Articles tagged with Marine Biology
A University of Exeter team monitored loggerhead turtles in the US Atlantic Ocean, finding they rarely leave the USA or continental shelf. The study highlights the value of satellite tracking for predicting migrations and directing conservation efforts.
A MBL study found that warming causes more nitrogen to become available to trees, allowing them to grow faster and store more carbon. This is a positive effect on carbon storage, but the overall impact of global warming on forest ecosystems will also depend on other factors such as water availability and atmospheric CO2 concentration
The Stevens Institute of Technology's Center for Science Writings awarded the 2010 book Storms of My Grandchildren by Dr. James Hansen the Green Book Award, recognizing its compelling call to action on global climate change. The award honors books that address environmental issues in a compelling way.
Researchers found that Antarctic icebergs enrich the Southern Ocean with iron-rich sediment, fertilizing microscopic algae that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process transfers carbon into the deep sea, potentially impacting global climate models.
A team of scientists, led by Roger Hanlon and Naomi Halas, aims to emulate the camouflage ability of squid, octopus, and cuttlefish in high-tech materials. They will explore new avenues of vision research, including distributed light sensing throughout the skin.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara are studying sea squirts to better understand the immune system's response to transplanted organs. By analyzing the sea squirt's cellular biology, researchers hope to find ways to 'tune' the body's immune response and prevent rejection of donated organs.
Research suggests that oxygen-depleted waters during the Neoproterozoic era, due to a global ice sheet, may have enabled the survival of early life forms. This harsh climate could have been a vital step in the evolution of animals.
A study led by University of Miami scientists successfully tracked a great hammerhead shark for 62 days, revealing its northeast journey from South Florida to the Atlantic Ocean. The shark's movement provides new insight into its migratory patterns and habitat use, shedding light on conservation efforts.
Researchers from Hebrew U. and US discovered how mercury gets into fish we eat by converting passive mercury to active form with bromine, a process found globally but more prevalent at Dead Sea due to high bromine levels.
Two Brown University scientists, Heather Leslie and Leila Sievanen, will discuss the importance of marine spatial planning, ecosystem-based management, and social science inclusion in managing the nation's oceans. Leslie will focus on understanding ocean ecosystems' resilience to variability and climate change, while Sievanen will high...
A new microscopy technique developed at MBL allows scientists to see the spatial arrangement of up to 28 differently labeled microbes in a single field of view. This technique, called CLASI-FISH, reveals the spatial structure of microbial communities and enables faster and more accurate diagnosis of microbes.
Outstanding Canadian researchers were awarded top science prizes for their groundbreaking work in AI, astronomy, and engineering. The awards recognize the research excellence and influence of prominent scientists such as Geoffrey Hinton and Victoria Kaspi.
Scientists have identified a protein pheromone produced by female squid that triggers aggression in male squid, with similarities to beta-microseminoproteins found in humans. The discovery sheds light on complex mating and egg-laying processes in squid.
The first crustacean genome has been sequenced, providing insights into the impact of environmental pollutants on freshwater ecosystems. Daphnia pulex, a tiny water flea, serves as an indicator species for detecting toxins and pollutants in the environment.
A study found that growing hypoxic zones are reducing oxygen-rich waters preferred by billfish and tuna. The shrinking habitat may lead to increased catches, giving a false impression of more abundant fish stocks.
Researchers found that global river networks are the source of at least 10% of human-caused nitrous oxide emissions to the atmosphere, three times the IPCC estimate. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change and stratospheric ozone destruction.
The project aims to unlock the secrets of nature's best camouflage artists, specifically cephalopod skins, to create adaptive and responsive materials. The team will investigate light sensing and use it to regulate skin patterns, colors, and contrasts.
Researchers will use real-time and projected data, 3D simulation and visualization technology to model different conservation scenarios. The program aims to inform fisheries management plans and raise public awareness about ocean health.
A widely used biodiversity indicator in fisheries is found to be an ineffective guide to trends in marine ecosystems, according to a new study published in Nature. The researchers recommend more direct monitoring and the development of trend-detection methods to better assess the impacts of fishing on marine biodiversity.
Researchers found a wide range of biological activity, including microbes degrading hydrocarbons and fixing carbon, in the deepest layer of ocean crust. The discovery has significant implications for carbon storage and fixation, and may provide a new concept for reducing carbon emissions.
Chris Wood, a professor at McMaster University and University of Miami, is recognized for his immense impact on the field as a scientist and mentor. He has attracted over 100 postdocs and grad students to his labs, with many now holding faculty positions worldwide.
A University of Washington biologist has built 120 'condominiums' for Galapagos penguins in a bid to boost their dwindling numbers. The new nests, designed to provide shaded breeding grounds, were completed ahead of La Niña conditions that bring plentiful food to the penguins.
USDA-funded scientists in Hawaii have developed new fish feeds using discarded fish parts that can attract shrimp and boost their growth, similar to studies on Alaskan pollock and cod. Researchers are now refining these practical feeds for nutritional balance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety.
Researchers developed the FishSmart program to improve fisheries management, involving stakeholders in the decision-making process. The program resulted in more conservative harvest measures for king mackerel in the Southeast United States, protecting both commercial and recreational interests.
A new study reveals that fish shoals and krill swarms share a unique, irregular crystal-like shape across different locations. Researchers used multibeam sonar to record the three-dimensional structure of Antarctic krill swarms, finding a fixed surface area-to-volume ratio, similar to studies on fish from diverse locations.
Researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to map signaling molecules between organisms, discovering metabolites involved in bacterial cannibalism. SDP and SKF were found to be essential for identifying and killing genetically identical cells.
The University of Hawaii's School of Ocean Earth Science and Technology completed a three-year study of Sea Disposal Site Hawaii Number 5, finding over 2,000 munitions on the seafloor with no detected chemical agents or explosives. The investigation also found that sediment and water samples showed little influence from human activities.
A recent study by Brown-MBL researchers estimates that reducing deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon state could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that achieving a goal of 89% reduction in deforestation rates by 2020 would result in lower net emissions, with up to 6.3 billion metric tons of CO...
Researchers have confirmed the nucleolinus's role in cell division by associating it with structures required for separation of chromosomes. The discovery provides insight into recent studies suggesting a critical role for the nucleolus in cell cycle regulation.
NOAA has selected Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, to lead a new research partnership, CIMEC, to study climate change and coastal ecosystems. The institute will focus on ecosystem-based management of fisheries and continue the longstanding work of JIMO in climate and ocean sciences.
Underwater gliders are being tested for tracking tagged fish in Alaska, providing a new method for scientists. The technology allows researchers to follow the movements of tagged fish over long distances and gather oceanographic information simultaneously.
Navrotsky's research reveals that particle size significantly affects the energy needed for oxidized reactions, with implications for applications such as hydrogen production and battery efficiency. The study sheds light on how nanoparticles react under different temperatures and conditions.
Researchers discovered sharks can detect small delays in odor detection to navigate, using bilateral detection to orient towards the strongest scent. This finding refutes previous theories on scent trail following and may lead to improved underwater robots for chemical leak detection.
Researchers compiled a comprehensive history of Arctic ice using sediment cores and proxy data, concluding that the current extent is at its lowest point for at least the last few thousand years. The study's findings suggest the volume of ice is shrinking much faster than its surface area, highlighting a troubling trend in climate change.
The University of Miami has been selected by NOAA to lead the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) in the southeastern US. The five-year partnership will focus on improving climate change research, hurricane modeling, and sustainable coastal development.
The MBARI AUV is equipped with 'gulper' samplers that can collect up to ten 1.8-liter water samples while traveling through the water or within an oil plume. The vehicle's AI software helps it map boundaries and take samples outside the plume.
Four new gorgonea species have been discovered in the Antarctic region, including Tauroprimnoa austasensis and Digitogorgia kuekenthali. The study found distinct characteristics among these species, such as differences in scale pattern and ramification of colonies.
A Queen's University study found that Arctic seabirds' diets can funnel toxic ocean metals to terrestrial ecosystems, affecting other organisms. The research analyzed sediment cores from two Canadian Arctic ponds and linked bird diets to specific metal contaminants.
Amy Bower, a physical oceanographer at WHOI, created an expedition website and made herself available to Perkins students as a role model. Her partnership has greatly benefited the students, providing them with hands-on science experience and access to her research.
A new study shows that hammerheads evolved from a large ancestor, but their distinctive head shape changed over time due to selective environmental pressures. Small hammerheads likely evolved independently twice, and their smaller size may have led to increased energy investment in reproductive activities.
A University of Oregon study of 585 elementary school students found that students' willingness to take intellectual risks in science decreases with age. However, students who were interested in science and felt supported by their teachers were significantly more likely to engage in intellectual risk-taking. The study suggests that tea...
A new study published by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that 20 major US streams and rivers have experienced statistically significant long-term warming, with increases averaging 0.02-0.14°F per year. This trend is most pronounced in urbanized areas, posing a threat to aquatic biodiversity and ecosyst...
Dr. Jose L. Jimenez receives the 2010 UM Rosenstiel Award for his pioneering work on aerosol measurement techniques, addressing critical questions regarding climate change and air quality. His research group has participated in numerous field measurement missions with airborne and ground site deployments of instruments.
Small algae consume more bacteria than specialized predators, gaining a competitive survival edge in the open ocean. This finding supports the idea that bacteria are a crucial nutrient source for these microorganisms.
Researchers at University of Leeds assess the impact of a proposed EU fishing discard ban on North Sea gannet success. Gannets have developed specialized feeding habits, with some relying heavily on discards, making a ban potentially harmful to their breeding.
A team of researchers, including UC San Diego's Richard Norris, presents new evidence linking an asteroid impact to the mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs and other organisms 65.5 million years ago. The study highlights a unique layer of debris in deep-sea sediments that correlates with abrupt environmental changes.
Cyanobacteria build miniature factories inside themselves that turn carbon into fuel, with spatial organization improving efficiency. The discovery may help create designer bacteria for producing carbon-neutral fuels like biodiesel and hydrogen.
Atlantic longarm octopuses have evolved expert camouflage capabilities, including mimicking the appearance and swimming speed of peacock flounders. Researchers observed uncanny similarities in coloration, form, and movement between the two species, demonstrating an unusual form of disruptive camouflage.
Researchers have identified genomic regions that enabled an ocean-dwelling fish to adapt to freshwater environments in several independently evolved populations. The study, combining new technologies, found similar gene regions across different lakes and populations.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has selected six papers for the 2009 Cozzarelli Prize, acknowledging originality and scientific excellence across physical and mathematical sciences, biological sciences, engineering, biomedical sciences, behavioral and social sciences, and applied biological sciences. The award recog...
A study by Harvard University researchers reveals that changes in beak length and depth can explain the morphological diversity of Darwin's finches. The team used mathematical models and genetic analysis to show that scaling transformations, shear, and gene expression are key factors in shaping the birds' beaks.
The new journal, published online-only, focuses on interdisciplinary limnology and oceanography research exploring the link between fluid dynamics and aquatic system processes. ASLO members receive free access, with select articles available open-access.
Cornel Sultan's research aims to develop new controllable structures with 'tensional integrity' using insights from cell biology. This could lead to improvements in tissue and organ reconstruction, energy harvesting and robotics applications.
Researchers have found that hair cells in the inner ear amplify even the faintest sounds, a phenomenon also observed in the vestibular system. This discovery sheds light on how our brains interpret head movements and balance, revealing a shared amplification mechanism between auditory and vestibular systems.
A team of scientists has discovered that rare microbial organisms, once thought to be undetectable, dominate the ecosystem in a unique hydrothermal vent field. The study, led by William Brazelton at the University of Washington, found that microorganisms can remain rare for long periods before becoming dominant when ecosystems change.
A recent increase in winter mortality among Atlantic puffins could be attributed to worsening North Sea conditions, according to a new study. Geolocation technology tracked puffins from the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, revealing that some birds make long trips into the Atlantic during winter.
The discovery of massive methane pits in the Hudson Canyon has significant implications for the region's marine ecosystem. The pits, found by Rutgers University and NOAA researchers using a robotic underwater vehicle, are believed to be related to the dissolution of gas hydrates and could support a diverse range of fish species.
Researchers Arnie Miller and Michael Foote analyzed fossil data from epicontinental seas and open-ocean-facing coastlines during three 'Big Five' mass extinction events. They found higher extinction rates in open-ocean settings, indicating these environments were more susceptible to mass-extinction-causing agents.
A team of scientists used satellite and acoustic tags to study white shark migration patterns in the North Pacific, revealing a genetically distinct population that has separated from other sharks worldwide. This finding suggests the possibility of long-term population assessment and monitoring, which could help ensure their protection.
Fossil land snail shells found on the Canary Islands show a decrease in relative humidity over 50,000 years, with a peak around 15,000-20,000 years ago. This suggests an overall increase in dryness, resulting in the current semiarid conditions.