Millions of years ago, the megalodon ruled the oceans – why did it disappear?

A terrifying sight in ancient waters, the megalodon shark was once the most feared creature in the sea.

Michael Heithaus, Executive Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences & Education and Professor of Biological Sciences, Florida International University • conversation
June 20, 2022 ~6 min

What does an octopus eat? For a creature with a brain in each arm, whatever's within reach

With nine brains, blue blood and a talent for camouflage, the octopus is one of the most fascinating creatures in the sea.

Yannis Papastamatiou, Professor of Biological Sciences, Florida International University • conversation
May 9, 2022 ~6 min


Researchers identified over 5,500 new viruses in the ocean, including a missing link in viral evolution

Viruses do more than just cause disease – they also influence ecosystems and the processes that shape the planet. Tracing their evolution could help researchers better understand how viruses work.

Matthew Sullivan, Professor of Microbiology, The Ohio State University • conversation
April 7, 2022 ~7 min

Listening to the ocean reveals a hidden world – and how we might save it

The ocean is naturally noisy. Here’s what all the buzz is about.

Iain Barber, Deputy Dean, School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Dec. 31, 2021 ~7 min

Are marine protected areas helping marine mammals and birds? Maybe, but more can be done

MPAs are a start - but more needs to be done to help protect much-loved species such as Atlantic puffins, bottlenose dolphins and orcas.

Peter Evans, Honorary Senior Lecturer, Director of Sea Watch Foundation, Bangor University • conversation
Dec. 16, 2021 ~7 min

Deep-sea mining may wipe out species we have only just discovered

Among the dozens of endangered species, is a spiky snail named after The Clash lead singer, Joe Strummer.

Elin Angharad Thomas, PhD Researcher, Deep-Sea Biology, Queen's University Belfast • conversation
Dec. 10, 2021 ~7 min

Five years after largest marine heatwave on record hit northern California coast, many warm–water species have stuck around

The Blob, a long-lasting mass of warm water, sat off the Pacific coast of North America for years, bringing new species to formerly cold waters. What allows some to survive while others fade away?

Sam Walkes, PhD Student in Ecology, University of California, Davis • conversation
Oct. 4, 2021 ~8 min

Scientists are using new satellite tech to find glow-in-the-dark milky seas of maritime lore

When conditions are just right in some parts of the Indian Ocean, a type of bacteria will multiply and start to glow. Satellites are helping scientists study these milky seas for the first time.

Steven D. Miller, Professor of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University • conversation
Aug. 26, 2021 ~9 min


We solved the mystery of why some fish are warm-blooded

Warm-blooded fish can swim 1.6 times faster than their cold-blooded relatives.

Lucy Harding, PhD Candidate in Fish Physiology, Trinity College Dublin • conversation
July 5, 2021 ~4 min

Watching a coral reef die as climate change devastates one of the most pristine tropical island areas on Earth

Scientists watched in real time as rising ocean heat transformed the sprawling reef. It was a harbinger for ecosystems everywhere as the planet warms.

Sam Purkis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Miami • conversation
April 29, 2021 ~9 min

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