anta rays and whitetip reef sharks glide past socially distanced visitors at Rio de Janeiro’s hangar-sized AquaRio aquarium. In a laboratory upstairs, above the main gallery, a new experiment is underway, one that marine scientists hope will enhance the survival prospects of the world’s coral reefs.Twenty rectangular aquarium tanks, each about 20 centimeters wide, are arranged in a grid on the fourth floor. Each one houses a colorful assortment of coral fragments. The researchers will treat some tanks with cocktails of probiotics, a mix of bacteria designed to promote resilience under tough...…anta rays and whitetip reef sharks glide past socially distanced visitors at Rio de Janeiro’s hangar-sized AquaRio aquarium. In a laboratory upstairs, above the main gallery, a new experiment is underway, one that marine scientists hope will enhance the survival prospects of the world’s coral reefs.Twenty rectangular aquarium tanks, each about 20 centimeters wide, are arranged in a grid on the fourth floor. Each one houses a colorful assortment of coral fragments. The researchers will treat some tanks with cocktails of probiotics, a mix of bacteria designed to promote resilience under tough...WW…

(Credit: Coolgraphic/Shutterstock)Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news(Credit: Parameprizma/Shutterstock)(Credit: SeanidStudio/Shutterstock)Microbiologist Jeroen Raes. (Credit: Greetje Van Buggenhout)(Credit: Daniela Barreto/Shutterstock)1 free article leftWant More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/monthAlready a subscriber? or Want more?Keep reading for as low as $1.99!Already a subscriber? or Related ContentStay CuriousJoinOur ListSign up for our weekly science updates.SubscribeTo The MagazineSave up to the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.…(Credit: Coolgraphic/Shutterstock)Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news(Credit: Parameprizma/Shutterstock)(Credit: SeanidStudio/Shutterstock)Microbiologist Jeroen Raes. (Credit: Greetje Van Buggenhout)(Credit: Daniela Barreto/Shutterstock)1 free article leftWant More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/monthAlready a subscriber? or Want more?Keep reading for as low as $1.99!Already a subscriber? or Related ContentStay CuriousJoinOur ListSign up for our weekly science updates.SubscribeTo The MagazineSave up to the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.WW…