trade-offs to maintain calcification under stress
🧱 Mineral & skeletal structure:
The two species showed opposing strategies to low pH.
🦪 P. ottomuelleriana reduced Mg-calcite & zooid volume
🪸 M. truncata thickened its skeleton
→ Different energy trade-offs to maintain calcification under stress
July 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
4/
🧱 Mineral & skeletal structure:
The two species showed opposing strategies to low pH.
🦪 P. ottomuelleriana reduced Mg-calcite & zooid volume
🪸 M. truncata thickened its skeleton
→ Different energy trade-offs to maintain calcification under stress
🧱 Mineral & skeletal structure:
The two species showed opposing strategies to low pH.
🦪 P. ottomuelleriana reduced Mg-calcite & zooid volume
🪸 M. truncata thickened its skeleton
→ Different energy trade-offs to maintain calcification under stress
3/
We focused on two species:
🦪 Pentapora ottomuelleriana (fast-growing, encrusting)
🪸 Myriapora truncata (slow-growing, erect)
They naturally occur inside & outside a Mediterranean CO₂ vent. 🌋
We also used 3D micro-CT scans to visualize how their skeletons change.
We focused on two species:
🦪 Pentapora ottomuelleriana (fast-growing, encrusting)
🪸 Myriapora truncata (slow-growing, erect)
They naturally occur inside & outside a Mediterranean CO₂ vent. 🌋
We also used 3D micro-CT scans to visualize how their skeletons change.
July 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
3/
We focused on two species:
🦪 Pentapora ottomuelleriana (fast-growing, encrusting)
🪸 Myriapora truncata (slow-growing, erect)
They naturally occur inside & outside a Mediterranean CO₂ vent. 🌋
We also used 3D micro-CT scans to visualize how their skeletons change.
We focused on two species:
🦪 Pentapora ottomuelleriana (fast-growing, encrusting)
🪸 Myriapora truncata (slow-growing, erect)
They naturally occur inside & outside a Mediterranean CO₂ vent. 🌋
We also used 3D micro-CT scans to visualize how their skeletons change.
2/
Why bryozoans?
🪸 They build reef-like structures
🌍 They're widespread + ecologically important
🦠 But largely understudied—especially their microbiomes!
We studied them at a volcanic CO₂ vent & a control site in Ischia Island, a "time machine" for future oceans.
Why bryozoans?
🪸 They build reef-like structures
🌍 They're widespread + ecologically important
🦠 But largely understudied—especially their microbiomes!
We studied them at a volcanic CO₂ vent & a control site in Ischia Island, a "time machine" for future oceans.
July 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
2/
Why bryozoans?
🪸 They build reef-like structures
🌍 They're widespread + ecologically important
🦠 But largely understudied—especially their microbiomes!
We studied them at a volcanic CO₂ vent & a control site in Ischia Island, a "time machine" for future oceans.
Why bryozoans?
🪸 They build reef-like structures
🌍 They're widespread + ecologically important
🦠 But largely understudied—especially their microbiomes!
We studied them at a volcanic CO₂ vent & a control site in Ischia Island, a "time machine" for future oceans.
1/
Our new paper is out today in @commsbio.nature.com @natureportfolio.nature.com 🚨
🔗https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08524-8
We studied how two Mediterranean bryozoan species respond to ocean acidification & warming using a natural underwater CO₂ vent as a climate change lab. 🌊🧫
🧵⬇️
Our new paper is out today in @commsbio.nature.com @natureportfolio.nature.com 🚨
🔗https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08524-8
We studied how two Mediterranean bryozoan species respond to ocean acidification & warming using a natural underwater CO₂ vent as a climate change lab. 🌊🧫
🧵⬇️
July 31, 2025 at 1:47 PM
1/
Our new paper is out today in @commsbio.nature.com @natureportfolio.nature.com 🚨
🔗https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08524-8
We studied how two Mediterranean bryozoan species respond to ocean acidification & warming using a natural underwater CO₂ vent as a climate change lab. 🌊🧫
🧵⬇️
Our new paper is out today in @commsbio.nature.com @natureportfolio.nature.com 🚨
🔗https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08524-8
We studied how two Mediterranean bryozoan species respond to ocean acidification & warming using a natural underwater CO₂ vent as a climate change lab. 🌊🧫
🧵⬇️
Compartirem les nostres experiències utilitzant el busseig com a eina per fer el que ens agrada, explorar, investigar i divulgar entorns submarins com els jaciments i les zones polars,entre altres.Us hi esperem! #11F #11F2025 #womeninscience #DiadelaDonaiNenaenCiencia www.icm.csic.es/ca/esdevenim...
February 7, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Compartirem les nostres experiències utilitzant el busseig com a eina per fer el que ens agrada, explorar, investigar i divulgar entorns submarins com els jaciments i les zones polars,entre altres.Us hi esperem! #11F #11F2025 #womeninscience #DiadelaDonaiNenaenCiencia www.icm.csic.es/ca/esdevenim...
"Emissions must be rapidly, deeply, and sustainably reduced. However, certain sectors that are difficult to fully decarbonize will continue to emit CO₂, requiring offsetting through carbon dioxide removal (CDR)."
Check this new report on this topic 👇
zenodo.org/records/1469...
Check this new report on this topic 👇
zenodo.org/records/1469...
January 23, 2025 at 6:34 AM
"Emissions must be rapidly, deeply, and sustainably reduced. However, certain sectors that are difficult to fully decarbonize will continue to emit CO₂, requiring offsetting through carbon dioxide removal (CDR)."
Check this new report on this topic 👇
zenodo.org/records/1469...
Check this new report on this topic 👇
zenodo.org/records/1469...
Amazing dive in Amsterdam Island. The bryozoan paradise 💙
December 12, 2024 at 9:44 AM
Amazing dive in Amsterdam Island. The bryozoan paradise 💙
Yesterday the visibility was great. Amazing kelp forests in Kerguelen Is. 💚
November 24, 2024 at 9:17 AM
Yesterday the visibility was great. Amazing kelp forests in Kerguelen Is. 💚
What a great experience diving in kelp forests during the polar night 💙 #kerguelen
November 24, 2024 at 9:14 AM
What a great experience diving in kelp forests during the polar night 💙 #kerguelen
In Kerguelen, I'm finding most bryozoan species in the holdfast and death algae. I guess the bioactive compounds of kelps deter them(?).
November 24, 2024 at 9:10 AM
In Kerguelen, I'm finding most bryozoan species in the holdfast and death algae. I guess the bioactive compounds of kelps deter them(?).
Meet Gabriel Sonoda, who started the PhD at ICM under my supervision and Anna Sanchez. He will assess plastics debris as a dispersal vector of marine species. His PhD is granted by an INPhINIT @FundlaCaixaCAT. We are so happy to have him on board! @Med_Recover
November 22, 2024 at 1:48 PM
Meet Gabriel Sonoda, who started the PhD at ICM under my supervision and Anna Sanchez. He will assess plastics debris as a dispersal vector of marine species. His PhD is granted by an INPhINIT @FundlaCaixaCAT. We are so happy to have him on board! @Med_Recover