Groundbreaking new research from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), spearheaded by Professor Raquel Peixoto and Erika Santoro as project lead, has unveiled a promising pathway for coral reef restoration. The study demonstrates that specific microorganisms possess the remarkable ability to bolster corals' resilience against rising water temperatures, a critical factor in the ongoing threat of coral bleaching.

This significant discovery offers valuable insights for the development of effective coral probiotics, and by harnessing the power of beneficial microbes, our scientists are paving the way for targeted interventions that can help corals withstand the increasing pressures of climate change.

Professor Peixoto's research underscores the importance of understanding the complex interactions within the coral microbiome and by identifying and leveraging the protective capabilities of specific microorganisms, a significant step towards developing sustainable solutions for coral reef restoration is taken.

The study can be read in Science Advances.

For more detailed information on this groundbreaking research, please visit:

and https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/news/researchers-crack-nature-s-code-to-unlock-the-secret-to-coral-resilience