Have you heard about the PhyloChip?
If not, here’s the skinny—it’s a palm-sized device that may help save coral reefs and the tropical saltwater fish that inhabit them. Because scientists know healthy coral colonies support specific microbial populations and diseased coral colonies support different microbial populations, being able to sense shifts in microbial populations may help scientists learn more about the diseases which threaten corals.
The PhyloChip can sense up to 9,000 species of microbes and help researchers distinguish different coral diseases based on microbial populations. Could it have reef tank applications?
Check out the full article in Science Daily titled "What's Killing the Coral Reefs."
The PhyloChip would be the perfect device for monitoring high-end reef tanks. The test would cost about ~$200. Stay posted.
Posted by: Todd DeSantis | August 18, 2009 at 10:31 AM