Heat-Evolved Algae Could Help Corals Survive Warming Oceans, AIMS Study Finds

Scientists at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) have discovered that heat-evolved algae maintain more stable biomolecular profiles under high temperatures than their wild-type counterparts. This breakthrough could inform strategies to help coral reefs withstand rising sea temperatures. The research team found that algae which had been experimentally evolved to tolerate heat showed less disruption to key cellular processes when exposed to elevated temperatures. This stability may be crucial for the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae, which is vital for coral survival. When water temperatures rise, corals often expel their algae in a process known as bleaching, leading to widespread reef degradation. Understanding how heat-evolved algae maintain their function could lead to new conservation approaches, such as introducing resilient algae strains to vulnerable coral populations. The findings offer a potential tool for reef managers as climate change intensifies marine heatwaves. As ocean temperatures continue to climb, such research is critical for preserving coral reef ecosystems that support immense biodiversity and coastal economies.