Breakthrough in Reviving Coral Fragments

Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough by successfully cryopreserving and reviving adult coral fragments. Using a method called isochoric vitrification, scientists froze these coral fragments in a glass-like state using antifreeze and liquid nitrogen, and then revived them by returning them to seawater. Notably, for 24 hours after revival, these corals displayed oxygen consumption rates comparable to those that had never been cryopreserved.

This development holds immense promise for the preservation of coral reefs, which are under severe threat from climate change, warming oceans, pollution, and overfishing. Coral reefs are vital for marine life, coastal protection, and the global economy, contributing an estimated $375 billion annually. With climate change rapidly intensifying, coral bleaching and death are becoming more frequent and severe.

Previously, researchers focused on cryopreserving coral sperm, which are easier to freeze but challenging to collect due to the limited timeframe during which coral spawn. The new method expands cryopreservation to entire pieces of finger coral, representing a significant advance in the field. The process involves carefully slicing a piece of healthy adult coral, treating it with an antifreeze solution, freezing it using liquid nitrogen, and then thawing and returning it to seawater.

The simplicity and effectiveness of this method are considered crucial, as it could be applied by coral reef managers worldwide. The ultimate goal is to have a global network of experts trained to collect and preserve corals, with the hope of preserving genetic material from every known coral species by the end of the decade.

While the study currently demonstrates coral survival for 24 hours post-revival, researchers aim to extend this timeframe to three weeks. Beyond coral preservation, there is optimism that this technology could be adapted to preserve human organs like ovaries, testes, embryonic kidneys, and hearts.

In summary, this breakthrough in cryopreserving adult coral fragments provides hope for the preservation and restoration of coral reefs, which are crucial for marine ecosystems and human livelihoods in the face of escalating environmental challenges. Moreover, the method's potential application in preserving human organs underscores its significance and broad-reaching impact.