Articles tagged with Marine Biology
A newly-discovered blue octopus from the Galapagos Islands has been identified as Microeledone galapagensis, and its unique features were revealed through micro CT scans. The species is the first new octopus species led by curator emerita Janet Voight in her four-decade career.
A case study of captive belugas reveals evidence of mirror self-recognition, suggesting this behavior may be innate in the species. The findings support the idea that some cetaceans possess cognitive abilities similar to those of humans and other animals.
Researchers found medaka in semi-natural conditions ovulated 3.5 hours earlier than those in laboratory settings due to environmental differences in light and water temperature fluctuations. This study highlights the need to consider these factors when interpreting model organism research.
Rising ocean temperatures cause corals to struggle with oxygen uptake due to disrupted ciliary motion. At moderate temperatures, corals accelerate ciliary motion to meet increased oxygen demand, but this compensatory mechanism fails at higher temperatures.
Researchers can now estimate genetic diversity of dolphins using environmental DNA (eDNA) from seawater samples, providing insights into population size and vulnerability to environmental changes. The study's findings suggest that repeated eDNA sampling can be used to monitor the health of dolphin populations.
Researchers tracked black sea bream using ultrasonic biotelemetry to observe their reproductive behavior during spawning seasons. Males made frequent upward and downward movements, while females remained near specific oyster rafts, suggesting different strategies for reproduction and energy conservation. This study provides new insight...
A study has mapped changes in the distributions of two phytoplankton groups, Pseudo-nitzschia and Dinophysis, which produce toxins that can harm human health and marine ecosystems. The research reveals significant shifts over six decades, with changes aligned more closely with climate-driven ocean physical shifts.
Researchers analyzed hormones stored in Rice's whale baleen to understand its life story. The study found evidence of stress and reproductive patterns, shedding light on the species' critically endangered status.
Researchers at the University of Washington decoded over 1,700 beluga whale calls in Cook Inlet, revealing insights into their social behavior, communication patterns, and vulnerability to human noise. The study suggests that shipping noise may be disrupting critical calf-mother communication, threatening the population's recovery.
Researchers analyzed over 7,000 salmon stomachs to understand their diet in different regions of the Salish Sea. The study found that year-round, herring are the most important food for adult Chinook salmon, while seasonal changes affect the diversity of prey.
A new study reveals that four specific genes are crucial for the Atlantic herring's adaptation to low salinity in the Baltic Sea. The genes, expressed in sperm, eggs, and early embryos, enable the fish to reproduce successfully in brackish water.
Researchers used seafloor video and audio monitoring to capture rare phenomena in a Greenlandic glacial fjord, including fish swimming backwards and making sudden appearances of deep-sea dwellers. The study also revealed the presence of narwhals near the surface, providing new insights into the Arctic ecosystem.
Researchers found a diverse bacterial ecosystem in seagrass habitats that was disrupted by increased water temperature, leading to reduced seagrass biomass and tolerance to climate change. The study highlights the importance of considering microbial communities in understanding marine plant responses to environmental stress.
A new study by iC3 researchers found that Neogloboquadrina pachyderma shells can grow with different chemical compositions, affecting temperature estimates. This discovery could help improve reconstructions of past polar ocean conditions and provide more accurate climate records.
A team of 14 West African Master's students, accompanied by experienced scientists, will conduct research at depths of up to 4,900 meters on the POLARSTERN research vessel. The 'Floating University' program aims to document long-term changes in the ocean and investigate marine biodiversity.
A new study found that fur seals' heart rate peaks six to eight hours after returning to land, indicating a delayed recovery from the physiological costs of foraging at sea. This suggests that seals use their time onshore to actively recover and replenish oxygen stores.
A study by ICTA-UAB reveals that the West African coast is a primary source of microlitter in the South Atlantic Ocean, with particles transported by equatorial currents to remote areas. The research highlights the need for global action to address this environmental issue.
Researchers found that fish lineages adapted to scrape algae and shellfish from hard surfaces evolved in more diverse ways than those living in open water. Coral reef fish are thought to have benefited from this adaptation, driving the acceleration of diversification.
Researchers discovered that sea urchin eggs can integrate chromoplast-derived carotenoid crystals, which enhance larval development and increase their survival rate by 50%. This integration enables the larvae to adapt to different environments.
A new study reveals that conspicuous markings, including 'eyespots', evolve under specific ecological conditions. Smaller skates and rays, lacking strong physical defences, are more likely to develop bold spots or eyespots in well-lit, shallow waters.
Researchers discovered high concentrations of tire- and rubber-related chemicals in Lake Sihwa sediments, with patterns reflecting changes in industrial activity and pollution control measures. The study provides a baseline for sediment concentrations, enabling understanding of future trends and potential risks to aquatic organisms.
Researchers have created a novel sorbent made from chitosan/cellulose acetate and bentonite composites that show promise for cleaning up oil spills. The beads are floatable, biodegradable, and environmentally compatible, making them an efficient and cost-effective solution.
Research reveals warm-bodied fish like sharks and tunas burn nearly four times more energy than cold-blooded counterparts, exacerbating the impact of warming oceans. As a result, these species are facing an increasing risk of overheating and habitat loss.
Researchers found that successive typhoons drive cumulative changes in chlorophyll a density, affecting ecosystem productivity. The study provides insights into forecasting variations in estuarine ecosystems during typhoon events.
Researchers used 3D imaging and artificial intelligence to analyze the microscopic structure of coral skeletons, revealing subtle changes caused by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease. The study found that Attention U-Net performed best in detecting differences between healthy and diseased corals.
Researchers studied black ghost knifefish's anal fin morphology and kinematics to develop a more efficient and maneuverable underwater robot propulsion system. The study found that the fish achieves exceptional agility using undulations of its anal fin, generating traveling waves to produce thrust without body bending.
Researchers found that certain jellyfish species capture and eat polychaete worms during their annual spawning events. The study reveals a previously overlooked trophic link between the seafloor and water column, with jellyfish exploiting a concentrated seasonal burst of energy from the worms.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have developed a new approach to predicting harmful algal blooms by coupling three models and accounting for plankton species interactions. This improved forecasting can help prevent economic losses and protect fish stocks in countries like Chile, which has been hit hard by these blooms.
Anglerfish species use lures for both attracting prey and signaling potential mates, with bioluminescent lures appearing around 34-23 million years ago. Researchers analyzed over 100 species to study the evolutionary history of lures, tracing changes from motion-based to glowing lures.
A global inventory reveals that bottom trawling catches over 3,000 fish species, including critically endangered and vulnerable species, highlighting the urgent need for better documentation and management of its impacts on marine biodiversity.
The partnership aims to boost conservation impact by harnessing advanced digital technology and biobanking techniques, focusing on three core areas: knowledge transfer, innovation, and student engagement. This collaboration seeks to address pressing environmental challenges such as biodiversity threats and emerging pathogens.
A new study published in Biodiversity Data Journal reveals a profound look at life up to nearly 10 kilometers below the ocean's surface in the Japan, Ryukyu, and Izu-Ogasawara trenches. The research catalogs at least 108 distinct organism groups, including a baffling unidentified animal that has left global taxonomic experts stumped.
Researchers have uncovered a gene responsible for the unusual patterning in Snowflake clownfish, which has provided key clues toward solving the mystery of biological organization. The study suggests that a universal framework for studying pattern formation across species exists.
A new study provides a solutions-focused pathway to implementing the High Seas Treaty, highlighting the need for enhanced data resources and sharing. The researchers identify major scientific and technical developments that can help address challenges in biodiversity monitoring and connectivity between areas.
A new study suggests that climate change will shift the balance of macromolecules in phytoplankton from proteins to carbohydrates and lipids, with a 20% increase expected by 2100. This could lead to an unbalanced diet for marine life, with implications for ocean health and human consumption.
A new UBC study found that global aquaculture production is increasingly relying on less beneficial species for food security, climate mitigation, and biodiversity. The industry's shift towards finfish has lower sustainability potential, while earlier systems like seaweed and shellfish had higher sustainability.
Researchers tracked movement, acceleration, depth, and water temperature for nine hammerheads in Florida and the Bahamas waters. They found great hammerheads can effectively hunt fast-moving prey like blacktip sharks in winter and tarpon in summer, suggesting they may tolerate changing climates better than other species.
A new study from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) identifies the 'long fuse' that led to the diversification of modern squid and cuttlefish. The research suggests that these animals originated in the deep ocean around 100 million years ago, sparking rapid evolution after a mass extinction event.
A recent study found that temperature fluctuations over time, rather than just extreme temperatures, affect mussel health. Researchers exposed mussels to varying temperature regimens and discovered distinct responses even when average temperatures were the same.
A new study published in mBio describes the unique relationship between diatoms and a newly identified species of marine bacteria. When diatom growth ceases, the bacteria become aggressive, releasing compounds that damage the algae and then feeding on them. In nutrient-rich environments, the bacteria can overcome the diatom's defenses.
A single-celled predator, Rapaza viridis, retains chloroplasts from prey algae and imports host-made proteins into them, revealing deeper levels of host–organelle integration. This process may have played a role in the emergence of plant cells.
A study from Michigan State University reveals that extreme weather can actually strengthen certain ecosystems, leading to increased productivity and resilience. The researchers found that phytoplankton species, which are crucial for removing carbon dioxide from the air, thrive when temperature fluctuations increase.
Researchers from Xiamen University have developed a new method to measure coral reef photosynthesis using passive acoustic technology. The study found that the rate of oxygen bubble formation varies systematically with seasons and environmental conditions, providing a way to track reef health and productivity. This non-invasive approac...
A 37-year study by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center found that cannibalism is the primary killer of juvenile blue crabs in mid-salinity waters. However, young crabs can escape predation by migrating to shallow waters, where they are safer from adult crabs and other predators.
Researchers discovered a freshwater alga that captures far-red light for photosynthesis by rearranging ordinary chlorophyll. This unique strategy allows the alga to thrive in shaded forests and murky waters, making it resilient in tough environments. The findings have practical implications for sustainable bioenergy production and may ...
Researchers used diffusion MRI to study the brains of seals, sea lions, and coyotes, finding a 'brain bypass' that allows for vocal flexibility. This discovery may hold the key to understanding the evolution of human language.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg measured carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in 23 mangrove areas, revealing global patterns in environmental stress. The study found that extreme conditions, including low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels, are becoming more frequent and severe, posing a threat to sensitive fish species.
A new study by Stockholm University researchers reveals distinct populations of Baltic Sea herring with varying levels of genetic adaptation to local conditions. The findings highlight the importance of genetic diversity in managing herring populations and suggest that current fishing practices may be detrimental to local populations.
Researchers observed finless porpoises in Ise Bay, Japan, interacting with adults beyond their mothers, challenging the long-held assumption of their solitary nature. Infants approach and swim alongside adults who are not their mothers, suggesting a potential weaker mother-calf bond compared to other species.
A Rutgers researcher finds bacteria accelerate calcium carbonate dissolution in shallow seas, potentially slowing carbon sequestration and influencing climate change. The discovery sheds light on the ocean's biological carbon pump and its future implications.
Coral reef fish exhibit breathtaking visual diversity due to evolutionary constraints, not chance. The study reveals that the more species a reef is home to, the more varied the colour patterns, and fish from different oceans often end up looking alike.
Scientists have captured rare footage of harbour porpoises gathering in unusually large groups and engaging in mating behaviour off the coast of Shetland. The study, led by Sophie Ariadne Francine Smith, provides a detailed record of harbour porpoise mating behaviour in UK waters.
Researchers in Oman have launched a pilot seaweed farm to evaluate the commercial feasibility of cultivating native seaweed species. The project aims to establish a scalable and sustainable blue-economy sector based on marine biotechnology and aquaculture innovation.
Research finds that humpback whales face a higher risk of getting entangled in fishing equipment during years with lower availability of cool-water habitat. The Habitat Compression Index can predict ocean conditions up to a year in advance, suggesting its potential as an early warning system for fishery management decisions.
Researchers successfully farmed Atlantic surfclams offshore in the open ocean, finding faster growth and higher survival rates than those farmed near shore. The study opens new doors for offshore aquaculture in New Jersey, promising a sustainable way to grow more seafood while supporting local jobs.
A SFU study found that warmer temperatures in the Arctic can cause malnutrition in seals, intensifying risks to Inuit food security and northern ecosystems. The research analyzed samples from 38 Arctic ringed seals and found high levels of persistent contaminants such as PCBs and mercury.
In 2025, global unprovoked shark bites returned to near-average levels, with a significant decrease in the United States. The country accounted for 38% of worldwide incidents, down from over 50% in recent years. Australia followed closely, with 32% of global bites and 56% of fatalities.
Neotropical otter study reveals 40 years of field data showing that otters aggregate environmental signals across time and space. The study highlights the critical Tropical Knowledge Gap in otter research, with 70% focusing on temperate species.
Scientists found that European lobsters reared in hatcheries with similar-sized mothers had better survival rates, suggesting a potential solution to genetic bottlenecks. The study's findings suggest that releasing more juveniles from hatcheries could harm wild lobster populations if not managed properly.
A new study suggests that releasing pollack closer to their natural catch depths can significantly improve their chances of survival. The research found that releasing fish at these depths can increase survival rates from 56% to over 80%. This could have a positive impact on the long-term sustainability of recreational pollack fisheries.