Dense algae populations in the Great Calcite Belt could cause carbon dioxide release from the ocean into the atmosphere. Source: Tiny Creatures Form Massive, Bright Ring Around Antarctica – Eos
Great summary of the crazy tardigrade genome as well as wonderful pictures and videos of tardigrades. Source: The tardigrade genome has been sequenced, and it has the most foreign DNA of any animal
Over the coming decades, dozens of marine species from the Carolinas to New England will be threatened by the warming, changing currents, and increased acidity expected to alter the region’s waters, according to a new study by scientists at the …
Single-celled bloodsuckers called vampyrellids creep through the soil beneath your feet Source: Microscopic vampire amoebas are swarming everywhere
Many diatoms in the genus Pseudo-nitzschia produce domoic acid (DA) – a potent neurotoxin that bioaccumlates in marine food chains. Persistent warm temperatures along the Pacific Coast of the US may be contributing to increased growth of Pseudo-nitzchia and increased toxin …
Toxin Taints Crabs and Kills Sea Mammals, Scientists Warn Read more »
“[Endosymbiosis] was taboo,” says Bill Martin. “You had to sneak into a closet to whisper to yourself about it before coming out again.” This is a nice essay from the Nautilus that discusses the history of our study and understanding …
NOAA’S Coral Reef Information System provides access to data and reports from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program. This a a great collection of resources for people interested in coral reef ecology and conservation efforts.
This is a convenient summary of warm and cold periods calculated as the Oceanic Nino Index (ONI). http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/ensostuff/ensoyears.shtml
Source: The Next Big Thing: Sea Vegetables | Oregon’s Agricultural Progress | Oregon State University
This article by Pettay et al. provides evidence that the coral endosymbiont Symbiodinium trenchii is present in Carribean corals. While the corals can tolerate higher temperature, calcification rates in corals harboring S. trenchii are lower than those harboring the native endosymbiont. Article Abstract