A novel imaging technique using µCT scans has revealed that coral reefs are more vulnerable to bioerosion than previously thought, with changes in ocean pH having a significant impact on reef growth and breakdown. The study provides new insights into the complex relationships between environmental conditions and reef processes.
Researchers estimate human carbon release rate is about 10 times faster than any event in the past 66 million years, with potentially catastrophic consequences for future climate changes. The study also suggests that the effects of massive fossil fuel burning will have a much longer tail than previously thought.
The Hawai'i Undersea Research Laboratory (HURL) has successfully recovered a bronze bell from the I-400, a World War II-era Imperial Japanese Navy mega-submarine. The recovery was made possible through a collaboration between HURL and other organizations, including NOAA and the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that coral reef islands and atolls create 'biological hotspots' in the Pacific Ocean due to increased phytoplankton biomass, supporting enhanced food-webs and local fisheries. The Island Mass Effect drives ecosystem productivity and has significant implications for resource management.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii have successfully generated male mice without Y chromosome genes, which can now father offspring through assisted reproduction. These 'No Y' males were created by replacing essential Y chromosome genes with their X chromosome counterparts and demonstrate functional redundancy within genomes.
A University of Hawaii research team will investigate how specific strains of bacteria from marine biofilms induce the settlement and metamorphosis of a small tube worm. The goal is to understand the factors produced by the bacteria that cause the larvae to settle and undergo dramatic physical changes.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii developed innovative experiments to test first-aid measures for box jellyfish stings, finding that tried-and-true methods like vinegar and hot water immersion are effective in reducing venom toxicity. The study also introduced a new therapeutic called Sting No MoreTM, which inhibits venom directly.
Researchers have discovered a novel receptor in Vibrio fischeri that senses fatty acids, allowing the bacterium to migrate towards these compounds. This finding sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and its luminescent bacteria.
The University of Hawaii will develop a large-scale data visualization system, CyberCANOE, using a $857,000 NSF grant. The system will provide an alternative approach to ultra-resolution display environments and enable researchers to work together more effectively with large amounts of data.
Recent La Niña years have brought less-than-normal rainfall to Hawai'i, contrary to past trends. The shift in weather patterns has important implications for agriculture and water resource management.
A computer model developed by University of Hawaii researchers can accurately forecast the movement of vog around the state, posing a serious threat to health and ecosystems. The model uses sulfur dioxide emissions and wind predictions to provide near-real-time forecasts.
The study found that pteropods, a tiny sea snail, will struggle to form their shells due to low carbonate ion concentration. The duration of undersaturation events will increase abruptly, posing an uncertain adaptation for vulnerable marine organisms.
A new study reveals the source of near-annual pressure and wind changes in the Southeast Asian Monsoon system, attributing them to El Niño's interaction with solar radiation. The research demonstrates that these oscillations are more predictable than previously assumed and provide a new mechanism for understanding climate phenomena.
Climate models predict a doubling of extreme interannual sea level swings in the tropical southwestern Pacific, posing significant risks to vulnerable coastlines. Sea level drops and flooding will have severe consequences for Pacific Island communities adapting to rising sea levels.
A single gene in fruit flies, named 'bond', controls male pheromone production and affects fertility. It also influences the fertility of rival males, suggesting that males need a sense of competition to ensure reproductive success.
A recent study found that Hawaii has lost a significant portion of its unique and diverse invertebrate species, with only 15 out of 325 recognized Amastridae species still alive. Globally, the team estimated that up to 14% of Earth's animal species may have been lost due to human activities.
A new study found that corals pre-conditioned to increased temperature and ocean acidification produced healthier offspring, which can handle future environmental stressors. This rapid trans-generational acclimatization may help corals survive climate change.
Researchers found that six-gill and prickly deep-sea sharks are positively buoyant, requiring less energy to swim upward than downward. This adaptation may provide them with a 'stealth' advantage during hunting or aid in nightly migrations to shallower areas.
A new study suggests that climate change will lead to declines in plant growing days by 2100 due to warming, drought, and limited solar radiation. Tropical regions are expected to face significant reductions in suitable climate ranges, potentially affecting food security and human societies.
Researchers from University of Hawai'i - Mānoa discover that larger dust particles in comet Wild 2 are similar to rocks found in primitive meteorites called chondrites. The smaller-sized dust displays a range of oxygen isotopic compositions, deepening the mystery of Wild 2's past.
A UH-led team successfully observed the total solar eclipse over the Arctic, capturing breathtaking images of the sun's corona. The team braved extreme weather conditions and polar bear danger to set up equipment at two locations in the Svalbard archipelago.
Researchers discovered a massive supervoid, 1.8 billion light-years across, that could explain the unusual Cold Spot in cosmic microwave background radiation. The void's effect on light traveling through it results in colder temperatures, potentially revealing exotic physics beyond standard cosmology.
A new study examines human impact on Pacific coral reefs, finding significant reductions in fish biomass at most reefs due to human presence. The analysis of nearly 40 islands and atolls reveals that even low levels of human influence can cause substantial declines in fish abundance.
A new study from the University of Hawaii predicts that coastal erosion in Hawai'i will double by mid-century, threatening thousands of homes and infrastructure. The model takes into account historical changes and projected sea level rise, indicating that shorelines will retreat an average of 16-20 feet by 2050 and nearly 60 feet by 2100.
Researchers found daily rhythms in metabolism among microbial communities in different ocean habitats, with common photoautotrophs initiating a cascade effect. This work suggests that microbial communities behave similarly across entire ocean basins.
A recent University of Hawaii study reveals heavy rainfall events are increasing in frequency on the Big Island, but decreasing on Oahu and Maui. Climate change is believed to be driving these changes, with extreme rain events more common during La Nina years.
Researchers from HURL and NOAA team discover the USS Kailua, a historic cable ship that served in World War II, sitting upright in 2,000 feet of water nearly 20 miles off Oahu's coast. The ship was surprisingly intact for its age, with well-preserved upper deck structures and no signs of torpedo damage.
Scientists found that El Niño fuels intense hurricanes in the region by altering atmospheric conditions, providing additional energy to tropical cyclones. The study reveals an oceanic pathway bringing heat into the basin two or three seasons after winter peak.
A recent study revealed a significant increase in anthropogenic nitrate levels in the North Pacific Ocean over the past 30 years, primarily due to enhanced atmospheric deposition. This shift in nutrient availability may favor certain marine organisms and alter the base of the marine food web.
A new study reveals that both over and under-reporting of food intake can lead to incorrect conclusions about whether individuals are meeting dietary recommendations. The research found that plausible reporters were more likely to meet recommendations for essential nutrients like energy, protein, and fiber.
Research shows that larger females produce far more eggs than smaller fish, increasing population productivity and stability. Older fish also provide a 'storage effect', allowing them to spawn successfully when conditions are favorable.
Research reveals that consuming non-native algae 'superweeds' rich in arginine promotes the deadly virus causing tumors in endangered sea turtles. The disease is considered the leading cause of death for green sea turtles, with over 60% of Kāne'ohe Bay turtles bearing tumors.
The University of Hawaii's Hawai'i Center for Advanced Communications has received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop innovative solutions for improving radio spectrum utilization. The project aims to provide reliable broadband wireless service to remote and rural areas in the Hawaiian Islands and beyond.
A new high-throughput cell-sorting method developed by Yi Zuo can separate 10 billion bacterial cells in just 30 minutes. The method uses surface free energy to sort cells, which could have direct applications for studying bacterial cells, microalgae, and other microbial samples.
The researchers mapped the velocities of galaxies throughout our local universe to define the region where each supercluster dominates. The Milky Way resides in the outskirts of the Laniakea Supercluster, which is 500 million light-years in diameter and contains 100,000 galaxies.
Malassezia fungi, linked to human skin conditions, have been found across multiple environments including Hawaiian coral reefs, arctic soils, and deep sea vents. They dominate certain marine ecosystems and are also found in marine mammals and fish, suggesting a broader ecological significance.
New study finds that seafood mislabeling distorts true abundance of fish, defrauds consumers, and causes unwanted exposure to harmful pollutants like mercury. The researchers found that even MSC-certified fish can have high mercury levels if substituted with other species from the same geographic area.
Researchers observed different species of bacteria expressing genes in consistent cycles, with periods of activity mirroring hourly workers' shifts. This finding has implications for understanding microbial dynamics and their impact on ocean health and productivity.
A new study reveals that the Antarctic ice sheet is less stable than previously thought, with massive iceberg calving events causing rapid global sea level rise. The findings, published in Nature, provide direct evidence of the impact of Antarctic ice sheet instability on climate and sea levels.
A Honolulu-based study reveals that shorter men tend to live longer, thanks to a protective form of the longevity gene FOXO3. This gene is linked to smaller body size during early development and lower blood insulin levels, resulting in a longer lifespan. The study, which followed over 8,000 Japanese-American men for nearly 50 years, p...
A review of nearly 200 research articles highlights the underplay of population growth's impact on modern crises. The study emphasizes the need to address natality rates in both developed and developing nations to fix these issues.
Researchers at the University of Hawaii are studying copepods to understand their response to global climate change. They have published a transcriptome for the key North Atlantic copepod Calanus finmarchicus, which provides insights into population changes and may help predict future declines.
Researchers at UH Manoa discovered a biological trigger behind marine biofouling, where certain bacteria induce larval metamorphosis. This process has implications for boat owners and the mariculture industry, which rely on larval settlement to create new communities.
Researchers discovered a surprising abundance of species in Antarctic fjord seafloors, including bristle worms, anemones, and sea spiders. Climate warming is expected to impact these ecosystems as glacial melting accelerates and sediments enter the fjords.
Researchers have developed a method to generate healthy mouse offspring using assisted reproduction and limited Y chromosome genes. The study found that introducing additional Y genes can improve the efficiency of this approach. However, the human Y chromosome is still necessary for normal fertilization and male reproduction.
Researchers at the BESIII experiment have observed two new charged charmonium-like states, Zc(4020) and a neutral X(3872), in high-energy collisions. These discoveries suggest the existence of a previously unknown family of four-quark objects.
A long-term study of box jellyfish abundance reveals a strong positive relationship with the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation index, primary production, and small zooplankton abundance. The study confirms predictable timing based on the moon cycle but shows no net increase or decrease in numbers over 14 years.
Climate change will have far-reaching consequences for the world's oceans, affecting marine habitats and organisms, as well as human societies that depend on them. The study warns of massive disruptions to food chains, fishing, and tourism, with up to 870 million people relying on ocean goods and services.
The study found that areas in the tropics will experience unprecedented climates first, with a radically different climate projected by 2047 under a business-as-usual scenario. Conservation planning could be undermined as protected areas face unprecedented climates, and rapid changes may lead to extinctions.
Researchers found that photochemical reactions break down mercury at the surface, but it's converted to its toxic form at deeper depths. This process affects ocean fish and the human seafood supply, with implications for reducing mercury emissions.