Hard rock life
Researchers find consistent types of organisms in subsurface rocks across globe, challenges imagination to think of nearly identical microbes 16,000 km apart.
Marine Biology
Articles tagged with Marine Biology
Measuring life's tugs and nudges
Researchers at Harvard University have created a new method to quantify the mechanical forces produced by living cells, which shape tissues and organs. By injecting tiny oil droplets into 3D tissues and embryos, scientists can measure the forces exerted by individual cells, shedding light on the role of mechanics in development and dis...
New finding shows that mother sharks 'home' to their birthplace to give birth, like salmon and sea turtles
Female lemon sharks born in Bimini returned to give birth on the same island 15 years later, confirming natal philopatry. Local and international conservation efforts can make a significant impact in recovering coastal shark populations.
Rising ocean acidification leads to anxiety in fish
A new study reveals that ocean acidification causes anxious behavior in juvenile rockfish, affecting their ability to forage and navigate. The researchers found that the affected fish preferred dark areas and showed altered behavior even after being returned to normal seawater.
Multiple mates worth the risk for female prairie dogs
A study published in The Journal of Mammalogy found that female prairie dogs who mate with two or more males rear more offspring than those that mate with only one male. The research, led by John Hoogland, suggests that the benefits of polyandry outweigh the costs for most species of prairie dogs.
UNH scientists document, quantify deep-space radiation hazards
Scientists from UNH have published comprehensive findings on space-based radiation hazards using a UNH-led detector aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The data provide critical information on the radiation hazards faced by astronauts on extended missions to deep space like Mars.
Staying alive in the high and dry
Researchers discover that desert plants use hydraulic lift to acquire nutrients in dry conditions, supporting plant productivity and seed set. The system relies on tiny amounts of water released from plant roots into dry soil at night.
Old bat gets a new name
A team of bat biologists has reclassified the Mortlock Islands flying fox as Pteropus pelagicus, correcting a naming error made in 1882. The study also found that the species is part of a wider geographic distribution than previously thought, and its conservation status is uncertain due to rising sea levels and climate change.
Is a constructive conservation the last chance for biodiversity?
The constructive conservation framework combines strategies for preserving biodiversity in both natural and designed landscapes. By prioritizing ecologically viable habitats, actively creating new ecosystems, and accepting novel ecosystems as natural landscapes, researchers aim to maximize the effective use of resources. This approach ...
Changes in ocean circulation focus of $16 million project
The OSNAP program will measure ocean's overturning circulation, a key component of global climate system. It aims to understand changes in this circulation and its impact on temperatures and precipitation.
Longline fishery in Costa Rica kills thousands of sea turtles and sharks
A decade-long study reveals that Costa Rica's longline fishery catches more olive ridley sea turtles than commercial fish species, threatening their survival. The research also shows a decline in shark populations, with smaller sharks becoming increasingly common.
How the gut got its villi
Researchers at Harvard University investigated the process of villification, which shapes gut villi, and found similarities in its principles across different animal species. They discovered that mechanical forces from muscle layer differentiation drive early villus growth.
Marine species distribution shifts reflect local climate conditions
A new study suggests that local climatic conditions, rather than biological differences among species, explain observed shifts in marine species distribution. Researchers analyzed four decades of data from NOAA and Canadian fisheries surveys and found that 74% of species shifted latitude in the same direction as climate velocity.
Ocean fish acquire more mercury at depth
Researchers found that photochemical reactions break down mercury at the surface, but it's converted to its toxic form at deeper depths. This process affects ocean fish and the human seafood supply, with implications for reducing mercury emissions.
Google, Intel founders support undersea research by UMass Amherst microbiologist
UMass Amherst microbiologist Jim Holden launches new studies on microbes living deep in undersea volcanoes, funded by private philanthropists. His work addresses questions about the first life on Earth and potential microbial life on other planets.
Study finds novel worm community affecting methane release in ocean
A new study has discovered a super-charged methane seep in the ocean off New Zealand that has created a unique food web. The presence of polychaetes worms, which consume bacteria enriched with methane, plays a critical role in stabilizing the ecosystem and preventing excessive greenhouse gas emissions.
The 'genetics of sand' may shed new light on evolutionary process over millions of years
A new paper by Dr Thomas Ezard uses the fossils of microscopic aquatic creatures called planktonic foraminifera to study speciation. The research highlights the importance of using fossil and molecular evidence in understanding evolution.
Scientists discover key to easing aquaculture's reliance on wild-caught fish
Researchers at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science have successfully developed a completely vegetarian diet that supports fast-growing marine carnivores like cobia and gilthead sea bream. This breakthrough could significantly ease aquaculture's reliance on wild-caught fish, making the industry more sustainable.
Looking to the past to predict the future of climate change
Researchers analyze fossil records to understand how past climate changes affected species interactions, potentially revealing patterns for predicting future changes. This study's findings suggest that similar processes drive natural systems' responses to climate change.
Decoding material fluxes in the tropical ocean
Researchers at GEOMAR found that about one third of oxygen supply in tropical oxygen minimum zones is provided by vertical turbulent mixing, surprising previous assumptions. High-precision measurements confirmed this finding, using a tracer and profiling current meters.
How to survive without sex: Rotifer genome reveals its strategies
The rotifer genome shows evidence of gene conversion and horizontal gene transfer, which help maintain healthy genes and viable lineages. This reproductive strategy, absent in most animals, may mimic some aspects of sex and provide a layer of protection from mutations.
Scientists discover thriving colonies of microbes in ocean 'plastisphere'
Researchers found at least 1000 types of bacterial cells on plastic debris, including autotrophs, heterotrophs, and symbionts. The plastisphere may alter ocean ecosystems and transport harmful microbes, sparking concerns about its impact on marine life.
MBL researchers find zinc's crucial pathway to the brain
A recent study by MBL researchers has identified ZIP12 as a critical transporter for zinc uptake in the brain, essential for embryonic development. Impaired zinc uptake leads to neuronal growth impairment, fatal to developing embryos. The discovery highlights the importance of periconceptional and prenatal nutrition for promoting healt...
Oysters could rebound more quickly with limited fishing and improved habitat
A new study suggests that oyster populations can recover faster with reduced fishing pressure and improved habitats. The research model indicates that halting or reducing fishing could lead to a healthier population restored within 50-500 years.
Jammed molecular motors may play a role in the development of ALS
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago discovered that genetic mutations associated with inherited ALS can cause delays in nutrient and protein transport within nerve cells. This slowdown can lead to cell death, contributing to the neurodegenerative disorder.
Bridge species drive tropical engine of biodiversity
New research confirms the 'out of the tropics' model for tropical biodiversity, where most evolutionary lineages started in the tropics and expanded outward. Bridge species, which straddle the boundary between tropics and temperate regions, play a crucial role in this process.
Researchers discover a new way fish camouflage themselves in the ocean
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that lookdown fish can manipulate polarized light to create a more effective camouflage system, surpassing the traditional 'mirror' strategy. This discovery has implications for the development of new materials and technologies inspired by nature.
Acidifying oceans could spell trouble for squid
A new study reveals that squid are vulnerable to acidic conditions in the ocean, which could have far-reaching effects on the ecosystem. The research found that squid reared in more acidic seawater were smaller, had misshapen statoliths, and took longer to develop.
Sharks worth more in the ocean than on the menu
A new study shows that shark ecotourism generates over $314 million annually and is expected to more than double to $780 million in the next 20 years. The landed value of global shark fisheries has been declining for the past decade, with an estimated 38 million sharks killed per year to feed the fin trade.
Deep, permeable soils buffer impacts of crop fertilizer on Amazon streams, MBL study finds
A new study in the Amazon finds that deep, permeable soils can act as a natural buffer against the negative impacts of crop fertilizer on nearby streams. The research suggests that these soils can absorb excess nutrients and reduce pollution, but warns that changes in land use may lead to increased nutrient runoff in the future.
Sea turtles inspire beach-walking robot
Researchers created a sea turtle-inspired robot to study flipper-based locomotion on complex surfaces. The 'Flipperbot' demonstrated improved movement using a free wrist, which reduced disturbance to the ground, similar to real-life observations of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles.
'Black carbon' flowing from soil to oceans
Research finds that a significant proportion of black carbon in soil dissolves into rivers and flows to the ocean, undermining efforts to use soil as a carbon sink. The study estimated that 27 million tons of black carbon flow from rivers to oceans annually.
UH SOEST and Hawai'i DAR provide new understanding of rare white shark movement around Hawai'i
A new study reveals that white sharks occur in Hawai'i waters across a broader annual cycle than previously thought, with observations recorded every month except November. The research also identifies a simple method to distinguish between white sharks and close relatives like mako sharks based on the shape of their head.
Scientists look to ancient past to better predict how species may respond climate change
Researchers are using fossilized tree pollen and mammal fossils to understand how plants and animals responded to past climate changes. They aim to develop better models to predict forest responses to future climate changes.
'Sustainable fishing' certification too lenient and discretionary, study finds
A study by New York University researchers found that the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) seafood certification process is too lenient and discretionary. The study examined 19 formal objections to MSC certifications and found that many fisheries did not meet the organization's sustainability principles.
Dr. Cecilia Bitz to receive prestigious Rosenstiel Award from the University of Miami
Dr. Cecilia Bitz, an associate professor at the University of Washington, will receive the Rosenstiel Award for her contributions to climate and climate change research, particularly in high-latitude regions. Her work focuses on climate modeling, sea ice predictability, and geoengineering perspectives.
Sea hares outsmart peckish lobsters with sticky opaline
Researchers found that the sticky nature of opaline, not its chemical composition, is responsible for reducing sensory responses in lobsters. The study suggests that sea hares can escape predation by using opaline to inactivate a lobster's sense of smell and ability to feed.
Scientists awarded £3M to study the way Northwest European seas absorb carbon
A £3.2 million research study will investigate how climate warming affects North West Europe's shelf seas and their role in the global carbon cycle. The study aims to improve modeling systems for understanding ocean climate change, particularly focusing on the capacity of shelf seas to store carbon.
University of California's unofficial favorite sea slug poised to make a comeback
The California chromodorid sea slug, declared extinct in Southern California in the 1980s, has begun to reappear in local waters. Marine scientists attribute its resurgence to improved water quality, mainly a result of stricter pollution regulations.
Prairie dogs disperse when all close kin have disappeared
A study by behavioral ecologist John Hoogland found that prairie dogs are more likely to disperse in the absence of nearby close kin. This unique pattern is attributed to the benefits of cooperation with close kin, including shared resources and defense against predators.
MBL scientists find genes linked to human neurological disorders in sea lamprey genome
Scientists at MBL have identified several genes linked to human neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, in the sea lamprey genome. The discovery will accelerate research on spinal cord injury recovery, as lampreys can regenerate their nervous system after injury.
Seeing is believing: Biologists and physicists produce revealing images of cell organization, behavior
The symposium explores the leading edge of interdisciplinary collaboration in microscopy, featuring experts who are developing new techniques to visualize life processes at unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. The goal is to advance the visualization of life from the scale of a single molecule to the whole organism., Research...
MBL scientist Bruce Peterson wins ASLO Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Bruce J. Peterson has made seminal contributions in oceanography, limnology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and hydrology through his use of new methods and scientific publications. His research on the freshwater cycle of the Arctic has made fundamental advances in understanding land-ocean interactions.
A war without end -- with Earth's carbon cycle held in the balance
Scientists have discovered a long-running conflict between SAR11 bacteria and viruses that constantly kill them off. The ongoing battle affects the planet's carbon cycle and has significant implications for ocean biology.
Magnetic map guides salmon home
Researchers found that sockeye salmon imprint on the magnetic field they experience when first entering the sea as juveniles, using it as a homing mechanism. This discovery has practical applications for predicting salmon distribution and understanding the impact of environmental changes on their navigation.
Salmon may use magnetic field as a navigational aid
A study found that salmon use the geomagnetic field as a navigational aid, with changes in intensity correlating with their migration route. The results suggest that the fish imprint the magnetic field during their juvenile stage and use it as a proxy for geographic location when returning as adults.
DNA reveals mating patterns of critically endangered sea turtle
Researchers have discovered that female hawksbill turtles mate at the beginning of the season and store sperm for up to 75 days, laying multiple nests on beaches. The study also found that these turtles are mainly monogamous, with females pairing up with a single male throughout the breeding season.
New Antarctic geological timeline aids future sea-level predictions
A new study provides a geological timeline for ice loss in West Antarctica, shedding light on the recent rapid melting of glaciers and improving predictions for future sea-level rise. The research reveals that exceptional changes in glacier retreat may occur only rarely over the past 10,000 years.
Jellyfish experts show increased blooms are a consequence of periodic global fluctuations
Recent media reports have created a perception of a global increase in jellyfish. However, a new study suggests that these trends may be overstated. The research found that global jellyfish populations undergo concurrent fluctuations with successive decadal periods of rise and fall.
Having serious fun in the MBL physiology course
The MBL physiology course fosters a culture of curiosity and innovation among students, leading to the generation of 23 research papers and 59 meeting abstracts. The course's unique approach combines cell biology and physical sciences, and encourages students to think beyond their comfort zones.
Ups and downs of biodiversity after mass extinction
Research suggests that cooler climates led to increased biodiversity in marine fauna, while warmer temperatures caused species to become extinct. The study's findings indicate that climate fluctuations played a significant role in the emergence and extinction of species.
Finding life in the volcanic systems of the Antarctic Polar Front
Researchers investigate four hydrothermal vent sites off Antarctica's coast to understand animal communities and their unique ecosystems. The team uses a deep-diving ROV to study the interactions between animals and the vents, which are super-heated to around 300 degrees Centigrade.
Prospectus addresses most pressing marine science questions
A prospectus published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A outlines key issues and research directions for UK marine science over the next two decades. The publication provides a vision for each field, addressing scientific challenges and technological advances necessary to meet them.
New study shows probiotics help fish grow up faster and healthier
A new study found that feeding probiotics to baby zebrafish accelerated their development and increased their chances of survival into adulthood. The researchers discovered that the probiotics helped promote growth, including bone and vertebrae development, by reducing stress on the fish's gastrointestinal tract.
Moore Foundation funds 16 top scientists for high-risk marine microbial ecology research
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation is funding 16 top scientists for pioneering research in marine microbial ecology, exploring interactions between trillions of microscopic organisms and their environment. This funding aims to make new discoveries and advance our understanding of ocean ecosystems and climate change.
Pacific fishing zones -- lifeline for overfished tuna?
A network of marine zones in the Pacific Ocean could significantly improve numbers of heavily overfished bigeye tuna and local economies. The study found that restricting longline fishing in tuna-spawning areas and managing fish-aggregating devices are key measures to effectively conserve Pacific bigeye tuna.
Injectable sponge delivers drugs, cells, and structure
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a biocompatible gel-based sponge that can be molded to any shape, loaded with drugs or stem cells, and delivered via injection. The sponge pops back to its original shape once inside the body, gradually releasing its cargo before safely degrading.
Biologists record increasing amounts of plastic litter in the Arctic deep sea
Biologists have recorded a significant increase in plastic litter on the seabed of the Arctic deep sea, with quantities doubling over the past decade. The main victims of this contamination are deep-sea inhabitants, which can suffer injuries, impaired breathing, and reduced reproduction due to contact with plastic.
Fish getting smaller as the oceans warm: UBC research
A new study projects a 14-20% decline in maximum fish body weight by 2050, with the tropics being most impacted. The research highlights the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions and monitor changes to ocean ecosystems.
How is a Kindle like a cuttlefish
Researchers found that both biological organisms and electronic devices use similar approaches to change reflective colors, but biology outperforms electronics in efficiency, scalability, and sophistication. Human-made technology excels in speed and color range, but lags behind nature's complex adaptations.