Burma's bane

The cyclone that hit Burma left 22,000 dead. BBC reports that the lack of mangrove exacerbated the impact of the cyclone. Mangroves have been proven to absorb the force of waves, and could help in mitigating effects of tsunami. Moreover, mangroves are spawning grounds of marine animals.

The destruction of mangrove areas is a double-edged sword. Unfortunately, one edge has proven to be fatal in Burma's case.

Coral ensemble

Read BBC's report on a coral spectacle about to happen. Call it a coral orgy that will make waves (no pun intended) near the Republic of Palau. Researchers will take advantage of this phenomena and conduct a study on the viability of coral seeding.