A Recent Scientific Discovery Has Proven That Probiotics Can Support Coral Health

 

"Ingredient in Yogurt Can Slow Disease in Reefs as Corals Have Microbiomes That Benefit From Probiotics" 

By: Good News Network, The Good News Network

June 7th, 2025

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/ingredient-in-yogurt-can-slow-disease-spread-in-reefs-as-corals-have-microbiomes-like-humans-that-benefits-from-probiotics/

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Diver-treats-diseased-coral-Credit-Hunter-Noren-for-Smithsonian-%E2%80%93-SWNS--1024x549.jpg

 

 

Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History has recently found that a probiotic found in yogurt can slow the spread of deadly disease on coral. This deathly outbreak began on Florida’s coral in 2014 and rapidly spread down to the Caribbean marine system. This proven ingredient has been “identified (as) the best available treatment to combat ‘stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD)” (Good News Network, Good News Network) which is the virus plaguing the ocean eco-environment. While this type of probiotic typically promotes gut health, the study has proven that this type of bacteria, when applied to coral colonies, can prevent further loss of coral tissue and hinder the spread of the virus. Dr. Valerie Paul, the study co-leader, explains how this type of probiotic can “provide a more lasting protection” for the living invertebrate and says that “(corals) are naturally rich with bacteria and it’s not surprising that the bacterial composition is important for their health” (Good News Network, Good News Network). These probiotic treatments have not been tested in the Caribbean yet however, which is an important next step in preserving further reef health, but scientists are now hopeful for this newly discovered treatment.

 

I am personally really interested in oceanography, so this discovery is groundbreaking to me. The ocean depends so heavily on coral reef health, so if a new way of preserving the sick invertebrates can help support its future health, our ecosystems will greatly benefit. It is nice to finally hear some positive news from the climate realm since lately I feel as though it has all been really discouraging information. If these bacterial treatments can be further tested and slightly altered if needed for the Caribbean conditions, an impactful difference can be made. This gives me hope for the future, if I end up heading into the ocean science professional realm, that there is still time for treatment and support that can help our planet.