Scientists uncover 500 plus new bacterial species hidden in Great Barrier Reef

Scientists mapped the microbiome of the Great Barrier Reef by analyzing DNA from 48 reefs.

The study identified 584 previously unknown bacterial species and more than 362,000 viruses.

The database could help monitor reef health and detect environmental changes before visible damage appears.

The research was led by the University of Queensland and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).