Microplastics discovered in the body tissues of whales, dolphins and seals – sparking concerns for human health too

New research shows that relatively large microplastic particles can make their way into the body tissues of marine mammals.

Samantha Garrard, Senior Marine Ecosystem Services Researcher, Plymouth Marine Laboratory • conversation
Aug. 23, 2023 ~7 min

Why are killer whales attacking boats? Expert Q&A

Orcas appear to be imitating the behaviour of one in particular by damaging sailboat rudders.

Luke Rendell, Reader in Biology, University of St Andrews • conversation
May 23, 2023 ~9 min


Expert Q&A: why are killer whales attacking boats?

Orcas appear to be imitating the behaviour of one in particular by damaging sailboat rudders.

Luke Rendell, Reader in Biology, University of St Andrews • conversation
May 23, 2023 ~9 min

Offshore wind farm construction is noisy – but gadgets used to protect marine mammals are working

A new acoustic recorder could track the movements of marine mammals more accurately.

Isla Graham, Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen • conversation
Jan. 19, 2023 ~7 min

Underwater noise is a threat to marine life

Noisy oceans are having a significant impact on marine life.

Graeme Shannon, Lecturer in Zoology, Bangor University • conversation
Jan. 17, 2023 ~7 min

Dolphins use signature whistles to represent other dolphins – similarly to how humans use names

Using urine and signature whistles from other dolphins, a team of scientists has shown that dolphins use signature whistles like names and hold mental representations of other dolphins in their minds.

Jason Bruck, Assistant Professor of Biology, Stephen F. Austin State University • conversation
Aug. 23, 2022 ~9 min

Whale migrations: how new UN treaty aims to protect species on the high seas

A new report shed light on the migratory routes of 1,000 whales worldwide.

Daniel M. Palacios, Endowed Associate Professor in Whale Habitats, Oregon State University • conversation
March 14, 2022 ~8 min

Sea otters demonstrate that there is more to muscle than just movement – it can also bring the heat

New research finds that ‘leaky mitochondria’ help keep sea otters warm.

Randall Davis, Regents Professor, Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University • conversation
Dec. 2, 2021 ~7 min


Sea lion whiskers can move like human fingertips: here's how we found out

Lo, a California sea lion, was able to control what she perceives using her whiskers — a highly cognitive skill.

Robyn Grant, Senior Lecturer in Comparative Physiology & Behaviour, Manchester Metropolitan University • conversation
Nov. 25, 2021 ~6 min

Risk versus reward on the high seas – skinny elephant seals trade safety for sustenance

By measuring how and when elephant seals sleep, researchers were able to figure out how elephant seals change their risk-taking behavior as they gain weight.

Jessica Kendall-Bar, PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz • conversation
March 17, 2021 ~9 min

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