Oceans

Lightning is less common over the ocean than land, new research suggests that aerosols such as salt from sea spray may be the reason.

Scientists discover the largest fish breeding colony to date in the Antarctic and explore how the nests affect the surrounding ecosystem.

A recent study of tiger sharks reveals migratory changes based on life stage, sex, and season - and points to oil drilling platforms as key hangout spots, which could have large consequences for their population.

Seaweed are usually beneficial to ocean life, but now scientists have observed enormous masses of algae in the Atlantic Ocean that can harm the environment. Read Ben Andreone's article to learn more!

by Sylvia Hurlimann figures by Hannah Zucker When we think of kelp, we conjure up images of magical underwater forests. Recent research, however, suggests that in addition to creating beautiful habitats, macroalgae such as kelp play a large role…

by Jordan Wilkerson figures by Rebecca Senft The blue, glimmering Pacific Ocean. On his 1997 trip from Hawaii back to the US mainland, Captain Charles Moore expected captivating views of its pristine waters. After all, he’d be sailing across one of the…

All eukaryotes, such as animals and plants, share the same complexity in their cells. Recently, scientists discovered a species of archaea called Lokiarchaeum that may provide a link to the origin of eukaryotic cells. The DNA of this particular microbe…

Presented by Laura Schaefer Searching for life in our galaxy means first finding liquid water. Water is found throughout our Solar System in many different forms, but the Earth, because of its balmy temperatures and unique geology, is the only known…

Sea stars are famed for their multiple arms, ability to regenerate limbs, and colorful camouflage. While more than 2,000 species of sea stars inhabit the world’s oceans, millions of these creatures have died from sea star wasting disease (SSWD) within…

From Snails Are Dissolving in Pacific Ocean (original article here) Image courtesy of Arctic Exploration 2002, Russ Hopcroft, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, NOAA/OER Recent findings show that CO2 emissions are increasingly acidifying oceans, causing…