Articles tagged with Marine Biology
A new mesocosm experiment on Gran Canaria is testing whether concrete rubble can increase ocean alkalinity, mimicking natural rock weathering to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. The study aims to standardize measurement methods for Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) and assess its ecological acceptability.
Researchers have developed a new method to collect and study salmon lice secretions, allowing for the examination of individual lice and reducing faecal contamination. The study found 148 secretory proteins, 64 of which were detected in each tested condition, potentially representing targets for vaccine development.
A new study highlights the impact of coastal freshening on the giant amphipod species Paraceradocus miersi, which lose salts, gain water, and suffer gill damage in diluted waters. The research warns that continued freshening may pose a significant threat to many marine invertebrates and reshape the global ocean's communities.
A research team at the Wyss Institute has engineered bacteria to produce higher amounts of siderophores, molecules that extract iron from silicate minerals, speeding up rock weathering and removing CO2 from the atmosphere. This process has the potential to be implemented at industrial scales, offering a new climate-regulating strategy.
A team of researchers observed a fish-prawn hybrid, Scalicus engyceros, walking backward in the deep sea. The creature's unique features, including its pectoral-fin rays and barbels, enable it to sense prey and balance during walking and swimming.
A study found that yellow-morph green sea turtles in the Galápagos prefer to stay in shallow coastal waters and rarely venture far from a single island. The turtles' home ranges varied greatly, but most preferred to stay within 1,498 sq km of their starting point.
Paleontologists used carbon-dating to analyze over 7,500 fossils, revealing how sediment accumulation rates affect the preservation of fossils. By understanding these rates, researchers can determine the age of a fossil assemblage and extract valuable data from it.
New research reveals that blue mussels reduce filtration activity in response to parasite detection, with potential consequences for ecosystem function. The 'ecology of fear' concept shows that the mere risk of infection can cause mussels to change behavior, making it harder for parasites to infect them.
Hiroshima University researchers demonstrate that food processing liquid waste can be reused to produce omega-3 fatty acids by cultivating Aurantiochytrium sp. The study shows that three types of pickle seasoning waste can be utilized by the thraustochytrid to produce DHA and EPA. Reusing the waste medium also produces DHA and EPA, but...
A new mathematical tool uses probability calculations to reconstruct ocean food chains with high accuracy, providing insights for conservation and ecosystem management. The tool has been tested on 158 ecosystems with an error rate of less than 5%.
Researchers have identified two new species of shrimp-like amphipods, Bogidiella isajii and Bogidiella painushima, in Japan's groundwater and anchialine environments. These species, characterized by their eyeless and elongated features, provide insights into the diversity of life in subterranean aquatic areas.
Researchers investigated adding iron to the ocean to boost CO2 removal, finding varying effects on marine ecosystems. The Southern Ocean offers a favorable balance of climate impact and ecological consequences, while other regions face more severe consequences.
A two-year collaboration between Anindilyakwa Land and Sea Rangers and UTS scientists has delivered the first comprehensive scientific baseline for the corals around Groote Archipelago in Australia's Northern Territory. The study found coral cover ranging from 5 to 47 per cent across sites, dominated by hardy massive corals.
A study of bull shark behavior found that individuals are slightly more likely to associate and socialise with relatives than unrelated sharks. This 'kinfluence' effect may contribute to both proximity-based associations and directed social interactions, particularly among male sharks.
A Portland State University professor has received a nearly $1.2 million NSF CAREER Award to study the predator-prey relationship of Prochlorococcus, the ocean's most abundant photosynthetic life form. The project aims to understand how single-celled ocean predators hunt Prochlorococcus and its implications for the ocean's food web.
Researchers found specific song themes tied to specific parts of a dive, revealing insights into how singing affects energy use, oxygen management and vulnerability. The study's findings offer practical applications for tracking whale populations and establishing a clearer baseline for normal humpback behavior.
A recent study published in Science Advances has discovered a key transport pathway for nutrient-rich organic particles to depths of over 1,000 metres. The large-scale winter upwelling of surface water rapidly delivers these particles, introducing them directly into the ocean circulation.
A new study published in The Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports sheds light on longstanding relationships between humans and sea turtles in the Southern Caribbean. The research reveals details of interactions between humans and turtles dating back 1,000-years and provides information needed to protect populations going forward.
A field experiment on wild kittiwakes found that birds with high energy costs during breeding raised more chicks the next year, but at a cost to their own survival. The study reveals how flexible energy use can lead to hidden trade-offs in life-history strategy.
A recent study using high-resolution modeling suggests that Hawaiian corals may be able to adapt to increasing temperatures, even under a high emissions scenario. However, the rate of adaptation varies across different coastal locations, with those around Hawaiʻi Island projected to experience higher heat stress.
A review study reveals diverse metabolite families containing atypical atoms, including fluorine, selenium, arsenic, and boron, with distinct biological functions and properties. These elements shape natural products with structural and functional versatility, paving ways toward sustainable biotechnologies.
A recent study found that human activities are fundamentally altering the chemical makeup of local coral reefs, leading to decreased coral health and resilience. The research team discovered that 25 contaminants from agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical sources accumulated in the soft tissues of coral around Maui, Hawai‘i.
Research finds that medaka sperm velocity decreases by 20% after consecutive spawning, impacting fertilization rates. Sperm counts also vary between single and multiple-mating groups.
New research shows that tadpoles adapt their diet in response to rising temperatures, consuming more plant material and eating overall. However, this natural strategy becomes less effective as temperatures continue to rise, with consequences for growth, development, and survival.
The study found that dolphins visit two coastal communities along the Sea of Japan, with detection rates occurring once every ten days. The researchers recorded unique whistle characteristics in each bay, suggesting differences in sound environments or animal behavior.
A study found that small coral reef fishes form previously undocumented associations with Christmas tree worms and other tube-dwelling worms on Caribbean coral reefs. This behavior is unclear, with potential benefits to both parties, and warrants further investigation into whether it's mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic.
A recent study analyzed over 9,000 size changes in marine animals and found that body size decrease is a general response to environmental crises. The research suggests that warmer temperatures can lead to stronger and more variable changes in species size, posing far-reaching consequences for food chains and fisheries.
Researchers found that nearly 90% of sharks collected from Delaware Bay were exported overseas, raising concerns about conservation goals. The study highlights the need for better scientific data and stronger oversight to ensure sustainable removals of critically endangered sand tiger sharks.
A recent study reveals that over 90% of the Mar Menor's key nutrients degrading the ecosystem come from recirculated underground flows, not traditional sources like streams or groundwater. This discovery highlights a previously overlooked pathway of contamination and its impact on eutrophication episodes.
A team of biologists led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst has discovered reproducing populations of the invasive Manila clam in Cape Cod and Boston Harbor. The finding marks a significant moment in the establishment of this non-native species, which is now spreading along the northwestern Atlantic coastline.
Scientists used clues from label data, chemical analysis of tiny shells, and ocean current simulations to trace the voyage of a plastic bottle cap. The study found 307 organisms, including a polychaete worm not found in Japanese waters before, highlighting the potential for micro-ecosystems to be transported over extended periods.
The study highlights the significant demand for brachyuran land crabs, with species being sold on e-commerce platforms like eBay, and often without welfare advice. The research aims to inform conservation and policymaking efforts by understanding the extent of the trade.
Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the diets of southern right whales, discovering they eat a wider variety of seafood than previously thought. Analysis of whale poo from around the world has revealed a diverse diet including crabs, shrimp, and jellyfish, which may help them adapt to climate change.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered a crab trapped in a plastic bottle off Okinawa, Japan, which survived for two months by feeding on juvenile fishes and algae inside the bottle. The study highlights the dangers of marine plastic pollution on small marine animals.
A new study reveals that sponges may use photosynthesis, increasing the productivity of tropical coral reefs. Sponges were found to account for 11% of gross primary productivity, surprising researchers who previously considered them as pure consumers.
The University of Alicante is part of the international team producing the World Ocean Assessment, the most ambitious report on the current state of seas and oceans. The assessment highlights the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems, which are essential for human well-being and face unprecedented challenges from climate change, pol...
A new collaboration between Tufts University and Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences provides graduate students with immersive, experiential learning opportunities in marine science. Students participating in the Sea Change Semester will learn and work in state-of-the-art laboratories and on research voyages.
A new study discovered a previously unknown antiviral defense mechanism in sea anemones, revealing that animals may have evolved more than one way to fight viral infections. The findings suggest that fundamentally different antiviral strategies have emerged across the animal kingdom.
Declining plankton abundance across the North East Atlantic poses a significant threat to ocean health, impacting marine food webs and carbon cycling. The study found six pelagic habitat-region combinations rated as 'Not Good' and three as 'Uncertain', highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and reduced nutrient pollution.
Researchers found that Bigg's killer whales are increasingly present in Puget Sound, while southern resident killer whales are spending less time in inland waters. The data suggests that social cues may play a role in the changing distribution of southern residents.
Researchers analyzed 44 years of killer whale data in Washington state, finding a decline in the presence of endangered fish-eating killer whales. In contrast, populations of Bigg's killer whales, which prey on seals and other whales, are becoming more abundant.
Researchers at Oregon State University found that bat rays produce a chemical cue to alert other rays of potential danger. The study used three tanks with individual bat rays and simulated a predator in one tank, causing the other rays to exhibit a flight response.
A new study has analyzed over 2100 samples to build a genetic dataset containing more than 500 million unique genes, revealing the immense potential of deep-sea biodiversity for developing new technologies. The research found that despite vast genetic diversity, deep-sea organisms rely on stable, core designs to survive extreme conditi...
A team of oceanographers has made two live observations of the elusive goblin shark in its natural deep ocean habitat. The new study extends their known depth range and geographic range significantly, with sightings reported near Jarvis Island and the Tonga Trench.
A new study by Chalmers University of Technology found that biocide-free silicone paint is the most effective against fouling, while an 'eco-friendly' paint was revealed to be extremely toxic. The results suggest copper-free coatings can be just as effective as those containing more copper.
Researchers found four new species of coralline algae forming rhodoliths, which contribute to long-term carbon storage in marine sediments. The discovery highlights the diversity of algal communities at different depths within the same marine area.
A study by Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research found that Lesser Black-backed Gulls rarely visit wind farms off the Zeeland coast, except for some male birds. Despite being attracted to fishing boats outside the wind farm, the gulls' behavior suggests they avoid entering the wind farm due to unknown reasons.
A recent study found that Caribbean reef sharks prefer locations with dense prey populations, making food abundance an essential factor in their habitat choice. The research suggests that prey conservation should be considered alongside fishing bans to support shark conservation.
A recent study revealed that the bacterial pathogen Flavobacterium columnare remodels its epigenetic landscape during prolonged starvation, rather than altering its DNA sequence. This finding suggests a novel survival strategy for the bacterium and could have direct implications for aquaculture disease control.
Research on box jellyfish reveals complex reproductive traits and strategies, shedding light on their life cycles and ecological role. Understanding these processes can improve predictions of jellyfish occurrences and inform management efforts.
A newly-discovered blue octopus from the Galapagos Islands has been identified as Microeledone galapagensis, and its unique features were revealed through micro CT scans. The species is the first new octopus species led by curator emerita Janet Voight in her four-decade career.
Researchers found medaka in semi-natural conditions ovulated 3.5 hours earlier than those in laboratory settings due to environmental differences in light and water temperature fluctuations. This study highlights the need to consider these factors when interpreting model organism research.
Rising ocean temperatures cause corals to struggle with oxygen uptake due to disrupted ciliary motion. At moderate temperatures, corals accelerate ciliary motion to meet increased oxygen demand, but this compensatory mechanism fails at higher temperatures.
A case study of captive belugas reveals evidence of mirror self-recognition, suggesting this behavior may be innate in the species. The findings support the idea that some cetaceans possess cognitive abilities similar to those of humans and other animals.
Researchers can now estimate genetic diversity of dolphins using environmental DNA (eDNA) from seawater samples, providing insights into population size and vulnerability to environmental changes. The study's findings suggest that repeated eDNA sampling can be used to monitor the health of dolphin populations.
Researchers tracked black sea bream using ultrasonic biotelemetry to observe their reproductive behavior during spawning seasons. Males made frequent upward and downward movements, while females remained near specific oyster rafts, suggesting different strategies for reproduction and energy conservation. This study provides new insight...
A study has mapped changes in the distributions of two phytoplankton groups, Pseudo-nitzschia and Dinophysis, which produce toxins that can harm human health and marine ecosystems. The research reveals significant shifts over six decades, with changes aligned more closely with climate-driven ocean physical shifts.
Researchers analyzed hormones stored in Rice's whale baleen to understand its life story. The study found evidence of stress and reproductive patterns, shedding light on the species' critically endangered status.
Researchers at the University of Washington decoded over 1,700 beluga whale calls in Cook Inlet, revealing insights into their social behavior, communication patterns, and vulnerability to human noise. The study suggests that shipping noise may be disrupting critical calf-mother communication, threatening the population's recovery.
Researchers analyzed over 7,000 salmon stomachs to understand their diet in different regions of the Salish Sea. The study found that year-round, herring are the most important food for adult Chinook salmon, while seasonal changes affect the diversity of prey.