Evolution
Fish antifreeze proteins give clues to the evolution of novel genes
How did polar fish acquire the genes that help them survive in cold waters?
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.
Biological oceanography
Our changing polar oceans
Melting ice sheets in Antarctica create a longer growing season for phytoplankton
Ecology
The genetics of (fish) feeding
Scientists identify genes that control feeding behavior and growth in Atlantic salmon
Physiology
What’s on your plate?
Sea urchin larvae can get nutrition from molecules dissolved in seawater, giving them resistance to food deprivation.
Biogeochemistry
Little algae can have a big impact on the climate
In the Southern Ocean, small phytoplankton help remove carbon from the atmosphere
Biology Coral
Deep thoughts: Can deep-water corals help shallow coral reefs?
Sturm, Alexis B., et al. “Does depth divide? Variable genetic connectivity patterns among shallow and mesophotic Montastraea cavernosa coral populations…
Behavior
Fantastic crustaceans and where to find them
Scientists and krill fishers partner up to track the movements of these crustaceans
Genetics
Beyond X and Y: Fish have different methods of sex determination
Biologists try to untangle the complicated genetic basis of sex in rockfish
Behavior
How do sea anemones control their stings?
Biologists find that a single gene contributes to differences in stinging behavior
Book Review
Invertebrate larvae use many different senses to choose their habitat
Even relatively simple animals have complex preferences depending on their environment.
Biology Genetics
Deep-sea bug genetics 101
Critters in the deepest parts of the ocean form isolated populations even over short distances.
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.