The volcanic island of Home Reef in Tonga continues to expand its boundaries. Following recent volcanic activity from December 2024 to January 2025, the island has grown by 3.7 hectares, once again demonstrating the power and dynamism of our planet.
This marks the fifth emergence of an island at Home Reef—this time with solid lava flows, making it more stable than its 2006 predecessor. Such temporary islands remind us that Earth is not a static entity but a living, breathing system capable of continuous transformation.
But while volcanic processes symbolize nature’s raw power and unpredictability, at the other end of the scientific spectrum, a revolution in ocean exploration is unfolding—thanks to artificial intelligence (AI).
AI and eDNA: Unlocking Ocean Mysteries
Modern technology allows researchers to read the "genetic footprint" of the ocean by analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA)—traces left behind by marine organisms in the water.
A new system integrating AI with eDNA analysis enables scientists to quickly identify species, track ecosystem changes, and assess biodiversity in real time.
🔹 Why is this important?
Previously, scientists needed months of research and complex sample collection to confirm the presence of certain species. Now, AI processes vast amounts of data instantly, painting a real-time picture of ocean life.
Zachary Gold from NOAA emphasizes that this technology allows not only the study of marine life but also the prediction of ecological changes, aiding in the protection of ecosystems from pollution, climate change, and other environmental threats.
One of the most ambitious projects in this field is ATLASea, which is building extensive genetic databases to enhance species identification. This marks a new era in marine science, where the ocean is becoming less mysterious and more comprehensible.
Nature and Technology: A Balance of Exploration and Preservation
On one hand, Earth continues to create new landscapes and lifeforms. On the other, humans are expanding their ability to understand and protect nature.
New islands, like Home Reef, and cutting-edge AI-driven ocean diagnostics fit into a broader picture: our ability to observe, study, and coexist harmoniously with the environment.