Articles tagged with Marine Life
Scientists used ancient sea creature shells to uncover a monumental reversal in deep-ocean circulation patterns around the world. The shift was triggered by global warming and led to drastic climatological and biological changes.
Researchers discovered a surprisingly active innate immune system in sea urchins that utilizes previously unrecognized mechanisms. The study's findings have implications for understanding innate immunity in vertebrates and may lead to the discovery of novel immune diversity in other animals.
Researchers found that sea lilies move by shedding stalk ends and using feathery arms to crawl. This defense strategy helps them evade sea urchins, which prey on them. The discovery sheds light on the evolution and ecology of deep-sea creatures.
A recent study found that green turtles in Nicaragua have a mere 50% chance of survival due to heavy fishing. WCS researchers urge drastic reductions in fishing levels to prevent the turtles' extinction.
Researchers from Texas A&M University have found lower oxygen levels in the dead zone area of the Gulf, which could lead to more severe hypoxia and fish kills if physical conditions continue. The team studied an area between Southwest Pass, La., and the Calcasieu ship channel.
The Bridging the Rift project is a unique collaboration between Arab and Israeli scientists, with 40 researchers from Israel, Jordan, and the US working together. They conducted a joint biological field survey in January, collecting microbes and plants that thrive in the harsh desert environment.
Researchers found a gene that produces peroxide to 'stitch' together proteins surrounding the egg, hardening it into a protective barrier. This process helps prevent polyspermy and protects fertilized eggs from damage.
Researchers analyzed three of Iris Murdoch's works, including her final novel, to study the effects of Alzheimer's on language. The findings suggest a decline in vocabulary and simplified language in her final novel, consistent with early stages of the disease.
The International Census of Marine Microbes project aims to understand the diversity and distribution of single-celled organisms in the world's oceans. The project will collect data on microbial diversity, evolutionary processes, and ecological relationships, with a focus on marine microorganisms that account for 90% of ocean biomass.
Fossil discovery reveals ancient sea spiders are related to land spiders and scorpions, with the new species Haliestes dasos dating back 35 million years. The preserved specimens provide valuable insights into their unique body form and behavior.
The dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico has broken up, with hypoxia moving further offshore and marine life returning to previously low-oxygen areas. Strong coastal currents and eddies are thought to be key factors in this change.
A new portable field laboratory will enable researchers to sample subsurface life from diverse marine environments, including estuaries and deeply buried sediments. The facility will aid in the training of young scientists and enhance existing research on extremophilic communities.
Sea urchin research sheds light on fertilization among mammals, revealing a key role for carbohydrate molecules in regulating reproduction. The discovery could lead to new approaches to contraception and a better understanding of human reproductive issues.
A new hypoxic event has been detected off the Oregon coast, causing a massive die-off of fish and invertebrate marine species. Dissolved oxygen levels are significantly lower than those seen in the past 40 years, suggesting a major change in ocean circulation patterns.
Researchers from Oregon State University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory found red sea urchins can live for over 200 years, defying previous seven-15 year lifespan estimates. The study used two techniques to determine ages, producing consistent results that show no signs of senescence until death.
Researchers have identified a receptor on sea urchin eggs that regulates the species-specific adhesion of sperm, preventing cross-fertilization between different species. The discovery provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of gamete interactions and could shed light on how new species evolved.
A study revealed 253 Caribbean marine species are endemic, with many having tiny ranges making them susceptible to extinction. Destructive fishing practices and development threaten these micro-endemic species.
The Defying Ocean's End conference aims to reverse the ocean's decline through a science-based international effort. The plan includes promoting a World Ocean Public Trust, expanding global marine parks, assessing conservation priorities, creating an ocean ethic, and implementing bold action steps.
Researchers found that channeled whelks, a species of marine snail, have distinct feeding behaviors along the Pacific coast. Genetic analysis revealed that these differences are likely due to genetic isolation and regional variations in prey availability.
Researchers Scott Curtis and Bob Adler found a significant pattern of alternating rainfall for El Niño since 1979. This discovery may help scientists improve rainfall forecasts around the globe during an El Niño event.
The URI Office of Marine Programs has been awarded a Sloan Grant to support the Census of Marine Life, a global research effort to study marine biodiversity. The program will create an international education platform, provide networking resources for scientists and communicate the importance of ocean conservation.
Researchers are studying Europa's icy shell to understand its composition and potential for supporting life. A computer model suggests organisms could thrive beneath the thick cap of ice, while another analysis reveals cracks and ridges formed by Jupiter's tides.
Researchers at Oregon State University found extremely low oxygen levels in the lower water column, leading to mass die-offs of rockfish, Dungeness crabs, sculpins, and other marine life. The unusual event is attributed to coastal upwelling and wind patterns, not human activities.
A team of scientists from the University of Maine discovered a slow-growing sea urchin variety that never reaches legal size for harvesting in Maine's coastal waters. This finding suggests that harvesting legal-sized urchins could cause a shift in the population towards non-harvestable stocks.
Researchers suggest deploying vibration-sensitive acoustic sensors on Europa's surface to probe the interior structure and search for signs of life. Massive ice fractures generate unusual cracking sounds that could penetrate the thick ice layer and propagate through the underlying ocean.
A 21-year global record of precipitation suggests a decrease in rainfall over the Indian Ocean may signal an approaching strong El Niño. This finding could provide nations most affected by El Niños with earlier warning systems to better prepare for devastating climate changes.
Researchers have discovered a 4.4-billion-year-old zircon crystal that suggests the early Earth had a low-temperature environment with water and conditions suitable for life. The findings contradict conventional wisdom, which predicted a magma ocean, and may indicate the Earth cooled faster than thought.
Joseph L. Reid, a renowned physical oceanographer, is being honored with the Maurice Ewing Medal for his significant contributions to understanding ocean circulation and currents in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. His work has also focused on current exchanges between major oceans.
The Geological Society of America is hosting press briefings during its annual meeting in November 2000. The events will feature presentations from experts on topics such as landslides and slope-stability problems related to gas hydrates, the Walker Lane transform plate boundary, and planetary science research. The meetings are open to...
A small earthquake off Washington's coast caused hydrothermal vent systems miles away to pump out warmer water in an unexpected pulsing pattern. This has led scientists to re-evaluate their understanding of fluid flow within oceanic crust, which had previously been assumed to be stable and relatively unchanging.
The Spotted Jellyfish, native to Australian coastal waters, have invaded the northern Gulf of Mexico causing concern over their potential threat to the region's ecosystems and commercial fisheries. The jellies' feeding habits and survival capabilities in the Gulf waters are being investigated by researchers.
A University of Iowa researcher and his colleague confirm the validity of scientific theories on ancient marine life by testing library-based databases. They found that up to 70% of entries are inaccurate but randomly distributed, not introducing bias into patterns.
Researchers from the University of Toronto and Texas A&M University suggest that a belt of open water near the equator may have supported life during the Snowball Earth era. This region could have provided refuge for early multi-celled animals, enabling them to survive and thrive in the face of extreme climate conditions.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University found 40 cases of tumors in sharks and related fishes, including chondromas. The study casts doubt on the effectiveness of shark cartilage as a cancer cure, highlighting potential risks to patients and marine ecosystems.
Researchers discovered that sea slugs, despite their simple brain structure, make decisions based on a sliding scale of pleasure and pain. Hungry snails are quicker to strike at tempting food sources, while satiated ones avoid danger, reflecting the need for a meal to overcome prey defenses.
A new study reveals that over 600 areas in the Gulf of Mexico experience natural oil seeps, releasing twice an Exxon Valdez spill worth of oil annually. The oil breaks down into carbon dioxide and is harmless to marine animals, with surface tension spreading it thinly across the ocean surface.
Scientists have documented reversible bone shrinkage in Galapagos iguanas during El Niño years. The reptiles adapt by shrinking to reach an optimal body size for survival, with significant increases in survival rate and efficiency. Researchers now seek the underlying mechanisms behind this remarkable adaptation.
University of Delaware scientists, including Craig Cary, embark on the first deep-sea dive of the new century to explore extreme organisms and understand life's origins. They will collect samples of toxic chemicals, organisms, rocks, and minerals using special instruments like deep-sea sensors.
Researchers use data from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter to test hypotheses of oceans on Mars, finding four types of quantitative evidence supporting an ancient ocean. The discovery has implications for understanding long-term climate change and its relevance to Earth's future.
National Chemistry Week highlights the importance of polymers as natural insulators, found in products like umbrellas, sunglasses, and jackets. The week also explores fascinating chemistry facts about the weather, such as the transformation of nitrogen into a more user-friendly form by lightning.
Researchers confirm hazard posed by intraslab earthquakes in Pacific Northwest, which can cause significant damage and loss of life. A magnitude 7-7.5 intraslab earthquake could strike the region, posing a greater risk than larger offshore earthquakes.
The study found elevated levels of DDE and mercury in bald eagle eggs on Kiska Island, but not on other islands. Seabirds are thought to be the major source of contamination due to their diet rich in fish from contaminated water.
Researchers have reclassified animals into three primary evolutionary lines based on new molecular evidence, including a study of the Hox gene family. The findings support earlier genetic investigations and provide insight into animal development and evolution, with implications for our understanding of life's origins.
A new study reveals a common genetic theme in three distinct animal species, supporting a simplified three-limbed tree of life for nearly all animals. The findings provide powerful evidence to place mollusks to humans on the same evolutionary tree.
The California sea otter population has declined by 1.14% since the 1998 spring survey, with a disconcerting decline in independent adults, indicating a need for further investigation into the cause of this trend. The USGS is working to gather more information on disease, contaminants, starvation, and entanglement as contributing factors.
The QuikScat satellite, launched on June 19, will provide daily snapshots of ocean winds to improve weather forecasting. The satellite is controlled by students and faculty at CU's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.
Researchers have uncovered clues to the cause, timing and evolution of the massive East Asian summer monsoon. The study found a connection between the disastrous 1998 Yangtze River flood and the timing and strength of the summer monsoon.
A comprehensive review of 200 endangered species recovery plans aims to evaluate their effectiveness and inform future improvements. The study, led by University of Washington zoologist Dee Boersma, will analyze factors such as species type, region, and plan revisions to determine the success of these plans.
A new 400-million-year-old primitive shark relative from Bolivia named Pucapampella has been discovered, contradicting the belief that chondrichthyans are primitive due to their jaw characteristics. The fossil suggests that modern shark jaws are an advanced characteristic than the jaws of bony fish.
Researchers analyze patterns in animal aggregations, such as schooling fish and flocking birds, to understand how they behave in trying conditions. This knowledge can inform predictions about group behavior under various scenarios, including the impact of climate change on fish populations.
A team of scientists has determined that Acoela flatworms, previously thought to be part of a younger group, are actually the oldest living ancestors to all 'bilateral' animals. This finding implies that bilateral organisms began making their debut on Earth earlier than previously thought.
Research suggests that estuaries are vital habitats for juvenile fish in the Southeastern US, providing better sanctuaries and food supplies than offshore waters. Degradation of estuarine habitats due to human activities, such as overfishing and nutrient pollution, threatens the productivity of fisheries.
The Florida Regional Competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl will be held in Fort Pierce, with 25 teams competing for scholarships and awards. The competition aims to broaden awareness and understanding of ocean research among high school students.
The Europa Orbiter mission aims to find evidence of a liquid ocean on the moon, which could support life. If confirmed, Europa and Earth would be the only two worlds in the solar system with liquid water.
The article warns that unregulated shark-diving tours in South Africa may lead great white sharks to associate humans with food, posing a threat to conservation efforts. Inexperienced or irresponsible tour operators are putting people at risk by using rusty cages and introducing surfboards or children's toys into the water.
Researchers have found evidence of ancient worm-like animals in rocks dating back 1.1 billion years, challenging the traditional timeline for multicellular life. The discovery suggests that animal body plans changed little before the Cambrian period, and that soft-bodied animals may have existed even earlier.
Researchers investigated beaver pond succession and its impact on waterfowl productivity, finding that ponds in the old active stage created the most valuable habitat for waterfowl broods. Beaver ponds also support a wide range of bird species, including marsh and song birds.
The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution is building a $1.5 million ocean sciences museum with a self-guided format, featuring interactive exhibits and displays on marine research, education, engineering, and ocean operations. The museum will open in late 1998.
A new study found that nearly all of Georgia's surviving least tern pairs are nesting on artificial sites, such as rooftops or man-made sand hills. The researchers warn that without further protection, the Atlantic least tern is vulnerable to decline due to habitat loss and human activities.
A team of researchers at the University of Washington has discovered that dissolved organic matter in oceans can form polymer gels, which provide an unexpected mechanism for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process could potentially play a significant role in mitigating the greenhouse effect.