triplej|1240 - Coral bleaching, bioluminescence and intelligent fish
Join Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Lucy Smith and their scientific guests, with a bunch of curious triple j listeners for a weekly injection of science, myth-bashing and answers!
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Episode's summary
Host Lucy Smith sits down with marine scientists Mike Emsley and Daniel Ceccarelli from the Australian Institute of Marine Science to explore the complexities of reef monitoring, fish ecology, and the impacts of climate change. The discussion covers the daily work of surveying the Great Barrier Reef, the effectiveness of marine protected areas, and the environmental threats posed by deforestation and El Niño.
The episode also addresses a variety of listener questions, ranging from shark behavior and evolutionary timelines to plant movement, bioluminescence, and fish intelligence. The experts conclude by discussing fish sentience, venomous species, and how the public can monitor reef health via the AIMS dashboard.
Chapters
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Highlights
What we've seen recently is that the corals have been able to kind of bounce back and recover, which has been amazing.
00:02:40 · Mike Emsley shares a positive observation regarding coral recovery despite the ongoing threat of climate change.
Every time we take away the human impacts or the direct human influence of removing things from the ocean, the ocean tends to do well and recover very well.
00:03:54 · Daniel Ceccarelli highlights the proven effectiveness of marine protected areas in allowing ecosystems to thrive.
their memory has been proved to exist for longer than three seconds, as is the cliche about goldfish.
00:23:34 · The speaker debunks the myth that goldfish have a three-second memory by citing an experiment.
I don't know if it's a good story, but my answer would be I reckon they do have feelings.
00:27:56 · Mike responds to a question about whether the lyric in a Nirvana song regarding fish not having feelings is true.
Coral bleaching is a heat stress response of the corals where they get very stressed, they get very sick and they can die.
00:36:54 · The experts explain the biological process of coral bleaching in the context of El Niño weather patterns.
Host Lucy Smith sits down with marine scientists Mike Emsley and Daniel Ceccarelli from the Australian Institute of Marine Science to explore the complexities of reef monitoring, fish ecology, and the impacts of climate change. The discussion covers the daily work of surveying the Great Barrier Reef, the effectiveness of marine protected areas, and the environmental threats posed by deforestation and El Niño.
The episode also addresses a variety of listener questions, ranging from shark behavior and evolutionary timelines to plant movement, bioluminescence, and fish intelligence. The experts conclude by discussing fish sentience, venomous species, and how the public can monitor reef health via the AIMS dashboard.
Published15 Oct 2026
Duration40:00
Episodes
1240-
Coral bleaching, bioluminescence and intelligent fish
Listened
Host Lucy Smith sits down with marine scientists Mike Emsley and Daniel Ceccarelli from the Australian Institute of Marine Science to explore the complexities of reef monitoring, fish ecology, and the impacts of climate change. The discussion covers the daily work of surveying the Great Barrier Reef, the effectiveness of marine protected areas, and the environmental threats posed by deforestation and El Niño.
The episode also addresses a variety of listener questions, ranging from shark behavior and evolutionary timelines to plant movement, bioluminescence, and fish intelligence. The experts conclude by discussing fish sentience, venomous species, and how the public can monitor reef health via the AIMS dashboard.
15 Oct 2026
1239-
Dyslexia, El Niño and itchy ears
Listened
In this episode of Science Hour, Dr. Carl and Dr. Tanya Bunter discuss recent Nobel Prize discoveries regarding brain stimulation and neutrinos, while addressing listener questions on topics ranging from the physics of how cats land on their feet to why crying causes itchy ears. The discussion explores the complexities of serotonin production, the evolutionary origins of language, and the mechanics of weather patterns like El Niño.
The episode also delves into various scientific curiosities, including the ability to smell diseases, the neurodevelopmental nature of dyslexia, and the science behind dancing rhythms. The doctors conclude by investigating the physiological sensation of frisson and the chemical mystery of why saliva can effectively remove bloodstains from fabric.
08 Oct 2026
1238-
Glowing planets, shrinking brains and living till you're 150
Listened
In this episode of The Science Hour, Dr. Karl corrects previous mistakes regarding food reheating safety and breath-holding risks while exploring the mechanics of daydreaming, bone fractures, hair color changes, and sweat gland function.
Dr. Carl and Dr. Tanya further discuss topics ranging from longevity and genetics to the physics of sunsets and space observation. The episode also covers mosquito navigation, the biological effects of sleep deprivation on creativity, brain aging, and the recent discovery of a decagon pattern on Saturn.
01 Oct 2026
1237-
The full moon, earworms and tickling
Listened
In this episode of Science with Dr. Carl, the hosts explore a wide range of scientific inquiries, beginning with a near-death shark encounter and moving into the mechanics of thermal imaging and how beverage containers affect taste. The discussion also covers the physical processes behind joint cracking and B12 injections.
Dr. Carl further addresses listener questions regarding physiological phenomena such as sneezing in hot cars, why we cannot tickle ourselves, and the science of 'earworms.' The episode concludes with essential information on hydration, electrolytes, food safety when reheating meat, and the biological triggers behind breath-holding underwater.
24 Sep 2026
1236-
Fingerprints, wombat poo, earthquakes
Listened
Why is wombat poo shaped like a cube? Does breakfast actually kickstart your metabolism? How much does your DNA determine your intelligence? Dr Karl answers your science questions on triple j mornings with Lucy Smith.
23 Sep 2021
1235-
Ivermectin, spicy chilli, post-pandemic life
Listened
Is there any proof that Ivermectin combats COVID-19? Will life ever be the way it was before the pandemic? If the whole world was sprayed with disinfectant, would that kill off COVID-19? Host of Coronacast, Tegan Taylor joins Dr Karl to answer your COVID-19 questions on top of your regular science questions on triple j mornings with Lucy Smith.
16 Sep 2021
1234-
Desires, vaping, cremation
Listened
Is vaping less damaging than cigarettes? When you hurt yourself, does 'rubbing it better' actually do anything to help? What's better for the environment? Being cremated or buried? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Lucy Smith.
09 Sep 2021
1233-
Ear candles, mullets, nose training
Listened
What would happen if we woke up one morning and the earth was spinning the other way? Can human beings improve their sense of smell? Do ear candles actually work? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Lucy Smith.
Can we train our brains to forget things? Why do some people float in water and others sink? Do you jump higher on a wet trampoline? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Lucy Smith.
26 Aug 2021
1231-
Eating boogers, moon mining, changing flavours
Listened
Why do we shudder after we yawn? Why do some humans feel compelled to eat their boogers? Why does hot water clean things better than cold water? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Lucy Smith.
19 Aug 2021
1230-
Dad bods, taste buds, hydrogen water
Listened
Can you catch a yawn from a dog? Is Hydrogen charged water just a fad? Do animals get dad bods once they find a mate? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Lucy Smith.
12 Aug 2021
1229-
Vaccines, fingernails, static electricity
Listened
How did scientists create COVID-19 vaccines so quickly? Why can't we control the beat of our hearts like we can control the breath in our lungs? How do the rings of a tree tell us its age? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Lucy Smith
05 Aug 2021
1228-
Bionic humans, floaters, eye transplants
Listened
Why do bones stop growing? Why does having to pee take over all your thoughts? What would happen if you microwaved a human being? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with guest host Tyrone Pynor.
29 Jul 2021
1227-
Black holes, blue tongues and gagging
Listened
How realistic are alternate realities? Why does sleeping with a quilt on make us have bad dreams? Could we survive on a desert island with only corn to eat? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
22 Jul 2021
1226-
Diamonds, inbred animals, climate change
Listened
Why hasn't any other being evolved to have human-level intelligence and consciousness? Why do your teeth move during pregnancy? Is climate change effecting the temperature of the core of earth? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
15 Jul 2021
1225-
Brain freeze, ocean fire, fingers
Listened
Do birds recognise humans? What is brain freeze? How do we find dinosaur bones? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
08 Jul 2021
1224-
Science of movies special!
Listened
Dr Karl takes on your movie science questions on triple j mornings, with host Lucy Smith and science communicator Petr Lebedev. Spoiler alert for the following films; Tenet, Interstellar, Inception, Pulp Fiction, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Donnie Darko, The Wolverine, & the concept of zombies.
01 Jul 2021
1223-
Space junk, pain, jump scares
Listened
Do flavours "get to know each other" when cooking? Why do tattoos survive cell regeneration? What's the science behind grief? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Joe Khan.
24 Jun 2021
1222-
Dog dreams, break-ups, manifestation
Listened
When do babies get nightmares? What would the world be like without The Industrial Revolution? Why is the last sip of coffee always cold? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Joe Khan.
17 Jun 2021
1221-
Intergenerational trauma, adult circumcision and walking on cold floor
Listened
Why does hair retain the smell of smoke? How does intermittent fasting work? Why do we speed up when overtaking? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
Do chickens have feelings? Can you make custard from platypus milk? Where did Indigenous people get their calcium before cows? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Corey Tutt from Deadly Science, Karlie Noon from Sydney Observatory and host Lucy Smith.
03 Jun 2021
1219-
Solar flares, sailors delight, planes in rain
Listened
Are "dog years" a scientific fact? Is it more efficient to walk up stairs two at a time? Why do my hands tingle after using my sander? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
27 May 2021
1218-
Megalodons, cat allergies, hazel eyes
Listened
Why do hazel eyes change colour? Does hot water freeze faster than cold water? Why am I allergic to certain cats? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
20 May 2021
1217-
Spanish Flu, earworms, motion sickness
Listened
What makes hair go curly? How can you stop wrinkles? Do shorter people use more energy then tall people? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
13 May 2021
1216-
Headaches, bungee cords, beards
Listened
Why does coffee effect people differently? Can you train your pain thresholds? Why do my legs twitch when I sleep? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
06 May 2021
1215-
Cheese dreams, fasting, strong bones
Listened
Is any multi-vitamin juice good for you? Does drinking milk gives you acne? Does eating cheese give some people nightmares? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Clare Collins, Laureate Professor in Nutrition & Dietetics at the University of Newcastle, and host Tyrone Pynor.
29 Apr 2021
1214-
Earworms, Christmas Lights and Itches
Listened
Are dogs mouths cleaner than ours? What are we looking at when we look at a planet? And what is actually going on at 'Magnetic Hill'? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Abby Butler.
22 Apr 2021
1213-
The fourth dimension, rogue hairs, wild vegetables
Listened
What is a stitch? Why do we grow random long hairs? Can we eat boogers? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Abby Butler.
15 Apr 2021
1212-
Doppelgängers, daylight savings, eye colour
Listened
How long could we live without the sun? Why do my veins swell in the heat? When will Mars settlers be called Martians? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
08 Apr 2021
1211-
Nose yoga, ice cubes, time travel
Listened
Why don't plastic containers dry properly? Do ball sacks have tastebuds? Why did my glass door explode? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
01 Apr 2021
1210-
Flood water, shopping trollies, cat purring
Listened
Will Australia be underwater in the future? Could you cook a chicken with body heat? Why are electric kettles so loud? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
25 Mar 2021
1209-
Ducks, body clocks, dinosaurs
Listened
How does the brain deal with anxiety? Do ducks like the rain? Could you scream in space? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
18 Mar 2021
1208-
Methane, artificial intelligence, pre-made meals
Listened
Are there any new deserts? Why does being sick make me feel better? Does Autumn change the worlds oxygen levels? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
11 Mar 2021
1207-
Overnight shifts, spider clouds, spit
Listened
Do crystals absorb energy? Why does some poop float? Can a broken heart hurt you physically? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
04 Mar 2021
1206-
Electric vehicles, body temperature, mowing
Listened
Why does anxiety make my hands tingle? Why doesn't corn digest properly? Could we ever shift the axis of the earth? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
25 Feb 2021
1205-
Public toilets, naked flames, tattoo pain
Listened
What's the frame rate of our eyes? Does gut bacteria cause depression? What would happen if mosquitos became extinct? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
18 Feb 2021
1204-
Birth control, sea urchins, auras
Listened
Does a spoon keep champagne bubbly? Why do I cough when using an earbud? Why do animals sense disasters? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
11 Feb 2021
1203-
Fog, weight training, artificial suns
Listened
Why don't humans hibernate? What's the best way to hang washing? Why am I attracted to dark haired people? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
Could one side of my mouth be dominant? What makes chilis so hot? Why do little bubbles form on the road after rain? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
28 Jan 2021
1201-
Rainforests, grey hairs, tastebuds
Listened
Could nightmares be genetic? Why does the weather affect my asthma? Can I outrun a giraffe? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
21 Jan 2021
1200-
Penguins, orgasms, flat earth
Listened
Is the Earth flat? Why do penguins wobble when they have knees? What is the biological function of the female orgasm? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
17 Dec 2020
1199-
Space magnets, asteroids, coral sex
Listened
Do magnets work in outer space? What would happen if you opened a jar from space on Earth? Do germs have the ability to move on their own? Dr Karl is joined by Professor Geraint Lewis from The University of Sydney this week! answering all these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Lucy Smith.
10 Dec 2020
1198-
Twins, tapeworms, water divining
Listened
How much force does it take to bite off a finger? Why is salt water so buoyant? Why do I get pleasure from cracking knuckles? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
03 Dec 2020
1197-
Male nipples, climaxing, wrinkly fingers
Listened
Do dogs have personalities? Can you compost vegan poop? Why do lizard tails wiggle after falling off? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
26 Nov 2020
1196-
Eye floaters, rescue bees, drinking blood
Listened
Why do I always hiccup and burp at the same time? Do birds recognise their own reflection? Why does my dog steal my socks? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
19 Nov 2020
1195-
Science with Dr Karl: 2020 NAIDOC week special
Listened
What is Mars's role in Indigenous astronomy? Why are snail trails shiny? How do extinct animals come back? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with Corey Tutt from Deadly Science, Karlie Noon from Sydney Observatory and host Lucy Smith.
12 Nov 2020
1194-
Moles, superstitions, saliva
Listened
Why can I predict the rain? When's everything going back to normal? How did we draw maps before satellites? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
05 Nov 2020
1193-
Lactose, acid reflux, plunger coffee
Listened
Can i change my tastebuds? Can i overcome my food intolerance? Does eating affect my mood? Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings, with host Lucy Smith and Professor Clare Collins from the University of Newcastle.
29 Oct 2020
1192-
Vacuums, toothbrushes, funny bones
Listened
How does weather affect our mood? Can a chicken produce a fertile egg without a rooster? How do some people grow out of their allergies? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.
22 Oct 2020
1191-
Heartbeats, pheromones, brain orgasms
Listened
Why does seeing babies make me want to have babies? Do you start looking like your partner? Can I fall in love via smell? Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j mornings with host Lucy Smith.