Tone of voice matters in neuronal communication
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.
Marine Biology
Articles tagged with Marine Biology
The acrobatic hydra shows off: How environmental cues can affect behavior
A team of researchers from Columbia University and the Marine Biological Laboratory has made significant progress in cracking the neural code behind Hydra's contraction bursts. By manipulating water osmolarity, they found that it affects the activity of a neural circuit, triggering specific muscle cells to contract the torso.
Trout don't follow the weather forecast
A UC study found that steelhead migration in California's Santa Clara River is triggered by the lengthening daylight of spring, not recent rains. The study recommends limiting water extraction during migration months to allow late migrating fish to return upstream.
Scientists map freshwater transport in the Arctic Ocean
Researchers investigate freshwater discharge from Russian rivers, mapping its spread in the Kara and Laptev seas. The study reveals how river plumes interact with wind forces, affecting ice conditions and biological processes.
Notice me! Neglected for over a century, Black sea spider crab re-described
After a century of being ignored by scientists, the Black sea spider crab has been re-described by a research team led by Dr Vassily Spiridonov. The team analyzed molecular genetic barcode data to confirm that Macropodia czernjawskii is a distinct species with epibiosis, including a non-indigenous red alga species found in its epibiosis.
Planetary ball-milling helps protect our planet from plastics pollution
Researchers at Osaka University have developed polymer materials that combine self-healing with strength and recyclability. The materials were produced using planetary ball-milling, a method that efficiently mixed host and guest polymers, resulting in tough, self-healable, and recyclable supramolecular materials.
This cuttlefish is flamboyant on special occasions only!
The Flamboyant Cuttlefish's skin is usually camouflaged nearly all of the time, but it flashes a dazzling display only on specific occasions, such as during courtship rituals, fighting over females, or when threatened. This unique display allows them to signal aggression or attract mates.
Strianassa lerayi anker, new shrimp species from Panama's Coiba national park
Scientists from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have discovered a new species of mud-shrimp, Strianassa lerayi anker, and a highly mobile clam, in Panama's Coiba National Park. The discovery is part of a larger project to better understand the role of microbes in shaping tropical ecosystems.
Coastal cities leave up to 75% of seafloor exposed to harmful light pollution
A recent study found that coastal cities' street lights can permeate all areas of the water column, posing a significant threat to coastal species. Biologically important artificial light pollution reached 76% and 70% of the seafloor in green and blue wavelengths, respectively.
First gene knockout in a cephalopod is achieved at Marine Biological Laboratory
The team successfully knocked out a pigmentation gene in squid embryos, eliminating pigmentation in eye and skin cells. This milestone study opens avenues for research on cephalopods' unique features and potential applications in fields like medicine and artificial intelligence.
Report exposes rampant illegal fishing in North Korean waters
A new study reveals widespread illegal fishing by dark fleets operating in the disputed waters between Korea, Japan, and Russia. Hundreds of Chinese vessels were found to be fishing in North Korean waters, violating UN sanctions and catching nearly as much Pacific flying squid as Japan and South Korea combined.
Climate change is impacting the spread of invasive animal species
Climate change is fueling the rapid expansion of invasive species like the Asian shore crab into previously unknown habitats. This study finds that climate warming can predict the speed and extent of these invasions by examining the early developmental stages of larvae, which are often more vulnerable to environmental fluctuations.
Scientists identify new species of sea sponge off the coast of British Columbia, Canada
A new species of sea sponge, Desmacella hyalina, was discovered in glass reef habitats off the coast of British Columbia, making up nearly 20% of live sponges. The sponge's influence on reef function, recruitment, and ecosystem health is still being studied.
Sea turtles' impressive navigation feats rely on surprisingly crude 'map'
Researchers found that sea turtles do not arrive at their targets with pinpoint accuracy, but can make course corrections in the open ocean. They use a crude true navigation system, possibly using the earth's geomagnetic field, to guide them on their way.
Scientists discover how deep-sea, ultra-black fish disappear
Researchers found a unique arrangement of pigment-packed granules in the skin of certain deep-sea fish, enabling them to absorb nearly all light. This discovery may lead to the development of more efficient ultra-black materials for optical technology and camouflage.
Arctic Ocean changes driven by sub-Arctic seas
Research reveals complex changes in the Arctic Ocean driven by anomalous influxes of oceanic water from lower-latitude oceans. This process, known as borealization, affects physical, chemical, and biological communities in distinct ways.
Desert algae shed light on desiccation tolerance in green plants
Research by Elena Lopez Peredo and Zoe Cardon found that desert green algae can become active again within seconds of receiving water, suggesting a unique adaptation for survival. The study also showed that these algae upregulate protective gene expression while downregulating metabolic genes during desiccation.
Why are the offspring of older mothers less fit to live long and prosper?
A new study reveals that offspring of older mothers are less fit to survive and reproduce, affecting their health, lifespan, and fertility in humans and other species. Mathematical modeling suggests a decline in natural selection pressure with maternal age may contribute to the persistence of this phenomenon.
Team dramatically reduces image analysis times using deep learning, other approaches
A team has devised deep-learning and other computational approaches that dramatically reduce image-analysis time by orders of magnitude. They report their results in Nature Biotechnology, accelerating image analysis in three major ways: deconvolution, 3D registration, and complex deconvolution.
Stan to work with US Department of Energy under Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement
George Mason University Associate Professor Cristiana Stan will collaborate with the US Department of Energy on a climate modeling project. She will provide program expertise in E3SM, a state-of-the-science Earth system model addressing energy sector challenges.
New compounds from starfish of Kuril basin show efficacy against cancer cells.
Russian scientists have discovered four new steroid substances extracted from starfish that target human breast cancer and colorectal carcinoma cells. These non-typical derivatives of polar steroids may also help nerve cells survive distress, suggesting potential applications in Alzheimer's disease prevention.
Puget Sound eelgrass beds create a 'halo' with fewer harmful algae, new method shows
Researchers found evidence that there are significantly fewer of the single-celled algae that produce harmful toxins in an area more than 45 feet around an eelgrass bed. Eelgrass wards off toxin-producing algae, providing a natural defense for marine species and shellfish harvests.
Four new species of giant single-celled organisms discovered on Pacific seafloor
Scientists have discovered four new genera and four new species of giant single-celled xenophyophores in the Pacific Ocean. The newly described species provide insights into the ecology and importance of these organisms in deep-sea ecosystems, which could be impacted by seafloor mining.
Ocean circulation, nutrient supply, and global warming
A theoretical model suggests that slowing Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation leads to reduced northward nutrient transport, suppressing Subarctic Atlantic Ocean biological productivity. This finding may improve marine biogeochemistry projections for the next century.
Mysterious climate change
A recent study found that seasonal sea ice growth and destruction increased biological productivity in the Southern Ocean, extracting carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the deep ocean. This process helps explain a long-standing question about a 1,900-year pause in CO2 growth during the Antarctic Cold Reversal.
The many lifetimes of plastics
New study analyzes nearly 60 infographics and documents on plastic lifetimes, revealing inconsistencies in reported estimates. Researchers found varying numbers of years, from one to hundreds of years, and even a striking uniformity in fishing line degradation estimates at 600 years.
Squid studies suggest new route to therapy for ALS, targeting synaptic dysfunction
Scientists have discovered that a mutant protein associated with familial ALS disrupts neurotransmission at the squid giant synapse. Intermittent high-frequency stimulation restores synaptic function, suggesting a new approach to therapeutic intervention for ALS. This study provides insights into fundamental synaptic physiology and off...
Atmospheric scientists identify cleanest air on Earth in first-of-its-kind study
Atmospheric scientists at Colorado State University discovered a region of the Southern Ocean with clean air free from aerosols produced by humans, providing a rare example of an environment minimally affected by human activity.
Feisty squid and fish fight back by dazzling attacking elephant seals
Research reveals that deep-diving southern elephant seals exploit the bioluminescent flashes of squid and fish to locate prey. The flashes serve as a warning signal for the prey, allowing them to distract potential predators and escape.
Mussel reefs heighten risk of microplastic exposure and consumption
Researchers found that mussel reefs slow sea water flowing over them, increasing turbulence and tripling the amount of ingested plastic. The study suggests natural reef structures are natural sinks for plastics, posing a problem for commercially valuable species like blue mussels.
Gauging water loss from northern peatlands, a likely accelerant of climate change
Boreal peatlands are losing more water than previously thought due to climate change. This increase in evapotranspiration will amplify the effects of global warming, releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere and intensifying fires.
Large rockfish leave Chesapeake Bay to become ocean migrators; smaller fish remain
A study found that large striped bass from Chesapeake Bay migrate to ocean waters when they reach 32 inches in length, while smaller fish remain resident. This new understanding can aid fisheries management by providing tailored catch and size limits.
Little skates could hold the key to cartilage therapy in humans
Adult skates have a specialized type of progenitor cell that creates new cartilage. Newly healed skate cartilage does not form scar tissue. This discovery may lead to better understanding of how to stop human stem-cell therapies from differentiating into bone, offering hope for cartilage repair therapy.
Window to another world: Life is bubbling up to seafloor with petroleum from deep below
Scientists have found life bubbling up from deep beneath the ocean floor along with petroleum fluids, diversifying microbial communities and impacting carbon cycling. The study reveals a two-way street between sedimentation and microbial exchange, offering insights into the vast subsurface realm.
Underprotected marine protected areas in a global biodiversity hotspot
Researchers assessed 1062 Mediterranean marine protected areas and found that 95% lack regulations to reduce human impacts on biodiversity. Effective levels of protection represent only 0.23% of the region.
The evolution of color: Team shows how butterfly wings can shift in hue
Researchers have found that tuning the thickness of butterfly wing scales' bottom layer creates iridescent colors, a process known as structural coloration. The study reveals a consistent relationship between lamina thickness and scale color in various species.
Researchers document seasonal migration in deep-sea
Researchers have documented seasonal migrations of deep-sea fish across the seafloor, linking surface-ocean productivity to observed behavioral patterns. This study provides evidence of cycles of movement in deep-sea fish and suggests reasons for their behaviors, potentially mirroring great migrations on land.
Study shows commonly used mouthwash could make saliva significantly more acidic
A new study found that chlorhexidine mouthwash significantly increases the abundance of lactate-producing bacteria, leading to lower salivary pH and buffering capacity. This may increase the risk of tooth damage. The research also showed reduced microbial diversity in the mouth.
Pertinence of climate indices
Researchers analyzed climate data from 1951-2018 and found changes in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and North Pacific Gyre Oscillation indices. These changes resulted in reduced relevance of these indices to ecological variability in the Pacific Ocean.
New genetic editing powers discovered in squid
Researchers have found that squid edit their genetic instructions outside the nucleus, in the axon, allowing for localized protein function adjustments. This discovery has implications for understanding neurological disorders and potentially harnessing natural RNA editing processes for therapeutic benefits.
Epigenetic inheritance: A silver bullet against climate change?
A study on three-spined stickleback fish found that epigenetic modifications affect adaptation to salinity changes, but inducible markers improve response to environmental change. The research suggests organisms will eventually reach their limits to respond to climate change despite epigenetic modes of adaptation.
Giant clam shells: Unprecedented natural archives for paleoweather
Researchers have found that Giant Clam shells from the western Pacific have clear and continuous daily growth bands, allowing them to record past extreme weather events. These ultra-high resolution records can provide valuable information on Paleoweather occurrences in days or even hours and minutes.
For migratory alewife, urbanization of coastal areas means smaller size, poorer health
A new study found that urbanization of coastal areas in New England leads to smaller size and poorer health in migratory alewife populations. The researchers examined nine coastal ponds and sampled alewife born in 2008, finding that those from more developed watersheds were nearly half as long and up to 10 times lighter.
HKU paleontologists discover solid evidence of formerly elusive abrupt sea-level jump
HKU researchers reconstruct water depth changes in Svalbard using fossil Ostracoda, revealing a sudden temperature rise and abrupt sea-level change due to warm Atlantic waters. The study provides the first solid evidence of MWP-1B's relative sea-level change in ice-proximal areas.
Sea turtles have a deadly attraction to stinky plastic
Researchers found that sea turtles respond to odors from biofouled plastics in the same way they respond to food odorants. This 'olfactory trap' explains why sea turtles ingest and become entangled in plastic debris. Biofouling, the accumulation of microbes on wet surfaces, is a major factor contributing to this attraction.
Re-thinking 'tipping points' in ecosystems and beyond
A new model by Catalina Chaparro-Pedraza and André de Roos shows how small environmental changes can induce slow evolutionary changes in species, leading to delayed regime shifts. This research has implications for understanding complex systems beyond ecosystems, including financial markets.
Scientists call on government to increase ambition to save our ocean
A team of marine scientists has called on the UK government to overhaul its approach to marine conservation management, citing declining biodiversity and the need for more effective habitat repair and integration with fisheries management. The researchers recommend four key changes to increase ambition and support the UK's target of be...
Soft robot fingers gently grasp deep-sea jellyfish
Researchers used soft robotic fingers to study deep-sea jellyfish, finding they expressed fewer stress-related genes when handled gently. This technology allows for less invasive and more accurate collection of ecological data in the ocean.
Dimethyl sulfide oxidation in marine atmosphere
Scientists found that at least 30% of oceanic dimethyl sulfide is transformed into hydroperoxymethyl thioformate (HPMTF), a previously unknown atmospheric compound. This discovery suggests reevaluation of marine sulfur's impact on cloud formation and climate.
Caribbean sharks in need of large marine protected areas
A group of marine scientists, including Stony Brook University's Oliver Shipley, is calling on governments to establish larger spatial protections for sharks in the Greater Caribbean. The region boasts high marine biodiversity and contains many migratory shark species, but has been overlooked in conservation efforts.
More people and fewer wild fish lead to an omega-3 supply gap
A new study reveals that 70% of the world's population lacks sufficient omega-3 fatty acids, primarily EPA and DHA, found in fish and seafood. The researchers suggest optimizing existing sources, such as improved fisheries management and recycling of by-products, to boost supplies.
Weather radar records drastic drop in mayfly populations
Researchers used radar technology to quantify mayfly swarms in the Upper Mississippi River and Western Lake Erie Basin, estimating up to 88 billion mayflies can swarm annually. A 50% decline in population was observed between 2012 and 2019, raising questions about causes of such reductions in mass emergence.
Scientists find far higher than expected rate of underwater glacial melting
A Rutgers University-led study using robotic kayaks found layers of concentrated meltwater in the ocean, revealing significant ambient melting rates near glaciers. This challenges current frameworks for analyzing ocean-glacier interactions and has implications for sea-level rise.
Tracking fishing vessels with albatrosses
Tracking fishing vessels is challenging, especially in international waters. Researchers equipped 169 albatrosses with data loggers to monitor vessel locations and detect undeclared fisheries.
How widespread is illegal fishing? Albatrosses are helping us with the answer
Researchers equipped albatrosses with loggers to monitor over 47 million km2 of the Southern Ocean, finding over 1/3 of boats without AIS were unidentifiable. The Ocean Sentinel project aims to promote independent data collection for conservation through animal innovation.
Recreational fishers catching more sharks and rays
A new study reveals that recreational catches of sharks and rays have grown to account for 54,000 tonnes of the total 900,000 tonnes caught every year. Many species are already threatened due to commercial fishing and illegal activities.
The mysterious, legendary giant squid's genome is revealed
The giant squid's full genome sequence has been published, providing insight into its anatomy and evolution. The genome, similar to other animals, suggests that the squid did not get its massive size through whole-genome duplication.
Team builds the first living robots
A team of scientists has created the first living robots, 'xenobots', by assembling frog embryo cells into new life forms. These biodegradable organisms can move, heal themselves, and even carry payloads, promising advances in drug delivery, toxic waste clean-up, and more.
Research brief: 3D movies reveal how cuttlefish determine distance when striking at prey
Researchers investigated how cuttlefish determine the best distance to strike moving prey and found that they use stereopsis to perceive depth. The study revealed that cuttlefish brains are significantly different from humans in processing vision, with a unique area comparing images from both eyes.
From crab studies, a broader approach to identifying brain cells
Researchers in a new study employ RNA sequencing techniques to classify brain cells in crabs, finding that single-method approaches yield inaccurate results. By combining multiple modalities of data, they reveal more accurate cell identities.