Articles tagged with Marine Biology
Researchers have discovered the unique walking mechanism of dynein, a critical motor protein in every cell. The 'drunken sailor' gait allows the protein to navigate obstacles while performing transport functions, potentially shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases.
Research on three-spined sticklebacks reveals that reoccurring infectious diseases influence the frequency of immune genes. This variability helps individuals resist diseases but poses a challenge for organ transplants. In contrast, the variation in human HLA alleles enhances mating choices by providing optimal gene combinations.
A University of Miami research team studied the larval stage of great barracuda and sennets, finding they share a similar diet and live in upper 25m ocean layer. The study identifies a size advantage within the larval stage, where bigger larvae are more likely to survive.
A new study shows that expanding 'ocean dead zones' driven by climate change is shrinking the useable habitat for blue marlin and other pelagic fish in the tropical northeast Atlantic Ocean. This compression of habitat due to low oxygen levels threatens the sustainability of these fisheries.
A new study by University of Miami researchers provides insights into the physical conditions and biological factors underlying white shark attacks on Cape fur seals. The study found that sharks use stealth and ambush tactics to stalk their prey, while seals employ unique techniques to detect and evade predators.
A new model combining biological data and fisheries catch records indicates that fishing in one side of the Atlantic Ocean affects the other. The study shows that eastern bluefin populations are declining due to high levels of fishing in the Mediterranean Sea, while western populations are also depleted. The model suggests that recover...
Expanding ocean dead zones driven by climate change reduce oxygen levels, forcing blue marlins and other billfish to surface waters where they are more vulnerable to fishing. This shift affects the long-term health of these species and their ecosystems.
Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine face mortality risks from a changing climate, including warmer ocean temperatures and increased predator populations. The study suggests that post-smolts are more likely to survive if they avoid areas with high predator densities.
Two species of deep-sea cephalopods have the ability to rapidly switch between transparency and a dull red color as optical conditions change, providing an adaptive camouflage strategy. This 'switchable' camouflage is highly advantageous for survival in the unique environment of the deep sea.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that small lake-dwelling fish follow simple yet effective rules when schooling together. By tracking individual fish and analyzing their interactions, the team identified key movements such as slowing down near others and turning to move towards neighbors.
A team of scientists led by Thomas E. DeCoursey discovered a gene in dinoflagellates that controls voltage-gated proton channels, found also in humans and other species, with bioluminescence and potential applications in controlling deadly red tides
Biologists at Florida State University devise novel method to replicate cell motility in vitro using worm sperm, revealing unprecedented insight into cell crawling mechanisms. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding human health and developing therapies to combat cancer.
The project, SCALER, aims to apply small-scale ecological experiments to understand the behavior of entire ecosystems and predict characteristics of stream networks. Researchers will conduct field work in Puerto Rico and use modeling to scale measurements up to regional and continental levels.
A newly developed method allows scientists to match compounds produced in the wild back to their genomic origins, revealing core structural details and biosynthetic pathways. This approach has the capability of changing the way natural products are discovered in nature, offering a paradigm shift in the field.
A three-year study led by FSU biologists is examining the conditions supporting the goliath grouper's population recovery in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The research aims to inform policy decisions on sustainable fishing levels, economic uses of marine resources, and conservation efforts.
Researchers have developed a new method to evaluate spatially and biologically distinct groups of marine turtles, identifying 11 out of 58 worldwide turtle regions as most at risk. The study highlights the need for targeted conservation efforts for these threatened populations.
Researchers at LSU and partners aim to sequence the genome of Atlantic killifish to discover genes supporting its high tolerance to pollutants. The study could advance understanding of genetic determinants of health and disease for both wild species and humans.
Researchers are sequencing the Atlantic killifish genome to understand how it tolerates pollutants and thermal extremes, providing insights into human impact on the earth and global warming. This study aims to accelerate our understanding of genetic determinants of health and disease in changing environments.
Research by Clemson University scientists found that up to 8% of certified Chilean sea bass are not from the South Georgia/Shag Rocks population, with some being labeled as other species entirely. The study highlights issues with the supply chain and eco-labeling of sustainably harvested seafood.
Researchers found that many eco-labeled Chilean sea bass sold in US groceries were not sustainably sourced from the recognized fishery off South Georgia. The study revealed genetic variations in the fish, indicating possible mislabeling and mixing with other species.
This special issue of the Biological Bulletin explores various regenerative processes in animals, shedding light on mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Researchers studied regeneration in sea lampreys, snails, and other animals to gain insights into their gene regulatory networks.
A massive Arctic wildfire released 20 times more carbon to the atmosphere than undisturbed tundra, accelerating the transformation of tundra ecosystems. The impacts could have profound implications on atmospheric carbon and climate as the Arctic landscape warms and shrubs appear in place of grasses and mosses.
The WHOI Ocean Science Journalism Fellowship program provides a one-week, residential experience for professional writers and producers to explore ocean research and its impact on climate change and human activities. Fellows gain access to new research findings and fundamental background information in various ocean disciplines.
Scientists at MBL are investigating how jellies interact with their surroundings, the impact of the Gulf oil spill on animal development, and how fish process sound. Researchers are using a new underwater video camera system to study jelly behavior, while also exploring the potential health effects of the oil spill.
A University of Exeter team monitored loggerhead turtles in the US Atlantic Ocean, finding they rarely leave the USA or continental shelf. The study highlights the value of satellite tracking for predicting migrations and directing conservation efforts.
A MBL study found that warming causes more nitrogen to become available to trees, allowing them to grow faster and store more carbon. This is a positive effect on carbon storage, but the overall impact of global warming on forest ecosystems will also depend on other factors such as water availability and atmospheric CO2 concentration
The Stevens Institute of Technology's Center for Science Writings awarded the 2010 book Storms of My Grandchildren by Dr. James Hansen the Green Book Award, recognizing its compelling call to action on global climate change. The award honors books that address environmental issues in a compelling way.
Researchers found that Antarctic icebergs enrich the Southern Ocean with iron-rich sediment, fertilizing microscopic algae that absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process transfers carbon into the deep sea, potentially impacting global climate models.
A team of scientists, led by Roger Hanlon and Naomi Halas, aims to emulate the camouflage ability of squid, octopus, and cuttlefish in high-tech materials. They will explore new avenues of vision research, including distributed light sensing throughout the skin.
Scientists at UC Santa Barbara are studying sea squirts to better understand the immune system's response to transplanted organs. By analyzing the sea squirt's cellular biology, researchers hope to find ways to 'tune' the body's immune response and prevent rejection of donated organs.
Research suggests that oxygen-depleted waters during the Neoproterozoic era, due to a global ice sheet, may have enabled the survival of early life forms. This harsh climate could have been a vital step in the evolution of animals.
A study led by University of Miami scientists successfully tracked a great hammerhead shark for 62 days, revealing its northeast journey from South Florida to the Atlantic Ocean. The shark's movement provides new insight into its migratory patterns and habitat use, shedding light on conservation efforts.
Researchers from Hebrew U. and US discovered how mercury gets into fish we eat by converting passive mercury to active form with bromine, a process found globally but more prevalent at Dead Sea due to high bromine levels.
Two Brown University scientists, Heather Leslie and Leila Sievanen, will discuss the importance of marine spatial planning, ecosystem-based management, and social science inclusion in managing the nation's oceans. Leslie will focus on understanding ocean ecosystems' resilience to variability and climate change, while Sievanen will high...
Outstanding Canadian researchers were awarded top science prizes for their groundbreaking work in AI, astronomy, and engineering. The awards recognize the research excellence and influence of prominent scientists such as Geoffrey Hinton and Victoria Kaspi.
A new microscopy technique developed at MBL allows scientists to see the spatial arrangement of up to 28 differently labeled microbes in a single field of view. This technique, called CLASI-FISH, reveals the spatial structure of microbial communities and enables faster and more accurate diagnosis of microbes.
Scientists have identified a protein pheromone produced by female squid that triggers aggression in male squid, with similarities to beta-microseminoproteins found in humans. The discovery sheds light on complex mating and egg-laying processes in squid.
The first crustacean genome has been sequenced, providing insights into the impact of environmental pollutants on freshwater ecosystems. Daphnia pulex, a tiny water flea, serves as an indicator species for detecting toxins and pollutants in the environment.
A study found that growing hypoxic zones are reducing oxygen-rich waters preferred by billfish and tuna. The shrinking habitat may lead to increased catches, giving a false impression of more abundant fish stocks.
Researchers found that global river networks are the source of at least 10% of human-caused nitrous oxide emissions to the atmosphere, three times the IPCC estimate. Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change and stratospheric ozone destruction.
The project aims to unlock the secrets of nature's best camouflage artists, specifically cephalopod skins, to create adaptive and responsive materials. The team will investigate light sensing and use it to regulate skin patterns, colors, and contrasts.
Researchers will use real-time and projected data, 3D simulation and visualization technology to model different conservation scenarios. The program aims to inform fisheries management plans and raise public awareness about ocean health.
A widely used biodiversity indicator in fisheries is found to be an ineffective guide to trends in marine ecosystems, according to a new study published in Nature. The researchers recommend more direct monitoring and the development of trend-detection methods to better assess the impacts of fishing on marine biodiversity.
Researchers found a wide range of biological activity, including microbes degrading hydrocarbons and fixing carbon, in the deepest layer of ocean crust. The discovery has significant implications for carbon storage and fixation, and may provide a new concept for reducing carbon emissions.
Chris Wood, a professor at McMaster University and University of Miami, is recognized for his immense impact on the field as a scientist and mentor. He has attracted over 100 postdocs and grad students to his labs, with many now holding faculty positions worldwide.
A University of Washington biologist has built 120 'condominiums' for Galapagos penguins in a bid to boost their dwindling numbers. The new nests, designed to provide shaded breeding grounds, were completed ahead of La Niña conditions that bring plentiful food to the penguins.
USDA-funded scientists in Hawaii have developed new fish feeds using discarded fish parts that can attract shrimp and boost their growth, similar to studies on Alaskan pollock and cod. Researchers are now refining these practical feeds for nutritional balance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety.
Researchers developed the FishSmart program to improve fisheries management, involving stakeholders in the decision-making process. The program resulted in more conservative harvest measures for king mackerel in the Southeast United States, protecting both commercial and recreational interests.
A new study reveals that fish shoals and krill swarms share a unique, irregular crystal-like shape across different locations. Researchers used multibeam sonar to record the three-dimensional structure of Antarctic krill swarms, finding a fixed surface area-to-volume ratio, similar to studies on fish from diverse locations.
Researchers used imaging mass spectrometry to map signaling molecules between organisms, discovering metabolites involved in bacterial cannibalism. SDP and SKF were found to be essential for identifying and killing genetically identical cells.
A recent study by Brown-MBL researchers estimates that reducing deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon state could lead to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that achieving a goal of 89% reduction in deforestation rates by 2020 would result in lower net emissions, with up to 6.3 billion metric tons of CO...
The University of Hawaii's School of Ocean Earth Science and Technology completed a three-year study of Sea Disposal Site Hawaii Number 5, finding over 2,000 munitions on the seafloor with no detected chemical agents or explosives. The investigation also found that sediment and water samples showed little influence from human activities.
Researchers have confirmed the nucleolinus's role in cell division by associating it with structures required for separation of chromosomes. The discovery provides insight into recent studies suggesting a critical role for the nucleolus in cell cycle regulation.
NOAA has selected Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, to lead a new research partnership, CIMEC, to study climate change and coastal ecosystems. The institute will focus on ecosystem-based management of fisheries and continue the longstanding work of JIMO in climate and ocean sciences.
Underwater gliders are being tested for tracking tagged fish in Alaska, providing a new method for scientists. The technology allows researchers to follow the movements of tagged fish over long distances and gather oceanographic information simultaneously.
Navrotsky's research reveals that particle size significantly affects the energy needed for oxidized reactions, with implications for applications such as hydrogen production and battery efficiency. The study sheds light on how nanoparticles react under different temperatures and conditions.
Researchers discovered sharks can detect small delays in odor detection to navigate, using bilateral detection to orient towards the strongest scent. This finding refutes previous theories on scent trail following and may lead to improved underwater robots for chemical leak detection.
Researchers compiled a comprehensive history of Arctic ice using sediment cores and proxy data, concluding that the current extent is at its lowest point for at least the last few thousand years. The study's findings suggest the volume of ice is shrinking much faster than its surface area, highlighting a troubling trend in climate change.
The University of Miami has been selected by NOAA to lead the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) in the southeastern US. The five-year partnership will focus on improving climate change research, hurricane modeling, and sustainable coastal development.
The MBARI AUV is equipped with 'gulper' samplers that can collect up to ten 1.8-liter water samples while traveling through the water or within an oil plume. The vehicle's AI software helps it map boundaries and take samples outside the plume.