Scientists measure the 'beauty' of coral reefs
This is an example of a healthy reef. Almost every person has an appreciation for natural environments. In addition, most people find healthy or pristine locations with high biodiversity more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing than environmentally degraded locations. In a study which computed 'aesthetics' as it relates to coral reefs, a multidisciplinary group of researchers have shown that an objective computational analysis of photographic images can be used to assess the health of a coral reef.
Environment
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Arctic gives clues on worst mass extinction of life
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Specialized life forms abound at Arctic methane seeps
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Marine carbon sinking rates confirm importance of polar oceans
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Ocean warming and acidification impact on calcareous phytoplankton
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Watching a forest breathe
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Microplastic particles threaten fish larvae
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Honeybees pick up 'astonishing' number of pesticides via non-crop plants
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West Coast scientists sound alarm for changing ocean chemistry
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Herpes outbreak, other marine viruses linked to coral bleaching event
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Tough times for the tree of life on coral reefs
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Rapid plankton growth in ocean seen as sign of carbon dioxide loading
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Lab experiments question popular measure of ancient ocean temperatures
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Bering Sea hotspot for corals and sponges
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Great Barrier Reef marine reserves combat coral disease
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Brazilian beef industry moves to reduce its destruction of rain forests