Shrinking to survive: Clownfish adapt to climate change by getting smaller
The researcher, who focuses extensively on these questions of size, recently made a surprising discovery: Clownfish can shrink during marine heatwaves, which increases their short-term chances of survival.
To obtain these results, published Thursday, May 22, in Science Advances, the researchers donned their wetsuits to observe breeding pairs of Pacific clownfish living in the coral reefs of Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea. At that time, between February and August 2023, a severe global coral bleaching event was underway, during which sea temperatures in the study area exceeded 32°C.
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France 24
05-08-2025
- France 24
Great Barrier Reef suffers most widespread bleaching on record
Scientists documented the "most spatially extensive" bleaching since records began almost 40 years ago, driven by sweltering ocean temperatures in 2024 that triggered "unprecedented levels of heat stress". The Australian Institute of Marine Science surveyed the health of 124 coral reefs between August 2024 and May 2025. Northern and southern branches of the sprawling reef had seen the "largest annual decline in coral cover" ever recorded, the government agency found. Reefs had been battered by tropical cyclones and infestations of crown-of-thorns starfish that feast on coral. But the "number one cause is climate change," said the institute's research lead Mike Emslie. "There is no doubt about that," he told AFP. Often dubbed the world's largest living structure, the Great Barrier Reef is a 2,300 kilometre (1,400-mile) expanse of tropical corals that houses a stunning array of biodiversity. But repeated bleaching events have threatened to rob the tourist drawcard of its wonder, turning banks of once-vibrant coral a sickly white. Unusually warm tropical waters triggered widespread coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef in 2024 and in the first few months of 2025 -- the sixth such event in the past nine years. "The (Great Barrier Reef) experienced unprecedented levels of heat stress, which caused the most spatially extensive and severe bleaching recorded to date," the report found. Over the past two years a mass global bleaching event has drained the life from more than 80 percent of the world's coral reefs. Bleaching occurs when water temperatures rise forcing coral to expel the colourful microscopic algae, known as zooxanthellae, embedded in their tissues. If high temperatures persist, the coral can eventually turn white and die. Emslie said past coral growth would help cushion the record losses and that the Great Barrier Reef was still an "amazing place". 'Worth fighting for' "It is still worth fighting for. We can't throw our arms up and give up," he said. The report found a rapidly growing type of coral -- known as acropora -- had suffered the most. This coral is quick to grow, but is also one of the first to bleach. The report found that any recovery of the reef could take years and was dependent on future coral reproduction and minimal environmental disturbance. Richard Leck from the World Wildlife Fund compared the fluctuating health of the Great Barrier Reef to a "rollercoaster". "That is a sign of an ecosystem under incredible stress and what reef scientists are hugely concerned about is when the reef does not keep bouncing back the way it has," he told AFP. Leck said some coral reefs around the world were already beyond recovery, warning the Great Barrier Reef could suffer the same fate without ambitious and rapid climate action. The average sea surface temperature around Australia was the "highest on record" in 2024, according to Australian National University. Australia is currently developing its next round of emissions reduction targets, a key obligation under the landmark Paris climate agreement.
Sustainability Times
05-08-2025
- Sustainability Times
Synthetic Cell Can "Follow Chemical Directions and Change Shape" Mimicking Life's Most Vital Functions in Breakthrough Study
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine created a minimal synthetic cell that follows chemical cues, illustrating the biological concept of symmetry breaking . that follows chemical cues, illustrating the biological concept of . 🧫 The study demonstrates how these synthetic cells mimic immune responses by reorganizing into asymmetric structures in response to stimuli. in response to stimuli. 💊 This breakthrough could lead to advancements in targeted drug delivery , allowing for precise release of treatments within the body. , allowing for precise release of treatments within the body. 🔍 Future research aims to enhance these cells' abilities, potentially impacting fields like environmental sensing and medical applications. In a groundbreaking development, scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made significant strides in understanding how cells move by building a minimal synthetic cell. This synthetic cell can follow external chemical cues, demonstrating a fundamental biological process known as 'symmetry breaking.' The research, published in Science Advances, presents a new way to mimic and potentially control how cells respond to their environment. Such advancements may pave the way for novel drug delivery systems that can precisely target specific areas within the body. The study's implications extend beyond biology, touching on fields as diverse as physics and cosmology. Understanding Symmetry Breaking Symmetry breaking is a critical precursor to cell movement. It occurs when a cell's molecules, initially symmetrically arranged, reorganize into an asymmetric pattern in response to stimuli. This process can be likened to the way migrating birds change formation based on environmental cues like sunlight. For cells, symmetry breaking is essential for responding to chemical signals, such as those at an infection site. This reorganization allows immune cells to traverse blood vessel walls and reach infected tissues. The transformation into polarized and asymmetric structures prepares them to move toward their target. Shiva Razavi, Ph.D., who led the research, emphasizes the importance of symmetry breaking across multiple scientific disciplines. 'The notion of symmetry breaking is crucial to life, impacting fields as diverse as biology, physics and cosmology,' Razavi explains. Understanding this process is vital for uncovering the fundamentals of biology and developing new therapeutic strategies. By mimicking and controlling symmetry breaking in synthetic cells, scientists hope to gain insights into how cells survey their chemical environment and adapt accordingly. 'Welcome to the Future of War' as BAE Systems Unveils Sixth-Generation Fighter Design and Triggers Alarming Debate Over AI Weapons and Global Arms Race The Creation of a Synthetic Cell The researchers constructed a giant vesicle with a double-layered membrane, creating a simplified synthetic cell or protocell. This cell, composed of phospholipids, purified proteins, salts, and ATP, is designed to mimic the first step in an immune response. In their experiments, scientists engineered the protocell to detect chemical signals, prompting it to break symmetry. This change allows the cell to transform from a perfect sphere to an uneven shape, preparing it for movement. 'Our study demonstrates how a cell-like entity can sense the direction of an external chemical cue, mimicking the conditions you would find in a living organism,' Razavi states. By building this cell-like structure from scratch, researchers can identify and understand the essential components required for symmetry breaking. This understanding is crucial for developing future applications in medicine and beyond. China Stuns the World With a 'Terrifying New Weapon' That Launches Missiles at Mach 7 Using Cutting-Edge Electromagnetic Railgun Technology Potential Applications in Medicine The ability to mimic symmetry breaking in synthetic cells holds promise for targeted drug delivery. According to senior author Takanari Inoue, Ph.D., 'The idea is that you can package anything you want into these bubbles—protein, RNA, DNA, dyes or small molecules—tell the cell where to go using chemical sensing, and then have the cell burst near its intended target so that a drug can be released.' Such precision in drug delivery could revolutionize treatments for various diseases, allowing for more effective and less invasive therapies. The researchers activated the vesicle's chemical-sensing ability by planting two proteins, FKBP and FRB, within the synthetic cell. When exposed to the chemical rapamycin, these proteins triggered a process known as actin polymerization. This reorganization of the synthetic cell's skeleton resulted in a rod-like structure that exerted pressure on the cell membrane, causing it to bend. This process illustrates the potential for synthetic cells to respond to specific chemical signals, opening the door for new medical applications. 'Men Can Smell When You're Fertile' as Study Finds Women's Ovulation Scent Triggers Happiness and Sparks Explosive Debate Over Biology and Consent Future Directions and Challenges The researchers plan to enhance these synthetic cells further, equipping them with the ability to move toward desired targets. By doing so, they hope to create synthetic cells capable of targeted drug delivery, environmental sensing, and other applications where precise movement is crucial. The development of such technology could have far-reaching implications, not only in medicine but also in fields that require responsive and adaptive systems. Despite the promising results, challenges remain. The complexity of replicating natural cellular processes in synthetic systems requires continued research and innovation. Collaborations between scientists from various disciplines will be essential to overcome these hurdles and realize the full potential of synthetic cells. The research team, supported by funding from several prestigious institutions, is committed to advancing this field and exploring new possibilities for synthetic biology. As scientists continue to explore the capabilities of synthetic cells, questions remain about their potential applications and limitations. Will these advancements lead to safer and more effective medical treatments, or will they introduce new ethical and technical challenges? The future of synthetic biology promises both exciting opportunities and complex dilemmas that researchers must navigate thoughtfully. This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
Sustainability Times
27-07-2025
- Sustainability Times
'This Is Deliberate Destruction': Hawai'i's Reefs Hit by Record Acid Surge as Locals Accuse Authorities of Sacrificing Ocean Life
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Ocean acidification near Hawai'i could reach levels not seen in thousands of years, threatening marine life. near Hawai'i could reach levels not seen in thousands of years, threatening marine life. 🔬 Researchers use high-resolution models to predict significant changes in ocean chemistry through the 21st century. through the 21st century. 🐠 The study highlights the potential for coral adaptation , but warns of unprecedented challenges to reef ecosystems. , but warns of unprecedented challenges to reef ecosystems. 🧪 Ongoing research aims to explore impacts on Hawai'i's fisheries and identify strategies for sustaining coral reefs. The oceans surrounding Hawai'i, known for their vibrant coral reefs, are facing an alarming threat from ocean acidification, a phenomenon exacerbated by increasing carbon dioxide levels. Recent studies reveal that these waters could soon reach acidity levels not seen in thousands of years, posing a severe risk to marine ecosystems. This development is particularly concerning for the Hawaiian Islands, where coral reefs play a crucial role in biodiversity and the local economy. As researchers continue to study these changes, there is an urgent need for action to protect these precious marine environments. Ocean Acidification: A Growing Threat to Hawaiian Waters The increasing acidity of the world's oceans presents a significant risk to marine life, particularly coral reefs. As oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, their pH levels decrease, leading to a more acidic environment. A recent study conducted by oceanographers from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa indicates that acidification levels near the main Hawaiian Islands could reach unprecedented levels within the next three decades. This rise in acidity is particularly detrimental to marine ecosystems, as it weakens the shells and skeletons of sea creatures like corals and clams, making them more susceptible to other environmental stressors. Despite these challenges, there is hope. Some marine species have shown signs of adaptation to the changing conditions, offering a glimmer of optimism for the future. The research highlights the importance of understanding these changes and developing strategies to protect Hawaiian coral reefs and sustain marine ecosystems. By providing critical insights, the study aids scientists, conservationists, and policymakers in their efforts to safeguard these vital habitats for future generations. 'They Stole Our UFO and Made It Scarier': Pentagon Officials Furious as China Unveils Alien-Looking Surveillance Drone Copy Modeling the Future: Predicting Acidification Around Hawai'i Advanced modeling techniques have been employed by researchers to predict future ocean acidification near the Hawaiian Islands. Led by Brian Powell from the University of Hawai'i, the research team utilized high-resolution computer models to project changes in ocean chemistry through the 21st century. Their projections are based on various climate scenarios that reflect different levels of carbon dioxide emissions, offering a comprehensive view of potential outcomes. According to Lucia Hošeková, the lead author of the study, significant increases in ocean acidification are expected in the surface waters around the main Hawaiian Islands, even if carbon emissions stabilize by mid-century. The extent of these changes varies depending on the emission scenario, with high-emission scenarios posing the greatest threat to coral adaptation. The concept of 'novelty' was introduced to describe the difference between projected acidification and historical conditions, revealing that windward coastlines are likely to experience the most dramatic changes. 'They're Hiding Something Under the Ice': Scientists Clash After Bizarre Radio Signals Emerge from Deep Beneath Antarctica Unexpected Changes: Shifts in Coral Environments The study's findings regarding future levels of ocean acidification were unexpected, as they highlight conditions far beyond the natural variations that coral ecosystems are accustomed to. Tobias Friedrich, a co-author of the study, emphasized the unprecedented nature of these projections for Hawaiian waters. While corals have shown some ability to acclimatize to slightly elevated acidity, the magnitude of projected changes poses significant challenges to their adaptability. Researchers acknowledge that the impact on corals will depend on the global climate scenario that unfolds. In the best-case scenario, corals may still be affected, but the situation could be manageable. This underscores the need for ongoing research to examine the combined effects of various stressors on corals. The study serves as an initial step in understanding the complex changes affecting corals and other marine organisms, with a focus on how these changes vary across the Hawaiian Islands. 'This Jet Will Shatter Laws of Physics and Privacy': X-59 Sparks Outrage as NASA Pushes Supersonic Silence into Civilian Skies Looking Ahead: Future Research and Resilience The research team is committed to further investigating the future changes in Hawaiian waters, specifically focusing on heat stress, potential refugia for coral reefs, and the impacts on Hawai'i's fisheries. By continuing to explore these areas, scientists aim to develop strategies that promote resilience and long-term sustainability for coral ecosystems. Reference: 'Patterns of Ocean Acidification Emergence in the Hawaiian Islands Using Dynamically Downscaled Projections' by L. Hošeková, T. Friedrich, B. S. Powell, and C. Sabine, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. DOI: 10.1029/2024JC021903. The future of Hawai'i's coral reefs hinges on our ability to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification and climate change. As researchers delve deeper into understanding these environmental challenges, the question remains: what innovative solutions will emerge to protect these invaluable ecosystems for generations to come? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)
