Atlantic Ocean is headed for a tipping point − once melting glaciers shut down the Gulf Stream, we would see extreme climate change within decades, study shows

Scientists now have a better understanding of the risks ahead and a new early warning signal to watch for.

Michael Kliphuis, Climate Model Specialist, Utrecht University • conversation
Feb. 9, 2024 ~9 min

El Niño is starting to lose strength after fueling a hot, stormy year, but it’s still powerful − an atmospheric scientist explains what’s ahead for 2024

The strong El Niño that started in 2023 will still have big impacts at least through March. Here’s what to watch for next.

Paul Roundy, Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York • conversation
Feb. 8, 2024 ~7 min


Unprovoked shark attacks and fatalities went up a bit in 2023

There were 69 unprovoked shark attacks in 2023, 10 of which were fatal. That's within the normal range, "though the fatalities are a bit unnerving..."

Karen Dooley-Florida • futurity
Feb. 6, 2024 ~10 min

Team spots nanoplastics in the ocean for the first time

"Understanding the shape and chemistry of the actual nanoplastics is an essential first step in determining their toxicity..."

Karla Cruise - Notre Dame • futurity
Feb. 5, 2024 ~5 min

How trophy fishing can have a sustainable future

Trophy fishing is a big threat to some of the most threatened species of fish, but there are ways to adapt the sport with marine conservation in mind.

James Boon, PhD candidate in Marine Ecology, University of Nottingham • conversation
Feb. 2, 2024 ~7 min

Ancient seafloor vents spewed tiny, life-giving minerals into Earth’s early oceans

Researchers from the universities of Cambridge and Western Australia have uncovered the importance of hydrothermal vents, similar to underwater geysers, in

Cambridge University News • cambridge
Feb. 2, 2024 ~4 min

Hermit crabs find new homes in plastic waste: shell shortage or clever choice?

Hermit crabs have been using plastic waste such as bottle tops as homes instead of empty snail shells.

Mark Briffa, Professor of Animal Behaviour, University of Plymouth • conversation
Feb. 1, 2024 ~7 min

‘Jaws’ portrayed sharks as monsters 50 years ago, but it also inspired a generation of shark scientists

‘Jaws,’ published in 1974, terrified the public of sharks, but it also brought shark research into the scientific mainstream.

Gavin Naylor, Director of Florida Program for Shark Research, University of Florida • conversation
Jan. 31, 2024 ~10 min


Bahamas crustacean is a brand new species

Researchers have discovered a unique isopod, a form of crustacean, and identified it as a new species of the genus Booralana.

Gregory Filiano-Stony Brook • futurity
Jan. 18, 2024 ~5 min

Not all underwater reefs are made of coral − the US has created artificial reefs from sunken ships, radio towers, boxcars and even voting machines

Artificial reefs are structures that humans put in place underwater that create habitat for sea life. A new study shows for the first time how much of the US ocean floor they cover.

D'amy Steward, Master's Student in Biology, University of Guam • conversation
Jan. 18, 2024 ~9 min

/

67