Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A bioadhesive sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix offers a new way to stop internal bleeding

Researchers developed a composite bioabsorbable hemostatic sponge inspired by mussels and extracellular matrix. The sponge quickly absorbs blood and firmly adheres to tissues, enhancing hemostatic performance. It promotes wound stabilization, accelerates blood clotting, and reduces inflammation and tissue damage.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateOct 14, 2025

Sustaining oyster farming with sturdier rafts

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed polyethylene rafts that are about five times more durable than traditional bamboo rafts used in oyster farming. The new rafts are designed to be affordable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, reducing damage from typhoons.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2024

Underwater cameras facilitate large-scale study of oyster reef habitat in Chesapeake Bay

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Three's company in burrows

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 18, 2023

DNA decodes the dining preferences of the shell-shucking whitespotted eagle ray

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University uncover the finer-scale feeding patterns of the whitespotted eagle ray, revealing a significantly broader diet than previously described, with high proportions of cockles and wedge shells. The study's findings suggest that these rays can play a facilitative role in reducing predation threats f...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFishes·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

Research discovery a pearl of hope for imperiled oyster reefs

A 15-year study by University of Virginia researchers shows that restored oyster reefs can match natural reef populations in about six years and continue to thrive thereafter. The study's findings suggest that restoration can catalyze rapid recovery of imperiled coastal habitats and help reverse decades of degradation.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalConservation Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2022

Decoding mathematical mystery of interlocking shells

Researchers have created a mathematical model that explains how the interlocking edges of oyster shells develop physically, revealing a complex interplay between geometry and mechanical forces. The study suggests that a toothed or wavy edge occurs when the mantle grows faster than the shell edge, causing it to buckle.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

An apatite for progress

Researchers present a novel method to analyze apatite inclusions in magmatic zircon and titanite, allowing estimation of whole-rock Sr and SiO2 concentrations. This technique provides insight into petrogenesis and provenance, enabling better understanding of the continental crust's evolution.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 5, 2016

Mass extinctions reset the long-term pace of evolution

A new study suggests that mass extinctions permanently alter the pace of evolution, with species diversification rates shifting after catastrophes. Researchers analyzed bivalve mollusks and found that origination rates increased or decreased suddenly at mass extinction events, reflecting a permanent change in evolutionary speed.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalGeology·DateJun 30, 2012

When bivalves ruled the world

A recent study by UWM paleoecologist Margaret Fraiser suggests that elevated CO2 levels contributed to the Permian-Triassic mass extinction, with bivalves emerging as the only survivors. The research provides valuable insights into the impact of CO2 on marine ecosystems and could help scientists predict future oceanic changes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalPaleobiology·DateAug 31, 2007

Paleontologists learn how not to become a fossil

Researchers found that small body size and parasitic lifestyles hinder fossilization, while burrowing clams have a higher chance of becoming fossils. The study provides strategies for improving the reliability of the fossil record, enabling scientists to better understand biological dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2006