Articles tagged with Marine Biology
HHMI has awarded $10.4 million to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and $8.2 million to Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) to support graduate courses spanning biological disciplines and computational sciences. The grants will support high-quality courses that significantly impact participants' careers.
A large study of 779 mother-infant pairs found no association between prenatal mercury exposure and impaired neurodevelopment. Despite finding two tests associated with exposure, the results were likely due to chance, suggesting that current fish consumption levels are probably safe during pregnancy.
The study reveals that industrial fishing has reduced the resource base to less than 10% globally, threatening entire communities of large fish species. The authors urge international collaboration to restore fisheries and marine ecosystems to healthy levels, highlighting the need for action on a global scale.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed new tools to study the near-shore environment, including remote sensing and genetic analysis. By analyzing chemical signals in growing skeletons and genetic differences among populations, scientists can track the movement of marine animals and understand barriers to dispersal.
A new study in Science finds a progressive increase in Arctic river discharge, which could reduce the Atlantic thermohaline circulation and impact global climate. The research also shows a correlation between increased discharge and global surface air temperature and North Atlantic Oscillation.
A URI biologist will monitor salt marshes in national parks for long-term ecosystem changes, enabling resource managers to anticipate detrimental changes and design management strategies. The study sites were selected based on aerial photography, field visits, and interviews with park staff.
Dr. Jennifer Specker's three-year grant researches how cortisol and thyroid hormones regulate stomach development in summer flounder, a process influenced by environmental changes. The study aims to understand the relationship between fish, environment, and climate change.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University are refining computerized navigation and control systems for deep-sea robots. The new testing facility allows researchers to fine-tune the system, which enables precise positioning and movement of underwater vehicles.
Researchers studying walleye fish in Minnesota waterways find high levels of estrogenic chemicals, linked to reproductive changes. Meanwhile, Puerto Rico aquaculture projects test new offshore cages to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable fisheries.
Peter Rensberger has been recognized with the American Chemical Society's James T. Grady-James H. Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public. The award aims to promote outstanding reporting that fosters a public understanding of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields.
A Princeton-led study found that 62% of marine iguanas on a Galapagos island died within a year after an oil spill. The researchers believe that beneficial microorganisms in the iguana's guts were killed by the oil, leading to their deaths.
Researchers used a large database of ecological information to analyze over 100 animal populations in the wild. They found that generalist feeding organisms exhibit short cycle periods, typically four times as long as an animal's lifespan, while those that feed on one species have longer cycles.
A team of scientists from the University of Rhode Island and several institutions will develop new models to predict the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems. The Partnership for Advancing Interdisciplinary Global Modeling (PARADIGM) aims to create global ocean models that can predict future states of the ocean.
Daniel Crawford's research focuses on studying the structure and properties of large chiral molecules, such as amino acids, to predict experimental data. His proposed work aims to speed up the synthesis of natural products with biological importance.
A Virginia Tech engineer is developing advanced control systems for unmanned underwater vehicles to perform complex maneuvers, such as evasive actions and tracking El Niño boundaries. His research aims to create protected controls mechanisms for long-duration autonomous operations in the ocean.
Researchers found that the catch of key food species has decreased by over half, despite increased fishing effort. The impact has undermined the ocean's ability to sustain further catches, with invertebrates replacing large predatory fishes at the top of marine food webs.
A new study reveals that the catch of food fish species in the North Atlantic has decreased by more than half over the last fifty years, despite a tripling in fishing effort. This decline is attributed to the increasing pressure on marine ecosystems, leading to reduced productivity and mass extinctions among large predatory fish.
Researchers have developed a uniform methodology to measure carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus levels in estuaries, revealing the relative health of coastal waters. The data show that some estuaries, like Tokyo Bay, have significantly higher nutrient loads than others, such as the Chesapeake Bay.
A new report identifies knowledge gaps in Central American flora, particularly among fungi and mosses. The Mesoamerican and Caribbean Herbarium Network, which holds over one million plant specimens, is a key resource for future discovery.
A study published in Nature magazine found that ignoring leap year can lead to a 10% statistical bias in predicting the arrival of spring, with trends being overestimated. The researcher emphasizes the importance of using accurate data to predict climate change and highlights the need for corrections.
A study published in Nature reveals that global fisheries catch has been declining steadily since the late 1980s, with vast over-reporting by China contributing to a false picture of ocean health. The study's authors warn that flawed data has led to complacency and unwise investment decisions.
The researchers are studying the otolith - the ear bone of the bluefin tuna - to see why its numbers have been dwindling for 25 years. By analyzing the layering of the otolith, they can determine the age of the fish and its nursery areas.
Scientists discover the lower Hudson River estuary is slowly cleaning itself due to tidal forces, storms, rain, and spring runoff stirring up polluted sediment. The process transforms contaminants into less toxic forms, allowing them to be released out to sea.
The Nenana Ice Classic provides a consistent and accurate dataset on river ice breakup timing, showing spring is coming earlier due to climate change. Researchers can use this historical record to analyze the effects of global warming on natural systems.
A study by researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute exposes the potential biological impacts of deep-sea carbon sequestration on marine ecosystems. Decreased pH can lead to metabolic suppression, inhibiting growth and reproduction in sensitive organisms.
The study found that both fisheries harvest squid at the same stage of life, with two main spawning periods. The data suggest that conservation efforts need to be jointly pursued for both fisheries to maintain the spawning cycle.
A recent study found that warmer water temperatures in Narragansett Bay result in 10-16% fewer winter flounder larvae surviving to the metamorphosis stage. The increase in temperature also affects the availability of food for higher-level organisms, leading to increased predation rates.
Global change poses significant environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion. Scientists urge immediate action to address these issues, as human activities are transforming the Earth's environment at an unsustainable rate.
Texas A&M researchers Tom Whitworth and Alex Orsi are designing a customized cyber-atlas for the Southern Ocean, combining historical and recent data to generate tailored maps. The atlas will utilize WOCE data to establish a global ocean baseline for studying decadal variability.
Scientists have developed a unique way to study elephant seals using tiny sensing devices attached to their coats. These devices provide valuable information on sea temperatures and pressure, even at depths not normally reached by research ships or satellite sensing.
Jonathan Scheuer, pioneer in marine natural products research, is being honored for his work on developing treatments for incurable diseases. His research has led to the discovery of compounds like Kahalalide F, a potential cancer treatment.
Scientists have found that the tropical Pacific Ocean played a key role in driving past ice ages, cooling by at least 3 degrees Celsius during each of the last five ice ages. This discovery challenges the long-held theory that high latitude and North Atlantic processes were the primary drivers of climate change.
Researchers have found a previously unknown oxygen-isotope signature in sulfate minerals on Earth, altering the understanding of the anomaly's origin. The discovery provides a new window into the Earth's ancient atmosphere and its cycling processes.
Two conferences will be held to present scientific findings on ocean issues, including fisheries, pollution, health, and gas hydrates. The events aim to develop a policy agenda for the US and internationally, with keynote speakers like Robert Ballard and Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Researchers at Brown University and the Marine Biological Laboratory have observed herpes simplex virus traveling from nerve endings to nerve cell bodies within living nerve cells. The discovery of a single transport mechanism could lead to better treatment options for potentially lethal viral infections.
Scientists discover a 1,800-year tidal cycle that matches recent climate change, suggesting a natural warming trend began a hundred years ago. The study suggests strong oceanic tides drive changes in climate by increasing vertical mixing, resulting in cooler climates and drought conditions.
A new MIT study analyzes the economic and atmospheric impacts of the Kyoto Protocol, showing that controlling multiple gases can greatly reduce costs. The research indicates flaws in the protocol's 'yardstick' for comparing greenhouse gases, highlighting the need for an integrated systems approach to mitigate climate change.
Researchers successfully eliminated an invasive South African worm that was causing deformed shells and stunted growth in California's abalone. By removing susceptible snails and using the 'epidemic threshold of transmission theory,' they were able to break the parasite's cycle, offering a new glimmer of hope for conservation efforts.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered a unique protein-based adhesive that explains the abalone shell's exceptional fracture resistance. This 'biological rubber' helps maintain its structure by releasing sacrificial links that break before the whole molecule, providing both strength and elasticity.
USGS scientists will present findings on prehistoric earthquakes, seismic hazards, and the structure of the Seattle basin. The presentations will provide insights into the probabilities for future earthquakes in the Seattle area and the current seismic hazards of the Pacific Northwest.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $1.32 million to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory to support advanced courses in molecular biology, neuroscience, and structural biology. The institution will also construct a new teaching laboratory and provide scholarships for scientists worldwide.
The US Navy's USS HAWKBILL is conducting a five-week scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean as part of SCICEX 99. The mission aims to examine geophysical, chemical, and biological properties of the Arctic Ocean, including mapping its poorly-charted floor.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has awarded the Eugen- and Ilse-Seibold Prize to Hans-Joachim Queisser and Yasuo Tanaka for their contributions to scientific studies in Japan and Germany. The prize promotes understanding between the two countries through fellowships and project funding.
Dr. Gerardo Vasta will discuss diseases in the ocean, including parasitic diseases affecting shellfish and fish species, which can harm human health and the environment. He will also highlight the importance of developing accurate probes for detection and monitoring of pathogens.
This book provides a thorough understanding of marine fish culture, including commercial production statistics, water treatment, rearing units, and nutrition for various species. With over 4,000 references, it is an essential resource for researchers, educators, and aquaculture professionals.
The University of Florida is part of a virtual Astrobiology Institute studying the origin and evolution of life in the galaxy. Chemists are searching for universal DNA features that could be found in potential Martian life, which may help overcome the difficulty of recognizing non-terrestrial life.
A geologist suggests that a comet impact that wiped out the dinosaurs may also be responsible for giant boulders found in Arkansas. The rocks were likely carried inland by a tsunami wave from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.
The AAAS Annual Meeting brings together over 800 scientists and engineers to discuss groundbreaking research in various fields, including medicine, astronomy, and physics. Notable sessions cover topics like the influence of diet on breast cancer and the latest discoveries in astronomy.
A new volume of research explores the physical processes and interactions of Antarctic sea ice, shedding light on its differences from Arctic sea ice. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to understanding this complex environment, which is sensitive to climate change.
The American Geophysical Union Spring Meeting will feature presentations on earthquake hazards, ocean science, and Mars research. Scientists will discuss recent discoveries and share insights on natural restoration of contaminated aquifers.
Researchers at University of Washington identify decades-long climate shift in Pacific Ocean called PDO, influencing US West Coast ocean temperatures, winters, and salmon harvests. The current positive phase explains recent record highs in Alaska salmon and wetter winters in the South.
Researchers have identified the precise mechanism by which marine algae produce DMSP, a compound that helps clouds form in the atmosphere. This discovery could lead to genetically engineered crops with improved drought, freeze, and salt tolerance, potentially regulating global climate.
At the Seattle Science Meeting, USGS researchers will present on various topics including Martian exploration, integrated watershed studies, and geochemical backgrounds in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. The meeting features several presentations by renowned scientists, including Dr. Michael Carr and Dr. David Howell.
Researchers discovered a cycle of strong and weak trade winds that triggered massive iceberg armadas across the North Atlantic during the last ice age. The study found a suborbital rhythm of 8,400 years in the strength of tropical winds, which governed the melting of massive ice sheets in the Northern Hemisphere.
Scientists found evidence of periodic changes in equatorial trade winds and warm tropical waters, which warmed the North Atlantic region and triggered melting along massive ice sheets. The research links climate phenomena at the top and middle of the globe, proposing a mechanism involving the release of warm water pools.
Sea Grant researchers are exploring various strategies to mitigate shipworm damage, a significant threat to marine ecosystems. The study aims to develop effective methods for reducing this type of damage and promoting sustainable coastal management.