First, do no harm

Given our lousy record of trying to solve problems by moving plants and animals from one environment to another (killer bees, kudzu, Cane Toads), I'm somewhat skeptical of this plan to save coral reefs by injecting new species of algae.

Certain kinds of algae give corals their spectacular colors; they live in symbiosis with the tiny creatures that make up coral reefs. Scientists have discovered that there are over a dozen types of algae that live in the reefs, and some are less sensitive to temperature increases than others.

And with ocean temperatures rising due to global warming, many coral reefs around the world are dying off.

The proposed solution? Re-invigorate the dying reefs with injections of more heat-resistant varieties of algae.

Time will tell...