BUM in the Ocean: In Situ Microscopy "Polyps" Into View

           Benthic Underwater Microscopy (BUM) is a new technology for studying coral polyps and other microscopic organisms in situ.

     
       The exquisite and delicate structures of the benthic ecosystems are analyzed and photographed at the bottom of the sea floor.

      The microscope features an extremely high-resolution camera, an underwater computer with a diver interface, bright LED lights for fast exposure images, and a flexible, tunable lens that allows scientists to view underwater structures in 3D.

           
     Millions of polyps work together to build coral reefs by secreting calcium carbonate, with the minute animals providing nutrients and color to the reef.

    

      Using the BUM microscope, scientists were able to position themselves 5 centimeters away from the polyps and watch them as they captured tiny plankton and brine shrimp with tiny swaying tentacles.

     Researchers left the microscopes out overnight in order to record the polyps over an extended period. The images and footage gathered show the polyps’ gentle “dancing” and post-meal "kisses" that scientists say could be a way for polyps to share nutrients throughout the coral colony.

     Images from the Benthic Underwater Microscope also revealed a more violent side to the secret lives of polyps, showing coral of different species conquering weaker specimens. In order to win more reef space, the conquering coral will emit filaments that secrete stomach enzymes to destroy the tissue of their competitors.


     Researchers have used the BUM in two places so far, the waters off of Maui and the coast of Israel. With some of the largest coral bleaching events ever recorded taking place this year, scientists were especially interested to study the hard-hit coral reefs off of Maui.

     With the help of the new microscopic tool, scientists discovered that in bleached areas, there is a honeycomb pattern of algal colonization (like underwater squatters, algae move in when coral is weak from bleaching) and algal growth around individual polyps on the coral.

     When coral are weak, scientists found, algae are able to outgrow and smother the already struggling reefs.

       The new BUM technology is promising for understanding subsea micro-organisms, especially coral polyps.

          Lastly, this unrelated image made me laugh today. Hope you enjoy as well!

Hope you wonder at the new technology that has "polyps" into view.
Steph

Any ideas as to what this flower is? Thistle-like. . .but different. It's growing in West Chicago Creek, Colorado.