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The Tungsten-Silicone contact lens curing underwater drone blindness

Researchers have developed a soft, custom-molded acoustic contact lens that actively corrects outgoing sound waves before they pass through an autonomous drone's protective shell. The lens boosts sonar signal strength by up to 10 decibels while cutting background reverberation without draining extra battery power.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 16, 2026

Island Scholarship launched

The Island Scholarship programme aims to draw more talent to Orkney, supporting population retention and attraction on Scottish islands. Fifteen postgraduate students will have their fees paid in full for specialist MSc courses, with applications now open.

Scientists engineer unsinkable metal tubes

Researchers at the University of Rochester create a new process to turn ordinary metal tubes unsinkable by etching micro- and nano-pits on their surface, making them superhydrophobic. The tubes stay afloat in water, even when damaged or submerged for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 27, 2026

Location, location, location: Model IDs best spots for offshore energy projects

Researchers developed a portfolio optimization framework to maximize offshore energy production by identifying optimal locations for wind turbines and marine hydrokinetic technologies. The study found that combining these technologies in suitable locations can significantly reduce costs and increase energy stability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnergy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2026

Riding the AI wave toward rapid, precise ocean simulations

Researchers developed a machine learning-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time without compromising accuracy. The new surrogate model maintains the same level of accuracy as traditional particle-based simulations while reducing computation time from approximately 45 minutes to just three minutes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalApplied Ocean Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2025

Effects of environmental factors on Southeast Brazil’s coastal biodiversity surpass those of ecological processes

A study found that environmental factors like sea surface temperature, wave energy, and freshwater discharge have a greater impact on marine organisms' size and abundance than ecological processes. In colder waters, marine organisms are larger, with filter feeders growing up to 130% larger.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMarine Environmental Research·DateOct 9, 2024

Study highlights complex ocean conditions facing world’s most powerful tidal turbine

Researchers used aerial drone technology and boat-based surveys to map complex tidal flows around the world's most powerful tidal turbine, O2. The study provides new insights into optimal turbine placement and site-specific assessments to address uncertainties surrounding interactions with marine habitats and environments.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2024

Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage

The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.

Seismology records growing rumble of climate change

A new study by Colorado State University reveals that seismic signals show a growing intensity in ocean waves since the late 20th century, attributed to global warming. The research indicates that storms are becoming more intense and wave energy is increasing globally, posing a serious threat to coastal ecosystems and infrastructure.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

FAU Engineering study employs deep learning to explain extreme events

Researchers from FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science employ a computer-vision deep learning technique to analyze wall-bounded turbulent flows. They successfully identify the sources of extreme events in a data-driven manner, providing new insights into non-linear relationships in fluid dynamics simulations.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2023

Listen to a star ‘twinkle’

A Northwestern University-led team developed the first 3D simulations of energy rippling from a massive star's core to its outer surface. The researchers determined how much stars should innately twinkle and converted these waves into sound waves, allowing listeners to hear both what the insides of stars and their twinkling sound like.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 27, 2023

Research extends the lifetime of molecules in organic flow batteries to practical values

Harvard researchers develop new method to extend the lifetime of organic molecules in organic aqueous flow batteries, improving their commercial viability. The approach works by periodically providing a shock to revive decomposed molecules, resulting in a net lifetime increase of up to 260 times.

Gravity-defying spike waves rewrite the rule book

Scientists have found that axisymmetric 'spike waves' can exceed previously thought limits on ocean wave height, leading to significant implications for maritime safety. The new research revealed the fundamental mechanisms behind highly directional and crossing waves becoming much larger than others.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022

How do waves form in the sea?

Tel Aviv University researchers develop innovative model that explains wave formation, tested in complex experiments. The model takes into account all unstable harmonics and limitations of previous models, providing high reliability for describing physical situation.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 10, 2022

Leading blue energy revolution

Researchers at CUHK have developed a water-tube-based triboelectric nanogenerator (WT-TENG) for harnessing irregular and low-frequency environmental energy, such as ocean waves. The device generates high output volumetric charge density, reaching 9 mC/m3, and can be easily combined to create larger units for increased power generation.

SourceThe Chinese University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 18, 2021

Rethinking tsunami defense

A new study by Stanford researchers suggests that park-like tsunami defenses, featuring strategically arranged green hills along coastlines, can provide an effective alternative to towering seawalls. These designs prioritize coastal access, ecological function, and community well-being while offering improved risk mitigation benefits.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2020

Wave energy converters are not geared towards the increase in energy over the last century

Researchers found that wave energy converters did not take full advantage of available energy, especially during extreme events, and their design needs to be adapted to handle increasing ocean activity. The study suggests a 40% increase in marine energy over the last century, with the largest increase occurring in the last 20 years.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalApplied Energy·DateJul 20, 2018

Waves in lakes make waves in the Earth

Scientists have discovered that waves in lakes can generate microseismic signals that can reveal subsurface geology and track ice cover duration. By analyzing these signals, researchers can create a seismic 'CT scan' of the Earth, providing valuable insights into geological structures.

Surveying sea floor animals for offshore renewable energy

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to analyze sediment and animal life on the ocean floor, reducing the need for time-intensive identification work. The study found relationships between sediment characteristics and marine animal life consistent across eight sites off the Pacific Northwest coast.

SourceOregon State University·JournalContinental Shelf Research·DateJul 6, 2017