Scientists are turning seawater into a ‘blood test’ that could reveal coral reef damage before it becomes visible

North America Science Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:06:29 GMT Moderate confidence — 73/100

Before major surgeries and operations, doctors often detect diseases in humans using minimally invasive methods like a blood or urine test, before symptoms become severe.
Now, researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) are applying a similar concept to coral reefs.
They have shown that the water surrounding reefs contains chemical and microbial signals that could reveal changes in ecosystem health long before these changes become visible.

Before major surgeries and operations, doctors often detect diseases in humans using minimally invasive methods like a blood or urine test, before symptoms become severe.
Now, researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) are applying a similar concept to coral reefs.
They have shown that the water surrounding reefs contains chemical and microbial signals that could reveal changes in ecosystem health long before these changes become visible.

Sources: Times of India