Ashley Marranzino
How could putting 3-D glasses on cuttlefish change the way we think about vision?
3-D glasses-wearing cuttlefish can show us more than just the latest fashion trends. They can also teach us about evolution and may even help us develop new algorithms for machine learning! Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island where I studied the sensory biology of deep-sea fishes. I am now […]
Could a novel disease help curb the lionfish invasion?
Since the first sighting in the 1980s, lionfish have rapidly invaded the waters of the Western Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. With no natural predators, diseases, or parasites to control the growing population, the adaptable fish has easily expanded its range. However, a newly reported disease may finally be knocking down lionfish […]
Deadly neurotoxin may help de-stress pufferfish
The flesh of many pufferfish is laced with a deadly neurotoxin called tetrodotoxin. This toxin successfully wards off pufferfish predators, but tetrodotoxin may also serve a more innocuous purpose: relieving stress. Do not try this at home. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island where I studied the sensory biology […]
Larval fish foraging grounds inundated by plastic pollution
If the adage “you are what you eat” holds true, we may be in some big trouble. A recent study found that pieces of plastics are becoming concentrated in areas where larval fish hunt for food, which could be a big problem for fish and humans alike. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the […]
How the anglerfish gets its light
Deep-sea anglerfishes are known for their prominent glowing lure extending from their heads. Bacteria are behind the scenes, enabling anglerfish to create their bioluminescence. How and when do anglerfish form the bond with their bioluminescent bacterial partners? Scientists may now have an answer. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island […]
Could sponges replace expensive ocean tech?
The ocean is a big place and trying to study all of the animals living there can take a lot of time, effort, and some pretty expensive technology. Thankfully, a group of scientists may have found an alternative to the current sampling devices : Sponges. Read more about how scientists are looking into using sponges […]
Commercial fishing in Marine Protected Areas highlights the need for careful management
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) increase biodiversity and preserve ecosystem health when they are properly managed. But researchers have detected destructive practices that undermine conservation goals still occurring in many MPAs. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island where I studied the sensory biology of deep-sea fishes. I am now working […]
Can you smell that? Oil spills change stingray’s sense of smell
It may have occurred 8 years ago, but scientists are still talking about the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill. This epic oil spill made scientists recognize gaps in our knowledge about how oil impacts the environment. To explore the question of how crude oil impacts organisms, a team of scientists at Florida Atlantic University investigate […]
When having babies, is quantity or quality better?
Evolution is riddled with trade-offs. One of the classic examples is how to spread maternal resources – is it better for an individual to have a lot of babies or invest more into only one or two? Researchers examined how this trade-off plays out in the marine world by comparing the competing reproductive strategies of […]
You are Now Entering the Twilight Zone: Exploring the Unique Realm of Mesophotic Reefs
200 feet below the surface of the ocean, light slips away from view. But even here, in the mesophotic zones, life thrives. As scientists learn more about the beautiful fishes and corals that live at these depths we are finding out that they are not immune to human-induced threats. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree […]
Losing Coral Reefs Will Cost Us More Money
Coral reefs are extremely important ecosystems. Sadly, climate change, pollution, and various other threats are causing us to lose some of these critical habitats. A group of scientists estimated just how much it will cost us in the future if we lose these important corals. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University of […]
Sleeping with one eye open: fur seals may help us understand sleep patterns
Most mammals need to catch their zzz’s to function properly. Fur seals appear to naturally go through prolonged periods of sleep deprivation without suffering obvious side effects. Researchers are studying these semi-aquatic mammals to uncover some mysteries about sleep. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island where I studied the […]
Big Momma: bigger fish are better moms
What makes a fish a good mom? Read here to see why scientists now think that big fish moms are the best fish moms. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island where I studied the sensory biology of deep-sea fishes. I am now working with the South Carolina DNR at […]
Tracking Global Fisheries with the Help of Computer Neural Networks
Fisheries are vital to global economies and to the billions of people who rely on fish for their primary source of protein. How do we track and manage these fisheries? Read how a new study looks at the global footprint of fisheries and analyzes what drives this market. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from […]
Plastics increase disease risks for corals
You have probably heard about the troubles coral reefs are facing and about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution in our oceans. Now these two issues appear to be linked: corals are getting sick when they come in contact with plastic. Find out more here. Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University of […]
The backbone of an ecosystem: bone-eating zombie worms control biodiversity at deep-sea whale falls
Zombies are real – but they are nothing like the ones from The Walking Dead. No, these zombies are worms that live in the ocean. And instead of brains, they eat and break down bones. In fact, these zombie worms are quite important to food webs. Click here to find out more about zombie worms […]
That idea doesn’t suck: Hitchiking fish inspires a robotic suction disk
How do scientists build better suction cups? Turn to nature’s hitchikers for inspiration! Read on to see how remoras inspired a robotic suction disc that does a great job of sucking! Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island where I studied the sensory biology of deep-sea fishes. I am now […]
Science Behind the Scenes: A Tour of the Exploration Vessel Nautilus
What is it really like to do research out at sea? Last month oceanbites writers Megan Chen and Ashley Marranzino participated in a research cruise aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus – watch a special behind the scenes video blog to see a tour of the ship! Ashley MarranzinoI received my Master’s degree from the University […]
Shark Week For Scientists III: Notes from the Annual Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
Love watching Shark Week to see how scientists study sharks? I just returned from the annual Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists where shark, fish, amphibian, and reptile biologists met to talk about their scientific findings. Here I’ll review some of the exciting new research on sharks and fish you won’t see on Discovery Channel! […]
Ocean Tech: Using Robots to Conduct Deep-Sea Research
The deep sea is the largest habitat on Earth, but with freezing water and high pressures it is difficult for scientists to study this ecosystem. With the help of technological advances over the past decades, it is becoming easier to unveil some of the mysteries of the deep. Read on to find out how. Ashley […]
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