Author: Daily Upsider

Just off the coast of Tela, Honduras, a coral reef has caught the attention of the marine science community. This reef defies what we know about coral survival. Despite threats like warm waters, boat traffic, agricultural runoff, and murky water, the Tela Bay reef isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. Live coral cover here is around 65%, compared to the Caribbean average of just 18%.

Scientists are trying to understand what makes the Tela Reef so resilient and whether its secrets can help save other threatened reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. Research by National Geographic and the University of Miami highlights the presence of elkhorn coral—a critically endangered species—flourishing in Tela under conditions that have devastated it elsewhere, like in the Florida Keys.

Andrew Baker, a marine scientist from the University of Miami, explained that Florida’s elkhorn populations are struggling with rising temperatures. He suggests that introducing genetic diversity from resilient populations like Tela’s might help.

Various theories have been proposed to explain Tela’s resilience. One suggests that periodic influxes of saline water from the Gulf kill harmful bacteria and algae. Another theory is that the reef’s richness makes it less attractive to fishermen, leaving the coral undisturbed. A more promising idea is that the coral in Tela hosts heat-resistant symbionts—microorganisms that live inside coral cells and provide energy through photosynthesis. These symbionts may help the coral cope with warmer, more acidic water.

In addition to the unique coral, Tela Bay also has a population of long-spined sea urchins, which were nearly wiped out in the 1980s. These urchins graze on algae that could otherwise overwhelm the coral.

Scientists are not waiting for a definitive answer. They’ve established a coral breeding center in Tela, aiming to spread the genetic traits of Tela coral to reefs worldwide. The University of Miami’s Coral Reef Futures Lab and the Florida Aquarium in Tampa are already cross-breeding Florida elkhorn coral with samples from Tela.

An Austrian chef who lost nearly all use of his legs is back in the kitchen thanks to an innovative device created by a friend.

The device, a C-shaped metal hook suspended from ceiling rails, allows Chef Peter Lammer to move freely around the kitchen while keeping his hands free for cooking tasks.

Ten years ago, Lammer, from Salzburg, was in a motorcycle accident that left him 80% disabled, despite extensive physical therapy.

The accident brought severe pain, mental strain, and a bleak financial outlook. However, Lammer’s friend, Bernhard Tichy, who ran a local zip line course, was inspired by Lammer’s passion for cooking and family. Together, they designed a device called Standing Ovation. It lets disabled users sit on a bicycle seat attached to a hook, which is connected to a ceiling rail. This setup allows them to slide along the workspace, with the device bearing their torso weight, leaving their hands free for work. When lifting, a spring system absorbs additional weight, reducing strain on the legs.

With Standing Ovation, Lammer can pull a pot off the stove and glide to the prep station with just a small push.

“All the experts said I would never be able to do a standing job again,” Lammer told Reuters from the kitchen of his Salzburg restaurant, Johanneskeller.