Microplastics found embedded in tissues of whales and dolphins
Microscopic plastic particles have been found in the fats and lungs of two-thirds of the marine mammals in a graduate student's study of ocean microplastics. The presence of polymer particles and fibers in these animals suggests that microplastics ca.....»»
Killer whales use specialized hunting techniques to catch marine mammals in the open ocean
Killer whales foraging in deep submarine canyons off the coast of California represent a distinct subpopulation that uses specialized hunting techniques to catch marine mammals, Josh McInnes at the University of British Columbia and colleagues report.....»»
Ancient giant dolphin discovered in the Amazon
Paleontologists from the University of Zurich have announced the discovery of a new species of freshwater dolphin in the Peruvian Amazon region. Surprisingly, its closest living relatives can be found in the river dolphins of South Asia......»»
Good news for gray whales: "Unusual mortality event" declared over
It was a worrisome few years for North Pacific gray whales, with hundreds washing up dead on shorelines along the West Coast leading to an estimated 30% decline in their population......»»
Shark-bitten orcas in the Northeastern Pacific could be a new population of killer whale
UBC researchers believe a group of killer whales observed hunting marine mammals including sperm whales, as well as a sea turtle, in the open ocean off California and Oregon could be a new population......»»
Whale of a tail: Scientists track unique humpback "fingerprint"
In Antarctica, a scientist waits patiently for two frolicking humpback whales to poke their tails out of the icy waters so she can take a photographic "fingerprint" of the unique colors and patterns that allow researchers to identify individuals of t.....»»
Polar plastic: 97% of sampled Antarctic seabirds found to have ingested microplastics
Anthropogenic plastic pollution is often experienced through evocative images of marine animals caught in floating debris, yet its reach is far more expansive. The polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica are increasingly experiencing the impacts o.....»»
Research suggests that menopause explains why some female whales live so long
Females of some whale species have evolved to live drastically longer lives so they can care for their families, new research shows......»»
Surviving fishing gear entanglement isn"t enough for endangered right whales. Females still don"t breed afterward
It sounds like a crime show episode at sea: In late January 2024, federal regulators learned that a dead female North Atlantic right whale had been sighted near Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. The whale was towed to shore, where more than 20 U.S. a.....»»
New research on their metabolism helps conserve endangered beluga whales in Alaska
New data provided by studying the beluga whales at Georgia Aquarium helps close a key information gap about how much food these whales need to thrive. The information will inform important management decisions for their counterparts in Alaska's Cook.....»»
Rope entanglement found to be a cause of low breeding rates in right whales
New findings show the severe impact of fishing gear entanglements on the survival of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, with every injury from entanglements impacting population recovery......»»
New computational strategy boosts the ability of drug designers to target proteins inside the membrane
Hitting targets embedded within the cell membrane has long been difficult for drug developers due to the membrane's challenging biochemical properties. Now, Scripps Research chemists have demonstrated new custom-designed proteins that can efficiently.....»»
Future iPhones could take a picture when bent
Apple is researching ways to embed multiple cameras in the body of a "flexible" device like a folding iPhone or iPad, and allow the device to be bent to take a picture or change a setting of the embedded cameras.Apple's original patent shows a potent.....»»
Latest macOS Sonoma update is breaking some USB hubs in monitors
According to some scattered user reports, updating macOS to Sonoma 14.4 is causing some USB hubs embedded in monitors to stop working and there doesn't seem to be a clear fix.macOS Sonoma 14.4 update breaks USB monitor hubsOn Tuesday, AppleInsider re.....»»
An EV that charges 30% faster? Volvo and Breathe think their tech can do it
Real-time battery-management algorithms on an embedded processor? Yes, please. Enlarge / Volvo's electric powertrains are going to get a bit smarter with Breathe's new real-time battery-management system. (credit: Volvo ).....»»
The Southern Ocean upwelling is a mecca for whales and tuna that"s worth celebrating and protecting
The Great Southern Australian Coastal Upwelling System is an upward current of water over vast distances along Australia's southern coast. It brings nutrients from deeper waters to the surface. This nutrient-rich water supports a rich ecosystem that.....»»
Here"s what conservationists say is likely causing the mysterious whale deaths along East Coast
While three whales washing up on Hampton Roads beaches in three days is unusual, it is likely indicative of a long-term trend seen along the East Coast......»»
Scientists find surprisingly simple method for removing microplastics from drinking water
Microplastics are everywhere. In fact, we even saw major bottled water brands reporting microplastic contamination back in 2018, which means they’re likely also in our … The post Scientists find surprisingly simple method for removing mic.....»»
Discovering the world of dolphins and their three "super senses"
Imagine that you're in a comfortable room with your cat. You're both sharing the same space, temperature and lighting. But while you're enjoying the décor, and perhaps a book or the taste of hot chocolate, the cat seems intrigued by something else......»»
New study suggests warming seas are negatively affecting beluga whales" aggregation patterns
Until recently, technology limitations have made it challenging to effectively study the aggregation behavior of beluga whales. As climate change continues and sea surface temperatures rise quickly, the ability to do so becomes a priority, requiring.....»»
Similar genetic elements underlie vocal learning in mammals
The vocalizations of humans, bats, whales, seals and songbirds vastly differ from each other. Humans and birds, for example, are separated by some 300 million years of evolution. But scientists studying how these animals learn to "speak" have time an.....»»