Category: science

Coral sun shield

Ultra-thin sun shield

The recent press announcement of a scientifically developed coral sun-shield is a potential game changer and a real glimmer of hope for the dying Great Barrier Reef. Scientists are currently investigating a number of possible solutions including genetic modification & cultivation of super-symbionts and these are discussed in an earlier post: http://www.waxpoetic.com.au/?p=1990

As is already appreciated, the health of the reef is in jeopardy as unprecedented coral bleaching in 2016 and 2017 has decimated the reef by two-thirds – approximately 1500 kilometres of reef.* Continue reading Coral sun shield

Reef bleach

Great Barrier Reef bleaching

Coral reefs can take thousands of years to build but are surprisingly susceptible to climatic events. Coral bleaching is the primary cause of reef destruction. El Niño combined with rising sea temperatures have meant for the loss of up to 25 per cent of the Great Barrier Reef since 2014.
Past events have shown reefs recover from mass bleaching including the Great Barrier Reef – record sea temperatures in 1998 and 2002 saw more than 50 per cent bleaching but 95 per cent reef recovery once the temperatures normalized. However, given the sheer scope and rate of recent bleaching events, scientists fear the reef’s inability to recover and it has prompted them to take action. Continue reading Reef bleach

Tasmanian Tiger

Humanity’s propensity for destruction and annihilation including cross species depletion continues unabated. But what of the Thylacinus Cynocephalus commonly known as the Tasmanian Tiger? Is there a possibility it may have survived? Recent events have provided a surprising glimmer of hope.
There have been many supposed sightings but few of these credible until a local trio went public in September 2017.
Strangely, this coincided with the publishing of an article on the complete DNA mapping of the thylacine in Nature scientific journal December 2017. Check out: www.nature.com/articles/s41559-017-0417-y Continue reading Tasmanian Tiger