Biology Genetics
Deep-sea bug genetics 101
Critters in the deepest parts of the ocean form isolated populations even over short distances.
Author: Cory Berger
I am a PhD student at MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where I study the evolution and physiology of marine invertebrates. I usually work with zooplankton and sea anemones, and I am especially interested in circadian rhythms of these animals. Outside work, I love to play trumpet, listen to music, and watch hockey.
Climate Change
Climate change and the deep ocean
Melting polar ice sheets are heating the deep ocean and slowing ocean currents.
Climate Change
How do small animals impact Earth’s climate?
Vertical migrations of zooplankton transport millions of tons of carbon each year.
Microbiology
What controls a sea anemone’s microbiome?
Scientists explore the influence of geography and genetics on bacterial symbiont communities
Biology
Exploring the cell types of the European squid
Scientists use cutting-edge technology to learn about the cell biology of cephalopods.
Ecology
Two species, both alike in dignity
Two species of zooplankton—one from the Arctic, and the other from the North Atlantic—have surprisingly similar distributions in Arctic fjords
Coral
How many symbionts does it take to make a happy coral?
The composition of symbiont communities affects the flow of nutrients between symbionts and their coral hosts
Behavior
Nemo’s neighbours: anemonefish recognize other fish by their stripes
Clownfish treat other reef fish differently depending on their colour patterns
Biology
Some like it hot: environment and symbiosis influence coral heat tolerance
Why do some corals do better in warm water than others?
Biodiversity
A who’s who of the parasites of Arctic zooplankton
Scientists learn about the diversity of parasites that infect some of the Ocean's smallest critters
Ecology
A zooplankton’s perspective on circadian behavior
Scientists explore how zooplankton perceive light when they migrate throughout the day.
Coral
Coral symbiosis doesn’t need photosynthesis, after all
Corals and algae can establish symbiosis even in the dark
Ecology
Baby zooplankton are surprisingly common in the Arctic winter
It’s hard to grow up during the polar night—but a lot of zooplankton do it anyway!