Bacterial 'switch gene' regulates how oceans emit sulfur into atmosphere
Scientists have discovered a bacterial "switch gene" in two groups of microscopic plankton common in the oceans. The gene helps determine whether certain marine plankton convert a sulfur compound to one that rises into the atmosphere, where it can affect the earth's temperature, or remain in the sea, where it can be used as a nutrient. view more (2006-10-30)
Marine deserts could give clues to understanding climate change
Remote 'marine deserts' in the Atlantic Ocean could provide scientists with valuable clues to understanding climate change. A research team led by the Plymouth Marine Laboratory will shortly set sail from the Falkland Islands, for the start of an expedition to study the interaction between tiny floating marine organisms (plankton) and the... view more... (2004-04-14)
Radioactive plutonium remains from US military accident in Spain
Researchers from the Physics Department and the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA) of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona have detected concentrations of radioactive plutonium and americium in plankton from the coast of Palomares (south-east coast of Spain), with an activity level five times higher than the average... view more... (2003-10-20)
Waddenzee fresher than ever
The seawater in the Waddenzee is becoming fresher. More river water is reaching the Waddenzee via the outlet sluices of the IJsselmeer Dam. This is the conclusion of Dr Hendrik van Aken from the Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. Along with the fresh water, more nitrate and phosphate are entering the Waddenzee. During the past 140 years the... view more... (2002-09-11)
Connecting the sea, sky and human health
Tiny organisms living in the oceans could be playing a significant role in human health, an audience at this year's BA Festival of Science will hear today (8 September). Professor Peter Liss of the University of East Anglia (UEA) School of Environmental Sciences will talk about how microscopic marine organisms called plankton produces gases that... view more... (2003-09-01)
Pollen proves beneficial for northern lakes
Mention the word pollen to most people and it triggers thoughts of their battle against allergic reactions. However, a University of Alberta researcher has found an important spin-off for this fine yellow dust-like powder. view more (2006-06-13)
New group of algae discovered: Picobiliphytes
An international group of researchers has succeeded in identifying a previously unknown group of algae. As currently reported in the scientific journal Science, the newly discovered algae are found among the smallest members of photosynthetic plankton-the picoplankton ('Picobiliphytes: A marine picoplanktonic algal group with unknown affinities to... view more... (2007-01-12)
Global climate change: a load of poo?
Plankton poo could be the key to understanding how much carbon dioxide our oceans can store according to Tasmanian researcher Dr Karin Beaumont. view more (2004-09-09)
Virus decimates algal blooms
As soon as the pest algae run out of nutrients, viruses attack and abruptly end the algal bloom. This is revealed in a three-year international study under the leadership of the Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. This knowledge opens up opportunities for using natural enemies to remove algal blooms in isolated areas. The pest alga species... view more... (2002-11-15)
A new look at the state of the oceans
The current condition of the oceans, their significance as the most important resource for the world's population, and their impact on the climate will be at the centre of discussion during the seminar 'A new look on the ocean' at the Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF 2006) in Munich. view more (2006-07-17)
Scientists discover interplay between genes and viruses in tiny ocean plankton
New evidence from open-sea experiments shows there's a constant shuffling of genetic material going on among the ocean's tiny plankton. It happens via ocean-dwelling viruses, scientists report this week in the journal Science. view more (2006-03-27)
Island Ferries Take on Role of Research Vessels Collecting Data about Nantucket Sound
Ferries that connect Cape Cod and the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are taking on another role-research vessels. view more (2006-08-30)
Marine Algae A Weapon Against Global Warming?
"Parforce" an EU-funded research project has discovered a new link between marine algae and climate change. Researchers working on the project found out that iodine vapours, released from algae or plankton, condense over oceans to form aerosols . These aerosols, which tend to counter "global warming", can have a significant impact on... view more... (2002-07-18)
Phytoplankton bounce back from abrupt climate change
Marine sediment cores contain calcareous plankton - single-celled organisms with a coating or shell of calcium carbonate - as fossils. These tiny photosynthesizing plants float in the ocean and move with the currents. view more (2006-02-17)
Ocean Cores May Give Clues On Climate Change
Core samples taken from far below the ocean floor are helping a University of Edinburgh geologist to form a picture of dramatic climate changes which took place 30 to 40 million years ago. Dr Bridget Wade is part of an international team of scientists studying climate shifts between the Eocene period - the warmest cycle in the last 65 million... view more... (2002-05-03)
Climate gas could disrupt food chain
Levels of a climate cooling gas will change as carbon dioxide increases, affecting food webs along the way, said Dr Michael Steinke at a Science Media Centre press briefing today. view more (2007-12-11)
UGA scientists discover bacterial 'switch gene' that regulates oceans' sulfur emissions into the air
The number of plankton in the seas is almost beyond comprehension. A single teaspoonful of ocean water holds several million of these microscopic drifters, and in recent years, scientists have discovered plankton are involved with everything from the health of the water to global warming. view more (2006-10-27)
Taking evolution's temperature: Researchers pinpoint the energy it takes to make a species
Writing this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, scientists say higher temperatures near the equator speed up the metabolisms of the inhabitants, fueling genetic changes that actually lead to the creation of new species. view more (2006-06-01)
Chemical Cudgel in Plants
Defense mechanisms of single-celled algae Plankton are at the bottom of the food chain in all natural bodies of water and are thus correspondingly important for their ecological balance. In the cycle of eating and being eaten it isn't only fish and whales that prey on these tiny animals and plants - they also eat each other. For example, a variety... view more... (2000-11-29)
Hidden sponges determine coral reef's nutrient cycle
Marine organisms hidden in caves, such as sponges, play an extremely important role in the nutrient cycle of coral reefs. view more (2005-09-15)
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