Articles tagged with Marine Biology
Researchers developed a quick test to identify beneficial bacteria species known to benefit coral, allowing for non-invasive assessment of coral health. The method enables rapid detection of specific bacterial species in seawater and coral samples, suggesting that the bacteria may be concentrated in coral.
A study found that seabirds around the globe consume up to 52% of plastic, leading to accumulation of its chemical components in their bodies. Researchers analyzed oil from preen glands and stomach contents of bird carcasses to determine contaminant burdens.
The global coral reef crisis is characterized by widespread overfishing, pollution, disease, and climate change. The report highlights the need for swift action to address these issues and identifies management efforts such as reducing pollution and establishing marine protected areas.
A new study published in Coral Reefs confirms that soft corals Plexaura kükenthali and Plexaura homomalla are two separate species. The research found significant differences in morphology, genetics, reproduction, and symbiotic relationships between the two species.
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science has sequenced the genome of the blue crab, revealing approximately 24,000 genes and a genome length that is one third of the human genome. This breakthrough will aid in fisheries policies, aquaculture, and potentially track food source origins.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that maritime ropes can release millions of microplastic fragments into the ocean annually. The research estimated that the UK fishing fleet alone could be releasing between 326 million to 17 billion microplastic pieces into the ocean every year.
Research finds that 19 species of fish have migrated to shallower water in response to low oxygen conditions over a decade and a half. This trend could lead to devastating impacts on fisheries and ecosystems as fish habitats are compressed and potentially made easier to catch.
Researchers discovered a two-cell color detection system in lampreys, which they propose could be the evolutionary ancestor of single-cell systems in fish and reptiles. The study found that this ancient system produces similar responses to UV and visible light as modern single-cell systems.
Scientists have identified a new genus of extinct elephant fish, Moskovirhynchus robustus, from Jurassic-era deposits in Moscow. The study reveals unique dental features that set it apart from modern elephant chimaeroids.
Researchers found that areas protected under 'whole-site' Marine Protected Area (MPA) status have four-fold increases in fish abundance and diversity compared to unprotected areas. The study also showed significant benefits for commercially important fish species and conservation.
The MPA Guide categorizes MPAs by stage of establishment and level of protection, highlighting the importance of including local peoples in the decision-making process for effective conservation. The guide specifies outcomes for biodiversity and human well-being depending on the chosen level of protection.
A new study reveals that climate change will affect Antarctic seals, such as crabeater and Weddell seals, in distinct ways. Crabeater seals are more vulnerable due to their specialized diet and breeding on unstable pack-ice, while Weddell seals are less affected.
A study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment reveals that ʻopihi age, growth, and longevity are influenced by the Hawaiian intertidal environment. The research team found that ʻopihi species grow rapidly, reaching maturity within 8-9 months, and can live up to 5 years old.
A new study from the University of California, Santa Cruz, develops a comprehensive framework to determine when short-term changes in behavior caused by human activities have biological significance. The framework highlights the importance of life history traits and specific characteristics of disturbances in assessing vulnerability.
Researchers have identified a massive coral structure in the Great Barrier Reef, measuring 5.3m tall and 10.4m wide, which is not only the widest but also the sixth tallest recorded in the reef.
Researchers suggest sea snakes mistake divers for rival snakes or potential mates and female sea snakes perceive them as hiding places. Staying still allows divers to avoid escalation and bites.
Researchers at the University of Maine are developing more effective, safe, and sustainable fish vaccines using nanocellulose to protect Atlantic salmon against lethal pathogens. The goal is to reduce vaccine costs and side effects while increasing effectiveness.
Researchers found that ageing cuttlefish can remember the details of last week's dinner, unlike humans who gradually lose episodic memory with age. The 'vertical lobe' brain region associated with learning and memory in cuttlefish does not deteriorate until the last two to three days of life.
A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.
A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.
A long-term study in Elkhorn Slough found that superabundant crabs weaken tidal creek banks, reducing marsh plant growth and increasing erosion. Reducing crab abundance led to increased salt marsh vegetation growth and enhanced sediment density.
Warming oceans are causing fish to struggle with both survival and adaptation, leading to potential extinction. The research found that warmer waters reduce the size of fish, making it harder for them to relocate to more suitable environments, and also limit their ability to evolve and cope with changing temperatures.
A recent analysis reveals that Shark Week prioritizes sensationalism over scientific accuracy, with hosts relying on unproven methods and making false statements about shark biology. Researchers suggest improving diversity in expert representation and factually accurate storytelling to boost the program's credibility.
A new study suggests that targeted removals of lionfish combined with long-term monitoring can effectively suppress their populations in the Mediterranean. Divers and citizen scientists conducted removal events and surveys over six months, revealing that population numbers recovered within three months in some locations.
Researchers used 3D scanning to study shark intestines, discovering that spiral-shaped organs slow food movement and direct it downward through the gut. This finding sheds light on how sharks process their food and retain nutrients, with implications for understanding ocean ecosystems.
Research reveals warm-blooded fish swim approximately 1.6 times faster than their cold-blooded counterparts, but don't live in broader temperature ranges, making them susceptible to climate change impacts.
Researchers discover specially adapted microorganisms that can use methane as an energy source in the hot seafloor sediments of Guaymas Basin. These microbes play a crucial role in carbon cycling and support a diverse food web, with implications for the deep-sea ecosystem.
A new global fish nutrition database is being made freely available to help combat malnutrition. The database provides vital nutritional data on over 5,000 fresh and marine fish species, which can be used to identify the most nutritious fish and support the protection of local food environments and ecosystems.
Researchers discovered the glasswing butterfly's unique wing structure, creating transparency through a lower density of scale cells and nanostructures. The findings also revealed an anti-glare coating made of waxy hydrocarbon nanopillars, making butterflies nearly invisible to predators.
Researchers restored gut microbes missing in early life dysbiosis and prevented colitis in mice by adding a single strain of Bacteroides sp. CL1-UC. This finding highlights the importance of early childhood exposures on health throughout lifetime.
A massive die-off of sharks occurred 19 million years ago, with more than 70% of the world's sharks dying off - a phenomenon not seen since the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event 66 million years ago.
Researchers found that salt marsh sediments accumulate microplastics, with higher concentrations near urban areas and a non-linear relationship to urbanization. The study provides new insights into the impact of human plastic use on ecosystems.
A new study provides evidence for a previously unknown mass ocean extinction event that nearly wiped out shark species 19 million years ago. The study found that sharks declined in abundance by over 90% and in morphological diversity by more than 70% during this period.
Marine biologists use environmental DNA to detect and identify ocean species, revealing previously unreported species in the Florida Keys. The technique, called metabarcoding, has practical applications in fisheries and conservation, as well as preventing jellyfish stings.
Researchers developed a tool to correct for Suess effect in marine ecosystems, allowing for accurate stable isotope analysis. The new formula disentangles human impact from ecosystem changes, providing more reliable results.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth developed a cutting-edge technique to measure energy use in developing embryos using timelapse video pixels. The method captures detailed changes in energy usage as an energy signature, providing a greater breadth of biological response.
A new study reveals that thousands of sharks have been caught illegally in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Indian Ocean, threatening critically endangered species like oceanic whitetip and scalloped hammerhead. The MPA was found to be vulnerable to enforcement due to its large size and remote location.
A new study tracked large sharks in Miami and The Bahamas to understand their responses to major storms like hurricanes. Researchers found that different shark species behaved differently by species and location, with some evacuating shallow waters while others remained or even increased in numbers after the storm passed.
Researchers found that sharks rely on magnetic fields to guide them during long-distance migrations. Bonnethead sharks were used in experiments, which showed that they orient themselves based on the magnetic field, even when exposed to fields outside their natural range.
A Monash University-led study combines computer simulations with live seal footage to explain the origins of efficient swimming in seals. The research reveals that different swimming styles evolved within the same seal group, with some species using wing-like front flippers for speed and agility.
Scientists are concerned about the potential harmful effects of nanoplastics on ecosystems, but knowledge gaps hinder understanding of their risks. Research is needed to develop analytical methods and study interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems.
Researchers found pyrosomes form dense blooms that impact food web dynamics and contribute to organic carbon movement. They also provide habitat for other animals, including jellyfish and amphipods.
Researchers observed dense networks of sponge spicules indicating mobility in Arctic sponges. The trails suggest the sponges may be searching for food or reproducing, with further studies needed to confirm the reasons behind this surprising behavior.
A team of scientists has discovered that sponges leave trails on the sea floor in the Arctic deep sea, leading to speculation about their possible active movement. The findings, published in Current Biology, challenge previous assumptions that most sponges are attached or passively moved by ocean currents.
A new index, MEPI, quantifies environmental pollution in marinas by combining chemical and biological parameters. The study's innovative approach provides a simple and complete ecological analysis method to determine a port's quality, enabling authorities to establish minimum ecological quality levels.
Researchers at the University of Bonn describe a new octopus species, Emperor dumbo, using high-field MRI and micro-computed tomography. The study reveals special characteristics such as long suckers on each arm and a shorter web between arms than in other species.
The Black in Geoscience Week aims to increase representation and raise visibility among Black researchers, fostering networks and connections worldwide. The event has generated discussions on the importance of community and awareness among Black geoscientists, highlighting severe underrepresentation in the field.
A new study found an aggregation site of great white sharks in the Gulf of California, with estimated mortality rates potentially three times higher than previously thought. This discovery raises concerns about conservation efforts and highlights opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism.
Three new snailfish species, Paraliparis echongpachot, P. kadadakaleguak, and P. marianae, have been named after student suggestions in the Chamorro language. The specimens were collected in the 1980s but not examined until recently, when they were analyzed by Oregon State University alums Bruce Mundy and David Stein.
Researchers at Marine Biological Laboratory found that replacing beef with chicken, swapping meat meals for vegetarian options, and upgrading lighting could reduce the institution's nitrogen footprint by up to 7.7%. These 'low-effort' solutions require no major changes or additional funding.
A Rutgers University-led study finds that overfishing is unlikely to be the primary cause of genetic changes in Atlantic cod. Instead, researchers suggest that addressing environmental factors such as climate change and reducing fishing pressure may be more effective in allowing cod populations to recover.
A new study by University of Miami researchers found that mahi-mahi typically spawn at night, primarily during a new moon, at depths greater than they normally would. This knowledge can help manage the valuable fish population and understand the impacts of climate change on their reproduction.
A new aquaculture technique using a kelp elevator increases kelp growth by four times, yielding more biomass than natural processes. The technique shows promise as a low-carbon biofuel crop alternative to corn and sugarcane, with potential environmental benefits.
In a groundbreaking study, cuttlefish are found to exhibit self-control by delaying gratification, similar to humans and primates. The creatures can wait for up to 50-130 seconds before accepting a better reward, showcasing their ability to exert control over their desires.
Researchers have developed equations to estimate the time an object has spent drifting at sea and plot possible drift paths of a missing boat. By analyzing the growth rate of Lepas anserifera attached to the object, scientists can narrow down the search area and find missing persons more efficiently.
Researchers found that amphipod claws snap at nearly 100 km/h, accelerating to over 30 meters per second. This unique adaptation could inspire human engineering for fast-repeated movement.
Researchers detail nine steps for cell-based seafood to deliver environmental benefits, including developing a viable product and driving down demand for wild-caught seafood. However, achieving conservation outcomes is a complex process with many hurdles, including getting consumers to adopt the new product.
Scientists have mapped the structure of neuropil, a fundamental type of brain tissue organization, in C. elegans using innovative melding of network analysis and imaging strategies. The study revealed four layers with distinct domains for processing sensory information and motor behaviors, providing insights into how the brain integrat...
Researchers find most plastic particles in water samples come from marine paints, with PVC and acrylates dominating the composition. The team's findings suggest thousands of tonnes of paint end up in the marine environment every year, posing potential environmental risks.
Tipping points in ocean physics, chemistry, and biology may cause high-probability, high-impact effects cumulatively leading to global consequences. The study suggests treating these events as seriously as catastrophic ones for effective management.