Marine Biology

Cape and Australian fur seals show dramatic increases in heart rate hours after returning to land, according to new research. The surges may help the animals recover from the physical stress of prolonged underwater foraging.

May 08, 2026 Reported by AI

Scientists have discovered that coral reefs contain diverse communities of microbes, many previously unknown, that produce compounds with potential uses in medicine and biotechnology. The findings come from a large-scale study across the Pacific.

Researchers have documented sperm whales colliding head-on with their heads for the first time using drone footage from the Azores and Balearic islands. The behavior, observed among sub-adult whales, supports longstanding sailor accounts of aggressive whale encounters. The findings were published on March 23 in Marine Mammal Science.

March 11, 2026 Reported by AI

Scientists suggest that orcas hunting common dolphins led to two mass stranding events in northern Patagonia, Argentina. Videos from citizen scientists captured dolphins fleeing into shallow bays, where some became trapped and died. The findings highlight how predator-prey interactions can contribute to these mysterious occurrences.

A new review in Science highlights how calcifying plankton, tiny marine organisms that form calcium carbonate shells, are underrepresented in climate models. These plankton play a crucial role in the ocean carbon pump, pulling carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in deep waters. The omission could lead to underestimating the ocean's response to climate change.

February 07, 2026 Reported by AI

Scientists and Indigenous Australians are collecting coral spawn at night to bolster the Great Barrier Reef amid rising threats from climate change. The Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, funded with nearly $300 million, employs innovative techniques like coral IVF to help the ecosystem adapt to warming oceans. Despite these efforts, experts emphasize that reducing global emissions remains essential for long-term survival.