Articles tagged with Marine Biology
A new study suggests that high levels of nitrate in salt marsh sediments stimulate decomposition, releasing CO2 and reducing the marsh's ability to store carbon. This finding has implications for climate change mitigation strategies relying on blue carbon habitats like salt marshes.
A network of national imaging centers is proposed to facilitate collaboration and innovation in biological imaging. The centers will provide spaces for interdisciplinary interactions, enabling the development, application, and teaching of advanced biological imaging techniques.
A new study has found that Atlantic coccolithophores are surprisingly scarce in fertile equatorial waters, despite being abundant in subpolar and temperate regions. This discovery sheds light on the inner workings of the ocean carbon cycle and raises questions about the impact of coccolithophore populations on global productivity.
Researchers tracked blue sharks using satellite tags and found they spent most of their days diving into warm-water eddies to forage for small fish and squid. The study suggests blue sharks prefer warm-water eddies due to their inability to regulate body temperature, shedding light on their unique feeding behavior
Researchers discovered that the cuttlefish has a simple microbiome containing only two families of bacteria: Vibrionaceae and Piscirickettsiaceae. The most dense community of microbes was found in the esophagus, contradicting previous assumptions about where microbe populations would thrive.
A recent study found that shark hotspots, crucial for multiple species, overlap with longline fishing vessels at alarming rates. This poses a 'double whammy' for sharks, accelerating declines in abundance and potentially threatening their survival.
Researchers discovered two proteins that act like a 'clutch' in cells to activate the immune response. These protein condensates guide the movement of contents inside cells, much like switching gears in a car. The study sheds light on control mechanisms for immune activation and could lead to designing T cells with specific functions.
Researchers discovered two adaptor proteins that act as a 'clutch' to activate the immune response by moving protein condensates towards the center of cells. This discovery sheds light on the control mechanisms for immune response activation and could lead to designing immune cells to combat specific problems.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that spermine, an odorous compound in male semen, attracts mature female sea lampreys and helps them select suitable mates. This finding could potentially be used to control invasive sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes.
A research team has elucidated the complex degradation pathway of the polysaccharide Ulvan from marine algae, revealing the biochemical function of 12 enzymes. The findings have significant implications for future biotechnological applications and improve our understanding of the marine carbon cycle.
Scientists predict the oceans will become warmer, but surprisingly more oxygen-rich due to nitrogen-cycle interactions. After centuries of declining oxygen levels, the ocean's oxygen inventory may even surpass pre-industrial levels by 4000 years.
A new approach to managing fisheries focuses on whole ecosystems rather than individual populations. The proposed indices use widely available data to determine when ecosystem overfishing is occurring, helping avoid damaging impacts on fishing economies.
Researchers developed a new method to estimate cumulative human impact for individual species, revealing threatened seahorses in data-poor regions. The study found China, Southeast Asia, and Europe as major threat epicentres for global seahorse populations.
A study published in Ecology found that baby tiger sharks eat a variety of terrestrial birds, including songbirds like sparrows and woodpeckers. The sharks' stomachs contained remains from 41 out of 105 juvenile sharks, revealing a diet that includes land-dwelling bird species.
A team led by Ethan Garner describes the opposing and balanced enzymatic actions that keep B. subtilis from bulging wide while it builds up its inner cell wall and elongates.
Researchers at HKU Earth Sciences have discovered multi-century-scale abrupt deep-water warming events that likely caused by reduction in deep-water circulation. These deglacial-Holocene dynamics are important for understanding present and future trends in the climatic system, which can impact global ecosystems and society.
A new study using AI-powered computer vision demonstrates improved accuracy in identifying marine animals and plants. The system achieved an average accuracy of 80% for general species identification, but up to 93% for specific species when trained with sufficient data.
Researchers discovered a previously undescribed visual system in deep-sea fish, which uses multiple rod opsin photopigments to detect bioluminescence and potentially recognize predators or prey. This finding expands our understanding of how these organisms adapt to the dark environment of the deep sea.
Researchers found a new species of 90-95 million-year-old crab fossil with multiple marine arthropod characteristics, showcasing an unusual branch on the crustacean tree of life. The exceptional preservation allowed detailed reconstruction and 3D-printer-ready models.
Scientists have discovered a major deep carbon sink linked to microbes near volcano chains, storing up to 19% more CO2 than previously believed. This finding reveals the critical role of microorganisms in buffering climate change by incorporating and forming calcite.
A new study combines physical and biological climate indicators to show that Arctic air temperatures are driving major changes in the region's systems. The research highlights the interconnectedness of various components, including sea ice, permafrost, and ecosystems.
Research reveals marine reserves increase predation rates, protecting predators that were heavily fished by humans, leading to greater impacts on prey species. The analysis highlights the importance of considering ecological processes in reserve design and management.
Researchers found that offspring from older mothers are more responsive to dietary interventions known to increase lifespan. However, caloric restriction did not improve overall fitness in these offspring.
Scientists have discovered a new mobile DNA element in the mosquito parasite Wolbachia, which may contribute to improved control strategies for mosquito-borne illnesses. The novel plasmid is widespread across natural Wolbachia populations and has potential implications for controlling disease transmission.
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has received a $17 million award from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to fund a new imaging scientist. This funding will support the development of new imaging technologies and drive biological discoveries.
A portable scientific microscope nicknamed Flamingo will make its way from Madison to Boston for collaboration and research. The project aims to democratize expensive high-end microscopy, bringing it cost-free to campuses and labs where access may be scarce.
The study used data from over 800 sharks and tunas, as well as 900 industrial fishing vessels, to create a map of the northeast Pacific Ocean. The researchers found that vessels from Taiwan, China, Japan, the US, and Mexico accounted for over 90% of fishing in key habitat areas for seven shark and tuna species.
Small-scale fishermen in six European countries prioritize trust, transparency, and fairness over ecological effectiveness when supporting marine protected areas. Perceptions of social impacts and good governance processes are stronger predictors of local support than ecological effectiveness.
Researchers from Northeastern University and the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that squid chromatophores use both pigmentary and structural coloration to create dynamic effects. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for biologists and chemists to better understand cephalopod biology and develop wearable devices or coat...
Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) have identified key genes that promote spinal cord regeneration in axolotls. By activating these genes, scientists were able to force human cells to undergo regeneration, highlighting similarities between species.
A new study found that achieving the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Celsius warming target could increase global fishers' revenues and seafood workers' income, while reducing household expenditures. The largest gains would occur in developing countries, with a projected 6.5% increase in top revenue-generating fish species globally.
A new computer model reveals accelerating biological changes in the global ocean, which can redistribute ocean communities and species worldwide. The model predicts these changes one year in advance, enabling identification of regions overlooked by current field observation programs.
Scientists have discovered biologically active compounds in marine invertebrates that exhibit strong antitumor and antimicrobial properties. These compounds show potential as new treatments for cancer and can also be used to develop effective insecticides.
A study led by the University of Birmingham found that poor diet is partly responsible for the decline of a major Atlantic seabird nesting colony. The researchers analyzed feathers from over 180 specimens and found that changes in the birds' diets coincided with their population decline.
A recent study found that warmer sea-surface temperatures in the Gulf of Maine are a key predictor of cold-stunning events among juvenile Kemp's ridley sea turtles. The number of cold-stunned turtles is increasing at an alarming rate, with over 2,300 predicted by 2031.
Scientists discover lampreys can fully regenerate their spinal cord even after two complete injuries, a phenomenon with potential implications for human spinal cord injury treatment. The study reveals that central nervous system regeneration in lampreys is resilient and robust after multiple injuries.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that body size and sea-surface temperature are primary factors affecting methylmercury levels in tuna. The researchers developed a model to predict mercury levels, which worked well for most regions but underestimated levels in certain areas.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that younger sharks have stiffer and tougher cartilage skeletons, contrary to the assumption that adults would be stronger. The research found that cartilage from younger sharks has fewer interruptions in its mineral matrix, allowing it to absorb more energy and resist compression.
Researchers used AI and satellite imagery to map the world's intertidal zones for the first time, revealing a significant loss of crucial ecosystems. The study exposed coastal communities to increased risk from storms and sea level rises, with over 1.4 billion people expected to live in coastal areas by 2060.
A new study found that the median lifespan increase of Brachionus rotifers varied greatly among genetically distinct strains when exposed to low temperature. The findings indicate that temperature affects lifespan depending on an individual's genes, challenging the long-held free-radical theory of aging.
A scientific team warns that most signatory countries are not on track to achieve target goals, and some targets are structured to give a false sense of conservation achievement. The team recommends restructuring targets to incorporate adequate conservation incentives to instill hope for the future.
Scientists from the U.S. National Science Foundation-funded expedition aboard the Atlantis will share their research findings on submarine volcanic activity and crust formation. The live broadcasts, scheduled for Dec. 11-13, will also feature young researchers and their experiences with modern deep-sea exploration.
Vicki P. Losick has been awarded the first-ever William Procter Scientific Innovation Fund to study age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using a fruit fly model. The goal is to identify genetic strategies to treat AMD by understanding the role of polyploidy in human retinal diseases.
The study explores the Yanshan Movement's impact on eastern China's Jurassic stratigraphy, indicating a southward subduction of the Siberian Plate. The region experienced significant uplift during the Late Triassic period and underwent changes in biological assemblages.
A large-scale research program revealed over 6,900 species of aquatic organisms in the Russian Far Eastern basin, exceeding European countries' total. The Sea of Japan is particularly rich, with 201 new species discovered and potential for designing new generation of drugs.
A new study by University of Tokyo researchers reveals that a protein in sperm cell membranes plays a key role in navigation to eggs. The PMCA protein may also help explain species-specific interactions between sperm and egg cells, making it a promising target for drug research.
New research by University of Plymouth scientists found that different oxygen levels in the marine environment can affect an individual's resources of strength and stamina, leading to changes in fighting ability. The study showed that conditions can prompt fights and alter an individual's motivation.
A Scripps Oceanography-led study finds that small-scale fisheries in the Gulf of California are overexploited and unable to support fishermen's livelihoods. However, if fish stocks recover, total annual revenues could increase by 70%.
Researchers found high levels of illegal shark fishing in a Marshall Islands shark sanctuary, highlighting the need for active monitoring and enforcement. Satellite technology is proposed as a solution to track fishing vessels and monitor compliance with fishing regulations.
A $3 million grant will support a two-year effort to develop a strategic plan for a Cyberinfrastructure Center of Excellence at USC ISI. The project aims to enhance existing cyberinfrastructure and provide a forum for knowledge sharing among large facilities and users.
Researchers found that certain invasive plant species can increase blue carbon storage by boosting biomass and soil carbon, while other plant invasions have a negative impact. The study's findings provide valuable insights for ecosystem managers seeking to enhance carbon storage in coastal environments.
A Simon Fraser University study has found that steelhead trout age of migration, size, and numbers are controlled by a combination of temperature, co-occurring salmon, and other factors. In years with large pink salmon returns, steelhead migrated to sea at a younger age, producing more young fish from the river system.
Researchers found that the gene sequence for serotonin uptake is nearly identical in human and octopus genomes, suggesting serotonin regulates social behavior in both species. The study used MDMA to enhance prosocial behaviors in octopuses, mirroring its effects on humans.
Scientists studied octopus genome and behavior in response to MDMA, finding similarities with human serotonin binding transporter. Octopuses exhibited pro-social behaviors when exposed to the drug, hugging cages and displaying affectionate tendencies similar to humans.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a coalition of institutions, led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, a five-year, $220 million contract to operate and maintain the Ocean Observatories Initiative. The OOI is an advanced system that measures various ocean properties and processes.
Researchers discovered that sea otters rely on the sensitivity of their paws and whiskers to hunt for food, distinguishing between grooves as small as 2mm with remarkable accuracy. This unique ability enables them to quickly locate prey in cloudy Monterey Bay waters.
A team of scientists is using a holistic approach to understand the causes of eelgrass wasting disease, deploying drones, artificial intelligence, and geographers to survey seagrass beds across 36 sites from San Diego to Alaska. The project aims to unravel why some eelgrasses fall victim to the disease while others resist it.
The Woods Hole Center for Oceans and Human Health will continue to advance research on the links between oceanic processes and human health, with a focus on harmful algal blooms. The five-year funding aims to better understand public health risks associated with environmental exposures in marine coastal regions and the Great Lakes Basin.
A recent study reveals that global shark catches have more than doubled since 1960, threatening almost 60% of shark species. The Hong Kong-based research highlights the need for consumers to reject shark fin products, which are often sourced from unsustainable and illegal fisheries.
The study found that shark catches have increased by more than double since six decades ago, leading to almost 60% of shark species being threatened. Sustainable fishing practices are challenging to enforce in the high seas, particularly in unmanaged fisheries of less economically developed countries.