Coral’s reproductive capacity used to repair damaged reefs
Damaged coral reefs in the Philippines have been successfully repaired by scientists utilising the marine invertebrates' reproductive potential. Researchers from Australia’s Southern Cross University grew millions of coral larvae in tanks, then transferred them to reefs that had been degraded by blast fishing. The experiment, the first of its kind in the world, proved that the larvae could settle and reach sexual maturity within three years. Coral reefs are central to the survival of approximately one million marine species and hundreds of millions of people who rely on them for food and survival.

International Day of the Midwife on 5 May celebrates the critical work of midwives around the world, but stress in the profession is an ongoing challenge, says Southern Cross Midwifery graduate Georgina Haver. Thanks to a scholarship, Georgina is now researching stress and burnout in the profession as part of an Honours degree. She believes that formal support networks could help retain skilled and resilient midwives.