Articles tagged with Marine Biology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New investigation reveals surprising flexibility in finches' beak development, with different species sharing same developmental pathways yet producing unique shapes. This discovery offers new insight into the adaptability of birds to fill various ecological niches.
AZTI-Tecnalia coordinates two €1.5M research projects on bluefin tuna to study population structure, migrations, growth, and reproduction. These projects will inform ICCAT's conservation efforts in the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Researchers found that nerves in squid skin control the animal's spectrum of shimmering hues, as well as their speed of change, creating spectacular optical illusions. The study provides evidence for neural control of iridescence in an invertebrate species.
Researchers found that both high and low mating rates are detrimental to female sea slug fitness, suggesting indirect benefits to traumatic mating. The study suggests that there may be additional fitness benefits beyond reproduction.
A third of Earth's organisms live in rocks and sediments, but their lives have been a mystery. Scientists have now shed light into this dark world by studying methane-exhaling microbes in hot undersea volcanoes. The research reveals that these microbes thrive in environments with low hydrogen levels and have symbiotic relationships bet...
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new coating called SLIPS that can prevent the formation of biofilms on surfaces. The technology, which is smooth and slippery due to an immobilized liquid layer, has been shown to reduce the formation of disease-causing bacteria by up to 96%.
Biologists present a simple way to estimate maximum sustainable yield (MSY) using catch data and species resilience. The new method has been tested on 148 fish stocks with excellent agreement compared to traditional methods.
The University of Miami's Rosenstiel School awarded over $11,000 to five graduate students pursuing research projects on marine conservation and climate change. Christine Beggs will study invasive lionfish in the Florida Keys, while Katinka Bellomo will investigate cloud radiative forcing at the Max-Planck Institute. Dominique Lazarre ...
A recent study by NOAA researchers reveals a drastic decline in white abalone populations, which have dwindled by approximately 78% over the last ten years. The species' ability to reproduce is being questioned, with scientists suggesting that a captive breeding program may be necessary to enhance populations and prevent extinction.
The Kiel Cluster of Excellence 'The Future Ocean' has secured funding for its second phase, focusing on natural resources, biological diversity, and gas exchange. This will enable the team to provide a scientific basis for sustainable ocean management and engage in dialogue with decision makers.
Scientists will analyze satellite pictures, airplane data, and tree core samples to determine how trees respond to longer growing seasons. This study aims to understand whether faster-growing trees are taking more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a positive factor in combating global warming.
A team of researchers discovered that dolomite crystals form under specific conditions in biofilms created by marine bacteria. The study provides new insights into the reconstruction of fossil dolomite deposits and their connection to past environmental conditions.
A study led by Marine Biological Laboratory scientists found that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water can disrupt lipid metabolism, leading to nutrient deficiencies in breast milk and growth deficits in offspring. The researchers also discovered that exposure to arsenic increases the risk of fatty liver disease.
Researchers found that terrestrial species are less responsive to warm temperatures than marine species, which allows them to expand their ranges towards the poles. Climate change is also causing rare heat waves to set boundaries on where species can live.
Marine scientists discovered that deep-sea limpets can survive extreme pressure changes when transported by submersibles. This finding highlights the potential risk of human-driven change to hydrothermal vent ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst used miniaturized satellite tags to track young Atlantic bluefin tuna, revealing their dispersal patterns and habitat use. The study provides the first fishery-independent data on bluefin tuna migration and behavior, shedding light on the ecology and management of wild stocks.
A new software tool called Acacia has been developed to correct errors in DNA sequencing, allowing biologists to accurately interpret genetic information. The tool, created by CSIRO PhD student Lauren Bragg, uses statistical theory to analyze code for DNA bases and improve accuracy.
Research reveals that salmon raised in hatcheries can harm wild populations through competition for food and habitat. This has significant implications for long-term survival of wild salmon species, highlighting the need for caution and further research to ensure sustainable fisheries management.
A new study reveals that juvenile steelhead trout are more likely to die when water levels are low in California's wine country. The researchers found that the amount of vineyard acreage upstream is linked to higher death rates, with only 30% survival rate in dry summer seasons.
A new study reveals a 100-fold surge in small plastic debris in the North Pacific Ocean Subtropical Gyre, altering marine habitats and changing natural ecosystems. The influx of plastic has led to an increase in sea skater egg densities, potentially affecting animals across the food web.
New research from USC reveals a 100-fold decrease in lead and 400-fold decrease in copper and cadmium in Southern California's coastal waters over the past four decades. The cleaner water is attributed to improvements in sewage treatment regulations and phasing out of leaded gasoline.
A team of researchers has proposed standardised guidelines for the recording and characterisation of microplastic particles in the sea. By analysing 68 scientific publications, they found that the results are difficult to compare due to varying methods used. However, they discovered that using a net with a mesh of 85 micrometres can fi...
Rachael Heuer, a University of Miami graduate student, has received an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to investigate how Gulf toadfish cope with ocean acidification. Her research findings indicate that toadfish exposed to elevated CO2 levels lose base from their bodies, affecting their pH balance and health.
A new study reveals a large number of emperor penguins in Antarctica, with 595,000 birds estimated, providing an important benchmark for monitoring environmental change. The research uses high-resolution satellite images to differentiate between birds and ice, allowing for accurate estimates.
Shrimp fishermen are assisting biologist Kai Wätjen in monitoring rare fish species in the North Sea. They are using cameras to document catches and a data logger to record water temperature and depth information.
Scientists have found highly similar signaling centers in the acorn worm that direct the formation of its embryonic body plan. This discovery provides unexpected insight into the evolution of vertebrate development and genetics, revealing complex mechanisms for establishing body plans in distant relatives.
A recent study found that urban heat islands cause trees to turn green earlier in the spring and stay green later into autumn in Mid-Atlantic suburbs. This results in an extended growing season, affecting forests and potentially increasing carbon dioxide uptake.
The US Department of Homeland Security's Container Security Test Bed allows for the rapid testing of novel detection technologies for explosives, drugs, and other illicit substances in cargo containers. This facility enables researchers to simulate real-world conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of different sensor systems.
Researchers found that organic matter from tree trunks, leaves, and kukui nuts supports abundant macro-invertebrates, which serve as food for bottom fish species. The 'canyon effect' is obliterated at intermediate depths due to oxygen minimum zones.
The UBC research reveals areas with the highest risk of overfishing, including the northeastern coast of Canada, Pacific coast of Mexico, and Peruvian coast. This index will help conservation managers make targeted decisions to protect seafood and marine ecosystems.
Research by UBC scientists finds that adding ocean acidification and deoxygenation to climate change projections can significantly reduce fish catch potential in certain regions. For example, the Norwegian Sea may see a 15% decrease in fisheries catch potential due to combined effects of warming and acidification.
A team led by Dr Steven Le Comber used computer simulations and historical data to compare geographic profiling with existing methods for monitoring invasive species. The technique outperformed others, particularly when multiple sources were involved, suggesting its potential for controlling the spread of invasive species.
Researchers found that southern elephant seals from Marion Island dive deeper for food when encountering warmer waters. The new sensor will track feeding behavior to understand the distribution of productive zones in the South Polar Sea.
Researchers used Google Earth satellite images to identify and count over 21,000 fish cages off the Mediterranean coast, primarily in Greece and Turkey. The study estimates total ocean fish farmed annually, with results aligning with UN reports, highlighting Google Earth's monitoring potential.
The 93.6-meter vessel will enable advanced atmospheric research and map the seafloor up to six kilometers below the surface. CSIRO will operate the vessel, replacing the 40-year-old Southern Surveyor, and make it available to all Australian marine scientists.
John Waterbury, a WHOI scientist emeritus, has been awarded the NAS Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal for his path-breaking discovery and characterization of ecologically important marine microorganisms. This achievement marked major advances in understanding marine food webs and nutrient cycling in ocean ecosystems.
Researchers have discovered the unique walking mechanism of dynein, a critical motor protein in every cell. The 'drunken sailor' gait allows the protein to navigate obstacles while performing transport functions, potentially shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases.
Research on three-spined sticklebacks reveals that reoccurring infectious diseases influence the frequency of immune genes. This variability helps individuals resist diseases but poses a challenge for organ transplants. In contrast, the variation in human HLA alleles enhances mating choices by providing optimal gene combinations.
A University of Miami research team studied the larval stage of great barracuda and sennets, finding they share a similar diet and live in upper 25m ocean layer. The study identifies a size advantage within the larval stage, where bigger larvae are more likely to survive.
A new study shows that expanding 'ocean dead zones' driven by climate change is shrinking the useable habitat for blue marlin and other pelagic fish in the tropical northeast Atlantic Ocean. This compression of habitat due to low oxygen levels threatens the sustainability of these fisheries.
A new model combining biological data and fisheries catch records indicates that fishing in one side of the Atlantic Ocean affects the other. The study shows that eastern bluefin populations are declining due to high levels of fishing in the Mediterranean Sea, while western populations are also depleted. The model suggests that recover...
Expanding ocean dead zones driven by climate change reduce oxygen levels, forcing blue marlins and other billfish to surface waters where they are more vulnerable to fishing. This shift affects the long-term health of these species and their ecosystems.
A new study by University of Miami researchers provides insights into the physical conditions and biological factors underlying white shark attacks on Cape fur seals. The study found that sharks use stealth and ambush tactics to stalk their prey, while seals employ unique techniques to detect and evade predators.
Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine face mortality risks from a changing climate, including warmer ocean temperatures and increased predator populations. The study suggests that post-smolts are more likely to survive if they avoid areas with high predator densities.
Two species of deep-sea cephalopods have the ability to rapidly switch between transparency and a dull red color as optical conditions change, providing an adaptive camouflage strategy. This 'switchable' camouflage is highly advantageous for survival in the unique environment of the deep sea.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that small lake-dwelling fish follow simple yet effective rules when schooling together. By tracking individual fish and analyzing their interactions, the team identified key movements such as slowing down near others and turning to move towards neighbors.