Bacteria and algae are combining to kill coral -- and human activities are compounding the problem. Scientists have discovered an indirect microbial mechanism whereby bacteria kill coral with the help of algae. Human activities are contributing to the growth of algae on coral reefs, setting the stage for the long-term continued decline of coral. Reporting in the June 5 on-line version of the journal Ecology Letters, the scientists described laboratory experiments on coral and algae.
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