Facing the heat
Researchers found that Kellet's whelk larvae are susceptible to developmental abnormalities and mortality at high temperatures, with half of hatchlings dying off at 27.6°C and veligers more resistant to defects at 24.9°C
Marine Biology
Articles tagged with Marine Biology
Chung-Ang University study unravels the role of DNA methylation in oceanic microbial communities
Researchers uncovered distinct DNA methylation profiles in ocean microbes, shedding light on population dynamics and interactions. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding pathogenicity and developing new approaches to monitoring environmental health.
Understanding polar species’ behavior to reduce risk of extinction: HKU Scientists discovered the southward migration of Arctic Ocean species during the last glacial period for the first time
Researchers identify two southward migration events of Arctic ostracods in the Last Glacial Period, revealing the impact of East Asian winter monsoon on marine ecosystems. The study's findings help understand Asian monsoon dynamics and their effects on polar species distribution, highlighting the risk of extinction under climate change.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 28, 2022
Global assessment by HKU Marine Scientists found that Oyster reef restoration rapidly increases marine biodiversity but increased restoration effort is needed to eliminate historical damage
HKU Marine Scientists found that oyster reef restoration rapidly increases marine biodiversity, with a 35% shortfall in species diversity and ecosystem services. The research suggests that long-term protection is needed to mature restored reefs into complex ecosystems.
California Academy of Sciences researchers reveal how extinct Steller’s sea cow shaped kelp forests
Researchers from the California Academy of Sciences developed a new modeling approach to understand how extinct species like the Steller's sea cow impact ecosystems. The study found that including the
Bioreactor keeps cell culture conditions under control
A new bioreactor system developed by KAUST scientists delivers gases to maintain physiological environments, reducing unpredictable shifts in cell growth. The system allows for more accurate and reproducible experiments in biomedical research.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLife Medicine·DateNov 27, 2022
How do microplastic particles differ across the Atlantic Ocean?
A new study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin found significantly higher levels of polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylic, and polyamide in the North Atlantic gyre compared to other offshore locations. Inshore areas exhibited a diverse range of polymers, possibly influenced by proximity to various plastic sources.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022
A changing sea floor
The Blob, an extreme marine heatwave that hit the Santa Barbara Channel from 2014–2016, has had a lasting impact on kelp forest communities. Six years later, researchers found that while some species have recovered, others have declined or been replaced by invasive bryozoans.
‘Nature’s Envelope’ – a simple device that reveals the scope and scale of all biological processes
The 'Nature's Envelope' is a simple model that depicts the scope and scale of biology by compiling information about all living organisms' processes. The model plots sizes of participants and durations of processes on a logarithmic grid, revealing broad S-shaped envelope encompassing half of decadal blocks.
California Academy of Sciences researchers produce first-ever ‘family tree’ for aquarium-bred corals
Researchers developed a pedigree for aquarium-bred corals, revealing relationships between individuals and identifying genetic differences. The study provides insights into maximizing genetic diversity and adaptability in corals bred for conservation, crucial for their resilience to threats like ocean warming and acidification.
SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2022
Octopuses caught on video throwing silt and shells around themselves and at each other
Researchers recorded gloomy octopuses throwing debris, with females accounting for 66% of throws. The behavior was often linked to social interactions or mating attempts.
Inside the genome of the world's weirdest octopus
A new study has revealed the genetic basis of argonaut octopus characteristics, including its unusual eggcase structure and adaptations for a pelagic lifestyle. The smallest known cephalopod genome was found in Argonauta argo, with significant differences in Hox gene arrangements and reflectin and tyrosinase gene clusters.
SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022
Rare fossil clam discovered alive
A small clam previously known only from fossils has been found living in the tidepools of Naples Point, California. Researchers identified the species as a new find after comparing fossil records and specimens.
Mixing up metabolism
A three-year experiment found that mixotrophs evolved to be less photosynthetic at higher temperatures, potentially increasing CO2 production and contributing to climate change. The study also suggests natural selection has a stronger effect on organisms with less flexible characteristics.
"Canaries on the Coast" - How coastal embayments increase hypoxia risk
Researchers found coastal embayments experience episodic hypoxic events and increased hypoxic conditions compared to open coastline. These areas are likely to be impacted by climate change and ecosystem changes.
SourceCalifornia Polytechnic State University·JournalEstuarine Coastal and Shelf Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 1, 2022
500 million year-old fossils reveal answer to evolutionary riddle
Scientists have discovered exceptionally well-preserved fossils in China that date back 514 million years, revealing the first animals to build hard and robust skeletons. The fossils show features characteristic of modern jellyfish and cnidarians, including a tubular structure made of calcium phosphate.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 1, 2022
Mystery behind comb jelly movement solved by newly discovered protein
Researchers have discovered a newly found protein, CTENO189, that controls the unique locomotion of comb jellies. The protein is essential for the rippling movement of their comb plates, which propels them through the water.
Offshore mussel farms could have wider environmental benefits
A new study found that offshore mussel farms can increase species abundance, including Atlantic horse mackerel and European lobster, on degraded seabed habitats. The research suggests that this practice could have wider environmental benefits, supporting the national and international Blue Growth agenda.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalAquaculture Fish and Fisheries·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022
Ocean heating will increase rainfall in east Asia, study suggests
A study published in Nature suggests that ocean heating in the western tropical Pacific will make the East Asian monsoon season wetter. The researchers found a correlation between increases in monsoonal rain in eastern China and the heat content of the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool over the past 360,000 years.
Parasite-laden fish choose to use sharks as back scratchers - but bite-sized fish are less likely to take the risk of being eaten!
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that large pelagic fish prefer using sharks as scratching surfaces for parasites. In contrast, smaller fish tend to avoid taking this risk due to the threat of predation, highlighting the adaptability of these species.
WWII shipwreck has leaked many pollutants into the sea, changing the ocean floor around it
A WWII shipwreck in the North Sea is leaking hazardous pollutants like explosives and heavy metals, influencing marine microbiology and geochemistry. The study found varying concentrations of toxic substances depending on distance from the wreck, with highest metal levels near the coal bunker.
Tiara Moore, CEO of Black in Marine Science, describes the journey to create the organization, its current activities, and the challenges that remain
The Black in Marine Science organization, founded by Tiara Moore, aims to increase diversity in the field. Despite its efforts, it still faces significant challenges, including a lack of representation among minority groups.
Native predatory fish help control invasive species in Hawaiian fishpond
Research found that native predatory fish like jacks and barracuda feed on Australian mullet, an invasive species introduced to Oahu waters. This shift in diet helps control the invasive mullet population, which competes with native fish for resources.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalAquaculture Fish and Fisheries·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022
The Ocean should be treated as a living entity with inherent rights, and Ocean-centered governance introduced to resolve crises and foster a more harmonious co-existence with humanity, advocate researchers at the Earth Law Center and elsewhere
Researchers advocate for ocean-centered governance to resolve crises and foster harmony with humanity. The Earth Law Center and other experts propose introducing rights to the ocean.
Study explores the potential for mechanical devices to clear the ocean of plastics
A new study evaluated the performance of a Seabin device in Plymouth, UK, finding it captured only 0.18kg of litter over 750 hours of operation. In contrast, manual trawls collected significantly more litter with minimal harm to marine life.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022
A new species of deep-sea fish discovered in the Atacama Trench
A new species of deep-sea fish has been discovered in the Atacama Trench, belonging to the genus Paraliparis. The small blue snailfish, named Paraliparis selti, is distinct from other hadal snailfishes due to its striking color and large eyes.
Video footage provides first detailed observation of orcas hunting white sharks in South Africa
A team of researchers has observed orcas killing white sharks in South Africa using drone and helicopter footage. The study provides the first direct evidence of this behavior, showing that orcas are capable of pursuing, capturing, and incapacitating white sharks.
Small eddies play a big role in feeding ocean microbes
Researchers have discovered that small eddies, swirling at the edges of massive ocean currents, are a key source of nutrients for phytoplankton. These nutrient-rich eddies help maintain healthy populations of phytoplankton, which are essential for carbon sequestration and mitigating climate change effects.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2022
Soft devices—powered by ‘stressed’ algae—glow in the dark when squished or stretched
The devices, made from a combination of stretchy material and dinoflagellate-infused culture solution, trigger light emission through mechanical stress. They can be recharged with sunlight and are maintenance-free, making them suitable for soft robots exploring dark environments.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022
Scientists reveal the true identity of a Chinese octopus
Researchers have identified a new-to-science species of octopus, Callistoctopus xiaohongxu, found in the southeast waters of China. The species has distinctive smooth skin and reddish-brown coloration, making it a significant discovery for cephalopod diversity in Chinese waters.
Global fish stocks can’t rebuild if nothing done to halt climate change and overfishing, new study suggests
A new study suggests that global fish stocks will not be able to recover to sustainable levels without strong actions to mitigate climate change and overfishing. Climate change has reduced fish stocks in 103 of 226 marine regions studied, including Canada, from their historical levels.
Corals pass mutations acquired during their lifetimes to offspring
Researchers found that corals can pass somatic mutations to their offspring, which increases genetic diversity and provides a potential route for evolutionary adaptation. The discovery challenges conventional wisdom on the role of reproductive cells in evolution.
Significant increase in freshwater entering Arctic Ocean through Bering Strait
Researchers confirm significant increase in freshwater entering the Arctic Ocean via the Bering Strait, leading to a decrease in saltiness and potential impacts on sea ice formation and regional ecosystems. This change could also affect climate-sensitive processes, such as deep water mixing in the North Atlantic.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2022
University of Guam conducts first coral genetics research on the Mariana Islands of Maug, Pagan, and Sarigan
The University of Guam is conducting a four-person research team's study on the genetics of corals from the Northern Mariana Islands to understand coral population connections, diversity, and adaptations. The study aims to identify potential reserves for declining reefs and assess the impact of warming waters.
Climate change predicted to reduce kelp forests’ capacity to trap and store carbon
Kelp forests, which sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon, may struggle to trap it due to accelerating decomposition rates in warmer waters. A study found that sea temperature has a strong influence on decomposition rates, with kelp fragments degrading more slowly in cooler waters.
Beach trash accumulates in predictable patterns on Washington and Oregon shores
Researchers analyzed 843 beach surveys to find that certain beaches and areas accumulate litter in predictable patterns. The study found that beaches with more organic flotsam tend to have more litter, and that litter on the outer coast shows a strong seasonal pattern.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2022
Burrowing crabs bring beneficial bacteria to mangroves
Researchers found that bioturbation by fiddler crabs increases soil pH and reduces salinity, creating a more hospitable environment for beneficial bacteria. These bacteria produce essential chemicals for iron trapping, improving mangrove plant growth.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateAug 11, 2022
New giant deep-sea isopod discovered in the Gulf of Mexico
A new species of Bathynomus, a type of deep-sea isopod, has been discovered in the Gulf of Mexico. The new species, B. yucatanensis, is around 26cm long and has unique features such as slender body proportions and longer antennae.
Legacy of ancient ice ages shapes how seagrasses respond to environmental threats today
Scientists discovered that ancient eelgrass migration and Pleistocene ice ages left lasting signatures in their DNA, impacting size, structure, and community composition. Genetic legacy played a stronger role than the present-day environment in determining these traits.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 1, 2022
Idoteas are the sea’s bees
A team of scientists has discovered that idoteas, tiny marine creatures, play a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of red algae by pollinating them. This unique interaction not only aids the alga's reproduction but also provides the idotea with food and shelter.
How ‘shark week’ could inspire love for ocean predators
A new study from North Carolina State University found that positive YouTube videos of sharks can increase human tolerance and support for shark conservation. The study showed a significant increase in attitudes, acceptance, and intentions to help sharks after watching positive videos compared to negative ones.
Going against the flow: Scientists reveal garden eels’ unique way of feeding
Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University found that garden eels retreat into their burrows to feed in strong currents, reducing drag on their body by 57%. Their feeding rate peaks at around 0.2 m/s, wider than free-swimming reef fish.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022
How nemo fits in his anemone: Study reveals how clown anemonefish adjust their growth to their environments
Clown anemonefish control their growth to match larger anemones, growing faster than fish on smaller anemones. This mutualistic interaction allows for optimized reproductive value in their environment.
Evolving to outpace climate change, tiny marine animal provides new evidence of long-theorized genetic mechanism
A tiny marine animal, copepod Eurytemora affinis, has evolved rapidly in response to declining ocean salinity due to climate change. The study found that certain genetic combinations of ion transporters were more likely to survive and thrive in freshwater environments.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022
Nuclear war would rewire the physical, biological and ecological states of oceans
A large-scale study by Rutgers researcher Alan Robock and colleagues found that even small nuclear wars would rewire the physical, biological, and ecological states of oceans. The study simulated a U.S.-Russia war and several smaller India-Pakistan wars, calculating the effects of atmospheric soot on ocean functions.
Mining's effect on fish warrants better science-based policies
A new study synthesizes the impact of metal and coal mines on salmon and trout in northwestern North America, revealing severe and long-lasting harm to watersheds and ecosystems. The research emphasizes the need for more complete and transparent science-based policies to inform mining governance.
Climate change in oceanwater may impact mangrove dispersal
Research suggests climate-driven changes in seawater density may disrupt mangrove dispersal patterns worldwide, particularly in the Indo-West Pacific region. The study, published in Nature Climate Change, highlights the importance of considering oceanic factors in understanding mangrove response to climate change.
How did vertebrates first evolve jaws?
Scientists studied embryonic development in fish and cartilaginous fish, revealing that the jaw shares a common developmental origin with the gill. The findings support the theory that the jaw evolved by modification of an ancestral gill, which was previously considered controversial.
Offshore wind farms expected to reduce clam fishery revenue, study finds
Two Rutgers studies project that offshore wind farms will reduce Atlantic surfclam catches by 3-15%, with losses reaching 25% in New Jersey. A spatially-explicit model, SEFES, predicts impacts on fishing behavior and revenue.
An amazing symbiotic relationship in the deep sea
A new species of sea anemone has been discovered off the coast of Japan, forming a symbiotic relationship with the hermit crab. The anemone attaches itself to the crab's shell using a hard shell-like secretion, while the crab taps and pinches the anemone to move it to its new shell.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalBiological Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2022
Sharks may be closer to the city than you think, new study finds
Researchers tracked shark movements near Miami's city limits, finding they spent significant time near lights and sounds. This suggests sharks may be drawn to shore by land-based activities like fish carcass discarding, potentially impacting their health and survival.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022
Kelp connecting Southern coasts – genomics reveals
A University of Otago-led study used genomic analysis to track the origins of kelp found on southeastern New Zealand beaches, revealing connections to South Georgia and Marion Island. Kelp rafts carry a variety of organisms across vast distances, influencing ecosystem dynamics.
Women leaders in marine science share how gender inequality impacts underfunded interdisciplinary work
Researchers surveyed 34 women leaders in marine science, finding that 70% thought interdisciplinary research was more challenging for them. They shared personal experiences of discrimination and suggested institutional encouragement, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs to address these inequities.
How electric fish were able to evolve electric organs
Researchers discovered how electric fish evolved electric organs by modifying a sodium channel gene. The finding highlights the potential for this genetic mechanism to contribute to human diseases. By studying electric fish, scientists can gain a better understanding of evolutionary processes and their applications in human health.
Ecology: Local environment and population demographics, not genetics, influence bottlenose dolphin ‘names’
New research reveals that bottlenose dolphin signature whistles are shaped by the local ocean environment and population demographics, not genetics. In Mediterranean populations, areas with seagrass yielded higher-pitched, shorter signature whistles compared to muddy sea bottoms.
Where do “Hawaiian box jellies” come from?
A team of University of Hawaii researchers found that the number of hours of darkness during the lunar cycle triggers mature Hawaiian box jellyfish to swim to shore to spawn. The study also revealed that jellies are likely to come from the lee of Diamond Head Crater, where they benefit from shelter and food.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRegional Studies in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022
'Traffic calming' boosts breeding on coral reefs
New research shows that motorboat noise disrupts parental behaviors in coral reef fish, but reducing noise levels improves breeding success. On quieter reefs, 65% of nests contained offspring, compared to 40% on busy reefs. The study suggests that acoustic sanctuaries can help build resilience on coral reefs.
Two pathogens linked to salmon health and survival
Researchers identified Tenacibaculum maritimum, a bacterium causing ulcerative disease, and piscine orthoreovirus (PRV), a virus causing disease in Pacific salmon worldwide. The study links PRV to negative impact on wild Pacific salmon survival in B.C.
Study finds why baby leatherback marine turtles can’t ‘see the sea’
Researchers found that baby leatherback hatchlings are less sensitive to light than loggerheads, leading to circling behavior and delayed ocean entry. This difference may be an adaptation for detecting prey or habitats in the open ocean.
Seafloor animal cued to settle, transformed by a bacterial compound
A new study published in PNAS reveals that a specific bacterial compound, lipopolysaccharide, induces larval marine tubeworms to settle on the seafloor and undergo metamorphosis. The discovery offers hope for coral reef restoration, mariculture, and biofouling prevention.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2022