Articles tagged with Marine Biology
A massive die-off of sharks occurred 19 million years ago, with more than 70% of the world's sharks dying off - a phenomenon not seen since the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction event 66 million years ago.
Marine biologists use environmental DNA to detect and identify ocean species, revealing previously unreported species in the Florida Keys. The technique, called metabarcoding, has practical applications in fisheries and conservation, as well as preventing jellyfish stings.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth developed a cutting-edge technique to measure energy use in developing embryos using timelapse video pixels. The method captures detailed changes in energy usage as an energy signature, providing a greater breadth of biological response.
Researchers developed a tool to correct for Suess effect in marine ecosystems, allowing for accurate stable isotope analysis. The new formula disentangles human impact from ecosystem changes, providing more reliable results.
A new study reveals that thousands of sharks have been caught illegally in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Indian Ocean, threatening critically endangered species like oceanic whitetip and scalloped hammerhead. The MPA was found to be vulnerable to enforcement due to its large size and remote location.
Researchers found that sharks rely on magnetic fields to guide them during long-distance migrations. Bonnethead sharks were used in experiments, which showed that they orient themselves based on the magnetic field, even when exposed to fields outside their natural range.
A Monash University-led study combines computer simulations with live seal footage to explain the origins of efficient swimming in seals. The research reveals that different swimming styles evolved within the same seal group, with some species using wing-like front flippers for speed and agility.
A new study tracked large sharks in Miami and The Bahamas to understand their responses to major storms like hurricanes. Researchers found that different shark species behaved differently by species and location, with some evacuating shallow waters while others remained or even increased in numbers after the storm passed.
Researchers found pyrosomes form dense blooms that impact food web dynamics and contribute to organic carbon movement. They also provide habitat for other animals, including jellyfish and amphipods.
Scientists are concerned about the potential harmful effects of nanoplastics on ecosystems, but knowledge gaps hinder understanding of their risks. Research is needed to develop analytical methods and study interactions between nanoparticles and biological systems.
Researchers observed dense networks of sponge spicules indicating mobility in Arctic sponges. The trails suggest the sponges may be searching for food or reproducing, with further studies needed to confirm the reasons behind this surprising behavior.
A team of scientists has discovered that sponges leave trails on the sea floor in the Arctic deep sea, leading to speculation about their possible active movement. The findings, published in Current Biology, challenge previous assumptions that most sponges are attached or passively moved by ocean currents.
Researchers at the University of Bonn describe a new octopus species, Emperor dumbo, using high-field MRI and micro-computed tomography. The study reveals special characteristics such as long suckers on each arm and a shorter web between arms than in other species.
A new index, MEPI, quantifies environmental pollution in marinas by combining chemical and biological parameters. The study's innovative approach provides a simple and complete ecological analysis method to determine a port's quality, enabling authorities to establish minimum ecological quality levels.
A new study found an aggregation site of great white sharks in the Gulf of California, with estimated mortality rates potentially three times higher than previously thought. This discovery raises concerns about conservation efforts and highlights opportunities for sustainable eco-tourism.
The Black in Geoscience Week aims to increase representation and raise visibility among Black researchers, fostering networks and connections worldwide. The event has generated discussions on the importance of community and awareness among Black geoscientists, highlighting severe underrepresentation in the field.
Three new snailfish species, Paraliparis echongpachot, P. kadadakaleguak, and P. marianae, have been named after student suggestions in the Chamorro language. The specimens were collected in the 1980s but not examined until recently, when they were analyzed by Oregon State University alums Bruce Mundy and David Stein.
Researchers at Marine Biological Laboratory found that replacing beef with chicken, swapping meat meals for vegetarian options, and upgrading lighting could reduce the institution's nitrogen footprint by up to 7.7%. These 'low-effort' solutions require no major changes or additional funding.
A Rutgers University-led study finds that overfishing is unlikely to be the primary cause of genetic changes in Atlantic cod. Instead, researchers suggest that addressing environmental factors such as climate change and reducing fishing pressure may be more effective in allowing cod populations to recover.
A new study by University of Miami researchers found that mahi-mahi typically spawn at night, primarily during a new moon, at depths greater than they normally would. This knowledge can help manage the valuable fish population and understand the impacts of climate change on their reproduction.
In a groundbreaking study, cuttlefish are found to exhibit self-control by delaying gratification, similar to humans and primates. The creatures can wait for up to 50-130 seconds before accepting a better reward, showcasing their ability to exert control over their desires.
A new aquaculture technique using a kelp elevator increases kelp growth by four times, yielding more biomass than natural processes. The technique shows promise as a low-carbon biofuel crop alternative to corn and sugarcane, with potential environmental benefits.
Researchers found that amphipod claws snap at nearly 100 km/h, accelerating to over 30 meters per second. This unique adaptation could inspire human engineering for fast-repeated movement.
Researchers have developed equations to estimate the time an object has spent drifting at sea and plot possible drift paths of a missing boat. By analyzing the growth rate of Lepas anserifera attached to the object, scientists can narrow down the search area and find missing persons more efficiently.
Scientists have mapped the structure of neuropil, a fundamental type of brain tissue organization, in C. elegans using innovative melding of network analysis and imaging strategies. The study revealed four layers with distinct domains for processing sensory information and motor behaviors, providing insights into how the brain integrat...
Researchers detail nine steps for cell-based seafood to deliver environmental benefits, including developing a viable product and driving down demand for wild-caught seafood. However, achieving conservation outcomes is a complex process with many hurdles, including getting consumers to adopt the new product.
Researchers find most plastic particles in water samples come from marine paints, with PVC and acrylates dominating the composition. The team's findings suggest thousands of tonnes of paint end up in the marine environment every year, posing potential environmental risks.
Tipping points in ocean physics, chemistry, and biology may cause high-probability, high-impact effects cumulatively leading to global consequences. The study suggests treating these events as seriously as catastrophic ones for effective management.
A new UCF study examines the connection between saltwater leeches and a major disease of sea turtles, fibropapillomatosis. The researchers found a significant association between leech presence and FP tumor development in green turtles but not in loggerhead turtles.
A new study from USC provides a universal accounting method to measure organic carbon accumulation and cycling in the ocean. The framework reconciles competing theories and explains how oceans regulate organic carbon across time.
The study reveals that both parents contribute to the body orientation of their offspring, with maternal input setting the back-belly axis and paternal input setting the head-tail axis. The findings provide new insights into developmental biology and may offer clues as to why developmental processes sometimes go wrong.
Researchers found that extensive sea ice prevented oxygen from reaching the deep ocean during the last ice age, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that disequilibrium between surface and atmospheric oxygen levels played a crucial role in the ocean's carbon cycle.
Glutamate signaling is crucial for enabling synaptic plasticity, a process that restructures neural networks due to learning and memory acquisition. The new study demonstrates how glutamate works across synapses to activate this switch.
A new trace fossil, Glossifungites gingrasi, has been named after University of Alberta paleontologist Murray Gingras. The discovery provides insight into ancient water salinity levels and helps narrow down the type of organism that created the burrow.
Researchers have discovered a 2-meter-long burrow attributed to ancient giant worms, providing insights into their behavior and habitat.
A study by University of Groningen researchers found that older female Seychelles warblers benefit from having helpers when raising their young. The data show that social behaviour increases reproductive success for older females, compensating for age-related declines in parental care.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that ocean acidification limits algal community diversity and complexity. The study reveals that elevated CO2 levels in oceans harm marine ecosystems, threatening habitats like kelp forests.
Gills can't keep up with fish bodies as they grow, leading to oxygen limitation. This constraint affects fish reproduction and fisheries, particularly in warm waters with low oxygen levels.
Researchers found the error source of a sea-ice model varies with the season, leading to discrepancies between simulations and observations in both cold and warm seasons. The study suggests using an ensemble approach to consider seasonal variations in model errors, improving future simulation and prediction of Arctic sea ice.
Researchers found that haemoglobins in diverse species, including humans, molluscs and crustaceans, originate from a single ancestral gene. This discovery suggests that the appearance of haemoglobin in these species was not an independent invention but rather a result of evolutionary inheritance.
The Caspian Sea is shrinking due to climate change, with water levels falling by 9-18 meters in the coming century. This has significant consequences for biodiversity, species habitats, and bordering countries' economies.
A recent study published in Genome Biology has shed new light on the genetic makeup of microbial communities in the mouth. The research team used metagenomics to analyze the genomes of microbes found in dental plaque and tongue, revealing surprising similarities with those found in soil and the gastrointestinal tract.
A new study reveals that conservation efforts are making an impact on silky sharks, with 99.8% of fins from Hong Kong and China originating from the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring and better implementation of CITES regulations to combat illegal shark fin trade.
A team from Marine Biological Laboratory has confirmed that insect wings evolved from leg lobes on an ancestral crustacean. The study used genomic approaches and long-ago scientific papers to settle the controversy, revealing a 300-million-year-old transition to land-dwelling.
A new model suggests that warm waters may limit the active metabolism of large fishes due to reduced aerobic capacity. The study indicates that oxygen availability constrains metabolic demands in fishes, particularly in larger species.
Researchers analyzed octopus arm movements, discovering all eight arms can perform diverse movements such as bending, twisting and elongating. This flexibility could inspire the creation of next-generation soft robots with greater agility and sensing capability.
Researchers at MBL found that small marine animals with multiple propulsers create negative pressure behind them to propel forward. This phenomenon, dubbed 'suction thrust,' is common among animals with metachronal kinematics.
A four-year project aims to assess the breakdown of biodegradable plastics in open environments, exploring their impact on species and ecosystems. The study will also examine the effects of chemicals added to plastics on organisms and wider ecosystems.
A study analyzing snailfish and amphipods from deep-sea trenches found high mercury concentrations, suggesting human activity contributes to ocean pollution. Mercury accumulates in fish consumed by humans, posing a health risk.
Fowler leads a team of researchers collecting algae and invertebrates from 13 marinas along the East Coast to detect novel species invasions and monitor established invaders. The study aims to train the next generation of taxonomists through collaborations with local scientists and public outreach efforts.
Researchers found that in fights resolved by judges' decisions, winners tended to fight more vigorously than losers. Conversely, fighting skills were essential for winning in fights determined by knockout or technical knockout. The study suggests that the rate of attack is a dominant factor in determining success in combat sports.
Marine predators consume more bait in mid-latitudes than near the equator, according to a new study. The researchers found that feeding intensity declines with increasing distance from the equator, and that warmer waters have little impact on bait consumption rates.
A recent study using long-term ocean data from the North Atlantic Ocean reveals a decadal variability and recent acceleration of surface warming, salinification, deoxygenation, and ocean acidification. The data shows a significant increase in surface temperatures, salinity, and carbon dioxide levels, leading to an acidification trend.
Researchers from Cornell University and North Carolina State University are developing 'microcleaners' - self-propelled biomaterials that can capture and decompose microplastics in waterways. The project aims to design inexpensive, non-toxic microsystems to collect and break down microplastic particles.
Scientists analyzed deep-sea sediment cores to reveal changing climate-carbon cycle interactions. They found that the carbon cycle exerted control over climate at times of volatility, not stability, and provided new insights into their complex relationships.
Researchers analyzed ocean water samples from around the world using gene similarity networks, revealing over 2,000 unique sequences that are likely to represent unknown/uncharacterized unicellular Holozoans. The discovery provides new insights into the evolution of multicellularity and the origin of animals.
New research reveals laundry lint can cause significant tissue damage in Mediterranean mussels, including deformity, swelling, and digestive tubule loss. The study also finds reduced filtering ability and increased DNA strand breaks.
Research reveals Procerodes littoralis flatworm can regenerate and repair itself under changing sea water conditions. The species has extended its salinity tolerance range over the past century, suggesting evolutionary rescue in response to climate change.
Researchers found that spreading volcanic ash from a ship to an area of ocean floor could sequester up to 2300 tonnes of CO2, significantly cheaper than other methods. The technique is less invasive and doesn't require expensive technology or land repurposing.
Researchers discovered neurons adjust neurotransmitter release via signal tone modulation, enabling rapid communication. This mechanism allows neurons to fine-tune their 'voice' in real-time.