buki@ocean.org.il
Tel: 04 – 8565275
Senior Scientist and professor
Ph.D. 1982, Tel Aviv University, Israel
At IOLR since 1988
Research interests:
We study marine invertebrates (emphasizing cnidarians [corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones’ and tunicates [primarily botryllid ascidians]). Studies are performed on the molecular, cellular, whole organism, the population and ecological levels. In addition, studies with applied aspects are performed on specific topics.
Cellular and molecular levels: Studies are conducted on marine invertebrates’ immunology and developmental biology, gene expressions, stem cells from marine invertebrates, developing of cell cultures from selected marine invertebrates and the impacts of UV-irradiation on shallow water marine organisms. Studies are also involved in various biological aspects of thraustochytrids (marine protists).
Whole organism level: We study astogeny in colonial marine organisms and blastogenesis in tunicates. In addition, studies are performed on colonial aging, regeneration (including whole body regeneration), torpor (hibernation, aestivation) phenomena and chimerism in marine organisms. Sexual reproduction of corals is followed for about three decades.
The population level: We study the population genetics of corals (in Eilat) and tunicates (worldwide studies) using molecular markers (microsatellites and COI). Studies are also performed on population characteristics of coral recruits in Eilat.
Ecological level: We study coral reef ecology and coral reef restoration. Recent studies engage aspects of marine-animal forests in Eilat and the Mediterranean Sea,
Applied aspects: Studies are performed on all biological levels of organization. A wide range of activities focus on the development of novel toolbox coral reef restoration. The topic of blue biotechnology is engaged with (a) molecular/cellular aspects, such as cell cultures from marine invertebrates that possess valuable compounds, searching for new strains/species of thraustochytrids with variable beneficial compounds (e.g., omega-3, PUFA, squalene, etc.) and (b) with carbon sequestering. Aspects of marine ecotoxicity are covered with activities performed on sea water genotoxicity (using the comet assay). Additional work is performed on DNA barcoding of the marine biota in Israel (Eilat and the Mediterranean Sea).
Selected recent (2023-2024) publications:
Rinkevich, B. (2024). A conceptual approach for an innovative Marine Animal Forest apparatus that facilitates carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement. Science of the Total Environment 947, 174353. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174353
Burdett, H.L., Albright, R., Foster, G.L., Mass, T., Page, T.M., Rinkevich, B., Schoepf, V., Silverman, J., Kamenos, N.A. (2024). Including environmental and climatic considerations for sustainable coral reef restoration. PLoS Biology 22(3): e3002542. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002542
Horoszowski-Fridman, Y. B., Izhaki, I., Katz, S.M., Barkan. R., Rinkevich, B. (2024). Shifting reef restoration focus from coral survivorship to biodiversity using Reef Carpets. Communication Biology 7:141. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-024-05831-4
Qarri, A., Rinkevich, Y., Douek, J., Sardogan, A., Rinkevich, B. (2024). Growth performance of a newly isolated and culturable thraustochytrid strain from sea squirt colonies. Fishes 9: 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9010022.
Pearman, P.B., Broennimann… Rinkevich, B., … Bruford, M. (2024). Monitoring of species’ genetic diversity in Europe varies greatly and overlooks potential climate change impacts. Nature Ecology and Evolution 8, 267–281. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02260-0.
Rosner, A., Ballarin… Rinkevich, B., Spagnuolo, A., Sugni, M., Cambier, S. (2024). A broad taxa approach as an important concept in ecotoxicological studies and pollution monitoring. Biological Reviews 99, 131-176. https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.13015
Reem, E., Douek, J., Rinkevich, B. (2023). Historical navigation routes in European waters leave their footprint on the contemporary seascape genetics of a colonial urochordate. Scientific Reports 13:19076. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-46174-0
Qarri, A., Kültz, D., Gardell, A.M., Rinkevich, B., Rinkevich, Y. (2023). Improved media formulations for primary cell cultures derived from a colonial urochordate. Cells 12, 1709. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12131709
Ben-Hamo, O., Izhaki, I., Ben-Shlomo, R., Rinkevich, B. (2023). The novel Orshina Rhythm in a colonial urochordate signifies the display of recurrent aging/rejuvenation sequels. Scientific Reports 13:9788. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36923-6
Heuertz, M., Carvalho, S.B., Galindo, J., Rinkevich, B., et al. (2023). The application gap: Genomics for biodiversity and ecosystem service management. Biological Conservation 278: 109883.
