Articles tagged with Marine Biology
New research reveals that sharks rely on both olfactory systems and lateral lines to track odor sources, particularly in dark waters. This discovery sheds light on animal navigation underwater and has implications for the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
Researchers at Bigelow Laboratory have developed a new approach to studying marine microbes, allowing for the analysis of individual unicellular organisms. The method, which uses fluorescence-activated sorting and multi-locus DNA sequencing, enables the study of metabolic capabilities and identities of uncultured microbial taxa.
The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and the University of Washington (UW) have been awarded multimillion-dollar contracts to support the development and operations of the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). The OOI will establish a network of interactive, globally distributed sensors in the ocean, providing real-time data ...
A recent study reveals that sediments in New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain are contaminated with fecal microbes, which persisted before the hurricanes and continue to impact water quality. The researchers recommend further investigation into the risks of exposure to human pathogens through contact with these sediments.
Conservation efforts in US and Mexico may be increasing loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles visiting UK waters. The research team attributes the increase to protective measures, such as turtle excluder devices in fishing nets.
A study by the University of Exeter found an increase in loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles in UK and French waters over the last twenty years. Protective measures in US and Mexican waters are believed to be the reason for this rise.
Researchers found that fish in schools escape using a relatively fixed chronological order, indicating a potential leadership structure. This study was conducted at the International Marine Centre in Sardinia, Italy, and will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society for Experimental Biology.
A new study using global ocean samples has revealed a vast array of microbial diversity, with the largest genomic dataset ever compiled. This massive data set includes over 6 billion base pairs of genetic material from marine microbes, which have been classified into thousands of distinct families.
Researchers have confirmed that cuttlefish employ night camouflage to adapt quickly to microhabitats on temperate rock reefs. The ability is key to their nighttime predator/prey interactions and fine-tuned visual system, allowing them to dominate the dark environment.
A team of scientists has confirmed the existence of an enigmatic billfish species, the roundscale spearfish, which overlaps with the distribution of the white marlin. The discovery raises concerns about the true numbers of threatened white marlin populations and suggests that recent population assessments may have been overestimated.
Commercially prized deep-sea fish are severely threatened by over-fishing and low reproductive success due to long lifespans, while technological advances have made targeting them easier.
A new plan aims to consolidate Arctic research into a global observation network to better understand its changing climate and environment. The network would link together land, ocean, atmosphere, and human dimensions, providing a comprehensive view of the Arctic system.
A new ergonomic backpack has been invented by using rubber bands to reduce the effects of heavy loads on shoulders and joints. The design allows users to carry 12 more pounds in the suspended backpack than in a traditional backpack.
Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution successfully anticipated and chronicled a seafloor eruption along the global mid-ocean ridge, providing a rare opportunity to observe what happens in the immediate aftermath of an event. The study has added substantially to our understanding of how mid-ocean ridges work.
Research reveals a link between cosmic rays and fluctuations in Earth's biosphere productivity, with star formation rates influencing cloud cover and climate. Cosmic radiation affected biological productivity through its influence on cloud formation, leading to higher productivity during cold periods.
Researchers analyzed ocean water samples from four regions, identifying over 91% new DNA sequences not present in existing databases. The study found that regional differences in geography and environment select for distinct viral communities.
Researchers at Brown University have identified a peptide that can spur cargo transport in nerve cells, shedding light on the complex intracellular transport system inside nerve cells. The discovery could help scientists better understand nerve cell function and test possible therapies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Researchers aim to develop a laser fluorometer that detects multiple target pigments, distinguishing between different types of algae in turbid coastal waters. The tool will characterize microalgal populations rapidly and easily, helping to identify potentially harmful species during red tides.
A new study confirms that sea lice from fish farms are a major threat to wild salmon, with up to 95% of juveniles killed by infestation. The research found an increasing number of salmon deaths over the migration season, highlighting the severe impact of large-scale aquaculture.
Researchers from MBL found anatomical evidence of a 'hidden communication channel' in squid skin, which remains masked during camouflage. The study suggests that squid may use polarized signals to convey information about their surroundings, including the presence of predators or other squid.
A new analysis of 50 years of changes in freshwater inputs to the Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic reveals that freshwater increases from Arctic Ocean sources are highly linked to a fresher North Atlantic. The study, published in Science, suggests that changes in climate and atmospheric dynamics may be driving this trend.
A new study by University of Southern California researchers reveals that most bacteria species are predictable and follow specific conditions. By understanding these patterns, scientists can improve models for ocean change, providing a more accurate prediction of how the oceans will evolve.
A fleet of underwater robots will work together to make detailed observations of the ocean without human aid. The project has potential implications for ocean forecasting, marine conservation, and exploration of other environments.
The University of Liverpool has secured a £2.5M investment to enhance its marine biology research and facilities, including a new mesocosm system and research vessel. This expansion will support the creation of seven new academic posts and introduce new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
A new study reveals that the green crab's expansion in Canada is being driven by multiple invasions, with biologists uncovering cryptic invasions of zebra mussels and brown algae. These invasive species are spreading rapidly, causing devastating effects on Canadian waterways.
Researchers from the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) have detected five unique RNA sequences associated with centrosomes, which play a key role in cell division. These findings may shed light on the complex process of cell division and its relationship to cancer research.
Researchers have discovered RNA in the cellular centrosome of surf clams, which may be related to structure, protein encoding, and organism development. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer development and progression.
A new study provides an explanation for continental plate breakups, showing that they often occur along preexisting lines of weakness created during earlier collisions. The research uses geochemical fingerprinting to demonstrate this principle, shedding light on the history of the Rheic Ocean.
A new study led by Seth Bordenstein found that the WO-B virus interferes with Wolbachia's ability to cause cytoplasmic incompatibility, reducing bacterial growth. The research may aid in controlling insect-borne diseases and could pave the way for future strategies to control these diseases.
The Large Pelagics Research Center has awarded $1 million in grants to researchers studying highly migratory species. The grants will support projects on bluefin tuna, porbeagle sharks, leatherback turtles, and ocean sunfish.
A new study has quantified the role of mycorrhizal fungi in nitrogen cycling for the first time using a mass balance approach. The researchers found that 61-86% of the nitrogen in plants at an Arctic site entered through fungal symbionts, shedding light on the importance of these organisms in arctic tundra ecosystems.
Research papers highlight the influence of Himalayan topography on monsoon rainfall and reveal self-gravity wakes in Saturn's A ring. Additionally, studies show complex ion chemistry on Titan's nightside and suggest ammonia ions in Titan's ionosphere.
Biologists observed sea slug navigation, feeding, mating, and egg-laying behavior, shedding light on its complex nervous system. The study confirms that many wild behaviors are similar to laboratory observations, providing new insights into sensory systems and neural controls.
Researchers used neodymium isotopes in tiny fish teeth to date the Drake Passage opening and confirm it was earlier than previously thought, potentially contributing to Antarctica's cooling. The circumpolar current isolated the continent from warm waters, leading to upwelling of cold water and growth of algae that consumed carbon dioxide.
Researchers found that salmon can thrive on diets with up to 75% canola oil, meeting essential omega-3 fatty acid needs. This shift reduces contaminant accumulation and increases cost-effectiveness in aquaculture.
Researchers have created a neural implant that can remotely control shark movements and decode their emotions. The technology has potential applications in understanding animal behavior, boosting research into paralysis, and even using sharks as stealth spies.
Researchers used mathematical modeling tools to document the spread of sea lice from commercial salmon farms to wild Pacific salmon. The study found that a single farm could lead to a massive increase in parasite load, affecting the health of young fish.
A study published by University of California, San Diego researchers suggests that climate change may be a key factor in the evolution of larger body size in certain animal species. The study found that deep-sea ostracodes increased in size as global ocean temperatures cooled over 40 million years.
A comprehensive update of E. coli K-12 genes has been published, providing a centralized resource for the scientific community. The project, led by MBL scientists, aims to improve understanding of gene function and accelerate laboratory work.
Biologists at Georgia Tech found a strong negative linear relationship between genome size and effective population size in 1,043 species of fish. This suggests that larger genomes may evolve due to reduced genetic variation, not as an adaptation.
Researchers at Harvard University have discovered a way to create stable, non-spherical bubbles by coating particles on the surface of the bubbles. The 'armor' of particles supports unequal stresses, allowing for unique shapes such as peapods and donuts.
Vorticella's contractile fiber bundle, the spasmoneme, uses calcium as fuel and a powerful centrin-based mechanism to generate enormous forces. Researchers identified centrin as the key component, which is also found in filamentous structures of other organisms.
Marine biogeochemists have shown that microbes degrading organic carbon respond differentially to temperature changes, affecting organic matter breakdown efficiency. This finding suggests that global climate change could influence the efficiency of organic carbon recycling and burial.
Researchers discovered that two proteins in HDLs work synergistically to kill the Nagana parasite in humans. This finding contradicts a long-held hypothesis and provides new information for treatments of parasitic infections like malaria.
The Squid Genome Project aims to identify genes in squid that are essential for understanding debilitating neurological diseases. Researchers hope that this information will aid in the development of new treatments and therapies.
John Hobbie, a renowned marine biologist, is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work on decomposition and productivity in aquatic ecosystems. With over 40 years of research experience, he has made significant contributions to our understanding of estuaries and coastal ecosystems.
Experts from the American Institute of Biological Sciences assess dredge-and-fill programs to protect coastlines, highlighting flaws in current practices. The studies aim to identify areas for improvement and promote more effective ecological monitoring.
Researchers have invented a backpack that converts mechanical energy from walking into electricity, generating up to 7.4 Watts of power. The Suspended-load Backpack can power various devices simultaneously, reducing the need for heavy replacement batteries.
Research reveals bdelloid rotifers' unique ability to evolve without sex lies in their efficient handling of DNA transposons. These 'junk DNA' snippets are often a burden for species that reproduce asexually, but bdelloids handle them with relative ease.
A Rutgers University-led consortium found Amchitka seafood to be safe for now due to low levels of radionuclides. The study provides a baseline for future testing and aims to reassure subsistence fishermen and commercial fishing interests in the region.
The US National Science Foundation has awarded the highest national honor to 20 young researcher-educators who have made significant contributions to science and engineering. These award recipients will lead the nation in these fields, inspire students, and promote diversity in STEM education.
Scientists have discovered a new underwater volcano near Samoa, dubbed Nafanua, which has rapidly formed since its last expedition in May 2001. The volcano's growth rate averages eight inches per day, and researchers found an unusual biological community of eels inhabiting the area.
Scientists have uncovered a submarine volcano growing in the summit crater of another larger underwater volcano, Vailulu'u. A unique hydrothermal community of hundreds of slithering eels was found surrounding the eruption site.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography has been awarded a 10-year contract to manage the International Ocean Drilling Program's Site Survey Data Bank, transforming it into an interactive tool for researchers. The new system will support proposal reviews and operations at sea with cutting-edge data.
The study highlights substantial risks of farm salmon escapes into the North Atlantic and other regions, threatening native fish populations. Escapes lead to interbreeding, loss of fitness, and genetic diversity, as well as parasite transmission to wild stocks.
A study by researchers from Stanford University and the Monterey Bay Aquarium found that Atlantic bluefin tuna have a complex migratory life cycle, with two distinct populations in the western and eastern Atlantic. Tighter restrictions on commercial fishing are needed to protect their feeding and breeding grounds.
A Royal Society study found that Antarctic fish can compensate for the initial negative impact of elevated temperatures and regain their original performance levels despite being several degrees warmer. The study suggests that rising temperatures do not necessarily have a long-term negative impact on biodiversity.
The Aldo Leopold Leadership Program has moved to Stanford University and awarded new fellowships to 19 environmental scientists in 2005. The fellows will receive training on communicating environmental science to policymakers, media, business leaders, and the public.
A study found that individual transferable quotas decreased discard rates for most species, contrary to economic models. In British Columbia waters, the system reduced marketable fish discards to negligible amounts due to 100% observer coverage. The US West Coast fishery, however, experienced higher discard rates despite trip limits.
The study found that one gene, Eda, controls the armor-plating trait in stickleback fish, which evolved rapidly after ocean fish colonized new environments. This suggests that evolution can occur quickly with just a few genes changing slightly, allowing newcomers to adapt and populate new habitats.