Transplantation of symbiotic bacteria to heat-sensitive corals helps protect them against bleaching, but many questions remain. Continue reading Are Beneficial Bacteria the Answer to Coral Bleaching?
Central to coral reefs around the world is the deeply interdependent relationship between corals and algae. This interconnection is responsible for algae’s protected habitat, corals’ bright colors, and the mutual exchange of nutrients for photosynthesis. Algae growth is modulated by a process called self-shading, decreasing exposure to light. In an artificial setup, however, this process prevents researchers from growing coral quickly. To prevent this light … Continue reading 3D printed corals grow algae that photosynthesize more efficiently
In the event of worst-case nuclear war fallout, what would happen to our oceans? Climate scientists predict that our oceans would become less acidic, and shelled animals would suffer (again). Continue reading Nuclear Conflict Could Alter the Conditions of Our Oceans
by Samantha Tracy figures by Sean Wilson A solo diver dips under the surface of crashing waves to reveal a plethora of attention-grabbing colors in astounding brightness. The image of a coral reef is exciting and overwhelming for the human brain, but another world comes to life when we close our eyes. A cascading orchestra of gentle bubbling, a faint crackling chorus of snapping shrimp, … Continue reading Listen Closely: Coral reefs are losing their sound
Sharks play an important and often overlooked role in the ocean ecosystem. As apex predators, or predators at the top of their food chain, sharks regulate the diversity and diets of species below them, ensuring a healthy ocean habitat. For instance, the decline of sharks in many areas has been shown to directly correlate with the demise of coral reefs and seagrass beds. Despite their … Continue reading Using Satellites to Protect Shark Sanctuaries