Articles tagged with Coral
A new study has estimated the growth rates of deep-sea coral communities in Hawaii, revealing a pattern of ecological succession over centuries to millennia. The research found that Coralliidae, pink coral, were the first to colonize, followed by Isididae, bamboo coral, and Antipatharia, black coral.
A new study published in the journal Geology reveals that cold-water corals on the Namibian shelf have been extinct for over 4,500 years due to low oxygen contents. The researchers attribute this extinction to a shift in the Benguela upwelling system and its associated intensification of the oxygen minimum zone.
Researchers have discovered a new species of deep-water coral, Psammogorgia pax, in the Pacific Ocean off Panama. This find is significant for its contribution to understanding the ecology and biodiversity of mesophotic coral communities, which are difficult to access and require increased protection.
Researchers uncover a previously unknown survival mechanism in corals that allows them to recover from mass mortality episodes caused by heatwaves. This 'rejuvenation' process enables some polyps to survive extreme conditions and eventually form new colonies, providing new perspectives for the survival of Mediterranean reef corals.
Scientists have found evidence that depleted seamounts near Hawaii are recovering after years of federally mandated protection. The team's research suggests that some species are starting to return to these areas, providing a glimmer of hope for the long-term recovery of vulnerable ecosystems.
Expert agencies play a critical role in assessing the impacts of proposed federal actions on threatened and endangered species. New research from Defenders of Wildlife shows that limiting or removing these services could have disastrous consequences, while suggesting areas where the consultation process can be made more efficient witho...
Researchers have discovered that coral skeletons record subtle changes in pH levels, allowing scientists to study past ocean acidification and its effects on corals. The study provides insight into the impact of climate change on coral reefs and their ecosystem.
A Kiel University team proposes that over-fed bacteria disrupt the human microbiome, leading to disease development. The researchers suggest that an unnatural nutrient supply decouples bacteria from their host organisms, promoting disease growth.
Researchers created a 400-year seasonal record of El Niños from coral cores, detecting different types and showing a change in El Niño events. The record reveals more Central Pacific El Niños forming in recent decades, with stronger Eastern Pacific El Niños becoming the most intense ever recorded.
The study found that certain genes, specifically transcription factors, code for proteins that fine-tune gene expression during the medusa stage. Jellyfish have a unique genetic toolkit, distinct from corals and anemones, which enables their development and growth.
A recent study in Aquatic Invasions documents 53 introduced marine animal species on the Galápagos Islands, nearly 10 times more than previously known. The majority of these non-native species are likely arriving through ships from tropical seas, posing concerns for conservation efforts.
Tropical Cyclone Trevor is slowly moving just south of Lockhart River, with maximum sustained winds near the center reaching 130 kilometers per hour. The cyclone is expected to weaken as it crosses the northern Peninsula but re-intensify rapidly once it enters the Gulf of Carpentaria.
New species of corals and animals found in Costa Rican waters, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. The expedition highlights the importance of preserving these ecosystems before they face threats from human activities and climate change.
NASA's Terra satellite captured an infrared image revealing two small areas of strong thunderstorms with cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are indicative of heavy rain generation, suggesting the potential for further storm activity.
Tropical Cyclone Owen weakened from a tropical storm to a depression due to wind shear, resulting in disorganized storm patterns and reduced thunderstorm development. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center notes a chance for the storm to re-strengthen after two days when wind shear relaxes.
New NYU Abu Dhabi research suggests corals produce molecules that can help resist disease by maintaining healthy surface microbiomes. The study found unique molecules at the surface of Acropora and Platygyra corals, which may structure beneficial microbial communities and defend against parasitic bacteria.
A 130-year-old brain coral's skeleton provided evidence that the North Atlantic Ocean has significantly less nitrogen pollution than previously estimated. The study found no signs of increased human-made nitrogen emissions, suggesting U.S. pollution control measures are effective in limiting ocean impact.
Researchers at STRI and CIMAR discovered a new blood-red octocoral species, T. dalioi, on Hannibal Bank, highlighting the importance of mesophotic reefs and coral conservation. The study's findings have potential applications in medicine, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Researchers reconstruct relative sea level record from Mallorca island using phreatic overgrowths on speleothems, finding stability instead of fluctuations. This accurate record provides insight into future sea level rise due to global warming and challenges current estimates.
A study models ocean community shifts driven by temperature gradients and ocean currents under climate change. Coral species expand rapidly while kelp species retreat quickly.
Scientists have discovered that corals and anemones can optimize their gene expression to acclimatize to extreme conditions, enabling them to survive climate change. Researchers plan to use this process to train corals in nurseries to improve their thermal resilience.
Researchers discovered that cave-dwelling corals can cooperate to capture and eat jellyfish swept against ocean currents. The coral species Astroides calycularis benefits from this coordinated effort by gaining access to a large meal.
Corals adjust to ocean acidification by altering gene expression through DNA methylation. This adaptation involves increased cell size and calyx development, allowing corals to thrive in changing environments.
Researchers at UTA found a strong immune response in diseased corals leads to lower expression of genes associated with growth and reproduction. This trade-off may impact coral resilience and ecosystem recovery under climate change pressure.
Tropical Cyclone Iris' remnants linger in the Coral Sea as NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captures visible images of the low-pressure area. The bulk of precipitation is located in the southern and eastern quadrants due to northwesterly vertical wind shear.
Cyclone Iris is a low-end Category 1 cyclone moving south through the Coral Sea. It is likely to weaken back to a tropical low and stall in the Coral Sea area for a full week.
Researchers discovered that dumbo octopods hatch as competent juveniles with fully formed fins and advanced organ development. The findings suggest a significant shift in the understanding of their life cycle, highlighting the complexity and uniqueness of deep-sea creatures.
Researchers found that climate change destabilizes coral microbiomes, leading to an imbalance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria. The study suggests that conserving coral populations requires consideration of their associated microbial communities.
A global reference section for the Anthropocene might be searched for in areas between 1952 to 1955 based on nuclear testing and fossil fuel burning signals. Continuous annually layered strata, such as those found in oxygen-starved seas, lakes, glacial ice, corals, and trees with seasonal growth rings, provide the best geological archive.
A new Duke University study suggests that corals are attracted to plastics due to their chemical composition, which makes them taste good. Corals in the experiment preferred unfouled microplastics over fouled ones by a threefold difference.
A new hermit crab species, Diogenes heteropsammicola, has been discovered that adopts a walking coral as its home instead of a seashell. The crab transports the coral and prevents it from being buried by sediment, offering an advantage over traditional shell homes.
A new species of crab with star-shaped tubercles has been discovered in Taiwan and the Philippines. The Pariphiculus stellatus crab's carapace and chelipeds feature pointy protrusions that change with age, giving it a unique appearance.
Coral skeleton formation occurs within tissue, contrary to previous understanding that particles precipitate from surrounding water. This finding may improve paleoclimate reconstructions and enhance coral resilience research.
Recent technological advances enable researchers to study animal coloration more comprehensively. The authors of a review article highlight recent progress and set out key questions for the future, shedding light on evolutionary processes and the intricacies of function.
Typhoon Noru rages near Minami Tori Shima Atoll, with sustained winds of 92 mph and powerful thunderstorms. The storm is forecast to approach Japan's Iwo To island by July 29.
Researchers found unusual coral reefs in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, defying expectations of inhospitable conditions. The discovery suggests that factors such as abundant food and unique chemistry may contribute to their existence.
Researchers studying coral connectivity patterns in the Gulf of Mexico aim to restore marine ecosystems damaged by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. By analyzing genetic diversity and dispersal rates, scientists hope to identify critical areas for protection.
Researchers found hundreds of new species of fungi living in association with algae in mesophotic coral ecosystems. The discovery reveals the remarkable ability of some fungi to tolerate and thrive in extremely different habitats.
Researchers have determined the origin of the 1586 Sanriku tsunami that hit Japan, tracing it to a mega-earthquake in the Aleutian Islands. The study used coral fragments dated to the 16th century and found a precise age of 1572±21 years.
A new study has resolved a long-standing debate on coral skeletal development by discovering a biologically controlled process. The research, published in Science, used advanced imaging techniques to reveal that coral skeletons form from organic matter and immature aragonite particles.
A low-pressure system is consolidating and strengthening in the Coral Sea, South Pacific Ocean, with sustained winds near its center. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology expects conditions to favor intensification as it approaches the north Queensland coast.
A new study finds that colder climates lead to lower atmospheric CO2 levels and increased carbon sequestration in the deep ocean. Deep-sea corals reveal that phytoplankton efficiency is higher during colder periods, reducing nutrients in the surface Southern Ocean, leading to more efficient carbon locking away.
Researchers sequenced three Symbiodinium gene sequences to show their genomes have features promoting a prosperous symbiosis with corals. The study reveals that Symbiodinium has evolved bicarbonate and ammonium transporters to harvest essential nutrients for photosynthesis and growth.
A KAUST-led research team found that certain bacteria in corals' microbiomes can adapt to higher water temperatures and provide protection against bleaching. The study suggests that these symbiotic relationships could be vital for corals' survival in a rapidly warming ocean.
Researchers found that sea level around Belitung Island in Indonesia rose twice by nearly 2 feet without human-influenced climate change. This natural fluctuation has implications for people living close to the sea in East and Southeast Asia.
A new species of hermit crab with bright red stripes has been discovered in the Caribbean. The species, named Pylopaguropsis mollymullerae, features a unique pincer shape and is believed to have an ecological association with moray eels.
Researchers have estimated that elkhorn coral genotypes in Florida and the Caribbean are up to 5,000 years old, making them potentially the longest-lived animals. This study uses a genetic approach to estimate coral ages, which may provide hope for their survival under climate change.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used computer models to predict the effect of climate change on North Atlantic coral populations. They found that a shift in winter weather conditions could threaten the long-term survival of these populations, which are maintained by tiny coral larvae.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered that separate populations of the same species can diverge in their gene regulation when adapting to their environment. This allows some corals to adapt better to changing conditions, while others struggle with diminished flexibility, leading to stress-induced bleaching.
Tropical Storm Conson is facing strong southwesterly wind shear, pushing clouds and showers to the northeast of its center. The storm is expected to intensify into a typhoon over open waters on August 12 before weakening commences.
Researchers developed a new method to produce coral snake antivenom using synthetically designed DNA, bypassing the need for venom collection from snakes. The approach resulted in a neutralization rate of 60% against coral snake venom, offering a promising alternative to traditional methods.
A new study by UM researchers found that shallow-reef corals are more closely related to their shallow-water counterparts over a thousand miles away than they are to deep-water corals on the same reef. This challenges previous expectations and highlights the need for protecting shallow water corals in the Florida Keys.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London identified specific proteins that help tendons slide, which slows down as horses age, increasing the risk of injury. The study provides a new insight into tendon aging and could lead to the development of prevention measures for racing horses.
A study of fossil corals and mollusk shells reveals no connection between strong seasonal variations and El Niño, contradicting top nine climate models. The research provides insight into the fundamental physics of El Niño and highlights deficiencies in current climate modeling.
A new study documents rare early Jurassic corals from New York Canyon in west-central Nevada, shedding light on coral recovery after the end-Triassic mass extinction event. The findings provide valuable information on biotic responses during this critical period.
Researchers used radiocarbon in deep-sea fossil corals to reconstruct CO2 levels and ocean circulation during the last deglaciation. The study found two massive transient events that flushed out respired carbon, causing rapid CO2 rise and abrupt warming in the North Atlantic region.
A new study finds Pribilof Canyon in the Bering Sea to contain dense populations of deep-sea corals and sponges, making it a crucial area for conservation efforts. The research also suggests that restrictions on bottom-contact fishing can be implemented without significantly impacting the commercial fishing industry.
Researchers developed a new material that mimics the structure of coral, a natural adsorbent of heavy metals, and found it could remove around 2.5 times more mercury from water than traditional aluminium oxide nanoparticles. The synthetic coral-like material has potential applications in environmental remediation.
Researchers found evidence of six large earthquakes in western Solomon Islands over the past 3,000 years, including five that were as large or larger than a devastating 2007 earthquake. The study used corals to analyze seismic events and provide insight into the relationship between earthquakes and long-term geological processes.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) supports the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's approval of an amendment protecting deep sea corals. The areas proposed for designation encompass over 38,000 square miles and will safeguard these ecosystems' long-term health.