‘Good’ bacteria and HIIT could train Singapore corals to withstand hotter seas
Singaporean scientists are testing methods to increase coral resilience to heatwaves by using specific bacteria and heat-conditioning regimes. These treated coral fragments have been transplanted to local reefs to monitor their survival against rising sea temperatures.
Why it matters
This research represents a proactive technological approach to mitigating the impact of climate change on fragile marine ecosystems.
Researchers preparing to transplant coral fragments, carried in baskets, onto reefs off Kusu Island on May 25.
Listen Summarise Scientists in Singapore have identified a special bacterium that helps corals resist heat stress and potentially prevent bleaching Researchers use a heat conditioning regime to train coral fragments to tolerate higher water temperatures before transplanting them into reefs. Over 100 treated coral fragments were transplanted to local reefs to test these methods’ effectiveness. AI generated
SINGAPORE – Just as some people rely on probiotic drinks and regular exercise to stay healthy, corals could also benefit from a special bacterium and a training regime to survive rising sea temperatures.
Bracing themselves for the next marine heatwave amid El Nino, Singapore scientists have identified a bacterium living in reefs that can fortify corals’ resilience to heat, potentially helping to prevent bleaching.
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