News and views on genetic and functional traits of the Mediterranean mussel

Total 58 delegates, from 14 countries and 30 different cities of the world, gathered in Chioggia (VE) in the occasion of AMMR 2019. The event was organized in partnership by the University of Padova, Department of Biology and School of Biosciences, under the patronage of Veneto Region, the town of Chioggia and the Horizon 2020 project VIVALDI (see other sponsors at https://www.biologia.unipd.it/ammr-2019). News and views have been exchanged on i) genetic mussel traits, including a significant molecular evidence of gene presence/absence variation, ii) population markers and evolution of the Mytilus species complex, iii) functional mussel responses in relation to potential pathogens and other factors. Innovative experimental strategies applied to marine mussels as well as mussel contributions in goods and services confirm these fascinating marine invertebrates as a model of study and strategic resource for the future. The next AMMR symposium is expected in 2021 in Poland!