Scientists mapped the invisible microbiome of the Great Barrier Reef and found more than 500 new bacterial species and over 300,000 viruses in its waters

Scientists have created the first comprehensive map of the Great Barrier Reef's open-water microbiome by analysing DNA from 48 reefs. The study identified 584 previously unknown bacterial species and more than 362,000 viruses. Researchers say the database could help monitor reef health and detect environmental changes before visible damage appears.

Scientists mapped the invisible microbiome of the Great Barrier Reef and found more than 500 new bacterial species and over 300,000 viruses in its waters
Scientists have created the first comprehensive map of the Great Barrier Reef's open-water microbiome by analysing DNA from 48 reefs. The study identified 584 previously unknown bacterial species and more than 362,000 viruses. Researchers say the database could help monitor reef health and detect environmental changes before visible damage appears.