Biology
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…
Author: Ashley Marranzino
I received my Master's degree from the University of Rhode Island where I studied the sensory biology of deep-sea fishes. I am fascinated by the amazing animals living in our oceans and love exploring their habitats in any way I can, whether it is by SCUBA diving in coral reefs or using a Remotely Operated Vehicle to see the deepest parts of our oceans.
Biology
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…
Human impacts
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,…
Economy
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…
Biology
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…
Fisheries
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…
Fisheries Human impacts
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…
Conservation Coral Human impacts Plastic Pollution
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…
Biology deep sea Ecology
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…
technology
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…
deep sea Methodology Ocean Exploration Science Communication
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…
Conference
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…
ocean engineering
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…
deep sea Evolution
Now You See Me, Now You Don’t: Using an Invisibility Cloak for Deep-Sea Camouflage
You may not have to go to Hogwarts to find an invisibility cloak of your own. Although, the trip to…
Biology deep sea Hazards Pollution Toxicology
Manmade Pollutants Plague Deep-sea Organsims
Scientists have found an alarming accumulation of certain persistent organic pollutants in an environment previously thought pristine and untouched by…
Behavior Biology Natural History
Heroic Humpbacks: Orcastrate an Escape
While watching a pod of killer whales attacking their prey, scientists noticed a small group of humpback whales come to…
Biology Genetics genomics Methodology
Exciting strides for eDNA: Insights into whale shark population genetics
In the past few decades scientists have found new and exciting ways to use DNA to answer scientific questions. There…
Archaeology deep sea Human impacts Ocean Exploration
The Rebirth of the “Mighty-I”
Happy Halloween! This is the true, spooky tale of life, death, and rebirth beneath the waves. To end off OceanBites’…
Behavior Biology
The Manta in the Mirror: Are Manta Rays Self-Aware?
Fish are not typically thought of as the most intelligent animals. Yet, new research on manta rays may revolutionize the…
deep sea Ocean Exploration Science Communication
Ocean Exploration aboard the E/V Nautilus
I am fresh off a month-long stay aboard the Corps of Exploration vessel the E/V Nautilus. Read more to learn…
