A new NOAA study warns that injecting particles into the stratosphere could inadvertently decrease peak electricity generated by large solar power plants. This is due to the reduction of direct sunlight, which is crucial for these systems to function efficiently.
Scientists identified seven new species of bamboo coral, potentially representing entirely new genera. The discoveries highlight the importance of deep-sea corals supporting diverse ecosystems and their vulnerability to ocean acidification.
The observed ocean warming has contributed significantly to global average sea level rise, with a 20mm increase over the past 53 years. The thermosteric component of sea level change is one of several factors affecting sea level, including glacier melting and freshwater transfer.
The NOAA CDR Project aims to address climate change data challenges by stitching together heritage satellite data and incorporating future sources like NPOESS. This project will deliver regular climate information following rigorous scientific standards, enabling understanding of climate variability and change.
Research suggests that human activity may not have a detectable impact on Atlantic hurricanes, but warming may lead to more intense storms. Century-long records show rising tropical storm counts from the mid-1800s, while hurricane counts remain stable.
Researchers used bimonthly CO2 measurements from 16 aircraft sites to create a monthly 3D picture of CO2 over North America. They found moderate CO2 sink areas, especially in the Midwest and Southeast, which agree with estimates of crop uptake and forest regrowth.
Taxonomist Barbara Taylor highlights the need to consider uncertainty in taxonomy for threatened and endangered species. She proposes incorporating uncertainty into decision-making processes using risk assessment models, which can aid precautionary conservation measures.
Researchers have found several compounds exhibiting strong antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties, as well as anti-cancer and angiogenesis activities. These novel antibiotics demonstrate no cytotoxic responses to human cells, minimizing negative side effects associated with current drugs.
Researchers find increasing risk of staph infections from ocean beach users, but also discover sponge and coral-derived chemicals that could break down antibiotic-resistant compounds. New tools to fight antibiotic resistance have been identified, including novel antibiotics and chemicals with potential for personalized medicine.
A new study identifies a hotspot for toxic harmful algal blooms (HABS) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which can trigger blooms and force shellfish bed closures. The research aims to provide early warnings to protect human health and reduce economic losses due to biotoxin accumulation.
The Arctic region is at risk of maritime accidents and oil spills due to limited infrastructure and increasing ship traffic, according to a new report. The report calls for strengthened international cooperation, improved logistical support, and updated weather data to mitigate these risks.
The report finds that climate change is the primary threat to coral reefs worldwide, with bleaching and acidification expected to cause significant declines. However, some reefs have shown recovery, particularly those in protected areas or with minimal human impact.
The study, which analyzed socio-economic data from 14,000 households in 27 tropical countries, found that healthy coral reefs are crucial for communities' livelihoods and food security. Despite decades-old recommendations, effective implementation of these recommendations is still a challenge in many parts of the world.
This year's predicted dead zone off the coast of Louisiana and Texas could measure a record 8,800 square miles, threatening valuable commercial and recreational Gulf fisheries. The area experiences low oxygen levels due to high nutrient levels from human activities.
A new NOAA coral bleaching prediction system suggests some bleaching in the Caribbean later this year, but not severe. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are at a higher risk of widespread bleaching in August.
A NOAA-led research expedition will study three German submarine wrecks sunk off North Carolina's coast in 1942. The team will use non-invasive methods to survey and photograph the visible sections of U-352, U-85, and U-701, while studying marine life at the sites.
Commercial shipping releases 130,000 metric tons of soot annually, with tugboats emitting nearly a gram per kilogram of fuel burned. The high levels are linked to low-quality fuel and poor engine maintenance, contributing to air quality issues near populous urban areas.
NOAA researchers discovered that inhaled brevetoxins from red tides can damage DNA and attach to genetic code, potentially leading to cancer. Long-term exposure could add to cumulative DNA damage, increasing cancer risk.
A new NOAA report reveals that nearly half of the US coral reef ecosystems are in poor or fair condition due to human-derived threats such as coastal development and recreational use. Climate-related effects like coral bleaching, disease, and ocean acidification also pose significant risks to these ecosystems.
A new study found that low-dose exposure to domoic acid during fetal brain development can lead to epileptic seizures and behavioral abnormalities in California sea lions. The toxin is produced by harmful algal blooms, which are increasingly common in the sea lions' habitat.
The new NOAA ocean observing system in Pascagoula provides mariners with free real-time information on water and wind conditions. This enhancement reduces vessel groundings and increases cargo movement through the port.
The Monitor National Marine Sanctuary off North Carolina's coast is generally healthy, with abundant marine life and water quality. However, the wreck of the Civil War ironclad poses risks due to corrosion, strong currents, and discarded fishing gear.
A 20-year study by NOAA reveals a positive trend in reducing contaminant levels in U.S. coastal waters, despite ongoing concerns about metals and industrial chemicals. The report highlights decreasing trends for pesticides like DDT and industrial chemicals PCBs, but notes continued issues with oil-related compounds and flame retardants.
NOAA scientist Nat Scholz reveals that pesticide mixtures have a greater toxic effect on the salmon nervous system than expected. The findings have important implications for threatened and endangered salmon populations and may also affect human health through contaminated food supply.
A new study has mapped the extent of human impact on global oceans, revealing that over 40% of the world's oceans are severely affected. The study highlights the most heavily impacted regions, including coral reefs and seagrass beds, which house a vast majority of marine life.
NOAA is investigating how underwater sound affects marine mammals, which may cause them to strand. The agency is also studying the rapid rate of Arctic ice melt due to factors like aerosols and ozone in the lower atmosphere. Additionally, NOAA researchers are using radiocarbon traces to determine fish ages, which helps with fisheries m...