Articles tagged with Marine Biology
Researchers at University of Southern Denmark found that flooding coastal land can create well-functioning marine ecosystems, attracting visitors and wildlife. The Gyldensteen Coastal Lagoon, a 214-hectare area in Denmark, has shown promise as a carbon sink and is developing into a diverse ecosystem.
A team of scientists has described five new species and a new genus of closely related blanket-hermit crabs, shedding light on their unique symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. The discovery reveals that these crustaceans have evolved remarkable adaptations to develop this extraordinary bond.
A UCLA-led team of biologists reports that a six-mile-wide asteroid crash 66 million years ago created an enormous evolutionary void for marine fish to diversify. Today's rich biodiversity among marine fish shows the fingerprints of this mass extinction, with six major acanthomorph groups producing almost all marine fish diversity.
Scientists at the University of Portsmouth and NREL have engineered an enzyme that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery could lead to a recycling solution for millions of tons of plastic waste.
New research shows steelhead trout that spawn repeatedly have greater lifetime reproductive success than those that spawn only once. However, this strategy comes with risks, including the dangers of the ocean and predation. The study's findings could lead to more effective conservation efforts for steelhead populations.
A new study by UNC-Chapel Hill biologists found that loggerhead sea turtles genetically similar to one another nest on beaches with similar magnetic fields. The research implies that turtles can mistakenly nest at different beaches with similar magnetic fields, even if it's geographically far away from their hatching beach.
A team of researchers has found that RNA molecules recognize specific 3D shapes to condense into the same droplet. This mechanism is essential for forming RNA-protein condensates that may serve as 'crucibles' for enhancing biological reactions. The discovery provides insight into the formation of liquid droplets in cells and their pote...
Researchers discovered that sweet potatoes originated over 800,000 years ago in the Americas, challenging the long-held theory of pre-Columbian contacts between Polynesia and the American continent. The findings suggest that humans did not introduce sweet potatoes to Polynesia but rather allowed them to cross the ocean naturally.
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.
Researchers studying the Black Sea's oxygen-deprived waters found that chemical and biological processes similar to those in the deep ocean occur. This provides new insights into the ocean's role as a storage reservoir for carbon, helping to dampen the effects of human-driven climate change.
A study published in ZooKeys reveals that a population of guppies was introduced to an oceanic archipelago in Brazil through human activity. The researchers suggest that the species was likely brought to the island as part of an effort to control mosquito populations, but cannot rule out natural dispersal as a possibility.
Researchers found that plants in northern Alaska's tussock tundra took up nitrate at comparable rates to vegetation in nitrate-rich ecosystems. This discovery has important implications for predicting which arctic plant species will dominate as the climate warms, and how much carbon tundra ecosystems can store.
A study by the University of Plymouth reveals that exposure to moderate hypoxia can have different effects on metabolic performance in animals bred under chronic hypoxic conditions. This could result in underestimated vulnerability of species, leading to reduced biodiversity.
A Rutgers University study finds that warmer Arctic temperatures cause extreme winter swings in the US, leading to colder winters in northern Europe and snowier conditions. The research suggests a strong connection between Arctic warming and severe winter weather patterns in the eastern United States.
A new modeling study predicts that climate change will dramatically reduce global fishery yields, with declines of up to 20% globally and 60% in the North Atlantic by 2300. The study attributes these declines to a lack of ocean mixing, which would drive a decline in fish populations near the surface.
Scientists studied a species of roundnose grenadier fish, finding adaptation to depth at functional genes linked to body form and function. This 'disruptive' selection allows for the evolution of new species, even within the same geographic population.
Researchers discovered that glial cells increase the acidity of the extracellular environment when exposed to ATP, leading to a massive release of acid. This triggers a feedback loop that prevents over-excitability of neurons by inhibiting neurotransmitter release.
A team of scientists has confirmed a new species of sixgill sharks in the Atlantic Ocean, based on genetic testing. The discovery was made using mitochondrial genes and found significant differences between the Atlantic and Pacific/Oceanic species.
Researchers discovered that cuttlefish can maintain dynamic 3D skin shape for over an hour through a unique muscle tension mechanism. This physiology is thought to conserve energy while camouflaging from predators or waiting for prey.
Kurt Ingeman's project aims to coordinate predator-prey management for optimal conservation outcomes and restoration of marine food webs. He will analyze recovery trajectories of species like rockfish and lingcod using strategic modeling and partner with organizations such as NOAA and The Nature Conservancy.
Scientists created a fully-resolved family tree for shark, ray, and chimaera species to quantify their evolutionary distinctness. This research identified five priority hotspots for conservation, helping to preserve up to 26 million years of unique evolutionary history.
A new study by University of Adelaide scientists demonstrates how climate change drives the collapse of marine food webs, potentially leading to decreased food availability for top predators and negative impacts on marine species.
Scientists have observed increasing fluxes of shelf-derived materials to the central Arctic Ocean, altering its composition and potentially harming biological productivity. The study provides an estimate of Arctic shelf flux and sheds light on understudied transport processes in the region.
Scientists have discovered that the basis for photosynthesis in today's plants was set in place 1.25 billion years ago, according to a new study published in Geology. The research pinpoints the age of ancient algae fossils, which had previously been estimated between 720 million and 1.2 billion years.
Researchers developed a quantum sensor that mimics the ampullae of Lorenzini found in sharks to detect small electrical signals. The sensor performed well in ocean-like conditions and maintained its functionality despite being immersed in saltwater, making it suitable for various applications.
A team of scientists used a novel microscope to measure the orientation of integrins on cell surfaces in real-time, revealing that actin flow inside the cell aligns with external forces. The study provides new insights into how cells migrate towards wounds or pathogens, shedding light on the fundamental mechanisms of cellular movement.
Researchers have clarified the scientific name of the world's heaviest bony fish, identifying it as a 2,300 kilogram Mola alexandrini bump-head sunfish. The species was previously misclassified as Mola mola, but new study reveals its distinct characteristics.
Researchers have found that comb jellyfish can adjust their regeneration mechanisms based on environmental nutrients. In nutrient-rich environments, the larvae can fully regenerate, while in areas with fewer nutrients, they survive but cannot fully heal.
Researchers have found that the scales of sharks and skates share a common origin with teeth, and that ancient fishes had multiple layers of armor. Meanwhile, studies on backbone formation reveal a shared evolutionary history between jawed vertebrates, including humans.
The discovery was made possible by DNA sequencing techniques, revealing differences in the number of tentacles, bell size, and stinging cells between the two species. The newly recognized species may have implications for understanding jellyfish blooms and their impact on Eastern oyster larvae.
Scientists at the Marine Biological Laboratory developed a technique using mirrored cover slips to improve the speed and efficiency of light-sheet microscopy. The method doubles the speed of the microscope and markedly improves its efficiency, useful for imaging fast-moving biological processes.
Researchers have created a new statistical model to study bycatch in commercial fishing, enabling more accurate predictions of incidental catches. The Random-Effects Hurdle Model can be applied to various fields with complex data structures, including health economics and medicine.
Researchers found that competition and herbivory provide resilience against invasive species in certain marine protected areas. The study suggests that healthy kelp forests, with high levels of native algae, outcompete invasive species like Sargassum horneri.
A study by EPFL and European researchers found that past ocean temperatures may have remained relatively stable over the past 100 million years. This challenges decades of paleoclimate research and raises concerns about current levels of climate change.
UCSB biologist Douglas McCauley explores the pros and cons of using virtual and augmented reality in environmental science education. He argues that while VR and AR have potential upsides, such as enhanced experiences and simulations, they may also detract from core values like face-to-face interaction and direct observation of nature.
A team of researchers created a three-dimensional map of the gut microbiome, revealing a surprising degree of mixing among different bacterial members. The study found that the gut microbiome lacks highly organized structure, unlike other body sites like the mouth.
Researchers use imaging technology to study a simplified human gut microbiome, finding a mixed community where each cell is next to cells of different species. The host appears to mix and prevent large clusters of single-bacteria species from forming.
A 26-year study has revealed a cyclical response between soil warming and carbon release, suggesting a self-reinforcing feedback loop that could exacerbate global warming. The study found that warmed soils experienced periods of abundant carbon release, alternating with periods of no detectable loss in soil carbon stores.
Researchers discovered a four-phase pattern in soil organic matter decay and carbon dioxide flows to the atmosphere due to soil warming. This pattern has significant implications for global warming, as it suggests that microbial communities are adapting to changing conditions by evolving new enzymes to process reduced carbon.
Scientists discovered that plastic marine debris was transporting non-native species from Japan to North America and Hawaii after the 2011 tsunami. This phenomenon suggests a significant increase in the role of marine debris as a vector for invasive species due to climate change and coastal urbanization.
A new study has documented 289 living invertebrate and fish species arriving from Japan on more than 600 pieces of tsunami debris that crossed the Pacific Ocean. The majority of the debris was manmade material contributing to the transoceanic survival and dispersal of coastal species.
Biologists detected nearly 300 coastal species crossing the ocean on makeshift rafts after Japan's 2011 tsunami. The species, including mollusks and crustaceans, likely survived due to slower ocean currents and durable debris like plastic.
Scientists found anchovies and sardines spawning earlier and longer in Northwest waters due to unusually warm ocean conditions. This change may have unforeseen consequences on the food web, including competing with other species for food.
The study highlights how human activities like tourism, trade, and agriculture impact microbial populations worldwide. Researchers warn of potential extinction risks for some microbes due to increased competition and spreading of antibiotic resistance genes.
A new study found that climate change will impact fish survival globally, with sensitivity varying between ocean-dwelling and freshwater fish. The analysis predicts breaking-point temperatures for over 3,000 species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation strategies to support fish adaptation and migration.
A team of scientists used a novel microscope to measure the density of heterochromatin, a tightly packed form of chromatin found in human cells. The study reveals that heterochromatin DNA is not fully inactive, but rather has physical properties that can be described in live cells.
A recent study published in Nature found that biodiversity is a more powerful predictor of biomass production than climate change, with diverse ecosystems producing higher biomass and toppling climate as the most important factor. The research, conducted by a team at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, analyzed data from ove...
A new study finds that climate change is modifying fish predator prey interactions, with cod moving out of the U.S. Northeast Shelf due to warmer waters and spiny dogfish expanding their range to compensate.
A 1°C warming of the Antarctic Ocean led to a single pioneer species dominating the community, driving a reduction in overall species diversity and evenness. Marine organisms also responded with increased growth rates, particularly in warmer months.
A new study predicts that rising ocean temperatures will exclude sardines from the Galápagos Islands' ecosystem, leading to a decline in Nazca booby populations. The bird's reproductive success has already been affected by the absence of sardines, which were replaced by flying fish over 30 years ago.
Fish are expected to shrink by 20-30% in size as ocean temperatures rise due to climate change. This decline is caused by gill-oxygen limitation theory, where the surface area of gills cannot supply enough oxygen for a larger body.
A new study synthesizes research on coastal armoring and its ecological effects, revealing gaps in knowledge and highlighting the need for more studies. The study evaluates a conceptual model that predicts ecological responses to armoring across various soft sediment ecosystems.
A new research paper presents a saturated coordinated path following control method for multiple underactuated USVs on a closed curve. The proposed method guarantees symmetric formation, has minimal communication data, and bounded control inputs.
A new species of deep-water hermit crab, Paragiopagurus atkinsonae, has been discovered off the West Coast of South Africa. The 'Green-eyed' hermit crab is characterized by its distinctive green coloration and unique home preference, living in soft polypy masses built from sand and sea anemones.
Researchers discovered that sea spiders use gut peristalsis to move blood and oxygen throughout their bodies, not hearts. This unique system allows for efficient gas transport and highlights the diversity of solutions in animal physiology.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new material that combines flexibility and stiffness by infusing it with tiny pockets of liquid gallium. The composite exhibits higher energy absorption characteristics than traditional materials, making it suitable for applications such as shock absorbers and biomimetic structures.
A study analyzing five years of Ocean Health Index data for 220 countries found that global ocean health has remained stable, but individual countries have seen changes, particularly in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Improvements in fishery management and marine protected areas may have stabilized ocean health scores in other regions.
A new Swansea University study suggests that rising temperatures associated with climate change could drive sea turtle populations to extinction. The research found that warmer incubation temperatures can lead to higher numbers of female sea turtles and increased nest failure, threatening the long-term survival of certain species.
Glass eel larvae can sense Earth's magnetic field and orient themselves using a biological clock, allowing them to migrate towards the coast. This study sheds light on the mechanisms of eel migration and has implications for our understanding of other species' navigation behaviors.
The Republic of Indonesia has published Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data on Global Fishing Watch, revealing commercial fishing locations and activities. This step towards increased transparency aims to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and support more informed management decisions.