Articles tagged with Marine Life
The 2013-2014 sea star wasting epidemic had a significant impact on the Oregon coast population, with up to 80% of sea stars dying during the outbreak. However, by spring 2015, the population was recovering in numbers, with study sites having up to 300 times as many new sea stars as in 2014.
A team of engineers and marine biologists at the University of California, San Diego, developed a claw-like device based on the sea urchin's mouthpiece to sample sediments on other planets. The device uses five curved teeth with triangle-shaped tips that can scrape, cut, chew, and bore holes into tough rocks.
A study suggests that setting aside at least 30 percent of the ocean for protection could have numerous benefits for conservation, fisheries, and other stakeholders. The research found a surprising consensus among previous studies on an ambitious target for ocean protection.
An international team of scientists has collected unprecedented rock samples from the shallow mantle of the ocean crust that bear signs of life and unique carbon cycling. The discovery may provide insights into how life developed on Earth and potentially exist elsewhere in the Universe.
Researchers found that arsenic concentrations in ancient oceans varied greatly over time, coinciding with the rise and fall of atmospheric oxygen and global glaciations. This suggests that ocean toxicity played a significant role in shaping the evolution of complex life on Earth.
A new study reveals that female leatherback sea turtles choose nest sites based on sand pH and conductivity levels, with slightly higher pH and milder conductivity being preferred. This knowledge will aid in protecting the species' nesting habitat and boost ecotourism incentives.
A newly discovered fossil sea urchin has been found in Texas, pushing the evolution of this type of sea urchin back by 10 million years to the Roadian age. The discovery provides valuable insights into the processes that occur during major evolutionary changes.
Tropical Cyclone 03A formed on October 10 and weakened to a remnant low pressure area by October 12. NASA's Terra satellite captured visible images of the storm as it developed.
Researchers tracked gene expression in healthy and sick sea stars, finding strong evidence of an immune response at the genetic level. The study provides new insights into how sea stars fight off the virus, with potential implications for understanding environmental conditions that contribute to disease.
A new study reveals that ocean warming and oxygen loss will significantly impact marine life productivity, leading to a decline in species diversity. The researchers have developed a metabolic index to predict climate-related changes in geographic range and productivity for various species.
A mass mortality event affected millions of purple sea urchins and tiny sea stars along a 62-mile stretch of Northern California coast. The study suggests that long-term population and ecosystem consequences are expected as these species play key roles in maintaining tide pool balance.
A new study suggests that fencing in dryland ecosystems may disrupt migration pathways and reduce wildlife populations. Conservationists are calling for policies to evaluate the effectiveness of fences in protecting wildlife and balancing human interests.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that neuropeptide molecules in humans and insects share a common origin, linking anxiety and molting processes across species. The study used sea urchins as an evolutionary link between these disparate functions.
Scientists discovered that elemental carbon became a key construction material for certain marine organisms, such as agglutinated foraminifers and worm tubes, after the devastating Permian-Triassic extinction event. The high influx of carbon into the ocean environment was linked to volcanic activity and coal combustion.
Research found oxygen-depleted conditions and hydrogen sulfide poisoning in the Panthalassic Ocean during the end-Triassic mass extinction. The study provides direct evidence of anoxic and euxinic conditions affecting food chains, highlighting the potential consequences of rising CO2 levels on marine ecosystems.
Researchers measured the unseen toll of environmental stress on living creatures, finding they can increase metabolic energy by over 200% without showing signs. The study uses a sea urchin model organism to demonstrate how organisms cope with climate change by reallocating their 'metabolic budget'.
A new study at MIT reveals the secret to the iconic Cremonese violins' powerful sound: elongated f-holes and thicker back plates. Researchers found that makers may have inadvertently crafted these features, as small errors in craftsmanship led to evolutionary changes.
Nordic scientists emphasize the need for collaborative approach to address complex ocean changes. The region's oceans are highly sensitive to environmental shifts, with increased temperatures, acidification, and retreating sea ice posing significant challenges.
Researchers found a strong association between sea turtle nesting sites and subtle shifts in the Earth's magnetic field. Turtles pack themselves along shorter stretches of coastline when magnetic signatures diverge, and lay eggs fewer and farther between.
A new report by UCSB researchers highlights the alarming rate of marine animal extinctions, driven by industrial activities such as factory farming and seafloor mining. Climate change is also degrading marine habitats, posing a significant threat to ocean wildlife.
A rare 520 million-year-old fossil shaped like a 'squashed bird's nest' has been discovered in China, providing new insights into life in ancient seas. The fossil, Nidelric pugio, is a probable 'chancelloriid', a group of bizarre, balloon-shaped animals with defensive spines.
A GPS-collar study found that leopards stay surprisingly close to homes and can thrive in human-dominated areas, depending on resources. The study's findings suggest that leopards are not always 'stray' or 'conflict' animals but residents, requiring policy makers to rethink conservation strategies.
A new study shows that citizen science projects contribute to direct impacts on conservation, including shift in formal professions, initiation of new organizations, and influencing social circles towards the cause. Volunteer participation has also been found to increase knowledge and concern for wildlife rooted in science.
A new virus, Sea Star Associated Densovirus (SSaDV), has been identified as the cause of a widespread disease affecting sea stars along the Pacific Coast. The study found that the virus was present in museum specimens dating back to 1942 and had likely existed at low levels for over 72 years.
A new plant species, Dorstenia luamensis, is threatened by cattle ranches and forest destruction following a 50-kilometer mapping error. The reserve's borders were incorrectly placed on maps, putting the unique plant and its biodiversity, including chimpanzees, at risk.
A team of researchers has discovered a novel digestive strategy in shipworms, which could be a game-changer for the industrial production of clean biofuels. The study found that shipworms use enzymes made by symbiotic bacteria stored in their gills to break down wood for nutrition.
Scientists have discovered evidence for a massive mountain range that thrived 600 million years ago, supporting an explosion of life on Earth. The Himalayan-scale range was eroded intensely, releasing nutrients into the oceans that allowed life to flourish.
Researchers found that warm oceans had significantly lower oxygen levels during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, leading to widespread deoxygenation. This discovery could help scientists better understand climate change impacts on marine life.
A new study suggests that electrofishing can effectively remove non-native Brook Trout from small Rocky Mountain streams, preserving native Westslope Cutthroat Trout populations. The method involves using electrical shock to target and remove specific unwanted species, reducing impacts on native fish and macro-invertebrates.
A long-term laboratory experiment showed that young sea stars grow more slowly and eat less in acidic conditions, even after a prolonged acclimation period. The study suggests that young sea stars may not adapt to the effects of ocean acidification, potentially affecting entire ecosystems.
A new study found that in India's human-dominated landscapes, leopards primarily feed on domestic dogs (39%) and domestic cats (15%), rather than livestock. This is due to the relative accessibility of dogs, which are often allowed to roam freely.
A new peer-reviewed paper by the Wildlife Conservation Society suggests that all ivory markets must be closed to conserve Africa's elephant populations. The paper argues that corruption and organized crime make legal trade in ivory a major factor contributing to the decline of elephants.
Researchers in Brazil developed a non-lethal strategy to reduce shark encounters with humans, increasing protected species survival rates and decreasing attacks. The 'simple and humane' approach has been shown to be effective over 8 years, making swimmers safer without harming threatened shark populations.
A new study found that wild yak mothers venture on steeper terrain than either males or females without young, accessing more nutritious food and avoiding predators. The researchers believe this strategy is an adaptive way to cope with climate change and biological challenges in their high-altitude habitat.
A recent study from the University of British Columbia found that high seas fish and aquatic life remove 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, valued at $148 billion US. This compares to the $16 billion paid for 10 million tonnes of caught fish, highlighting their importance as a natural carbon sink.
A historic epidemic of sea star wasting syndrome has exploded along Oregon's coast, with 30-50% of ochre sea stars affected and potentially leading to local extinctions. The outbreak could disrupt the marine intertidal ecosystem, causing widespread damage.
The IPRC Ocean Drift Model has been charting the possible paths of tsunami driftage for nearly 3 years, improving its accuracy by accounting for different shapes and buoyancies. The model predicts the type and timing of material that washes up along windward shores, including oyster buoys, crates, and wood pieces from Japan.
Researchers in Tasmania reveal ancient conditions that stifled evolution for a billion years, but then oxygen levels surged, triggering the 'Cambrian explosion of life'. The study uses a new technique to analyze ancient seafloor rocks, shedding light on the emergence of life and its impact on Earth.
New data shows a continued decline of African forest elephants, with 65% lost between 2002 and 2013. The poaching rate is alarming, with 9% per year, resulting in over 96 elephants killed daily.
Tropical Depression 33W rapidly weakened, with only two isolated areas of heavy rainfall remaining. The depression was expected to move northeast and dissipate over the next day due to high vertical wind shear.
Researchers found that warm ocean currents near Europa's equator and subsiding currents at the poles could create chaos terrains on the surface. This process may help initiate upwelling ice pulses, which form features like these terrains.
A recent Arctic study reveals that tiny crustaceans, known as copepods, may not survive if ocean acidity rises due to increased CO2. Copepods with a wide natural habitat range are likely to be better equipped to handle the changes.
Former Tropical Depression 30W has re-formed in the Andaman Sea, with a medium chance of redevelopment by Nov 9-10, threatening India and surrounding nations.
Researchers quantify the extent of ancient oxygen-free and hydrogen sulfide-rich waters in the ocean during a major extinction event 93.9 million years ago. This discovery highlights the significant impact on ocean chemistry and biological activity, suggesting that even limited euxinia can have profound effects on marine life.
A team of researchers has documented the removal of oxygen from seawater flowing through the deep ocean's rocky crust, suggesting that microbes are scavenging for energy. This finding provides crucial insights into the survival and thrival of life in the 'deep biosphere' beneath the sea floor.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London discovered a novel nanoparticle with magnetic properties, revealing potential applications in battery technology and cancer therapies. The sea urchin-shaped nanoparticles consist of iron-filled nanotubes with unique properties that can be manipulated for various uses.
Scientists discover new clam species, Waldo arthuri, in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean. The species has a thin, translucent shell and long willowy tentacles, and lives on the spines of one type of sea urchin in a commensal relationship.
Researchers analyze growth process of brinicles, hollow tubes of ice growing downward into cold seawater near the Earth's poles. The study suggests brinicles could have fostered emergence of life on Earth billions of years ago and may be important for life on other planets with ice-covered oceans
Researchers discovered that purple sea urchins can rapidly evolve in acidic ocean water due to high levels of genetic variation, allowing them to thrive in conditions with high carbon dioxide. This capacity may help some marine species survive in future acidified seas.
Researchers examined biological and environmental properties of invasive species, finding three to four key factors that influence their success. This discovery opens new avenues for marine research and management.
Researchers reconstructed ancient ocean conditions, finding most deep ocean was anoxic, with limited oxygen and hydrogen sulfide. This discovery challenges our understanding of eukaryote rise and animal emergence.
A new model reveals that oxygen-poor toxic conditions in ancient oceans may have delayed the spread of complex life forms. The study shows how bacteria using nitrate in their metabolism controlled the formation of toxic hydrogen-sulphide-rich states.
A collection of fossil animals discovered off the coast of Florida suggests that present-day deep-sea fauna may have evolved earlier than previously thought. The fossils show striking similarities to modern equivalents, indicating that ancestors of these animals lived in deep waters for much longer than believed.
Researchers have gained insight into the microscopic mechanics of a sea urchin's spine, which enables it to absorb impacts and stresses while maintaining strength. The unique structure of the spine allows for an advantageous blend of elasticity and brittleness.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered genes in sea urchins and sea cucumbers that can change collagen elasticity, potentially leading to new ways to keep skin looking young and healthy. The study found peptides that cause rapid stiffening or softening of collagen, which could be used to combat aging-related wrinkles.
A UC Santa Cruz study finds that a thriving sea otter population can lead to the growth of kelp forests, which absorb 12 times more CO2 from the atmosphere than without sea urchin grazing. This phenomenon has significant implications for global carbon sequestration.
A new study examines the impact of natural gradients in food and temperature on deep-sea species across the globe. The results suggest that temperature has a bigger impact on individual-level parameters like metabolism and growth rate, while food is more important for higher-level parameters like abundance and species diversity.
Research reveals histamine plays a central role in controlling purple sea urchin metamorphosis, regulating cell death and settlement. Histamine's presence inhibits programmed cell death, allowing larvae to mature into adult forms.
The Nereus model provides a global view of life in the world's oceans, predicting a decline in large fish biomass and an increase in small fish populations. The model also shows the impact of human activities, climate change, and fisheries management on ocean life.
Researchers have discovered layers of bacterial microbes in underwater caves, each with specialized forms of life adapted to different depths and conditions. The findings suggest that microbial life can thrive in extreme environments, potentially providing insights into the origins of life on Earth and its possibility elsewhere.