PLANKTON*NET offers a vast database of over 3000 images and 500 species descriptions, promoting global collaboration in biodiversity research. The project aims to network all data bases and integrate them into the World Data Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences.
Scientists discover that higher temperatures near the equator speed up metabolism, fueling genetic changes and leading to speciation. This finding helps explain why more living species exist near the equator.
A new study found that branching coral Montipora capitata sharpens its plankton intake when bleached, increasing its chances of recovery. The findings indicate that any coral, regardless of shape or location, can recover if it can increase feeding.
Research by Sallie Chisholm and colleagues reveals genetic variation related to the environment in even the smallest ocean organisms. The findings suggest that viruses play a key role in transferring genes between microbes, enabling them to adapt to changing conditions.
Researchers found that chaos and noise are essential for maintaining marine ecosystems, allowing plankton blooms to flourish even in suboptimal conditions. By adding noise to a system, it can become synchronized and sustained, contrary to previous assumptions.
Researchers have successfully harnessed energy from plankton using a new type of fuel cell, generating up to 10% of the energy associated with plankton decomposition. This technology could extend survey missions for months or years without battery replacements.
Researchers found plankton produce compound DMSP when stressed by UV radiation, leading to cloud formation and reduced direct light on the ocean surface. The study suggests plankton may impact global temperatures, with potential benefits in slowing climate change.
Biologists have found that viruses can destroy entire algal blooms within days, particularly when nutrients are depleted. Free-living cells are highly susceptible to viruses, which break down the cell content and dissolve it in seawater.
Researchers found that excessive ultraviolet radiation can harm plankton, which removes organic carbon from the ocean and contributes to the greenhouse effect. The study's findings have important implications for understanding the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Researchers have found that large aggregates of bacteria and plankton collide with particles millions of times faster than predicted, leading to enhanced coagulation in wastewater treatment and industrial manufacturing. This discovery has significant implications for the ocean's carbon dioxide balance and global atmospheric conditions.