Articles tagged with Marine Biology
Researchers found that when a species vanishes, other species can change their behavior to compensate, leading to positive or negative effects on ecosystems. The study's findings have important implications for conservation and predicting the consequences of human activity.
The Oxford University Press will publish the Journal of Crustacean Biology, a scientific journal covering crustacean biology and marine arthropods. The journal has undergone a facelift with a new format and style, expanding article types to include Research Notes and comprehensive reviews.
A team of scientists from UC Santa Barbara and colleagues conducted an eight-year study on a healthy shark population on Palmyra atoll. They found a significantly lower density of grey reef sharks than previously estimated, with around 20 sharks per square kilometer.
The study reveals that the ocean's oxygen content has decreased by more than 2% over the last 50 years due to global warming. This decrease can have far-reaching biological consequences for marine life, particularly large fish species.
Deep-sea squids have developed unique eyes to spot two different sources of light: ambient sunlight and bioluminescent flashes. The large eye is adapted for gazing upwards, searching for shadows, while the small eye scans downwards for bioluminescence.
A new MBL study has shed light on the origin of vertebrate gills, indicating they evolved around 600 million years ago. The research corrects a long-held misunderstanding that gills developed separately and independently in two vertebrate lineages.
Researchers identify 'bright spots' of resilience in marine ecosystems affected by climate change. These ecosystem-forming species are either resistant or able to recover from perturbations, with implications for ecosystem-sparing management.
A new study reveals that the weevil genus Laparocerus has undergone an explosion of evolutionary radiation, resulting in 237 known species and subspecies on the islands of Madeira and the Canary Islands. The analysis suggests that sequential radiation events have generated several monophyletic groups within the genus.
The United Nations seeks a new international policy for managing seabed resources in ABNJ areas, where laws are poorly specified. A new policy could address concerns by integrating inputs from research institutions, industries, and NGOs.
Researchers at Stanford University found that large MPAs in the U.S. Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge effectively protected grey reef sharks, with more sharks inside the reserve and fewer fishing vessels outside. The study suggests that expanded MPAs can have a significant impact on shark populations and ecosystem health.
Researchers have discovered that geostrophic balance becomes invalid at smaller scales, making sea level data unreliable for calculating ocean circulation. At high resolution, sea level can accurately calculate circulation in areas with persistent eddies, but not in areas dominated by internal waves.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University discover that Cladocerans originated from the north and spread throughout the Palearctic region via Beringia, a land bridge that closed and reopened multiple times. The study uses molecular genetic analysis to shed light on the evolution and dispersal of these small crustaceans.
Researchers used buoys' trajectories to simulate debris motion, finding areas with high probability for MH370 crash. The analysis is consistent with recently confirmed aircraft debris finds, highlighting the importance of sustained ocean observations.
Limpets' shells can be repaired to match their original strength after damage, but they still face weaknesses from multiple impacts called spalling. This biomimetic discovery could inspire solutions for engineering problems like concrete failure.
Synthetic microfibers from clothing shed during washing, ending up in surface waters and affecting fish and wildlife. Researchers are working on solutions to reduce microfiber pollution.
A landmark global scale study found that populations at the northern and southern range edges are most sensitive to ocean acidification, leading to reduced growth and genetic diversity. The research provides insights into how ocean acidification will shape species' distributions in the future.
A new study suggests the Galapagos Islands' incredible biodiversity emerged approximately 1.6 million years ago when the Equatorial Undercurrent collided with the archipelago, bringing nutrient-rich waters to the surface. This event allowed for the growth of unique plants and animals that thrive in the islands' ecosystem.
Researchers have discovered a jet stream within the Earth's molten iron core, moving at over 40 kilometers per year and three times faster than typical outer core speeds. The discovery was made possible by the European Space Agency's Swarm satellites, which provided an unprecedented x-ray view of the planet.
When southern elephant seals find dense prey patches, they adjust their diving behavior to remain in those areas. The seals dive at steeper angles and exhibit more sinuous movement during ascents and descents.
A study found that soil respiration rates increase with temperature up to 25°C, but decrease above this threshold. The Arctic and deserts are most responsive to climate warming due to higher carbon storage in soils.
Researchers discovered that sharks absorb toxic ammonia through their gills and convert it into non-toxic urea. This process helps maintain the fish's moisture levels in salty seawater.
A University of Southampton study reveals that tropical storms are a significant contributor to the decline of river deltas globally. The researchers used archived measurements to detect sediment concentration changes in the Mekong River delta, finding that one-third of the sediment is due to tropical cyclones.
A new database WoRCS aggregates ecological and geographical data on marine cave-dwelling species to provide information vital for evidence-based conservation. The project aims to engage the scientific community, citizen scientists, and conservationists in analyzing the dataset.
The new microscope tracks individual molecules' position and orientation in living cells, shedding light on cellular functions and forces. It detects nanoscale alignment of molecules required for cell movement and division.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have discovered the mechanism behind shape-shifting sea cucumbers' ability to rapidly change their stiffness. This unique property is controlled by a protein-rich interfibrillar matrix that can be altered by the nervous system, making it useful for developing novel biomaterials.
The ocean sunfish's unusually fast growth rate and large size may be attributed to altered genes that control growth hormone signalling. The fish's skeleton is largely made of cartilage, a trait that could provide insights into its development.
New research suggests that closing the high seas to fishing could increase fish catches in coastal waters by up to 10% and help reduce climate change impacts. This approach can benefit tropical countries with high dependence on fisheries for food and livelihood, particularly those affected by rising carbon dioxide levels.
A new study suggests that sustainable management of the high seas can help compensate for expected losses in fish stocks due to climate change. Closing the high seas to fishing could increase catches in coastal waters by up to 10%, benefiting both productivity and reducing climate change impacts.
Increasing ocean acidification could double the mortality of newly-hatched cod larvae, potentially decreasing recruitment by one quarter to one twelfth of previous levels. This would put fisheries under pressure if exploitation remains unchanged.
Scientists from the University of Chicago used gene-editing techniques to study the development of zebrafish fins and discovered that the same cells responsible for fin rays also form fingers and toes. The research challenges previous assumptions about the transformation from fins to limbs.
Scientists have developed a multi-view microscope that captures higher-resolution images of live cells and tissues without increasing radiation exposure. The new system uses computation to fuse images and achieve double the volumetric resolution of traditional methods.
A recent survey of 1145 marine users found strong public support for citizen science projects, highlighting room for growth in this field. The study's findings have implications for both researchers and the general public, emphasizing the need for further research on citizen science's effectiveness.
A study by GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel reveals that climate change and eutrophication could lead to a decline in bladder wrack, a crucial species in the Baltic Sea ecosystem. Rising temperatures and increased nutrient supply have negative effects on the seaweed's biomass, while smaller species of algae benefit from ...
Researchers tracked 22 striped bass in response to severe storms in the Hudson River Estuary and New York Harbor. The study found that fish rapidly left the area, moving south along the coast, and some adopted new migration behaviors. This change may impact fish populations and breeding habits.
ZIK B CUBE researchers study the role of internal interfaces in biological tissues formation and function using marine shells like pen shell Pinna nobilis and glass spicules of deep-sea sponge Monorhaphis chuni. The team aims to establish thermodynamic and mechanical models for smart composite materials design.
PhD student Wang Yueyun and Dr Li Xinzheng discover two new species and a new genus of bamboo worms in the open access journal ZooKeys. The new genus is characterized by a unique collar-like glandular band on its sixth chaetiger, setting it apart from other Maldaninae subfamily members.
Researchers have discovered that swordfish use a large oil gland at the base of their bill to reduce drag and achieve super-fast speeds. This gland produces a surface that is super water-repellent, reducing drag by over 20%.
Researchers from the University of Exeter and Bath investigated noise in Falmouth Bay for 14 months, finding varied noise levels affected by natural conditions. This study highlights the need for long-term monitoring to understand human impact on marine environments.
A new project aims to gather and communicate information on the effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill on Gulf of Mexico biodiversity. Researchers will survey biodiversity at 15 locations twice a year for two years, comparing data with pre-oil-spill records.
A team of scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has designed a new camera tag to track white sharks' behavior and habitat. The tag, called the 'Café Cam,' can capture video footage of the sharks for up to nine months, providing unprecedented insights into their lives.
Researchers found that the degree of cold in the preceding ice age determines how fast vegetation adapts to interglacial climates. The study reveals that plants need thousands of years to adapt from a cold to a warmer period, with permafrost being the main reason for this delay.
Researchers discovered a lost hormone in starfish that is linked to human sexual maturity and evolution. The study found that the evolutionary history of the hormone gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is written in the genes of the starfish, with two GnRH-like hormones found in both humans and fruit flies.
The Ocean Observatories Initiative is providing real-time access to scientific data and visualizations for public engagement. The platform tracks physical, chemical, and biological properties of the oceans, supporting research and educational activities.
Researchers analyzed US senators' Twitter accounts to find a divide in their views on climate change, with Democrats following science-related organizations three times more often than Republicans. However, the study also identified 15 Republican senators who bridged the gap and displayed interest in science.
A University of Adelaide study reveals a global increase in cephalopod abundance since the 1950s, with rapid growth and adaptation traits allowing them to thrive in changing ocean environments.
The Ocean Observatories Initiative's data system is now operational at Rutgers, providing vast amounts of oceanographic data to scientists and educators worldwide. The Rutgers team has designed, built, and operates the OOI cyberinfrastructure, including the Data Portal, which offers access to the data in various formats.
Scientists have discovered that cells can perceive their own shapes, specifically curvature of the cell membrane, through a protein-based mechanism. This ability allows cells to organize themselves in response to changes in their environment.
Researchers found striking similarities between the genetic mechanism used in human limb development and that of skate embryos' gill arches. The study suggests that limbs may have evolved from sharks' gills via a critical gene called Sonic hedgehog, supporting a century-old theory.
A new study by J. Andrew Gillis at the MBL Whitman Center found striking similarities between the genetic mechanism used to pattern gill arch appendages and human limbs.
A team of scientists at the MBL Whitman Center successfully recreated a T-cell receptor signaling pathway, revealing novel insights into protein signaling and its role in the immune response. The study found that protein molecules separate into structures through phase separation, leading to efficient signal transduction.
A study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that marine heatwaves have recurred regularly since 1950 but have become more common since the 1970s. The research analyzed ocean surface temperature observations over 65 years, including a notable 'warm blob' in the Pacific Northwest from 2013 to 2015.
Researchers from UC Santa Barbara and the Environmental Defense Fund propose rights-based approaches that could increase fish populations, food production, and profits. By 2050, this approach could increase profits by 204% and provide a significant source of protein for an additional 500 million people.
The paper inventories 1,268 biological field stations globally, highlighting their importance for long-term data collection, education, and public engagement. The author emphasizes the need for sustainable frameworks, improved governance, and increased public awareness to ensure these stations' success.
Jacquet aims to identify expected winners and losers of closing the high seas to fishing and explore feasibility of changing fisheries policies. Her research focuses on large-scale cooperation dilemmas like climate change and wildlife exploitation.
Researchers at Forsyth Institute use a new imaging technique to visualize bacteria in dental plaque, revealing the formation of 'hedgehog' structures that suggest functional roles within the community. This study provides critical insights into how mouth microbes interact and will help understand their role in health and disease.
A University of Hawaii research team will investigate how specific strains of bacteria from marine biofilms induce the settlement and metamorphosis of a small tube worm. The goal is to understand the factors produced by the bacteria that cause the larvae to settle and undergo dramatic physical changes.
Researchers found distinct bacterial assemblages with radially arranged bacteria in dental plaque, providing insights into their behavior and function. The study proposes a model for how dental plaque develops based on imaging observations and sequencing data.
Researchers tracked shark movements and longline fishing vessels in the North Atlantic finding significant overlap, driving shark declines. The study suggests catch quotas or size limits will be necessary to protect oceanic sharks from commercial fishing.
A new study published in Nature Communications estimates that 32 million metric tons of fish are caught unreported every year, obscuring a decline in the total catch. The study, led by researchers at the University of British Columbia, attributes the discrepancy to inadequate data collection on artisanal and subsistence fishing.
A new study finds that dynamic closures can reduce bycatch up to three times more efficiently than static measures, while minimizing economic impact on fishermen. By managing at finer scales, managers can zero in on transitory hotspots and reduce the need for large-scale closures.