Articles tagged with Marine Biology
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) has selected six papers for the 2013 Cozzarelli Prize, honoring originality and excellence in scientific disciplines. The award recipients include studies on planetary formation, task-related 'cortical' bursting, and honey bee pathogen replication.
The study found that Lapita inhabitants of Vanuatu relied primarily on foraging for food, with a diet including reef fish, marine turtles, fruit bats, and domestic land animals. The analysis of nitrogen and carbon isotopes in human bones also suggests a diet rich in plants, but with significant amounts of protein from animal sources.
Researchers have discovered that the Plastisphere, a community of microorganisms living on ocean plastic, can pose significant risks to invertebrates and humans. The study found that certain bacteria thrive on these plastic islands and may cause diseases in animals and humans.
Researchers found that two Chilean barnacle species, Jehlius cirratus and Notochthalamus scabrosus, coexist without strong competition, even in different temperatures. The study's surprising non-finding may have implications for understanding the biological future of major coastlines.
The Baltic Sea's unique stratification affects the fate of fish stocks, with different species occupying distinct salinity layers. This research highlights the importance of considering regional conditions in fisheries management, as individual stocks do not necessarily benefit from each other.
Scientists studying jellyfish robots found common bending rules for wings, fins, and other propulsors across various animal species. These rules improve propulsion efficiency by increasing thrust.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation has selected 126 young researchers for the 2014 Sloan Research Fellowships, recognizing their achievements and potential as rising scientific leaders. Awarded annually since 1955, the fellowships provide $50,000 to support further research.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) will host a panel discussion on climate change research challenges, led by atmospheric scientist Donald J. Wuebbles. The session will explore issues such as downscaling predictions, reliably predicting extreme weather events, and adapting to climate change impacts.
Researchers have discovered that ocean mesopelagic fish biomass is at least 10 times higher than estimated, with significant implications for the planet's biogeochemical cycles. These deep-sea fish play a crucial role in transporting CO2 to the ocean floor and increasing oxygen consumption.
Young hatchery salmon orient themselves according to the Earth's magnetic field, suggesting a kind of built-in GPS. They rely on subtle differences in magnetic intensity and inclination angle to discern their position.
Scientists have identified a large, deep magma chamber below Kilauea volcano using seismic data. The crustal magma reservoir is composed of 'magma mush' and is similar to those found beneath mid-ocean ridges, posing significant hazards to the volcano.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered the secrets behind the cuttlefish's adaptive camouflage, enabling it to change its skin color and pattern in response to visual cues. The study reveals that a sophisticated biomolecular nanophotonic system underlies the cuttlefish's color-changing abilities.
Scientists at the Marine Biological Laboratory found that different sponge species have unique microbiomes that are specific to their host species. The study used ultra-deep DNA sequencing technology to analyze the microbiomes of seven sponge species from various habitats.
Researchers used DNA from water samples to identify and determine the relative abundance of 13,000 fish species in the tank. The technique has potential for cost-effective and time-saving methods for monitoring aquatic habitats and detecting invasive species.
Researchers used animal-borne cameras to monitor alligator behavior, revealing that time of day significantly affects prey capture success. Alligators are most successful in the morning while attacking prey below the surface.
A new study uses GPS traffic maps to identify high-risk areas for leatherback turtles caught in industrial longlines, guiding fisheries towards more sustainable management practices. The research highlights the need for international cooperation and technology-driven solutions to mitigate bycatch risks.
Researchers analyzed vertebrae from four females and four males in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, determining ages of up to 40 years for females and 73 years for males. The study used radiocarbon analysis to pinpoint age in the vertebra layers, providing irrefutable evidence of white shark longevity.
A new study suggests that adult white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean may live for up to 70 years or longer. Researchers used radiocarbon dating to determine age estimates and found that growth rates slow down as sharks age, leading to underestimated ages.
The Marine Biological Laboratory will conduct research on migratory waterbirds and their habitats as part of a $7 million grant. The study aims to help resource managers address the impacts of sea-level rise and coastal flooding.
Researchers found that environmental shock can unmask cryptic genetic variations in animals, leading to adaptive advantages. The study on blind cavefish suggests an alternative mechanism of evolution distinct from natural selection and spontaneous mutations.
Researchers at Harvard University have created a new method to quantify the mechanical forces produced by living cells, which shape tissues and organs. By injecting tiny oil droplets into 3D tissues and embryos, scientists can measure the forces exerted by individual cells, shedding light on the role of mechanics in development and dis...
Researchers find consistent types of organisms in subsurface rocks across globe, challenges imagination to think of nearly identical microbes 16,000 km apart.
Female lemon sharks born in Bimini returned to give birth on the same island 15 years later, confirming natal philopatry. Local and international conservation efforts can make a significant impact in recovering coastal shark populations.
A study published in The Journal of Mammalogy found that female prairie dogs who mate with two or more males rear more offspring than those that mate with only one male. The research, led by John Hoogland, suggests that the benefits of polyandry outweigh the costs for most species of prairie dogs.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification causes anxious behavior in juvenile rockfish, affecting their ability to forage and navigate. The researchers found that the affected fish preferred dark areas and showed altered behavior even after being returned to normal seawater.
Scientists from UNH have published comprehensive findings on space-based radiation hazards using a UNH-led detector aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The data provide critical information on the radiation hazards faced by astronauts on extended missions to deep space like Mars.
Researchers discover that desert plants use hydraulic lift to acquire nutrients in dry conditions, supporting plant productivity and seed set. The system relies on tiny amounts of water released from plant roots into dry soil at night.
A team of bat biologists has reclassified the Mortlock Islands flying fox as Pteropus pelagicus, correcting a naming error made in 1882. The study also found that the species is part of a wider geographic distribution than previously thought, and its conservation status is uncertain due to rising sea levels and climate change.
The OSNAP program will measure ocean's overturning circulation, a key component of global climate system. It aims to understand changes in this circulation and its impact on temperatures and precipitation.
The constructive conservation framework combines strategies for preserving biodiversity in both natural and designed landscapes. By prioritizing ecologically viable habitats, actively creating new ecosystems, and accepting novel ecosystems as natural landscapes, researchers aim to maximize the effective use of resources. This approach ...
A decade-long study reveals that Costa Rica's longline fishery catches more olive ridley sea turtles than commercial fish species, threatening their survival. The research also shows a decline in shark populations, with smaller sharks becoming increasingly common.
Researchers at Harvard University investigated the process of villification, which shapes gut villi, and found similarities in its principles across different animal species. They discovered that mechanical forces from muscle layer differentiation drive early villus growth.
A new study suggests that local climatic conditions, rather than biological differences among species, explain observed shifts in marine species distribution. Researchers analyzed four decades of data from NOAA and Canadian fisheries surveys and found that 74% of species shifted latitude in the same direction as climate velocity.
Researchers found that photochemical reactions break down mercury at the surface, but it's converted to its toxic form at deeper depths. This process affects ocean fish and the human seafood supply, with implications for reducing mercury emissions.
UMass Amherst microbiologist Jim Holden launches new studies on microbes living deep in undersea volcanoes, funded by private philanthropists. His work addresses questions about the first life on Earth and potential microbial life on other planets.
A new study has discovered a super-charged methane seep in the ocean off New Zealand that has created a unique food web. The presence of polychaetes worms, which consume bacteria enriched with methane, plays a critical role in stabilizing the ecosystem and preventing excessive greenhouse gas emissions.
A new paper by Dr Thomas Ezard uses the fossils of microscopic aquatic creatures called planktonic foraminifera to study speciation. The research highlights the importance of using fossil and molecular evidence in understanding evolution.
Researchers at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science have successfully developed a completely vegetarian diet that supports fast-growing marine carnivores like cobia and gilthead sea bream. This breakthrough could significantly ease aquaculture's reliance on wild-caught fish, making the industry more sustainable.
Researchers analyze fossil records to understand how past climate changes affected species interactions, potentially revealing patterns for predicting future changes. This study's findings suggest that similar processes drive natural systems' responses to climate change.
Researchers at GEOMAR found that about one third of oxygen supply in tropical oxygen minimum zones is provided by vertical turbulent mixing, surprising previous assumptions. High-precision measurements confirmed this finding, using a tracer and profiling current meters.
The rotifer genome shows evidence of gene conversion and horizontal gene transfer, which help maintain healthy genes and viable lineages. This reproductive strategy, absent in most animals, may mimic some aspects of sex and provide a layer of protection from mutations.
Researchers found at least 1000 types of bacterial cells on plastic debris, including autotrophs, heterotrophs, and symbionts. The plastisphere may alter ocean ecosystems and transport harmful microbes, sparking concerns about its impact on marine life.
A recent study by MBL researchers has identified ZIP12 as a critical transporter for zinc uptake in the brain, essential for embryonic development. Impaired zinc uptake leads to neuronal growth impairment, fatal to developing embryos. The discovery highlights the importance of periconceptional and prenatal nutrition for promoting healt...
A new study suggests that oyster populations can recover faster with reduced fishing pressure and improved habitats. The research model indicates that halting or reducing fishing could lead to a healthier population restored within 50-500 years.
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago discovered that genetic mutations associated with inherited ALS can cause delays in nutrient and protein transport within nerve cells. This slowdown can lead to cell death, contributing to the neurodegenerative disorder.
New research confirms the 'out of the tropics' model for tropical biodiversity, where most evolutionary lineages started in the tropics and expanded outward. Bridge species, which straddle the boundary between tropics and temperate regions, play a crucial role in this process.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin found that lookdown fish can manipulate polarized light to create a more effective camouflage system, surpassing the traditional 'mirror' strategy. This discovery has implications for the development of new materials and technologies inspired by nature.
A new study reveals that squid are vulnerable to acidic conditions in the ocean, which could have far-reaching effects on the ecosystem. The research found that squid reared in more acidic seawater were smaller, had misshapen statoliths, and took longer to develop.
A new study shows that shark ecotourism generates over $314 million annually and is expected to more than double to $780 million in the next 20 years. The landed value of global shark fisheries has been declining for the past decade, with an estimated 38 million sharks killed per year to feed the fin trade.
A new study in the Amazon finds that deep, permeable soils can act as a natural buffer against the negative impacts of crop fertilizer on nearby streams. The research suggests that these soils can absorb excess nutrients and reduce pollution, but warns that changes in land use may lead to increased nutrient runoff in the future.
Researchers created a sea turtle-inspired robot to study flipper-based locomotion on complex surfaces. The 'Flipperbot' demonstrated improved movement using a free wrist, which reduced disturbance to the ground, similar to real-life observations of hatchling loggerhead sea turtles.
Research finds that a significant proportion of black carbon in soil dissolves into rivers and flows to the ocean, undermining efforts to use soil as a carbon sink. The study estimated that 27 million tons of black carbon flow from rivers to oceans annually.
A new study reveals that white sharks occur in Hawai'i waters across a broader annual cycle than previously thought, with observations recorded every month except November. The research also identifies a simple method to distinguish between white sharks and close relatives like mako sharks based on the shape of their head.
Researchers are using fossilized tree pollen and mammal fossils to understand how plants and animals responded to past climate changes. They aim to develop better models to predict forest responses to future climate changes.
A study by New York University researchers found that the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) seafood certification process is too lenient and discretionary. The study examined 19 formal objections to MSC certifications and found that many fisheries did not meet the organization's sustainability principles.
Dr. Cecilia Bitz, an associate professor at the University of Washington, will receive the Rosenstiel Award for her contributions to climate and climate change research, particularly in high-latitude regions. Her work focuses on climate modeling, sea ice predictability, and geoengineering perspectives.
Researchers found that the sticky nature of opaline, not its chemical composition, is responsible for reducing sensory responses in lobsters. The study suggests that sea hares can escape predation by using opaline to inactivate a lobster's sense of smell and ability to feed.
A £3.2 million research study will investigate how climate warming affects North West Europe's shelf seas and their role in the global carbon cycle. The study aims to improve modeling systems for understanding ocean climate change, particularly focusing on the capacity of shelf seas to store carbon.
The California chromodorid sea slug, declared extinct in Southern California in the 1980s, has begun to reappear in local waters. Marine scientists attribute its resurgence to improved water quality, mainly a result of stricter pollution regulations.
A study by behavioral ecologist John Hoogland found that prairie dogs are more likely to disperse in the absence of nearby close kin. This unique pattern is attributed to the benefits of cooperation with close kin, including shared resources and defense against predators.