Articles tagged with Marine Biology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
A team of scientists used a robotic vehicle to track and image white sharks in the ocean, providing critical data for conservation efforts. The research revealed that great whites hunt seals from below, using the clear waters off Guadalupe Island to ambush their prey.
A study found that leopard sharks with impaired smell took longer and more tortuous paths than those with intact smell during ocean navigation. This suggests that olfaction plays a significant role in guiding these fish through the ocean.
Sea spray from oceans sends aerosols into the atmosphere, affecting cloud formation and duration. The unique ice nucleating particles in sea spray initiate the formation of ice in clouds, impacting their composition.
A new study by Colorado State University's Paul DeMott confirms that sea spray aerosols from oceans have a unique impact on cloud formation and duration. These particles initiate the formation of ice and affect the composition and radiative properties of clouds, which in turn influence climate and precipitation.
Lakes are warming at an average rate of 0.34 degrees Celsius per decade, posing significant threats to drinking water and aquatic habitats. The study predicts a 20% increase in algal blooms and a 5% rise in toxic algae, with methane emissions projected to rise by 4% over the next decade.
A team of scientists has constructed the most complete look at the evolutionary family tree of cardiid bivalves, including clams and cockles. The study reveals that much of their diversification was localized over time and that some species need to be re-classified.
Scientists have discovered that certain fish use microscopic structures called platelets in their skin cells to reflect polarized light, allowing them to camouflage themselves from predators. This discovery could lead to the development of more effective materials and technologies for ocean camouflage.
A University of Adelaide study finds that warmer oceans and increased CO2 levels will dramatically impact sharks' hunting ability, leading to reduced growth rates and changes in food webs. This loss of top-down control could accelerate shark extinction rates.
Researchers reveal that jellyfish and lampreys suck water towards themselves to move forward, contrary to previous assumptions. By studying the motion of these ancient creatures, scientists gain insights into fluid dynamics, potentially improving human-made technologies such as submarines and ships.
Dolly Varden trout retire permanently from ocean migration at around 12 inches in length, relying on expanded digestive organs and unique relationship with sockeye salmon. Climate change could impact their life history patterns, potentially forcing them to seek new feeding patterns.
Researchers have discovered that cell division mechanisms involve an excitable cortex that participates in the process. This excitable state allows for precise control of contractile proteins and enzymes to assemble at the right place and time during cell division, enabling accurate and adaptive management of the cell's shape.
A new method estimates fish movements using ocean heat content images, revealing detailed movements not apparent with surface temperature data. The analysis shows large migratory fishes have affinities for ocean fronts and eddies, similar to hurricanes.
Despite recent advancements, only 3.5% of the ocean has protection, compared to 15% of terrestrial areas, highlighting a need for accelerated action. Seven key findings from researchers suggest that full protection, networks, and smart planning can enhance biodiversity and economic benefits.
A new study finds that Chesapeake Bay surface water temperature is increasing rapidly, with trends detected in over 92% of the Bay. The study suggests that warming waters signal spawning time for fish and exacerbate eutrophication and algal blooms.
Allan D. Pierce, Professor Emeritus at Boston University, has been awarded the Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Distinguished Service Citation for his outstanding service to the organization. Pierce received the citation in recognition of his 15-year tenure as Editor-in-Chief.
Scientists have found that local structures in liquid water persist for longer than a picosecond, contradicting the general perception of water as a solvent. This discovery was made using ultrafast vibrational spectroscopies and has significant implications for understanding chemical and biological reactions on Earth.
The study found regions with high multi-species genetic diversity could be included in marine reserve design to help species adapt to climate change. Understanding patterns within species is also key to understanding how species form and evolve.
Researchers at MIT have developed a family of materials that can emit light of precisely controlled colors and respond to external conditions. The materials, made from rare-earth elements and polymers, show promise for detecting chemical and biological compounds, mechanical changes, and thermal conditions.
Researchers at UMass Amherst aim to develop a reliable, predictive computational framework for designing better-performing materials with reduced development costs. The new approach will address challenges in handling complex systems with millions of variables, rare events, and multi-scale features.
A newly discovered species of eurypterid, a giant 'sea scorpion', has been found in Iowa, measuring over 1.5 meters long and dating back to 460 million years ago. The fossil provides unique insights into the anatomy and behavior of these ancient predators.
A landmark paper recommends monitoring beach sand to safeguard human health. The study, based on data from beaches in the US, UK, Portugal, and other countries, identifies key indicators and methods to assess public health risks from pathogens in the sand.
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current began its eastern flow through the Southern Ocean 30 million years ago, driven by the Tasmanian gateway's alignment with mid-latitude westerly wind bands. This massive ocean current transports heat and salt around the world, shaping regional climates.