Friday, 10 Oct 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • VIDEO
  • House
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Season
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > Scientists Freeze Coral to Save The Great Barrier Reef : ScienceAlert
Tech and Science

Scientists Freeze Coral to Save The Great Barrier Reef : ScienceAlert

Last updated: June 9, 2025 8:35 am
Share
Scientists Freeze Coral to Save The Great Barrier Reef : ScienceAlert
SHARE

The Great Barrier Reef’s Frozen Noah’s Ark

Deep within the temperature-controlled chambers of Sydney’s Taronga Zoo lie rows of tanks filled with liquid nitrogen, cradling parts of the Great Barrier Reef’s magnificent corals frozen in time. This frosty Noah’s Ark, known as the world’s largest store of cryogenically frozen coral, serves as a vital safeguard for an ecosystem on the brink of extinction due to the looming threat of climate change.

Managed by Justine O’Brien, the conservation science manager at Taronga Conservation Society Australia, this groundbreaking initiative aims to preserve trillions of cells from key coral species found on the Great Barrier Reef. These cells, collected annually during mass spawning events, offer a beacon of hope for the regeneration of damaged and dwindling coral populations.

“By pressing a pause button on their biological clocks, we are striving to retain the reef’s beautiful diversity,” O’Brien expressed with optimism.

World Oceans Day: Scientists Use Frozen Coral to Save The Great Barrier Reef
Infographic explaining the cryopreservation process of coral. (Nicholas SHEARMAN/AFP)

Preserving Coral Diversity for Future Generations

Since its inception in 2011, Taronga’s CryoDiversity Bank has been actively involved in collecting sperm from coral species during spawning seasons. By mixing the sperm with cryoprotectants to facilitate the freezing process, scientists ensure that the samples remain viable for an indefinite period.

While current techniques do not allow for the cryopreservation of coral eggs, other types of cells are also harvested and stored for future research purposes. Maintained at a temperature of -196 degrees Celsius, the frozen coral samples are shielded from any fluctuations that could compromise their integrity.

“Whether thawed out in a few years or centuries, these samples will retain their fertilizing potential, offering a lifeline for coral populations facing extinction,” O’Brien explained.

See also  'Big Bang Theory' Spinoff "Stuart Fails to Save the Universe" Greenlit

Two women in lab coats moving big cylindrical tank
Abbey Whitelock and Justine O’Brien preparing a cryo tank for coral sperm preservation. (Saeed Khan/AFP)

Race Against Time: Saving Coral Reefs from Extinction

With coral disease and death on the rise, the CryoDiversity Bank has prioritized the preservation of 34 out of the 400 hard coral species found on the Great Barrier Reef. These samples not only serve as a genetic reservoir but also aid in monitoring the detrimental effects of climate change, overfishing, and pollution on coral reefs worldwide.

Scientists warn that a 1.5-degree Celsius increase in temperature could lead to the loss of 70 to 90 percent of the world’s coral reefs, posing a grave threat to marine life and the livelihoods of millions of people reliant on these ecosystems.

Despite ongoing challenges, initiatives like the cryopreservation of coral offer a ray of hope. Recent successful efforts in fertilizing coral larvae from thawed sperm demonstrate the potential for restoring damaged reef systems. However, urgent action is needed to address the underlying causes of coral degradation.

“Reefs possess remarkable resilience, but the window to mitigate the impacts of climate change is rapidly closing,” emphasized Richard Leck, head of oceans at WWF-Australia.

As nations convene for the UN oceans summit in France, the fate of coral reefs hangs in the balance. With global consensus and financial support, there remains a glimmer of hope for the long-term survival of these invaluable marine ecosystems.

© Agence France-Presse

TAGGED:barriercoralfreezegreatReefsaveScienceAlertScientists
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article How To Design An Inspiring Workspace How To Design An Inspiring Workspace
Next Article Very Few People Will Benefit From the New EV Tax Credit. That is By Design. Very Few People Will Benefit From the New EV Tax Credit. That is By Design.
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

Aziza Barnes Dead: ‘Snowfall’ Writer Was 32

Aziza “Z” Barnes, a talented poet and writer known for their work on the FX…

December 21, 2024

8 Products That Skin Experts Say Can Slow Collagen Loss

oz.Collagen loss is a natural part of the aging process, but there are ways to…

June 3, 2025

‘Cheers’ Star George Wendt Dead at 76

'Cheers' Star George Wendt Dead at 76 Published May 20, 2025 12:35 PM PDT George…

May 20, 2025

Constitutional Court in Italy challenges traditional family by recognizing two women as mothers of a newborn.

The Constitutional Court of Italy has recently made a landmark ruling permitting two women to…

May 25, 2025

On the Podcast: Robin Givhan Discusses Her Latest Book “Make it Ours: Crashing the Gates of Culture With Virgil Abloh”

The fashion industry was left in shock and mourning when Virgil Abloh, the creative director…

June 29, 2025

You Might Also Like

The rogue heroes fight arcane magic in the first trailer for The Mighty Nein
Tech and Science

The rogue heroes fight arcane magic in the first trailer for The Mighty Nein

October 10, 2025
Babies Are Born with Alzheimer’s-Linked Proteins in Their Brains. Scientists Want to Know Why
Tech and Science

Babies Are Born with Alzheimer’s-Linked Proteins in Their Brains. Scientists Want to Know Why

October 10, 2025
Transforming Presidential Health Care: Insights from a Former White House Doctor
Tech and Science

Transforming Presidential Health Care: Insights from a Former White House Doctor

October 10, 2025
Evolution of intelligence in our ancestors may have come at a cost
Tech and Science

Evolution of intelligence in our ancestors may have come at a cost

October 10, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?