Stanford Just Figured Out How to Lead Dying Coral Reefs to a ‘Fast and Full Recovery’

Let’s set aside the fact that coral reefs are essential wellsprings of marine biodiversity, colorful aquatic oases that nourish innumerable animals across the entire ocean food chain. These reefs are critical for humans too. By one assessment, the worldwide societal benefits from coral ecosystems—including protected coastal infrastructure, habitats fostering commercial fishing, tourism, and even drug discovery—provide an estimated $9.8 trillion per year in value.

So, it matters that roughly 84.4% of the world’s coral reefs suffered bleaching-levels of heat stress…