New Recovery Mechanism
Researchers from Stanford University have discovered a promising experimental method to help bleached coral reefs recover within seven weeks by placing damaged coral parts in direct contact with genetically identical healthy parts, allowing beneficial microscopic algae and nutrients to transfer.
Laboratory Test Results
The "Euronews" network reported in an article published two days ago that the study, published in the scientific journal "Science Advances," demonstrated the possibility of restoring damaged coral in laboratory conditions, which could contribute to developing new methods for rehabilitating coral reefs threatened by rising sea temperatures.
Scientific Test Details
The idea came after researchers noticed that a bleached coral piece began to regain its color when touching a healthy piece in a test tank. To verify this, the team tested ten pairs of coral parts, each consisting of one healthy and one bleached part from the same coral colony. Five pairs were placed in direct contact, while the other pairs were kept close without touching.
Biological Transfer Mechanisms
The results showed that the five bleached coral parts that touched their healthy counterparts recovered within seven weeks, while the parts kept separate died. Microscopic examinations revealed tissue fusion and the formation of fine channels between them, allowing beneficial algae and nutrients to transfer from healthy to damaged coral. The algae began to transfer within three days of contact.
Sustainability of Recovery
Researchers indicated that the algae multiplied rapidly within the damaged tissues, enabling the coral to continue recovering even after being separated from the healthy part. They noted that coral bleaching does not necessarily mean a loss of recovery capacity if conditions are suitable for restoring the required algae.
Causes of Coral Bleaching
Coral bleaching occurs when environmental stresses, particularly rising water temperatures, cause the loss of microscopic algae living within their tissues, which provide a large portion of their energy needs. The coral becomes more susceptible to disease and death if unfavorable conditions persist.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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