In this episode of Lab Libs, Megan takes Debbie beneath the surface of the ocean to explore the race to save the world’s coral. From cute coral nurseries to heat-resistant super corals, she unpacks the real science behind how researchers are fighting bleaching and rebuilding fragile ecosystems. It’s hopeful, innovative, and way more intense than you’d expect from something that just appears like colorful underwater rock. Then Debbie takes a sharp turn down into her rabbit hole of British slang, because what pairs better with coral restoration like some cheeky British chat? Debbie unpacks the history, humor, and crudeness of it all. It’s fun, science, culture, conservation, and questionable accents all wrapped into one episode. Don’t forget to create your own Lab Lib blanks and play along with your favorite science podcast!

Lab Libs

A worldwide crisis

A scientific job requiring a lot of math

A number 1-20

A type of pollution

A type of ocean animal

A common fraction

A method of sun protection

A type of coral

A percentage 1-100%

A short amount of time

A region of Florida

Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/news/Articles/c04gqez4lkyo

https://www.vox.com/down-to-eArth/24098428/scientists-oceAn-corAl-spAwning-bleAching-greAt-barrier-reef

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/how-coral-reefs-might-survive-climate-change-feature

https://www.flaquarium.org/conservation/leaders-in-conservation/coral-conservation/

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/13/coral-reefs-ice-sheets-amazon-rainforest-tipping-point-global-heating-scientists-report

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.fox13news.com/news/florida-aquarium-works-renew-floridas-coral-reefs.amp

https://fsc.org/en/blog/good-climate-news

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/jan/02/hannah-ritchie-not-the-end-of-the-world-extract-climate-crisis

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/southeast/habitat-conservation/restoring-seven-iconic-reefs-mission-recover-coral-reefs-florida-keys