Freezing Coral

Freezing Coral

Why in News?

  • The scientists have recently trialed a new method for freezing and storing coral in their first trial.

Highlights

  • As rising ocean temperatures destabilize the delicate ecosystems of Coral, therefore scientists are striving to protect coral reefs.
  • The Great Barrier Reef has suffered four bleaching events in the last seven years, including the first-ever bleach during a La Niña phenomenon, which typically brings cooler temperatures.
  • Scientists used the cryomesh to freeze coral larvae at the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS).
  • Cryomesh was devised by a team from the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering.
  • This is lightweight and can be manufactured cheaply.
  • It better preserves coral and has the properties of cryoplates.
  • The mesh technology will help store coral larvae at -196°C (-320.8°F).
  • This cryogenically frozen coral can be stored and later reintroduced to the wild.
  • But current process requires sophisticated equipment including lasers, however a new lightweight “cryomesh” can be manufactured cheaply and better preserves coral.
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