Coral and their supporting microbiome

I continue to see nature as one of our most important teachers. Coral and our bodies share similar ways for maintaining health.

We have our own unique microbiome, the gut, blood and skin bacteria and other microbes that are essential for our immunity. They provide the interface to our cellular sense of self. For as we experience the world, these living beings give us information on what is needed for our regeneration and growth. If we do not have the right balance, our bodies give us symptoms until we listen and change our awareness and behaviours.

Each coral polyp has its own microsystem. This cooperative team include the circulating bacteria support the changes that are necessary for the coral to survive and the specific algae which live on the polyp to photosynthesise light from the sun. Together they are called the ‘holobiont’.

As sea temperatures rise, the algae release toxic chemicals which cause the coral to bleach and die. Lab research has shown that when the bacteria is supplemented during a sudden increase in water temperature, the coral will survive unlike the polyps which are left without this added support.

“The probiotic seems to aid the recovery of corals by inducing genetic and metabolic changes in the host that are associated with tamping down inflammation and allowing damaged cells to rebuild themselves”

This is also how we evolve by adapting ourselves within to the changing environment outside.

As Within so Without

 

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/probiotics-lab-coral-heat-stress-death-reef-survival-ocean-warming