May 13, 2020
Such hubris,Ā āassisted evolutionā?Ā
Lab-evolved algae could protect coral reefs
For the third time in 5 years, an underwater heat wave has turned vast stretches of coral on Australiaās Great Barrier Reef ghostly white, a desperate survival strategy that is often a prelude to coral death.
Now, scientists there have taken a small step toward helping coral survive in a warmer world. For the first time, researchers have grown algae in a lab that can reduce coral bleaching, as itās known. The results are a notable advance in the growing field of āassisted evolution,ā in which scientists are working to alter coral genetics to help them endure hotter water.
