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New microscopic life aboard the RMS Titanic

Researchers have identified a new bacterium that contributes to the deterioration of the RMS Titanic's exterior, accelerating metal corrosion. The novel Halomonas titanicae has been found to adhere to steel surfaces, creating corrosion products.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateDec 6, 2010

Bionic coating could help ships to economize on fuel

Researchers have discovered a way to create superhydrophobic surfaces based on water ferns, which could reduce friction and save up to 1% of global fuel consumption. The coating is made possible by the unique properties of the plant's hairs, which are hydrophobic but also have hydrophilic tips that 'staple' water in place.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 4, 2010

Tackling new Arctic challenges from space

The ESA workshop explored the potential of space-based services to address Arctic challenges such as climate change, ocean traffic management, and environmental protection. Space assets can improve search and rescue operations, monitor sea ice and ocean changes, and facilitate sustainable development in the region.

Navy researchers apply science to fire fighting

Navy scientists have successfully tested high expansion foam as a fire suppression system, finding it effective in fighting fires in obstructed spaces. The Navy is also developing alternative firefighting agents, including propelled extinguishing agent technology (PEAT), to replace halon systems and provide weight-saving options for fu...

Tsunami waves reasonably likely to strike Israel

Research by Dr. Beverly Goodman exposed geological evidence of four tsunami events at Caesarea, including one from the Santorini volcano eruption in 1500 BC and others caused by underwater landslides. The findings suggest that local tsunamis could have reached 5 meters high and damaged coastal communities.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateOct 25, 2009

The least sea ice in 800 years

Researchers have reconstructed sea ice extent from 13th century to present using historical records and climate curves. The findings show a significant decrease in sea ice coverage since the start of the 20th century, with some record-breaking low levels in recent years.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalClimate Dynamics·DateJul 1, 2009

Nontoxic hull coating resists barnacles, may save ship owners millions

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a non-toxic coating that resists barnacle buildup for up to 18 months, saving ship owners millions in cleaning and fuel costs. The unique wrinkled topography of the coating prevents barnacles from latching on, a finding that could significantly reduce drag and fuel consumption.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 28, 2009

Dirty smoke from ships found to degrade air quality in coastal cities

Researchers at UC San Diego found that ship smoke can be a significant contributor to poor air quality in coastal cities, particularly in California. The study reveals that high-sulfur fuel emissions from ships burning bunker oil can produce primary sulfate particles, which are especially fine and harmful to human health.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 18, 2008

NOAA takes first broad look at soot from ships

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.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 9, 2008

Accuracy of past hurricane counts good

A statistical model based on climate factors indicates that the estimated undercount of historic tropical storms in the Atlantic is only slightly below actual numbers. The researchers found that the average undercount bias from 1870 to 1944 was approximately one tropical storm per year.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 26, 2007