A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that narwhals, beluga, and bowhead whales are most vulnerable to vessel traffic in the Arctic. The researchers identified two 'pinch points' where ships and animals are most likely to intersect, including the Bering Strait and Lancaster Sound.
The US Navy is developing a new type of coating that can repel various liquids and reduce friction drag on ships, potentially saving millions in fuel costs. Researchers have created an omniphobic coating that can be applied to multiple surfaces and withstand scratches and daily wear.
Mega cruise ships are copying the great Las Vegas resorts, offering a similar experience with theme parks, casinos, and spectacular entertainment. This trend is driven by business concentration and oligopoly models, maximizing occupation and captive spending.
Scientists at Colorado State University aim to engineer world's strongest biomaterial sporopollenin in lab, with $1.7 million DARPA grant. The goal is to produce tunable, scalable polymer for protective coatings on ships, bridges and other infrastructure.
Researchers at Chalmers University found that ships in the English Channel have the highest rate of sulphur violations in northern Europe, with up to 98% non-compliance. The lowest compliance rates were observed in the western part of the channel and Baltic Sea.
Researchers at University of Waterloo develop patented system for opening and closing valves, increasing internal combustion engine efficiency by more than 10%. This affordable technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in various industries.
New research reveals Arctic sea ice is entering the North Atlantic, posing a hazard to ships. Warming temperatures due to climate change are melting more ice, increasing mobility and opening channels that were normally frozen shut.
Historian J. Michael Francis discovered a 1601 gunpowder expenditure list from St. Augustine that confirms the city's residents held a St. Patrick's Day procession in honor of San Patricio, the Spanish name for St. Patrick. The records also reveal that St. Patrick was identified as the patron saint of the city's maize fields.
A new study reveals that washing your hands is the most effective way to stop norovirus from spreading. The research model shows that person-to-person contact is the primary mode of transmission, making hand hygiene the key to prevention.
A new study by researchers at Aarhus University found that porpoises stop feeding and change their movement patterns when exposed to heavy ship noise. The study, which used electronic tags to track the porpoises' behavior, provides insight into how human activities impact these marine animals.
The study found that cleaner shipping fuels will result in a significant reduction of childhood asthma cases, with an estimated 14 million annual cases related to global ship pollution using current fuels. The new IMO rule will decrease the allowable amount of sulphur in fuel oil from 35,000 ppm to 5,000 ppm.
Researchers have developed nanostructured surface coatings with anti-fouling properties without using toxic components, reducing costs for the aquaculture and shipping industries. The new materials utilize 'nanowrinkles' inspired by carnivorous plants to create slippery surfaces that prevent marine biofouling.
Zooplankton respond to natural light cycles in the upper water column, but artificial light from research vessels disrupts this pattern. The researchers found that zooplankton migrated deeper into the water when exposed to artificial light.
Researchers found that emperor penguins from colonies close to the sea-ice edge can dive before laying eggs, suggesting shorter fasts compared to inland birds. They also observed these penguins feeding during pre-nuptial activities.
The discovery of a large defensive ditch at Ebbsfleet, Kent suggests that the site was once a Roman base used to protect Caesar's fleet. The team believes the first landing took place in Pegwell Bay, matching Caesar's own account and consistent with topography clues.
Researchers are developing a system to alert ships to the proximity of whales using acoustic monitoring, thermal imaging, and big data analytics. The goal is to reduce fatal collisions between ships and whales, particularly in the Santa Barbara Channel where important feeding grounds overlap with busy shipping lanes.
A team led by Professor Steven Rutledge will test the SEA-POL radar in the intertropical convergence zone near the Equator. The radar uses dual polarization technology to measure ocean rainfall and collect detailed information about clouds.
A new analysis has calculated the likelihood of a massive rogue wave during Hurricane Joaquin in 2015, which may help improve the prediction of rogue waves to understand risks posed by these unusual wave patterns. The study suggests a one-in-130 chance of a 46ft high rogue wave occurring during the hurricane.
A new study finds that ship exhaust aerosol particles alter cloud formation, leading to more lightning and intensified storms. Researchers detected nearly twice as many lightning strokes above heavily-trafficked shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
An Australian anthropologist believes a 1818 Indian newspaper article reveals the fate of La Pérouse's crew, who survived shipwreck on the Great Barrier Reef near Murray Island. The crew spent several months building a small vessel to return to France before being forgotten.
The H.L. Hunley's explosive torpedo instantly killed its crew of eight due to a powerful shockwave that traveled through soft tissues, particularly lungs and brains. Researchers estimate the likelihood of fatal lung trauma to be at least 85% for each crew member.
A lubricant-infused polymer coating has been developed to prevent mussel fouling, a significant problem in marine environments. The coating tricks mussels into not producing their adhesive threads, reducing the problem of fouling on ship hulls and marine pipes.
A University of Michigan professor analyzed sailors' mouths for clues in the 1845 Franklin expedition disaster. The study found that tuberculosis resulting in adrenal insufficiency, or Addison's disease, likely contributed to the crew's deaths.
A research team has secured funding to develop the first early detection system to locate invasive non-native species and harmful components of ships' ballast water. The system combines surveillance and risk-based monitoring to mitigate threats to human health and the environment.
Researchers found that half of ships passing through Israel's Mediterranean coast carry damaging ascidians, which can harm marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. Dr. Noa Shenkar recommends regular maintenance to prevent ascidian infestations and emphasizes the importance of monitoring marine vessels for early detection.
Researchers have identified a key reason why super hydrophobic surfaces are unreliable: tiny trace amounts of surfactants can cause an imbalance in water flow, resulting in increased drag. The scientists propose changing the patterning of SHS to accumulate surfactant buildup farther down the interface, reducing drag.
A new study reveals that red sea rabbitfish brought live marine animals with them when they invaded the mediterranean, expanding biodiversity and threatening native ecosystems. The research highlights the role of fish in spreading invasive species through 'ichthyochory,' a previously unknown mechanism.
The study found that about 95% of the study area contained noise exceeding preindustrial levels, with elevated noise levels in important whale feeding grounds. However, quieter areas were also identified within national marine sanctuaries, which may provide respite for whales in an increasingly noisy ocean.
Scientists have discovered a new species of snail that filter-feeds like whales and shoots webs like Spiderman. The 'Spiderman' worm-snails could play a significant role in coral reef restoration efforts, but their presence also poses risks to corals and other reef organisms.
Researchers at University of Michigan developed a self-healing, water-repellent coating that's hundreds of times more durable than its counterparts. The coating can heal itself chemically and physically, making it ideal for applications like waterproofing vehicles, clothing and ship hulls.
The Benioff Ocean Initiative has committed $1.5 million to accelerate research on reducing ship strikes and mortality of whales. Researchers estimate that 10 blue whales are killed annually in the Santa Barbara Channel, threatening a species with only 3-11% of its historic population.
Researchers found that CEOs with moderate social capital are most likely to voluntarily step down from a failing company. In contrast, those with high or low social capital are less likely to quit due to the potential consequences of their actions on their reputation and job prospects.
Researchers highlight the importance of blocking Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan and Great Lakes through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The canal system, built over 100 years ago, has protected the city's drinking water supply but also created entry points for invasive species.
The USCGC Polar Star's port call in Lyttelton marks a significant shift in US-New Zealand relations, allowing for increased cooperation on logistics and scientific research. The visit supports the US Antarctic Program's cargo operations and enables the efficient transportation of supplies to research stations.
Researchers used computer models of blue whale habitat off California and the eastern Pacific to identify similar regions in the Northern Indian Ocean where whales are likely to be found. This information will help reduce ship strikes and inform conservation efforts for endangered blue whales.
Researchers found that Earth's rotation affects meltwater behavior, keeping it at depths of several hundred meters. The team measured turbulence in meltwater as it flowed out of a cave beneath the Pine Island Glacier and used a VMP23 to detect subtle fluctuations in water.
Researchers from Texas A&M University captured the first-ever footage of a living stylodactylid shrimp filter-feeding at a staggering depth of 4826 meters. The high-quality video reveals the shrimp using its front legs to form a 'filter basket' and captures unprecedented behavior among carideans.
A new study using independent data from satellites and robotic floats confirms that the oceans have warmed at a rate of 0.12 degrees Celsius per decade since 2000, nearly twice as fast as earlier estimates. This finding eliminates much of the global warming hiatus, which was attributed to biases in ship measurements.
Researchers at TUM develop new simulation software that combines flow mechanics and flight dynamics in real-time, allowing pilots to prepare for challenging situations like flying near ships or mountains. The program has been validated with reference models and will be tested with experienced pilots.
Researchers have identified bitumen from the Middle East in a 7th century ship buried at Sutton Hoo in the UK, indicating a previously unknown trade route. The presence of this rare material suggests that it was deliberately included in the burial chamber, possibly as an ornamental or prestigious raw material.
A new forecasting system called WhaleWatch has been developed to predict locations of blue whales off the West Coast. The system produces monthly maps of blue whale 'hotspots' to alert ships where there may be an increased risk of encountering these endangered whales.
A recent study published in The Cryosphere suggests Antarctic sea ice has barely changed in size over the past 100 years. Researchers used ship logbooks from explorers like Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton to compare ice edge locations during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration with modern satellite data.
The discovery of 500 bubbling methane vents off the US West Coast has revealed a giant methane seep along the entire coast of Washington, Oregon, and California. This finding has doubled the number of known methane-seeping vents in US waters, highlighting the need for further research to understand their impact on the environment.
Researchers have created a hydrogel-elastomer hybrid that can prevent barnacles from sticking to metal hulls, reducing fuel costs for the Navy. The material is soft, slippery, and retains moisture, providing a long-lasting solution to biofouling.
A 1,000-kilometre-long geological boundary in Amazonia constrains plant species occurrences more effectively than large rivers. Laboratory analyses confirm soil differences on both sides of the boundary.
Tropical Storm Nicole has formed about 500 miles northeast of Puerto Rico, with a well-defined circulation and maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. The storm is expected to move northwest at 8 mph, then turn north-northwest with decreasing speed over the next couple of days.
The endangered North Atlantic right whale population is facing a dual threat, with lethal and debilitating entanglements on the rise and a dramatic decline in birth rates. The species' recovery success is now in jeopardy due to a lack of management intervention.
A new study identifies a specific chain of proteins activated during barnacle metamorphosis, suggesting bacteria play a crucial role in their development. The findings could lead to the development of ship coatings that inhibit bacterial cues, mitigating biofouling issues.
Maritime GPS signal disruption can cause vessels to go off course and collide or run aground due to inaccurate positional information. Researchers investigated the impact of DGPS jamming on shipping lanes and found that even small errors can lead to hazardous situations.
A recent study reveals that ship engine emissions adversely affect macrophages, a key component of the immune system. The toxic effects of these emissions on macrophages can lead to pro-inflammatory reactions and other biological processes, highlighting the need for efficient particle-reducing measures.
A team of international scientists developed a simple mathematical explanation for rogue ocean waves, which can cause catastrophic damage. Their model uses nonlinear effects and constructive interference to predict the formation of these massive waves, allowing for improved forecasting and safety measures.
A study by Ting Luo examines the value of dynamic forecasting in intermodal management, finding it reduces holding costs and ensures swift stock buildups for imminent shortages. Dynamic forecasting guides policy formulation, particularly when customer heterogeneity is high, inventory costs are low, and forecast accuracy is high.
Researchers at University of Notre Dame develop a new algorithm to more accurately represent complex dependencies in data, leading to better predictions for invasive species, shipping networks and infectious diseases. The approach can also be applied to other fields such as social media, telecom companies and urban planning.
The article discusses the recent declassification of documents on the USS Independence, a World War II aircraft carrier used as a target in the first atomic bomb tests. The documents provide insight into the ship's post-Bikini history, including radiation levels and decisions to remove contaminated fuel oil.
Research suggests that the sperm whale head's connective tissue partitions could function as a shock absorber, reducing impact stress and protecting the skull from failure. The study's findings may have implications for understanding aggressive behavior in other species.
A new computer model has been developed to design safer versions of fast ships used in search and rescue operations. The model produces accurate animations and simulations that can show how sea waves affect these craft, highlighting the importance of accurate predictions of pressure forces.
Historic logbook records and computer modeling were used to assess the population's trajectory, finding numbers fell to less than 100 animals between 1914 and 1926. Today, only 12% of pre-industrial levels remain, with conservation strategies crucial for protection.
Researchers used Landsat satellite data to detect shipwrecks in sediment-laden coastal waters, finding plumes extending up to 4 kilometers downstream from shallow wreck sites. This new method could aid in locating uncharted shipwrecks, preserving historical and ecological significance.
Automatic Ship Identification Systems (AIS) have vast potential to provide valuable marine data and inform international marine policies. However, inconsistent use of this technology and data falsification by users must be addressed.
Researchers investigated wind patterns and affecting weather systems around the shipwreck location. The study revealed strong winds of at least 31 m s-1, and a bow echo embedded in a squall line contributed to the disaster.