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.
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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.
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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 new study suggests that a cross-sectoral approach to marine protection can meet conservation targets at lower costs for all stakeholders involved. The approach minimizes the opportunity cost to each stakeholder simultaneously, resulting in more affordable protection of high seas biodiversity.
A new database of marine microbes has been created, revealing insights into the ocean's diversity and its impact on climate change. The catalog provides unprecedented information on which microbes live where and what they do.
New study reveals that kelp forests off the Pacific Coast were thriving 32 million years ago, with fossilized holdfasts showing evidence of ancient marine mammals and invertebrates. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of kelp ecosystems and highlights the importance of fossil hunting by amateur collectors.
Researchers tracked 87 Adélie penguins using electronic tags, revealing how they interact with sea ice during their long-distance migrations. The study highlights the interconnectedness of species in the Southern Ocean and how climate change may impact Adélie penguin populations.
Researchers at Okayama University uncovered key reproductive characteristics of the red-swamp crayfish, highlighting the importance of hook length and chelae for identifying sexual status. The study also found high reproductive ability and fast growth rates compared to native Japanese crayfish.
A new study demonstrates that identifying and protecting marine ecosystems, known as coral nurseries, is crucial to future coral conservation and restoration efforts. These areas, where coral larvae can survive and thrive, are connected to established coral reefs via nearshore currents and reef structure.
The METEOR Expedition M197 is a research project studying the Eastern Mediterranean Sea's future changes in response to climate change and human activities. The project investigates nutrient supply, marine ecosystems, and carbon export from surface to deep waters.
A recent study suggests that the Arctic cold snap significantly contributes to the heightened uptake of carbon dioxide by the East Sea. The research found that the internal circulation along the East Coast strengthened due to the Arctic cold wave, leading to a surge in carbon dioxide absorption. This phenomenon presents a promising sol...
The 15th annual horizon scan highlights 15 key conservation issues, including declining invertebrate populations and altering marine ecosystems. The study emphasizes the need for continued innovation in sustainable energy technologies to address climate change.
The EU's Nature Restoration Law (NRL) sets ambitious targets to restore 20% of Europe's land and marine areas by 2030, with the goal of increasing pollinator populations and rewetting peatlands. National implementation will be crucial for its success, requiring cooperation with economic sectors such as agriculture.
Foraminifera, single-cell organisms with shells, affect oxygen distribution and bacterial diversity in sea sediments through their burrowing. They increase oxygen penetration by 15-20%, decreasing organic matter and bacterial abundance.
The Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda has warmed by 1°C over the past 40 years, with surface temperatures increasing by 0.24°C per decade since the 1980s. The ocean's salinity and oxygen levels have also decreased, leading to increased acidity, which can affect marine life.
A recent study by University of Queensland scientist Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg warns that record-breaking marine heatwaves will cause catastrophic mass coral bleaching worldwide. The research suggests that current marine heatwaves will likely lead to a global mass coral bleaching event over the next 12-24 months.
A new study reveals that zooplankton species in the Humboldt Current off Peru can attenuate the export of carbon to the deep sea by consuming sinking particles. This challenge the previously prevailing assumption of a uniformly efficient biological carbon pump in oxygen minimum zones.
Researchers from Incheon National University found that climate change impacts prokaryotes in oceans, altering methane and nitrous oxide cycles. This study highlights the need for policies to reduce ocean acidification and warming to stabilize vital microbial communities and greenhouse gas cycles.
A study led by Arizona State University found that herbivore fishing to less than 80% of their unfished density compromises reef resilience due to algae overgrowth. The research, published before regulatory decisions in Hawai'i, highlights the critical role of herbivores in maintaining coral reef health.
A recent study has found that the ocean's capacity to store atmospheric carbon dioxide is significantly higher than previously estimated. The research team analyzed data from around the world and calculated a new estimate of 15 gigatonnes per year, an increase of around 20% compared to previous studies.
A new study found that the presence of seabirds on islands adjacent to tropical coral reefs can boost coral growth rates by more than double. Coral reefs near seabird colonies can bounce back much quicker from bleaching events, with recoveries happening around 10 months faster.
New data analysis reveals that regional temperature patterns are crucial for evaluating climate models, with warmer temperatures in the North Atlantic and a cooler North Atlantic found to be more accurate. This approach provides better insights into the spatial impact of climate change and its effects on ecosystems and human societies.
Researchers have found that Vibrio bacteria play a role in outbreaks of mortality among dark stinging sponges weakened by warming Mediterranean. The study suggests climate change may be impacting disease dynamics in sponges and their pathogens.
Researchers found that specific algae from the genus Breviolum help Caribbean octocorals withstand heat waves and bleaching events. The study provides clues for the future of coral reefs and highlights the need for further research to better understand the ecosystem.
A new study by the University of Zurich found that global shark and ray protection is inadequate, with crucial species playing vital ecological roles in maintaining biodiversity. The research identified 18 unique functional diversity hotspots concentrated along continental shelves and oceanic islands.
Scientists found that oceanic deoxygenation played a significant role in the Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction, leading to widespread ecosystem disruption and species extinctions. The global extent of deoxygenation was surprisingly similar to today's levels.
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.
A new study reveals that shipwrecks are providing a sanctuary for fish, corals, and other marine species in areas open to destructive bottom towed fishing. Marine life density is significantly higher within wreck sites than in control areas.
A new study estimates that climate change and coastal land usage will result in significant shrinkage of coral habitats, tidal marshes, and mangroves. In contrast, macroalgal beds are expected to remain stable, while seagrass meadows may expand due to increased sunlight penetration.
Researchers urge concerted action to mitigate global warming's impact on polar ecosystems, which are both the most-threatened and least-understood areas. The study aims to map all biodiversity in these regions to sustainably manage unique habitats and their ecosystem services.
Researchers found a tradeoff between fast growth and heat tolerance in corals, with thermally sensitive algae dominating faster growth but only in cooler water. This study helps predict reef futures and inform conservation strategies, highlighting the complexity of coral growth on a reef.
Researchers aim to identify contaminants in ash, soil, and surface waters from the Maui fire, posing risks to human health. The study will also help educate communities on the presence and risk of contaminants, informing prevention measures for future fires.
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School will conduct multi-stressor experiments on 16 key reef species to assess the impacts of ocean warming, acidification, and hypoxia on South Florida's coastal and marine ecosystems. The project aims to characterize the effects of climate change stressors under present and future scenarios.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that all aquatic species in river mouths are contaminated with microplastics. Molluscs were the most affected, and nanoplastics posed a greater risk to aquatic organisms due to their ability to pass through cellular membranes.
A new approach to understanding climate change effects on marine ecosystems considers both smooth trends and variable changes, highlighting areas vulnerable to extreme events. Researchers propose a 'more realistic' conceptual model to better predict future consequences.
A new study by the University of Washington challenges previous findings of declining phytoplankton in the North Atlantic. The researchers analyzed an ice core from central Greenland and found that human-generated pollutants changed the atmosphere's chemistry, offsetting a decrease in marine productivity.
A team of international scientists cautions that reliance on mechanical cleanup devices to address plastic pollution is ineffective and may even harm marine life. They argue that reducing plastic production and consumption is the most cost-effective way to prevent further pollution.
Researchers from Utrecht University and Natural History Museum Maastricht studied wear marks on mosasaur teeth to understand dietary diversity. The analysis found differences in diet between smaller and larger species, including a preference for shellfish among one species and fish with strongly scaled bodies among another.
Research shows some barnacles morphing to protect themselves from predators, while others remain unchanged in cooler regions. The study found bent morphs prevalent in warmer waters, but absent in colder areas.
Scientists have developed an AI system that accurately maps the surface area and outline of giant icebergs in one-hundredth of a second. This technology surpasses manual interpretation methods, which can take several minutes to delineate an iceberg's outline, and offers insights into their impact on the polar environment.
A new study reveals that polar bear populations have been declining over the past 20,000 years due to rising sea temperatures, with a 20-40% reduction in population size. The researchers found that even small changes in sea temperature have a significant impact on polar bears.
Researchers developed a waterproof device that captures and enriches dissolved compounds in seawater, revealing diverse elemental compositions and unknown molecular structures, with potential applications for drug discovery and ecosystem health monitoring.
A team from IRB Barcelona identifies Candida orthopsilosis, a hybrid fungus, as a potential pathogen that could infect humans and cause disease. The study suggests that climate change may have facilitated the emergence of this new microorganism, which has already been linked to several outbreaks and fatalities.
A new type of algal threat is displacing corals globally due to blocking sunlight and producing harmful chemicals. Peyssonnelioid alga crusts are expanding quickly across reefs, killing off corals and transforming entire ecosystems.
A new study reveals that the coral microbiome changes after just 48 hours when oxygen levels drop, with some bacteria increasing in abundance. The research suggests that changes in the microbiome may influence coral resilience to low oxygen conditions and warming seas.
A recent study reveals that marine debris along the Indian southeast coast enables the spread of invasive species, including the mussel Mytella strigata. The research highlights the pressing issue of plastic pollution facilitating non-indigenous organism introduction, posing a significant threat to regional marine ecosystems.
A comprehensive framework for designing marine protected areas has been developed by an international team of scientists. The guidelines prioritize habitat persistence and coastal corridors to help vulnerable species such as turtles, sharks, and lobsters survive climate change. By connecting habitats fractured by human development and ...
A team of palaeontologists has identified the oldest-known mega-predatory pliosaur, Lorrainosaurus, from 170-million-year-old fossils found in north-eastern France. The discovery reveals a new understanding of marine reptile evolution and ecosystem shifts during the Early-to-Middle Jurassic boundary.
Researchers from the University of Plymouth discovered coral reef bleaching at depths previously thought to be resilient, highlighting the vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress. The study suggests that climate change is causing a deepening of the thermocline, leading to increased bleaching in the deeper ocean.
Rising Arctic temperatures are causing a mass migration of zooplankton, which Pacific right whales rely on for food. This shift is also drawing industrial fishing fleets northward, increasing the risk of ship collisions and gear entanglements.
A new study used underwater cameras to assess oyster reef habitats across 12 tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay, finding that unharvested reefs and restored reefs had more complex structures. The results showed an upward trend in habitat scores over time, with unharvested and restored reefs maintaining higher habitat scores consistently.
Researchers at Kyoto University have found three new species of animals living together in harmony with worms in dead coral rocks. The discovery highlights the importance of community structure and biodiversity patterns in cryptofauna, suggesting that symbiotic relationships are omnipresent in the ocean.
Reduced water flows and rising atmospheric temperatures will warm rivers during droughts, posing challenges for aquatic life and ecosystems. Intense solar radiation and lower water flows accelerate warming, but certain management interventions can help offset high thermal extremes.
A recent study found that Antarctic fur seal populations have declined by 7% each year since peaking in 2009, with krill numbers crashing in the last decade. The research suggests that rising sea temperatures may be the primary cause of the decline.
Over 71 of Antarctica's 162 ice shelves have reduced in volume over the past 25 years, with a net release of 7.5 trillion tonnes of meltwater into the oceans. The western side of Antarctica experienced significant ice loss, while the eastern side remained relatively stable.
The study introduces a practical decision flow chart for interpreting the FAO criteria for single images and proposes several important recommendations for VME identification and management. Experts recommend establishing a global consensus on which taxa should serve as VME indicators and incorporating imagery surveys into Impact Asses...
Scientists have found evidence of past oxygen loss in the world's oceans during glacial periods, indicating that current climate change may not be permanent. The discovery was made by analyzing seafloor sediments from the past 145,000 years, which showed a build-up of cobalt during the last ice age.
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism behind a marine feeding strategy that could optimize biofuel production from marine brown algae. The study reveals how sea slugs and their prey co-evolved to maintain ecological balance, with potential applications in biotechnological biofuel production.
The expedition aims to study the geological system and evolution of hydrothermal ecosystems in the Red Sea. The team will use modern seafloor observation systems and instruments like the ROV Kiel 6000 to locate and map hydrothermal habitats.
The Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme will support up to eight new sea restoration projects across Europe. This funding aims to create resilient ecosystems that benefit nature and people. The programme's third phase will focus on expanding large-scale restoration projects, including those focused on Europe's seas.
Researchers have discovered a new species of calcifying phytoplankton, Calciopappus curvus, found in the Sargasso Sea near Bermuda. The species is distinct from others in its genus and boasts intricate skeletons that may aid movement or protection.
Researchers say current models fail to project oxygen dynamics in coastal ecosystems with high photosynthetic activity, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Fluctuations in oxygen levels have been observed in systems like the Venice Lagoon and Red Sea coral reefs, where marine species adapt to changing conditions.
A new study reveals that Atlantic walrus populations are highly fragmented due to climate-driven genetic separation, making them more vulnerable to extinction. Human activities such as hunting, commercial exploitation, and resource extraction further exacerbate this vulnerability.