Scientists have developed a clever new way to help coral find its way home — and it all comes down to scent. A team at UC San Diego has created a special gel called SNAP-X that mimics the chemical cues of healthy reefs, encouraging baby coral to settle and grow.
Coral larvae usually avoid damaged reefs, but this new gel tricks them into returning by slowly releasing natural signals from local algae. In tests, it boosted coral settlement by up to 20 times. The gel can be painted onto surfaces, cures with UV light, and lasts for weeks — offering a powerful new tool in reef restoration. With coral populations shrinking rapidly due to climate change, this innovation offers a welcome wave of hope.
The team behind SNAP-X hopes to expand its use globally, customizing it for different regions and coral species. Their ultimate goal is to bring new life to struggling reefs and strengthen their resilience in a warming world.