Biology

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…

Genetics

Name that Octopus!

Nobody knows what octopus species are caught in the South Australian fishery.

Genetics

Beyond X and Y: Fish have different methods of sex determination

Biologists try to untangle the complicated genetic basis of sex in rockfish

Biology Genetics

Deep-sea bug genetics 101

Critters in the deepest parts of the ocean form isolated populations even over short distances.

Biology

Exploring the cell types of the European squid

Scientists use cutting-edge technology to learn about the cell biology of cephalopods.

Biology

Playing dress-up with crabs

Some crabs enjoy attaching material to their carapaces to decorate themselves – what are the mechanisms at play?

Biology

Spongebob used solar power before it was cool

Humans aren't the only animals who can harness solar power. These sponges supplement their diet with photosynthesis!

Biology

Some like it hot: environment and symbiosis influence coral heat tolerance

Why do some corals do better in warm water than others?

Biology

A Conundrum of Global Marine Crustacean Diseases: Bitter Crab Disease

Stentiford GD, Shields JD. A review of the parasitic dinoflagellates Hematodinium species and Hematodinium-like infections in marine crustaceans. Dis Aquat…

Biology

Inside the Mind of An Octopus!

Why are octopuses so smart? This paper looks at some of the molecular machinery involved.

Genetics

The Gene That Stings You

Scientists from Cornell University demonstrate that a single genetic on/off switch controls the emergence of stinging cells in Cnidarians.

Genetics

Evolution in Action for Diatoms in the Baltic Sea

A species of marine algae is adapting to freshwater areas of the Baltic Sea.

Biological oceanography deep sea Genetics

How do symbiotic relationships with bacteria help snails adapt to the deep sea?

Deep-sea snails obtain bacterial symbionts from the surrounding environment, allowing them to survive in harsh environments

Biology

Can octopuses see with their skin?

Octopuses can sense light with their skin and this ties directly into their ability to change colors!

Biology

Phytoplankton are experts at adjusting themselves to changing temperatures

Learn about how quickly phytoplankton can survive frequent changes between high and low ocean temperatures!

Biology

Massive icefish breeding colony discovered in Antarctica

Scientists on an Antarctic research expedition unexpectedly discovered an icefish nesting ground that appears to be the largest known fish…

Biology

A “super simple” approach to immunity

This super simple animal has immune cells. What does it mean for biology? References: Mayorova, T.D., Hammar, K., Jung, J.H.…

Biology

Could sharks and rays be headed for a global extinction?

A new study finds that over one-third of sharks and rays are threatened and may be at risk of extinction.

Biodiversity Biological oceanography Biology Human impacts Plastic Science Communication

Are Diseases in Ocean Ecosystems Increasing?

Citation: Ward JR, Lafferty KD (2004) The Elusive Baseline of Marine Disease: Are Diseases in Ocean Ecosystems Increasing? PLoS Biol…

Biology Chemistry Hazards Human Health Plastic Pollution

How many microplastics are in your body? An insight into lifetime accumulation

Microscopic plastics have been found anywhere and everywhere, including in the food we eat. With plastic pollution on the rise,…