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Engineers create world-first floating titanium

Australian engineers have created a strong and lightweight titanium material that floats in water, even after severe damage, revealing a promising new material for marine infrastructure. The 3D-printed titanium lattice is 70% stronger than stainless steel and withholds seawater exposure, making it suitable for jetties, buoys, and float...

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2026

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

New research uncovers surprising physics of ‘marine snow’

Researchers at Brown University have discovered that particles in the ocean can absorb salt at varying rates, affecting their sinking speed. This finding could aid in understanding the ocean's nutrient cycle and settling of microplastics. The study provides new insights into the physics of 'marine snow' and its role in ocean dynamics.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2025

Towards zero-emissions by fuel-flexible technologies – New Finnish consortium brings cleaner solutions to marine and off-road transport

The Flexible Clean Propulsion Technologies project aims to develop innovative clean solutions for maritime transport and off-road machinery, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100% through the use of zero- and low-carbon fuels. The consortium brings together key players in Finland and international partners to shape the future ...

Fighting coastal erosion with electricity

Researchers have developed a bioinspired process to make marine sand more durable and resistant to erosion by applying a mild electric current. This natural cement reduces the need for expensive protection structures and provides a sustainable solution for strengthening global coastlines.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

The EOLO group of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) presents a new method for analysing the long-term mechanical fatigue of floating offshore wind turbines

The EOLO group presents a new method for analyzing the long-term mechanical fatigue of floating offshore wind turbines, using historical data from 1920 to 2010. The study found that sea conditions can affect turbine lifespan, potentially reducing its service life by up to 5 years.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2024

Novel high-performance and sustainable paper coating material created by KAIST-Yonsei University research team to reduce microplastic​ pollution​

The KAIST-Yonsei University research team has developed a novel, high-performance paper coating material made from biodegradable plastic that improves the sustainability of paper packaging. The coating material was tested for its biodegradability and found to achieve 59-82% biodegradation in marine environments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 22, 2024

Human activity is causing toxic thallium to enter the Baltic sea, according to new study

A new study by scientists affiliated with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that human activities account for a substantial amount of toxic thallium in the Baltic Sea. The research suggests that the amount of thallium could increase due to further anthropogenic or natural activities, posing a concern for marine life.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 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.

National Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers develop a new control method that optimizes autonomous ship navigation

A team of researchers developed a time-optimal control method for autonomous ships, optimizing maneuvering performance in dynamic sea conditions. The new control system accounts for various forces affecting ship movement and can improve efficiency and safety, reducing shipping costs and carbon emissions.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2024

PolyU researchers introduce biomineralization as a sustainable strategy against microbial corrosion in marine concrete

Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel biomineralization strategy to prevent microbially induced corrosion on concrete for sustainable marine infrastructure. The technique isolates concrete from corrosive microorganisms, extending the lifespan of structures and reducing environmental impact.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2024

New transactions of nonferrous metals society of china study uncovers low-temperature deformation mechanism of pure titanium

Researchers investigate grain size and temperature effects on Ti deformation at extremely low temperatures, finding that cryogenic temperatures trigger deformation twinning, boosting strength and ductility. The study proposes a modified Hall-Petch relationship to explain strengthening mechanisms at cryogenic temperatures.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalTransactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers develop a new method for path-following performance of autonomous ships

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers have developed a new method for assessing the path-following performance of autonomous ships in adverse weather conditions. The computational fluid dynamics model can provide more accurate predictions of path-following performance and enhance safety in autonomous marine navigation.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists find both potential threats and promising resources in the thriving colonies of bacteria and fungi on ocean plastic trash

A team of NTU scientists found a mix of harmful microorganisms, including Labyrinthulaceae and Lyngbya, that can poison marine life. However, they also discovered potential plastic-eating bacteria, such as Muricauda and Halomonas, which could aid in plastic degradation.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 26, 2023

UBC Okanagan researchers hope to prevent catastrophes with next-generation sensors

UBC Okanagan researchers have developed sensors that can detect erosion and breaches in protective coatings, reducing inspection time and error risk. The AI-enabled sensors can also distinguish individual layer erosion within multi-layer coatings, enabling proactive monitoring and addressing of equipment degradation.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2023

KMOU researchers develop a novel algorithm for mitigating COVID-19 spread in ships

Researchers at National Korea Maritime and Ocean University developed a close contact identification algorithm that outperforms conventional clustering algorithms. The algorithm enables accurate tracking and physical isolation of individuals in ship environments, contributing to the health and safety of passengers.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2023

Protected sex: study records grouper mating calls in marine managed areas

Researchers from FAU Harbor Branch deployed an autonomous wave glider to survey marine managed areas off Puerto Rico, recording grouper mating calls and determining spatiotemporal distribution of the two species. The study highlights the importance of spatial and temporal expansion of existing regulations to protect threatened species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFisheries Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2023

In Florida, endangered coral finds a way to blossom

A new study found that the unique oceanographic conditions in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park provide the ideal environment for elkhorn coral to flourish, with enhanced growth and survivorship. The research highlights the importance of food availability, particularly zooplankton, for coral survival and restoration efforts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023

Chemical odyssey: First global analysis shows how pesticides leach into the environment

Approximately 70,000 tonnes of pesticides leach into aquifers each year, impacting ecosystems and freshwater resources. The study showed that about 80 percent of applied pesticides degrade into daughter molecules, persisting in the environment for a long time and posing significant harm to marine wildlife and coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2023

The science behind skipping stones

The study of fluid dynamics involved in forming horizontal air cavities and the transition between floating and skipping, reveals complex interactions at the air-water interface. The pulling angle plays a significant role in shaping hydrodynamics, with larger angles resulting in different air-cavity lengths and skipping distances.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJul 11, 2023

Marine environment at risk due to ship emissions

A new study from Chalmers University of Technology reveals that the marine environment is at risk due to ship emissions, particularly from scrubber discharge water and antifouling paint. The cumulative environmental risk in ports was found to be five and thirteen times higher than acceptable limits.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

FAU developed AUTOHOLO shows potential as red tide warning system

Researchers have developed a novel autonomous, submersible, 3D holographic microscope and imaging system to study marine particles and plankton in their natural environment. The AUTOHOLO system achieved 90% accuracy in detecting red tide blooms at varying concentrations, enabling near real-time monitoring and tracking of bloom phases.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023