In a first, probiotics helped real coral survive a real heatwave
Past studies of coral probiotics stayed in the lab. This one tested them on wild coral in the Red Sea during an actual marine heatwave—and the microbes held up.
Scientists have discovered that a special probiotic mix can help real coral survive a heatwave in the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia. Published in Cell Reports, this groundbreaking study marks the first time such a treatment has been tested in real-world conditions. Led by postdoctoral researcher Erika Santoro from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), the experiment involved infusing spiky Acropora valida coral colonies with one of five microbial mixtures during a 2022 heatwave that pushed water temperatures to nearly 90°F (32°C).
While all treatments showed some improvement, the probiotic mixtures were most effective, preventing a decline in photosynthetic efficiency. Crucially, the researchers also found that a postbiotic - dead microbes - was just as beneficial, suggesting a more feasible large-scale application. This promising research opens new avenues for coral microbial therapies, offering hope for the survival of these vital marine ecosystems in the face of rising ocean temperatures.
Written by urgent.news from Anthropocene Magazine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
