The hidden heartbeat of corals: mathematical models to understand and restore reefs
Sept. 8, 2025
eldiario.es has published a report on the work of researchers at IFISC (UIB-CSIC) to better understand the life of corals and their vulnerability to climate change. The article presents two independent projects, CoralMath and Kcri-Encoredat, which address the challenge from complementary perspectives.
CoralMath, led by Eva Llabrés, develops mathematical models capable of reproducing and predicting the surprising diversity of forms that coral colonies take. This geometric approach allows us to unravel how small growth rules at the polyp scale translate into complex structures.
Meanwhile, Kcri-Encoredat, coordinated by Damià Gomila and Manuel Matías, applies tools from complex systems physics and real environmental data to analyse entire reefs and guide restoration strategies in areas affected by bleaching and degradation. Among their findings, they highlight that corals not only grow, but also ‘beat’, behaving like excitable systems that generate waves and pulses of growth.
The report shows how both projects, with different but complementary approaches, contribute fundamental knowledge to protect one of the richest and most threatened ecosystems on the planet.
Read the full article here: https://www.eldiario.es/illes-balears/sociedad/latido-oculto-arrecife-modelos-revelan-crecen-resisten-corales-crisis-climatica_1_12540452.html
