Researchers have uncovered an under the sea phenomenon where coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish larvae have been feasting on blue-green algae bacteria known as 'sea sawdust'.
Researchers have uncovered an under the sea phenomenon where coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish larvae have been feasting on blue-green algae bacteria known as 'sea sawdust'.
"Until now, not much has been known about sea sawdust as a food source, so we were certainly surprised to say the least," Dr Mos said. "By knowing how sea sawdust helps COTS thrive, we can potentially change the way we combat this very damaging coral predator." These findings build on earlier research that suggests human activities, such as fertiliser use, sewage treatment, and stormwater runoff, may be responsible for the increase in blue-green algae blooms.
"If we can figure out how to reduce the impact of COTS, we might give coral reefs a little more time," Professor Dworjanyn said.
Sea Life Fish Ecology Research Ecology Oceanography Coral Reefs Global Warming
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Species composition and succession of coral reef fishes in Huaguang Reef, Xisha IslandsHuaguang Reef, one of the expansive atolls in the Xisha Islands, is completely mature, stretching 31 kilometers from east to west and 12 kilometers from north to south. Positioned as a concealed reef in the water, only the north and south gates are connected to the sea, attracting frequent fishing activities by local fishermen.
Read more »
When bacteria are buckling | ScienceDailyFilamentous cyanobacteria buckle at a certain length when they encounter an obstacle. The results provide an important basis for the use of cyanobacteria in modern biotechnology.
Read more »
Making remanufacturing profitable | ScienceDailyReturning end-of-life products to as-new condition is called remanufacturing and can be an essential element in a circular economy. But for more industrial companies to take an interest in it, remanufacturing needs to be economically viable.
Read more »
AI shows how field crops develop | ScienceDailyResearchers developed software that can simulate the growth of field crops. To do this, they fed thousands of photos from field experiments into a learning algorithm. This enabled the algorithm to learn how to visualize the future development of cultivated plants based on a single initial image.
Read more »
Guiding humanity beyond the moon | ScienceDailyWhat actually happens to the human body in space? While scientists and researchers have heavily researched how various factors impact the human body here on Earth, the amount of information available about changes that occur in the body in space is not as well-known.
Read more »
How cells boost gene expression | ScienceDailyThe function of non-coding RNA in the cell has long been a mystery to researchers. Unlike coding RNA, non-coding RNA does not produce proteins -- yet it exists in large quantities.
Read more »