Large organisms can be complex, which can make understanding the intricacies of their health and the diseases they can come down with a challenge. Animal models help researchers ask the important questions about the underlying genetic, cellular, and molecular mechanisms involved. The animal model needs to be simple and easy to work with, while translationally relevant to the larger organism at hand.

That’s true when the animal is intended to model a human…or, another animal. In this month’s Technology Feature, we dive into the world of corals—animals facing an uncertain future that are challenging to raise and study in the lab. The race is on to develop an animal model that can help the field better understand and ultimately conserve coral reefs.

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