Scientists discover dying coral can recover by touching healthy coral

Scientists at Stanford University discovered that when bleached coral fragments make direct physical contact with healthy coral, the dying coral transfers beneficial algae and recovers to full health within weeks, a finding published this month in Science Advances that suggests a new avenue for reef restoration.

The discovery was made in laboratory settings. Direct physical contact is required. The finding is genetically limited to related corals. Researchers emphasize that restoration must be paired with efforts to protect reefs from warming.