Articles tagged with Coral Reefs
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
The University of Guam is conducting a four-person research team's study on the genetics of corals from the Northern Mariana Islands to understand coral population connections, diversity, and adaptations. The study aims to identify potential reserves for declining reefs and assess the impact of warming waters.
A new study reveals that shark depredation is increasing in the Maldives shark sanctuary, resulting in significant catch and income losses. Fishers who experience greater losses due to depredation show reduced support for conservation efforts, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches to manage conflicts.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers compared the walking and swimming behaviors of neonate and juvenile epaulette sharks. Contrary to expectations, results showed that differences in body shape did not alter kinematics between early life stages, suggesting a consistent locomotor performance.
Researchers found that sponges release mucus to unclog their internal filter systems, which also serves as a food source for fish. The study published in Current Biology highlights the unique adaptation of sponges to manage their waste and environment.
Scientists have identified possible 'thermal refugia' where coral reefs are more likely to survive warming oceans. An interactive global atlas has been created with locations of these areas, providing a starting point for conservation efforts.
A UBC research team created a computer modelling program to predict coral reef impact and restoration plans. They found that more diverse communities are most resilient, with species having unique traits contributing to habitat quality.
A new study found that coral spawning events at deeper depths occur at lower intensities than those in shallow waters. The researchers suggest that deep reefs may more often rely on shallow-reef corals to survive.
A new study reveals that reef fish diversity is driven by a recent innovation among bony fish – feeding by biting prey from surfaces. This feeding method allowed fish to access diverse new prey, promoting the evolution of a wide variety of body shapes and a high rate of diversification.
Research suggests that restoring areas with corals adapted to warmer temperatures is ineffective at helping corals survive climate change. Selectively breeding corals to be more heat tolerant only benefits large-scale efforts over centuries.
Clown anemonefish control their growth to match larger anemones, growing faster than fish on smaller anemones. This mutualistic interaction allows for optimized reproductive value in their environment.
Researchers discovered microplastics in Palau's coral reefs, despite their pristine nature, raising concerns about the impact on marine life. The study highlights the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in even the most protected ecosystems.
A recent study by UNC-Chapel Hill biologists reveals the crucial link between benthic cyanobacterial mats and coral Black Band Disease, a pressing conservation concern. The researchers suggest mitigating strategies to reduce its spread and highlight the importance of monitoring reef cover of cyanobacterial mats for effective management.
A research group has discovered that a coral pathogen, Vibrio coralliilyticus, kills non-pathogenic competitors in the coral microbiota through prophage induction. This process involves the generation of hydrogen peroxide, which eliminates harmless bacteria and allows the pathogen to outcompete and colonize the coral.
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has been awarded a $7.5 million grant from DARPA to develop innovative hybrid reef structures that can accelerate coastal protection in Florida and the Caribbean.
A new analysis demonstrates that mangrove and coral reef restoration can be a cost-effective solution for coastal flood reduction. The study found that the benefits from reduced flood damage exceed the costs of restoration, making nature-based solutions an attractive option for funding.
A new study has found that invasive subtropical corals can survive and thrive in coastal Sydney, raising concerns for existing coral species. The research suggests that warming temperatures could kill off the native corals, highlighting the need to protect Australia's reefs from climate change.
A new standardized method for measuring calcium carbonate on ocean floors can help researchers compare coral reef health globally. The 'how-to' guide enables the collection of comparable data from coral and oyster reefs worldwide, providing insights into the impacts of climate change and human activities.
A pioneering study shows that climate change was the primary driver of the location of ancient coral reefs, which once extended far beyond the tropics. The researchers used habitat modeling and reconstructions of past climates to predict the distribution of suitable environments for coral reefs over the last 250 million years.
A new study finds that cold-water corals thrive when food supply and oxygen content are available, but decline in response to changes. The research, led by MARUM, analyzed sediments from six locations and found that these factors have been critical to coral survival over the past 20,000 years.
A team of Australian scientists has analyzed rare earth elements in drilled reef cores to unveil a deep history of wild weather on the Great Barrier Reef. The study reveals that extreme runoff from intense monsoons affected water quality over 8,000 years ago, leading to reduced coral growth and reef decline.
A new AI method can distinguish between the overall sounds of healthy and unhealthy coral reefs, making it a valuable tool for monitoring reef health. The technique uses machine learning to analyze sound recordings and track the progress of reef restoration projects.
New research shows that motorboat noise disrupts parental behaviors in coral reef fish, but reducing noise levels improves breeding success. On quieter reefs, 65% of nests contained offspring, compared to 40% on busy reefs. The study suggests that acoustic sanctuaries can help build resilience on coral reefs.
Global warming is expected to destabilize Caribbean coral populations, leading to bleaching and extinction. Coral reefs support the seafood industry, coastal communities, and tourism, with a net economic value estimated in tens of billions of dollars.
A new study suggests that large-scale ocean sanctuaries can help protect coral reefs from the effects of climate change. The research advocates for international collaboration to establish mesoscale sanctuaries across national boundaries to conserve these critical ecosystems.
A new Stanford University study reveals that sunscreens containing oxybenzone can damage coral reefs, hastening their demise. The researchers found that oxybenzone forms damaging radicals when exposed to sunlight and can also disrupt coral defense mechanisms.
A new study by University of California, Riverside researchers has found that coral-algal symbiosis can initiate without photosynthesis. This breakthrough could help corals survive climate change and ultimately save coral reefs.
Researchers from Uppsala University developed a new method to predict temperature tolerance in individual microalgae symbionts, enabling the identification of climate resilient cells. This study aims to accelerate coral reef restoration efforts by introducing more robust coral symbionts to combat climate change.
Researchers developed a 3D printing method to preserve coral reefs, using natural structure data and environmental DNA sampling. The process creates customizable structures that can be tailored to specific reef environments, promoting biodiversity and supporting regrowth.
A new study using environmental DNA reveals a 16% higher fish diversity on coral reefs than traditional visual observations. The approach detects pelagic, reef-bound, and cryptobenthic species that are difficult to spot by divers.
A novel approach to understanding sponge evolution reveals two distinct microbiome compositions that led to different feeding strategies and predator protection. The discovery provides insights into the Earth's past and could reveal aspects of ancient ocean chemistry.
Researchers have assembled a comprehensive genome of the false clownfish, providing insights into its ecological behavior, evolutionary history and adaptability. The genome comparison with its orange-clownfish cousin reveals unique genes related to neurobiology, affecting their behavior and ecology.
Researchers quantified five critical ecological processes on over 500 coral reefs worldwide, finding no reef can maximize each process simultaneously. They also identified local super heroes among species that contribute to ecosystem functioning.
Correa's lab aims to understand the role of fish feces in maintaining coral health, with potential implications for mitigating climate change impacts. They will test ideas such as introducing more coral-eating fish to reefs to spread beneficial symbionts.
Coral reefs in remote areas of the Indian Ocean have shown rapid recovery after a 2015/16 bleaching event. The study found that reefs with intact physical structure and key coral species returned quickly, indicating a high level of resilience to ocean warming.
A recent study led by University of Hawaii student researchers found that exposing rice coral larvae to warmer temperatures did not improve survival once the coral developed into juveniles. Instead, rearing at ambient temperatures maximized early life stage survival.
A long-term study reveals that urbanization disrupts natural biorhythms in corals, affecting their metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Despite healthy appearance, corals near urban areas show altered diel and lunar cycles, microbiome patterns, and decreased physiological performance.
Researchers at KAUST used drones to track dye plumes in coastal waters, providing insights into the dispersion of materials in the water column and along the coast. The study demonstrated the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring time-sensitive events and capturing rapidly developing processes.
A study analyzing 9,000 years of Earth's history found that strong El Niño events intensified over time but with a small change due to global warming. Researchers used ancient coral data and powerful supercomputers to conduct their research, calling for further investigations into earlier climate periods.
A new analysis reveals Caribbean coral reefs have warmed by 0.5 to 1°C in the past century, with projected further warming of 1.5°C by 2100. Marine heatwaves are also increasing in frequency and length, posing a significant threat to these ecosystems.
Researchers found that corals exposed to variable temperatures were more tolerant of increased water temperatures and less likely to succumb to disease. This new approach could increase the success rate of coral restoration efforts, particularly in South Florida and the Caribbean.
Mblue Labs releases a coral-safe, broad-spectrum sunscreen containing Methylene Blue, which repairs photo-aging and delays skin aging. The product replaces Oxybenzone, a chemical UV blocker linked to coral reef destruction, providing safer protection for consumers and the environment.
Scientists have characterized thousands of small molecules in coral reef ecosystems, providing insights into food web dynamics and chemical ecology. The study found that corals and seaweeds release diverse compounds that influence nutrient concentrations and availability in the ecosystem.
Researchers found that coral species with faster skeletal crystallization rates are more resilient to ocean acidification. A team of UW-Madison students contributed to the analysis and were co-authors on the study. The findings have significant implications for developing mitigation strategies against ocean acidification.
A new study found that seafloor sediments can transmit a deadly pathogen to local corals, contributing to the persistence of a devastating coral disease outbreak. Coastal construction activities like dredging and beach renourishment may further spread the disease.
A new study reveals that coral reef ecosystems support diverse small-scale fisheries, providing essential micronutrients vital to the health of millions in the tropics. Following bleaching events, reef fisheries can remain rich sources of these nutrients, even increasing their nutritional value for some minerals.
Researchers at Stanford University have demonstrated that measuring the physics of just a small portion of a coral reef can reveal insights about the entire reef system. This new approach provides low-cost methods for scaling up monitoring efforts, which are crucial for understanding the impact of climate change on these ecosystems.
Researchers identify a molecular culprit for COVID-19's seasonal nature, finding a galectin-like structure on the spike protein that responds to external seasonal patterns. This discovery could help predict future mutations and potentially pave the way for new therapeutics or vaccines.
A new study from Australian Institute of Marine Science reveals that reef fish such as emperors, tropical snappers, and rockcods play a crucial role in controlling crown-of-thorns starfish numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. By removing these fish species, the abundance of coral-eating starfish increases.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that coral reef restoration projects can lead to a healthy and functioning ecosystem through the soundscape, with increased fish sounds recorded on restored reefs. The study used acoustic recordings from 2018-2019 as part of the monitoring program for the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Project.
Researchers have developed a powerful new tool that can determine the diversity of hard corals on a reef by analyzing DNA in seawater samples. This method is faster, easier, and less expensive than traditional visual identification, allowing for more accurate coral reef conservation and restoration.
Researchers found that fish exposed to BPA exhibited feminizing effects on gonads, brain genes, and hormone levels, leading to changes in aggression and sex determination. In contrast, EE2 had less pronounced effects, with decreased aggression despite feminization of gonads.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum study coral reefs' reaction to climate change, discovering polyp bailout as a potential survival mechanism. The study reveals different species react with varying intensity to environmental stressors, and that individual polyps can survive and grow in new locations.
The grant aims to build a robot that navigates complex environments and collects data over long periods, combining image collection and acoustic analysis to mimic a trained diver's curiosity. This will enable scientists to slowly build a detailed picture of ecosystem function and health, reducing the impact on animals' behavior.
Researchers at KAUST develop adaptive framework to increase coral resilience, combining tools like selective sexual propagation, coral probiotics, and environmental hardening. They also investigate the potential of genetic adaptations and beneficial microorganisms to enhance coral's stress resilience.
A new analysis reveals that plankton-eating fish play a central role in driving local spikes of extreme biological productivity in tropical coral reefs. These 'sweet spots' concentrate abundant fish production, making them optimal for fishing. The study's findings hold significance for the future of tropical reef fisheries as coral ree...
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new approach to coral restoration using 3D printing, which accelerates coral growth and reef recovery. The method uses eco-friendly calcium carbonate ink and attaches coral microfragments to the printed skeleton, providing corals with a head start.
Researchers aim to predict and contain the spread of SCTLD by tracking coral immune responses. The study will examine which factors contribute to a successful immune response, where corals can recover and survive.
Researchers challenge long-held notion that humans are bad for ecosystems, finding no correlation between remoteness and coral reef resilience. Instead, areas with higher human influence may recover faster from disturbances due to shifts in coral population dynamics.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution has been selected by the National Science Foundation to develop a coral reef digital twin, which aims to create a smart, integrated, and connected ecosystem for ocean innovation and sustainable utilization. The project will translate digital twin technology into environmental solutions and bring...
A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology reveals that increasing coral richness improves coral growth and survivorship. By 'outplanting' diverse coral species, researchers found a potential solution to restore climate-damaged reefs and support fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection.