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Tiny fossils crack a Cretaceous cold case

Scientists used chemical clues in microscopic fossils to find evidence that ocean acidification caused one of the largest extinction events in planktic foraminifera history. The study suggests that volcanic eruptions and rising CO2 levels led to a decrease in shell-building ability, ultimately contributing to the extinction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2026

Carbon-rich waters are becoming even more acidic as atmospheric CO2 levels rise

A new study reveals that ocean acidification is accelerating at a rate outpacing atmospheric CO2 levels, with the Northeastern Pacific Ocean experiencing rapid acidification. The research analyzed coral skeletons from the past century, showing that CO2 has been accumulating in North American waters faster than in the atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2025

USC technology may reduce shipping emissions by half

A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2025

Hard-to-avoid emissions: Limited potential for marine carbon dioxide removal in Germany’s seas

A new study finds that ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and storage in German waters is feasible but with limitations, such as local marine conditions and required materials, energy, and infrastructure. Only five methods were shortlisted for implementation in German North Sea and Baltic waters.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalEarth's Future·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 29, 2025

Scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution identify heat-resistant kelp strain

Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have identified a new strain of kelp with natural adaptations to cope with heat, which could help sustainably farm food and feed. The study found that crossbreeding heat-tolerant gametophytes produced offspring with improved growth under heat stress.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalJournal of Applied Phycology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Study offers hope for the resilience of the American lobster fishery

A recent study by researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that female American lobsters groom their offspring without significant impact from temperature and acidity levels forecasted for Maine's coastal waters. This behavior is crucial in other crustaceans, but its importance for the lobster species remains uncle...

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Rain or shine? How rainfall impacts size of sea turtle hatchlings

A study by Florida Atlantic University and the University of Tübingen found that rainfall cools beach surfaces and enhances moisture for egg development, making it a crucial factor in determining hatchling body size. The research suggests that global warming may shorten incubation periods and disrupt growth, affecting sea turtle survival.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBMC Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateAug 28, 2024

Ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is already affecting the calcification of marine plankton

A recent study found that ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is already affecting the calcification of marine plankton, with negative consequences for marine ecosystems. The research suggests that anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are the main driver of this decline, while ocean warming may be mitigating this effect.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023

Ocean acidification in colored stripes

Researchers use ocean acidification stripes to visualize ocean acidification trends worldwide. Studies confirm global decrease in pH and aragonite saturation due to human-made CO2 emissions, posing critical threat to marine ecosystems.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·TypeObservational study·DateSep 12, 2023

KMOU researchers develop a novel algorithm for mitigating COVID-19 spread in ships

Researchers at National Korea Maritime and Ocean University developed a close contact identification algorithm that outperforms conventional clustering algorithms. The algorithm enables accurate tracking and physical isolation of individuals in ship environments, contributing to the health and safety of passengers.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 28, 2023

Rio Pará contributes high trace metal concentrations to the Amazon estuary

New research reveals that the Amazon estuary receives significant dissolved neodymium and hafnium from the Rio Pará River, contrary to previous assumptions about suspended solid sources. The findings indicate a revised estimate of global riverine neodymium flux, with concentrations up to three times higher than previously thought.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2023

Previously overlooked algae toxin widespread in southern Indian River Lagoon

A study by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found domoic acid toxin in 87% of samples from the southern Indian River Lagoon, which can harm shellfish, finfish, birds, and humans. The toxin is more prevalent in cool temperatures and high salinity waters, suggesting it may be a resident population.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

A popular compostable plastic doesn’t break down in the ocean

A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Natural nutrient enrichment caused today’s largest ocean “dead zone” 8 million years ago

A team of scientists found that the largest open ocean dead zone in the eastern Pacific Ocean emerged eight million years ago due to increasing nutrient content. This natural phenomenon was caused by changes in weathering and erosion on land, leading to a major transition in terrestrial ecosystems.

SourceBoston College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2022