Good news, maybe?

For the first time, researchers were able to apply a unique tool called CRISPR-Cas9 to edit coral genes.

In the future they hope to identify genes involved in coral survival, especially those that help them tolerate the rising temperatures that have led to catastrophic reef “die-offs”.

While scientists have emphasised that genetically enhanced “super-corals” are still a long way from becoming reality, this work is still thought to hold great promise for coral protection.