Articles tagged with Marine Ecosystems
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A Montana State University biochemist will study the role of microorganisms in breaking down and converting complex carbon compounds in the deep sea. The research aims to provide a benchmark for the field of deep-sea sediment microbiology and lay the foundation for future physiological studies.
Mangroves are found in tropical coastal settings worldwide and can store greater amounts of carbon than any other terrestrial ecosystem. A new study provides more accurate estimates of blue carbon storage, revealing that it has been underestimated by up to 50% in some areas and overestimated by up to 86% in others.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification is having a major impact on marine life, with corals and kelp forests being particularly vulnerable. The research suggests that reducing CO2 emissions is crucial to prevent further damage to these ecosystems.
Researchers mapped global marine wilderness, finding only 13% of the world's ocean can still be classified as wilderness. The remaining areas are mostly located in remote regions, such as Arctic and Pacific Island nations, while coastal regions have almost no wilderness left. Protecting what remains is crucial to preserve biodiversity.
A recent study by Anna Neuheimer and colleagues found that adult fish adjust their spawning time to match the timing of their prey, allowing their offspring to survive. This adaptation is crucial for population size and future fisheries catch, as it enables young fish to meet their food needs in a seasonal environment.
Researchers have found that ocean surface pH has fallen ten times faster than in the past 300 million years, impacting ecosystems, economies, and communities globally. The economic cost of Ocean Acidification is projected to reach over $300 billion annually, highlighting the need for international collaboration and adaptation.
A new report suggests that deep water coral reefs are not refuges for shallow reef organisms and require protection. The study found that mesophotic coral reefs have their own independent communities with little species overlap between depth zones.
A new study by Florida State University researchers has found that tiny phaeodarian organisms in the ocean's twilight zone are consuming up to 20% of sinking, carbon-rich particles before they reach the deep ocean. This discovery suggests a significant impact on Earth's carbon cycle and challenges current climate dynamics.
Representative Walter J. Leger III will receive the ESA Regional Policy Award for his commitment to science-based restoration of the Gulf Coast. He has championed coastal restoration and preservation, and works to ensure proper use of funds intended for coastal protection and restoration.
New research reveals kelp from Kerguelen Islands drifted 20,000km to Antarctica, highlighting potential for drifting plastics to reach the continent. The study also suggests new species can colonize Antarctica as climate warms, challenging previous notion of its biologically isolated ecosystem.
A team of scientists found kelp drifting 20,000km to reach an Antarctic beach, exposing ecosystems to global warming. The discovery challenges the idea that Antarctica is isolated and has significant implications for how ecosystems will change.
New research highlights the critical impact of invasive rats on coral reef ecosystems, leading to severe ecological harm. Rat eradication is proposed as a high conservation priority to restore seabird-derived nutrient subsidies, benefiting terrestrial ecosystems and coral reefs.
A recent study by Nick Nidzieko reveals that larger estuarine systems are less productive per unit size than smaller ones, challenging the long-held 'larger-is-more-efficient' concept. This finding has significant implications for understanding carbon and nutrient cycling in coastal zones.
A new study led by Francisco Ramírez from the University of Barcelona identifies key areas to protect 20% of sea bird populations in Patagonia. The research uses a multidisciplinary approach to define marine areas of interest in conservation, considering ocean currents and coastal ecosystems.
International research found many marine protected areas inefficiently located and costly, failing to meet global targets. The study suggests a more strategic approach could reduce costs and improve conservation outcomes.
An international group of Antarctic research scientists presents two plausible future scenarios for the continent over the next 50 years. One scenario highlights reduced sea level rise and intact ecosystems if greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, while the other depicts catastrophic consequences if emissions remain unchecked.
A new study warns that Antarctica's ecosystem is under threat due to climate change, with a metre of global sea level rise predicted if drastic action is not taken. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing effective regulations could mitigate this impact.
Microbes at deep-sea hot springs are surprisingly productive, generating more than 4,000 tons of organic carbon daily, equivalent to the amount in 200 blue whales. They convert chemicals into energy through chemosynthesis, serving as a crucial base for the food web.
A new study by National Geographic Society researchers found that 54% of high seas fishing industry is unprofitable at current scale without large government subsidies. The global cost of fishing in high seas ranged between $6.2 billion and $8 billion USD, with profits ranging from a loss of $364 million to a profit of $1.4 billion USD.
Researchers found that high densities of sea cucumbers maintain stable oxygen conditions in sediment, while removal leads to a 63% decrease. The study highlights the importance of conserving moderate to high densities of sea cucumbers to protect shallow water ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
Marine organisms easily ingest nanoplastics, which accumulate in their bodies over time, threatening food safety. Nanoplastics can transfer up the food chain, affecting human health, as shown in a recent study using acorn barnacles.
Researchers developed a new method to detect insect invaders using eDNA, while coral reef studies highlighted the importance of cultural values in conservation. Additionally, designers created fish-friendly architectural engineering designs for marine infrastructure, and a study examined the effects of oil sands on wildlife populations
New research found life in the crater within a few years of impact, contrary to predictions. A thriving ecosystem developed within 30,000 years, influenced primarily by local factors such as water circulation and ecological niches.
A recent study by Sejoon Kim investigates the social impact of dolphin rehabilitation in South Korea, highlighting its significance for marine animal welfare. The research team hopes to expand their work on other topics, including whale-eating culture and public perspectives on dolphin shows.
Scientists have linked ocean currents to the spread of invasive jellyfish Mnemiopsis leidyi in European waters. The study, which collected over 12,000 data points, shows that these species can travel up to 2000 kilometers within three months.
A new species of microcrustacean, Stygiopontius senokuchiae, was discovered in a Japanese deep-sea hydrothermal vent. The species has distinct morphological differences from other Stygiopontius copepods found in the Atlantic and East Pacific Oceans.
Research highlights transhemispheric ecosystem link spanning Pacific Ocean between pink salmon abundance and short-tailed shearwater populations. Declining short-tailed shearwater productivity linked to increasing pink salmon abundance in North Pacific Ocean.
A new study by UC Santa Barbara community ecologist Keenan Stears examines how hippos shape the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. The research found that high-density hippo pools with excess nutrients cause dissolved oxygen levels to decline, leading to a decline in fish diversity and abundance.
Recent studies suggest that large predators such as alligators, sea otters, and mountain lions are re-colonizing ecosystems they once occupied due to conservation. This challenges the long-held assumption that these species are habitat specialists. As populations recover, these species are adapting to new habitats with surprising ease,...
Researchers at HKU and Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences have developed a novel scientific method to derive water quality criteria (WQC) of metals for protecting different marine ecosystems. The new approach considers variable temperature and salinity regimes, improving protection for tropical marine organisms.
A new study predicts that climate change will transform marine ecosystems in Marine Protected Areas, leading to extinctions and loss of biodiversity. By 2100, warming temperatures could make these areas uninhabitable for most species, with the Arctic and Antarctic regions expected to warm especially quickly.
A thin smart patch called Marine Skin can track an animal's movement and diving behavior in real-time, while also monitoring the health of the surrounding marine environment. The patch uses stretchable silicone elastomers to withstand high pressures and can be attached to a wide range of sea creatures.
Research found that freshwater systems process excess carbon and nitrogen through photosynthesis and burying phosphorus, reducing ocean pollution. The effectiveness of these processes depends on water residence time in rivers and lakes.
A new review paper highlights the global scope of the underwater munitions problem, with over a million tons of intact and corroding munitions littering the Baltic and North Seas. The chemicals released from these munitions pose significant risks to marine ecosystems, including carcinogenic and cyto- and genotoxic effects.
A new study by Georgia Tech and Georgia Aquarium explores the diverse community of marine microorganisms living in the aquarium's water, revealing dynamic changes over time. The research aims to improve our understanding of these tiny organisms and their impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to genetically edit coral, demonstrating its potential as a resource for coral biologists. The technique allowed them to identify critical genes in coral biology and alter multiple gene copies, offering hope for conserving coral reefs.
A study on US newspaper articles about ocean health issues found that journalists use more than twice as much optimistic language as 'doom and gloom' language. Nearly half of the examined stories cited potential solutions to problems described in the sample's articles.
A new study reveals that extreme climate variability over the last century has synchronized ecosystem behavior on the West Coast, increasing risks of extinction for marine and terrestrial organisms. This synchrony is linked to changes in winter climate patterns, such as the North Pacific High, which have become more variable over time.
Researchers found that baby fish are deterred by natural sounds in their habitats due to ocean acidification, and instead attracted to 'white noise' from irrelevant habitats. This could lead to smaller population sizes and impacts on commercial fisheries.
Researchers found a 54% increase in marine heatwave days every year, with significant impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, fisheries, tourism, and aquaculture. The study also revealed an acceleration of the trend in marine heatwaves since 1982, with profound economic consequences.
Experts propose using biological essential ocean variables to assess changes in marine ecosystems and support the Sustainable Development Goals. A new global observing system could help galvanize support for implementing effective measures to address the detrimental impacts of climate change on oceans.
A Master's student at FAU has developed a method to assign blue-green algae fossils to specific species using crystallography. By comparing fossil structures with microfossils, researchers found that blue-green algae have a less structured pattern with many misorientations in crystals.
Researchers analyzed sea star populations along the US west coast and found severe declines in southern California and the Channel Islands. Juvenile sea star mortality increased by approximately 90 percent, while ochre sea stars are a keystone species crucial to intertidal ecosystems.
New research reveals that larger coral reefs can moderate the impact of ocean warming on Caribbean fish populations, leading to a reduction in fish population decline. The study found that doubling reef area can reduce changes in fish composition by 30-80%, highlighting the potential effectiveness of reef conservation and restoration.
A new study analyzing the impact of long-term nutrient reductions reveals a four-fold increase in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) abundance in the Chesapeake Bay. This unprecedented event suggests that conservation efforts, including EPA's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), are supporting ecosystem recovery.
Researchers developed an advanced analytical model to optimize multiple uses in a given area, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and other uses. The model increased sector values by millions of dollars and reduced environmental harm by less than 1 percent compared to conventional approaches.
The study provides a high-resolution view of fishing activity, showing that industrial fishing covers over 55% of the ocean's surface and involves over 70,000 vessels. The dataset reveals cultural patterns and ties fishing to politics and culture rather than natural cycles.
A team of scientists from UCSB and Global Fishing Watch analyzed satellite data to track the movements and activities of over 70,000 commercial fishing vessels worldwide. Their findings reveal that cultural patterns and politics play a significant role in shaping fishing practices, while natural cycles such as fish migrations are less ...
Researchers at Tohoku University have identified a new mutant coral symbiont alga that enables the control of symbiotic relationships with its host. The discovery provides a powerful tool for studying coral-algal endosymbiosis and sheds light on mechanisms for maintaining stable symbiosis.
A new study published in Frontiers found microplastics in the stomachs of nearly three out of four mesopelagic fish caught in the Northwest Atlantic, with 73% ingesting pollutants. This high ingestion rate has significant consequences for marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling.
North Pacific seabirds' prey preferences have shifted from fish to squid over the last 125 years, driven by commercial fishing and climate change. The findings suggest massive changes in ocean ecosystem structure, with species declining in trophic position and squid consumption increasing.
A team of scientists found that Emiliania huxleyi adapted rapidly to ocean acidification, with some lineages exhibiting extremely rapid changes in ecological fitness. However, the algae's ability to adapt did not translate to better survival in natural conditions.
A recent study published in Science Advances found that CO2 leakage from storage sites can drastically alter seabed ecosystems, leading to the disappearance of animals and disruption of the food chain. The researchers also discovered that some microorganisms can adapt to increased CO2 levels, but most species struggle to cope.
A new study reveals that northern permafrost soils store nearly twice as much mercury as all other soils, the ocean, and the atmosphere combined. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the global mercury cycle and potential environmental consequences of thawing permafrost.
Microplastics in soils and freshwaters can have damaging effects on ecosystems, triggering adverse reactions in organisms and potentially disrupting hormone systems. Humans also ingest microplastics through food, highlighting the need for reliable data on microplastic degradation and effects.
Researchers from NSF LTER sites present findings on coastal and ocean ecosystems, including salt marsh resilience and the impact of sea ice patterns on penguin populations. The study also investigates the diet of blue whales in the California Current and the effects of El Niño events on marine ecosystems.
Researchers developed a model to explore the effect of ocean acidification on coral skeletal growth, finding that acidification influences skeletal density but not extension. The simulation predicted an average decline of around 12.4% in Porites skeletal density across global reef sites by the end of the 21st century.
A new measurement technology has enabled scientists to determine nitrogen oxide concentrations in the ocean for the first time in 30 years. Low oxygen levels are linked to NO production, according to a recent study published in Deep-Sea Research Part II.
A new study warns of long-lasting consequences from seabed mining, which could destroy deep-sea ecosystems and affect marine life globally. The research highlights the need for precautions and alternative approaches to mitigate potential harm.
The California sea lion population has fully rebounded under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), reaching carrying capacity in 2008. The species' recovery reflects an important success for the MMPA, which recognized marine mammals as a central element of their ocean ecosystems.