A Microscopic Marvel for Coral Research

A groundbreaking new microscope developed by scientists at UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography is unveiling the hidden biological processes that sustain coral life, providing crucial insights into why corals experience bleaching.

Introducing the BUMP: A Game Changer for Marine Science

The diver-operated device, known as the Benthic Underwater Microscope imaging PAM (BUMP), utilizes advanced pulse amplitude modulated (PAM) light techniques. This innovative approach allows scientists an unprecedented view of coral photosynthesis at a microscopic scale.

Understanding Coral Health in Their Natural Habitat

The BUMP microscope, funded by the US National Science Foundation, is designed for in-situ studies, allowing researchers to observe coral reefs’ health and physiology right in their underwater environment. This is a significant step forward in addressing the ongoing crisis of coral bleaching affecting marine ecosystems worldwide.

Discoveries That Could Change Coral Conservation

For the first time, scientists are gaining insight into how individual algae perform photosynthesis within coral tissues. The revelations come from a study published in the journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution, led by postdoctoral researcher Or Ben-Zvi.

"This microscope represents a major technological advancement in assessing coral health," Ben-Zvi states. Coral reefs are rapidly deteriorating, often losing their essential micro-algae during the bleaching process, and now we have a tool to examine these interactions non-invasively.

The Symbiotic Relationship: Corals and Micro-Algae

Corals depend on the tiny, photosynthetic algae living within their tissues for energy. These algae, around 10 micro-metres in size, are crucial to coral growth and reef formation. Stress from rising ocean temperatures and poor environmental conditions can lead to coral bleaching, where corals lose these vital symbionts.

Unraveling the Mystery of Coral Bleaching

The pioneering microscope provides researchers the ability to observe coral stress responses and help identify the physiological mechanisms behind bleaching."Jules Jaffe, a Scripps oceanographer and co-author of the study, emphasizes the microscope's potential: