Researchers found that 44% of colonies of the invasive species Didemnum vexillum are formed by gene chimera, which could promote genetic diversity and colonization success. The creation of chimera may also be a mechanism to increase adaptive success in new environments.
A team of scientists has discovered 35 species of marine fungi with unconventional cell division cycles, challenging classical models. The study aims to understand how fungi interact with environments and potentially uncover new biology in the vast marine biosphere.
Researchers used multifactor models to examine the impact of climate change on marine species in the US Northeast Shelf. The study found that more than 50% of species would experience a decline in habitat space, posing serious trouble for certain species like the Atlantic cod.
Research found that sulphur production by tiny marine algae decreased during glacial periods, challenging conventional wisdom. This decrease in sulphur emissions may be linked to changes in climate rather than just the amount of dust in the air, suggesting a closer relationship between phytoplankton and climate.
A new study from Oregon State University found that underwater soundscapes varied widely across four protected marine sites, driven by differences in animal vocalization rates, human activity and weather. The study provides a baseline for these regions and can be used for comparison over time.
Scientists have found that severe marine heatwaves can lead to the death of coral animals themselves, causing the underlying skeleton to decay rapidly. This new understanding highlights the need for urgent action to preserve coral reefs and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Researchers discovered that reactive oxygen species, once thought to cause cellular damage, actually protect phytoplankton cells from overproducing a compound used for photosynthesis. This finding challenges conventional wisdom and may have implications for understanding ocean resilience to climate change.
A new study published in Journal of Applied Ecology provides a method for verifying the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs) by comparing data collected before and after their implementation. This approach helps scientists determine whether adjustments are needed to improve the impact of MPAs on fish populations.
Researchers have deciphered how marine bacteria degrade algae biomass, unlocking potential for sustainable chemistry and bioplastics. The study reveals complex biochemical pathways and identifies new enzymes for targeted use in fermentations and product synthesis.
A research team has elucidated the complex degradation pathway of the polysaccharide Ulvan from marine algae, revealing the biochemical function of 12 enzymes. The findings have significant implications for future biotechnological applications and improve our understanding of the marine carbon cycle.
An international team, led by Australian researchers, has published a first-of-its-kind study assessing the major drivers of global marine heatwaves. They found that known climate phenomena, such as El Niño and North Atlantic Oscillation, can increase the odds of marine heatwaves in other regions thousands of kilometres away.
Researchers found that marine oil snow transfers oil's negative impacts from the water column to seafloor sediments, delivering oxygenated compounds to organisms in the sediments. This process can increase toxicity in deep-sea ecosystems.
Commercial fishers believe they can play a key role in reducing marine litter, with many already participating in initiatives like Fishing for Litter. The study found that fishers are passionate about their seas and believe collective action is needed to address the issue.
Researchers found that a specific gene, Fads2, helps marine stickleback synthesize DHA, essential for development and health. The ability to utilize this nutrient determines where fish colonize freshwater habitats.
Researchers developed a new method to estimate cumulative human impact for individual species, revealing threatened seahorses in data-poor regions. The study found China, Southeast Asia, and Europe as major threat epicentres for global seahorse populations.
Lab tests show plastic chemicals impair growth and function of ocean's most abundant photosynthetic bacteria, Prochlorococcus. Exposure to plastics alters gene expression, potentially harming entire ecosystem.
A rare marine ammonite shell, identified as a juvenile from the Late Albian to Early Cenomanian age of the Cretaceous Period, is preserved in Burmese amber. The discovery suggests that the amber was formed on a beach with resin-producing trees close enough to the water to capture both terrestrial insects and remains of marine organisms.
Marine invertebrates' vision is highly sensitive to oxygen levels, with reduced oxygen causing 60-100% vision loss. Most species recover visual function when oxygen levels are restored.
A new species of edrioasteroid echinoderm, Totiglobus spencensis, has been discovered, providing insight into the evolution of echinoderms from living stuck to marine sediment grains to attached to hard surfaces. This discovery sheds light on a critical time in the evolution of organisms and marine ecosystems.
A new study reveals that ship traffic in Antarctic waters has increased up to 10-fold since the 1960s, posing a risk of invasive species altering the balance between species. The research informs future conservation management and policy for protecting Antarctica's unique biodiversity.
Marine Skin, a polymer-based material with integrated electronics, revolutionizes sea life monitoring by tracking movement and diving behavior, as well as environmental health. The system can operate at unprecedented depths, with enhanced sensitivity, and plans include additional sensing capabilities.
Dr. Kelly Dorgan received a CAREER grant to study ecosystem engineering and bioturbation rates in marine sediments. She aims to improve nutrient regeneration and predict bioturbation patterns, benefiting ocean health.
Research reveals marine reserves increase predation rates, protecting predators that were heavily fished by humans, leading to greater impacts on prey species. The analysis highlights the importance of considering ecological processes in reserve design and management.
A recent study in Aquatic Invasions documents 53 introduced marine animal species on the Galápagos Islands, nearly 10 times more than previously known. The majority of these non-native species are likely arriving through ships from tropical seas, posing concerns for conservation efforts.
A comprehensive analysis of over 11,000 coastal-habitat measurements confirms the nursery function of mangroves and seagrasses, providing key guidance for marine resource managers. The study also finds that other structured habitats, such as coral reefs and oyster reefs, support greater juvenile abundance, growth, and survival.
A comprehensive review of marine mammal noise exposure has yielded new policy recommendations for regulatory agencies worldwide. The panel's report provides guidelines to avoid harm and includes species-specific criteria for noise exposure, based on the latest scientific knowledge.
During the 2014-16 marine heatwave, an unprecedented 37 tropical species were documented in California and Oregon, with many having never been seen so far north before. This shift is attributed to warmer ocean temperatures, which allowed southern species to track northward, adapting to climate change.
Researchers from the University of Plymouth detail a blueprint for city marine parks to connect urban areas with their people and the reciprocal benefits of the marine environment. The study highlights the potential of these parks to contribute to community wellbeing, economic prosperity, and sustainability.
A study reveals that plastics are the main component of marine litter in Spanish waters, with high densities in the Alboran Sea. The research also shows that waste accumulation has remained stable in some areas, while others have seen a decrease in density over time.
A new computer model reveals accelerating biological changes in the global ocean, which can redistribute ocean communities and species worldwide. The model predicts these changes one year in advance, enabling identification of regions overlooked by current field observation programs.
Scientists have discovered biologically active compounds in marine invertebrates that exhibit strong antitumor and antimicrobial properties. These compounds show potential as new treatments for cancer and can also be used to develop effective insecticides.
A recent study by NUS researchers found that microplastics can harbor toxic bacteria capable of causing coral bleaching and triggering wound infections in humans. The study identified over 400 types of bacteria on the plastics, including species that can degrade pollutants and others that cause harm to marine organisms.
A new study reveals that microplastics have been ingested by every marine mammal examined, with synthetic fibers being the primary source. The findings suggest that while the number of particles is relatively low, more research is needed to understand the potential impacts on animal health.
A new study reveals that polar marine predators have a metabolic advantage in cold temperatures, allowing them to thrive with greater species richness at the poles than in the tropics. This challenges the typical latitudinal gradient of increasing diversity towards the equator.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 78% of marine mammal populations and 75% of sea turtle populations increased significantly after being listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Conservation measures such as tailored species management and fishery regulations appear to have been successful in promoting species recovery.
A Tel Aviv University study has discovered the presence of microplastics and plastic additives in solitary ascidians along Israel's coastline. The research highlights the significant impact of human activities on marine life, with findings suggesting that these pollutants are present even in protected beaches.
A two-year study by researchers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab found that ten times more trash washes up on the coast of Texas than any other Gulf state. The majority of the trash was plastic, with most occurring during spring and summer months.
A £1 million research program is assessing human impacts on the pristine Chagos Archipelago, a remote British Indian Ocean Territory. The study aims to understand how conservation practices can benefit other areas of the marine environment.
Thaumarchaeota, a key player in the marine nitrogen cycle, can now be shown to utilize organic nitrogen sources like cyanate and urea. This discovery may explain their exceptional success in the oceans. The specific mechanisms behind these organisms' ability to use cyanate are still unknown.
New research reveals that marine ammonia oxidizing archaea can use cyanate and urea as alternative energy sources, enhancing their metabolic capabilities. This discovery sheds light on the remarkable adaptability of these microorganisms, which play a key role in the marine nitrogen cycle.
A new 'Go Fish' tool confirms marine species presence in water samples within three days, complementing traditional monitoring systems. Experts at the first US National Conference on Marine Environmental DNA discuss the potential of emerging eDNA science to enhance ocean management and inform policy decisions.
A new study finds that effective management of local issues can mitigate the detrimental impact of future global environmental changes on marine organisms. The research highlights the importance of adjusting regulation associated with oil spill prevention to maximize resilience in marine ecosystems.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that drones can be used to count and make species-level identifications of marine megafauna, particularly in shallow marine environments. The technology offers a valuable platform for scientists and conservationists to study populations and inform conservation efforts.
Current MPAs in Finland protect only 27% of marine biodiversity, leaving many ecologically important species at risk. Increasing protected areas by just 1% can double conservation of the most important species.
Researchers found that diatom algae blooms produce biotoxins affecting Oikopleura dioica zooplankton development, causing 'golf ball' phenotype and lethal anomalies. The study suggests a potential biomarker for zooplankton response to stress caused by diatoms.
A study identifies marine aggregates as key to removing microplastics from the ocean surface and facilitating their transfer to food webs. Mussels were found to selectively ingest smaller particles with specific shapes, highlighting their picky eating habits.
Researchers found sea snail shells were on average a third smaller and showed visible deterioration under predicted future CO2 levels, impacting thickness, density, and structure. The corrosive effects of ocean acidification threaten the survival of calcified animals like shellfish, which are crucial to coastal marine communities.
The Ocean Solutions Initiative presents a comprehensive review of thirteen ocean-based measures to counter climate change. The measures can be grouped into four categories: reduction of climate change causes, preservation of ecosystems, protection of the ocean from solar radiation, and direct manipulation of species adaptability.
Hurricane Walaka is battering the largest contiguous fully protected conservation area under U.S. flag, Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The storm's powerful thunderstorms have generated large surf and heavy rain potential.
Research suggests that Vibrio species have a crucial role in marine organic carbon cycling, particularly in coastal environments. These bacteria can rapidly consume and transform organic matter into cell material and waste products.
The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument is a critical hotspot of biodiversity, with an aerial survey revealing over 600 animal sightings in just four hours. The monument's protected resource status is under review by the Trump administration.
Researchers analyzed ancient marine sediment for effects of Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum on shallow-water communities. The study found that biodiversity loss and ecological restructuring were minor impacts, but some organisms adapted to low-oxygen conditions through microbial symbiosis.
A study by the University of Liverpool identified 31 ecosystem services provided by marine biodiversity, including seafood, raw materials, and natural flood defences. The research highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity to maintain these essential services.
A team of researchers at Dartmouth College has created a more sustainable feed for aquaculture by replacing fishmeal with a marine microalga co-product. The study found that the co-product had higher protein content and digestibility of essential amino acids, including omega-3 fatty acids.
Researchers found that marine mammals lost the functional Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene, which protects land-dwelling mammals from pesticides. This loss may have allowed marine mammals to adapt to a marine environment, but also makes them vulnerable to organophosphate poisoning.
A genome-wide scan reveals the shared loss of Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) gene function across marine mammal lineages, leaving them vulnerable to neurotoxic chemicals. This loss may be related to PON1's role in fatty acid oxidation and poses a significant health risk for marine mammals living near agricultural runoff.
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have identified a key molecule driving chemoattraction between sperm and egg cells in marine invertebrates. This molecule allows sodium ions to flow into the sperm cell, transporting protons out of the cell and increasing the pH, enabling the Ca2+ pulses needed for fertilization.
A PolyU-led project has been awarded a record-breaking HK$47.2 million grant to develop new concrete structures for marine infrastructure, aiming to reduce steel corrosion and environmental pollution. The five-year project will focus on innovative materials and designs, with potential benefits extending to Hong Kong and globally.
Researchers designed and printed soft robotic manipulators for interacting with delicate deep-sea organisms, collecting samples at depths of up to 2224m. The innovative approach enables real-time modification and innovation in understanding fragile marine life.
A study by University of Queensland scientists reveals that only 13% of the ocean can be classified as wilderness, leaving it vulnerable to loss. Marine areas devoid of intense human impacts are being protected, but most remaining wilderness is located in remote regions and is unprotected.