Human impacts
No longer a needle in a haystack: The distribution and abundance of microplastics in beaches
Where do microplastics end up in the ocean?
Author: Daniel Speer
Hey! I'm a PhD student at the University of California, Davis studying biophysics. I previously studied organic chemistry (B.S.) at the College of William and Mary. Currently, I investigate the physical responses of lipid membranes to their environmental stimuli and explore the mechanistic potential of the protein reflectin, from D. opalescens, in soft matter systems. Generally, I am interested in how biological systems respond to physical stressors across all size scales, no matter how big or small! I am driven to pursue a career in science communication and outreach, especially in translating research findings into actionable, grassroots reform. Outside of school, I surf the Norcal coastline, play ultimate frisbee, and read.
Harmful Algal Bloom
Another Impact of Climate Change: Toxic Algal Blooms in the Arctic
Climate change is a pervasive force in nature. One deadly effect of climate change are more frequently algal blooms.
Microbiology
What’s out there?: Bacteria off the coast of India
It is a perennial thought for everyone out in nature, “what’s out there”? Today, we take a look at the…
Biochemistry Chemistry geochemistry
Finding a Needle in a Haystack: Discovering Sulfur Bacteria off the Coast of Namibia
Everyone has that one friend with an eccentric talent, right? What if I told you that the ocean is chock…
Biology Chemistry Methodology Microbiology Physiology
Protist Factories: A Potential Way to Make Gold and Silver
Modern research is investigating the ability of organisms to make valuable products for us. A multi-national team examined the ability…
Biochemistry Biological oceanography Genetics Hazards
Like Parent, Like Offspring: Fish Inherit Changes in DNA Methylation
How do animals respond to these environmental changes? How can they make sure their offspring will survive these conditions too?…
Atmospheric Science
How Do Clouds Condensate?: New Insights into Ice Nucleation
How can we accurately determine when and how clouds will form? And what about weather models you see on TV?…
Chemistry Modeling Physical oceanography
Fresh(water) (P)Rinse of (not)Bel Air: The Decreasing Salinity of the Japan Sea
A team of scientists from Japan have investigated the decreasing salinity of the Sea of Japan. Let's see what they…
Biochemistry Biological oceanography Chemistry Human impacts Physiology Pollution
Living Life to the Fullest: Enzyme Activity of Two African Mussel Species
Every day, our body performs a plethora of activities. We breathe, exercise, eat food, think, and socialize. Behind all of…
Biochemistry Biological oceanography Physiology Remote Sensing
A View from Above: Determining Protein Concentration in Phytoplankton by Satellites
Every animal needs their essential nutrients to survive. If an animal eats phytoplankton, how do they know how much of…
Atmospheric Chemistry Atmospheric Science Chemistry Human Health
CRASH!: A Chemical Study of Sea Spray from Breaking Ocean Waves
With every wave that crashes on the beach, little particles known as sea spray fly up into the air. Because…
Aquaculture Biological oceanography Biology Human impacts Methodology ocean engineering technology
The Life of an Aquatic NOMAD: A Study of Macroalgae in the Pacific
How can we better aquaculture? A team of Scientists in Seattle, Washington constructed a system for growing algae without a…
Atmospheric Chemistry Atmospheric Science Chemistry Human impacts Pollution
Smog can be a Bog: A Story about Iron in the Air and Ocean
Have you ever wondered where smog goes? A group of scientists investigated where particles of iron start and end up,…
Atmospheric Chemistry Chemistry Climate Change Ocean Acidification thermodynamics
Does history repeat itself?: Investigating the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum
Everyone knows that Earth's climate changes. With the rapid increases in human-influenced global warming and ocean acidification, we need to…
Climate Change Human impacts Physical oceanography Remote Sensing
The Need for Speed: The velocities of tides in the Mid-Atlantic
Every 12 hours and 25 minutes, a rush of water move into the coast to create a high tide. How…
Biological oceanography Chemistry Climate Change Genetics
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen: An analysis of phytoplankton with changing ocean temperature
If you went to the beach and the water is cold, would you jump in? The same questions pertain to…
Atmospheric Science Biology Genetics Microbiology Physical oceanography
Me, Myself, and I: The Solitude of Bacteria above the Southern Ocean
Picture this: shrink yourself down to the 1/1000th the size of the period at the end of this sentence. You…
Atmospheric Chemistry Atmospheric Science Chemistry Climate Change Physical oceanography
How do greenhouse gases move?: An updated study on nitrous oxide exchange from the ocean to the atmosphere
Our atmosphere is composed of different gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. These gases can absorb energy, sent from…
