Research on Coral Symbiosis and Global Warming
Researchers are studying the symbiotic relationship between coral and algae to understand how to protect coral reefs from global warming. The Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics project aims to sequence coral genomes to identify traits that enhance resilience to climate change.
| Score | Value |
|---|---|
Scale | 8 |
Novelty | 7 |
Positivity | 6 |
Reliability | 8 |
Actionability | 2 |
Society | 7 |
Journalism | 5 |
Highlights
- An international group of researchers is working on the Aquatic Symbiosis Genomics (ASG) project to study coral and its symbiotic relationship with algae.
- 54% of oceans containing reefs have experienced heat stress high enough to cause destructive bleaching.
- At the current rate of bleaching, about 90% of the world’s coral reefs will be functionally extinct by 2030.
- The ASG project is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Sanger Institute.
- Scientists are developing new methods for extracting DNA from coral and separating it from the symbiotic algae.
Perspectives
- The rapid decline of coral reefs due to global warming is alarming, with predictions that 90% of reefs could be functionally extinct by 2030, highlighting the need for immediate scientific intervention.
- The ASG project aims to create 'super-corals' through genetic research, which could help coral species adapt to climate change and survive in increasingly hostile environments.