Genetics

Growing a Scientist: Undergraduate Research 2017

Each summer, the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) hosts undergraduate students from all over the country…

Biochemistry Biological oceanography Book Review Genetics Methodology Survey technology

The Entire Ocean in a Drop

Article: Stoeckle MY, Soboleva L, Charlop- Powers Z (2017) Aquatic environmental DNA detects seasonal fish abundance and habitat preference in…

Biological oceanography Fisheries Genetics genomics

The Molecular Industrial Complex: What shrimp exoskeleton formation can tell us about life’s building strategy

Have you ever wondered just how our bodies know to repair damaged skin or build muscle after an intense workout?…

Behavior Biology Conservation Ecology Genetics

A long history of tool use in marine mammals? You otter believe it!

The use of tools by animals has been documented in a wide range of species, from birds to invertebrates, encompassing…

Behavior Biology Genetics

Brains only for you

Brain size might dictate the laws of attraction in guppies.

Biochemistry Chemistry Genetics

Pollutants produced by poriferans: using genetics to fill in blanks about sponge chemical production

Although its easy to mistake a sponge for a furry looking rock, these invertebrates and the microbes that inhabit them…

Biochemistry Biological oceanography Climate Change Ecology Evolution Genetics

Clamate Change: How clams may be able to cope with a warming world

Global temperatures are increasing at a rate never before seen in Earth’s history. Although efforts to mitigate this are still…

Biology Conservation Ecology Evolution Genetics genomics

Ain’t no killing the killifish (for now): on the virtues of genetic diversity

Atlantic killifish are spared extinction in the face of pollution thanks to their remarkable genetic diversity.

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…

Behavior Biological oceanography Biology Climate Change Developmental Biology Ecology Genetics geochemistry Geology Microbiology Ocean Acidification Paleoceanography Volcanoes

Sharkcano, a melting pot for biology

No, a Sharkcano is not a volcano that erupts sharks. IT IS WAY COOLER THAN THAT! It is a submarine…

Biology Genetics

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish!

It’s been an incredible year and a half, but this will be my final regular post with Oceanbites. Thanks for…

Biochemistry Biology deep sea Evolution Genetics

Light on the Tree of Life: Evolution of Bioluminescence

The darkness can be scary sometimes--but that's when evolution can get pretty crazy in its adaptations. Meet some of the…

Behavior Biological oceanography Biology Book Review Climate Change Developmental Biology Genetics

Cool Fact! Octopuses spawn with ease when temperatures are lower

Octopuses in the YP may experience temperature changes that do not bode well for reproduction. At what point will the…

Book Review Genetics Invasive Species

Plant Parents: Divide, Seed, and Conquer

Phragmites is the ultimate parent in terms of reproductive success, allowing it to increase in area by 25% since 1971…

Behavior Biology Book Review deep sea Developmental Biology Ecology Evolution Genetics Physiology

Parenthood: The Most Rewarding Experience or The Ultimate Sacrifice?

Our human parents make a lot of sacrifices for us! They devote their time and energy, provide for us, invest…

Behavior Biology Developmental Biology Ecology Evolution Genetics Sea Turtles

Why Mom Cares.

Does mom care? If you are a skink from the wrong neighborhood she might, otherwise, you are on your own…

Biology Genetics

A cod by any other name would taste as sweet?

Seafood is a staple of the American diet, particularly on the coasts. Distributors frequently mislabel seafood, accidentally or fraudulently, because…

Biology Genetics

Little fish, new pond – watching stickleback evolution in real-time

When most people think about evolution, they see it as an extremely slow, gradual process that occurs over almost unthinkably…

Biology Genetics

Stressed-Out Oysters: Molecular Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety

Oysters live a life of constant stress in the ever-changing intertidal habitat. In order to deal with extreme variation in…

Biology Genetics

Healthy Obesity: Whales and Dolphins Benefit from their Blubber

Scientists study the genetic underpinnings of blubber formation in whales and dolphins, highlighting genes that may play a key role…