The world is on the brink of a major breakthrough in discovering elusive marine species, unlocking secrets hidden in the depths of our oceans. With the majority of the planet’s aquatic life remaining largely unexplored, we are about to take a deep dive into an initiative that is revolutionizing marine species discovery and documentation.

1.8 million species are yet to be identified in the ocean

Austin, TX

Let’s talk about an unusual kind of pollution that’s slowly infiltrating our daily lives known as “forever chemicals.” These organofluorine compounds are found in our drinking water, oceans, and even in our bloodstream. The potential threat that forever chemicals pose to both the environment and human...

Scientists can now trace 'forever chemicals' back to their sources

In the grand scheme of life’s relentless pursuit, microbes have proven themselves to be among the most adaptable organisms on Earth. Since the Industrial Revolution, these resilient microorganisms have colonized novel habitats, from marine oil spills and floating plastics in the oceans to industrial brownfields and even the interior of the International Space Station.

Microbes have become immune to radiation and live in microwaves

Antarctica, the land of ice and snow, holds more life than you might imagine. A recent study that mapped plant life across the continent for the first time unveils surprising insights. Covering mosses, lichens, and algae, the research uncovers a wealth of greenery expanding even in areas previously believed to...

Antarctica hosts more plant life than scientists expected to find

Wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the world’s profound interconnectedness, where an event in one region can ripple across borders and manifest tangible repercussions elsewhere. Climate-driven wildfires in Canada are transferring toxic chemicals through the air, reaching as far as the Northeastern U.S., thereby affecting air quality and...

Climate-driven wildfires worsen U.S. air quality and health

There’s something undeniably human about wanting to possess a little piece of a place that meant something to you. And seashells, with their no-two-are-alike design, make themselves incredibly tempting to take home. But these organic souvenirs don’t exactly come free. Seashells play a vital role in oceanic ecosystems, providing homes for several shellfish. While collecting a handful might seem like a harmless act of beachcombing fun, it can have some pretty sad consequences if done on a large scale. To learn more about the environmental implications of taking seashells from a beach, we spoke to Dr. Britta Baechler, Associate Director of Ocean Plastics Research for Ocean Conservancy and a scientist who has studied the impacts of microplastic pollution on shellfish along the Pacific coast.

Here's Why You Shouldn’t Take Seashells from the Beach

Interesting Engineering

It's one of the world's most endangered fish species, measuring no more than 4 inches long and sporting vibrant colors like red, brown, and pink.

Sea creature with human-like hands could be one of world’s most endangered fish

Rare footage captured by a camera strapped to the back of an endangered shark shows the moment it was struck by a boat, prompting the animal to dash into deep waters.

Boat hits massive 23-foot shark in rare video footage

We can often find the stunning beauty and fascination that nature has to offer right in our own backyard. However, could there be a plant lurking in your outdoors that’s not quite as benign as it appears?. Recently, researchers delved into the dark side of the plant world where...

Common backyard plant can cause severe burns and DNA damage

Deep Blue, a rarely-seen great white shark, is believed to be the largest in the world. Measuring an impressive 22 feet and weighing 2.5 tonnes, this 50-year-old female shark has captured the fascination of marine biologists and ocean enthusiasts alike. First encounter and notable sightings. Discovered in 2013 by shark...

Meet Deep Blue: The rarely sighted world’s largest great white shark

USA TODAY

The broadnose sevengill and the soupfin sharks are common along the Pacific coast. Now they're showing up in Washington’s Puget Sound.

'This can't be right': Big sharks found in waters far from the open ocean

If you read labels on food items before you buy them, then you've probably seen the dolphin-safe label on many brands of canned tuna. This graphic isn't informing you that the product is safe for dolphins to eat, or even hinting that the can contains dolphin meat mixed in with the tuna. It's meant to let you know that no dolphins were intentionally captured or harmed when the tuna was caught.

What The Dolphin-Safe Label Actually Means For Canned Tuna

New Jersey State

Louisiana State

Fox Weather

NOAA announced Thursday that their annual measurement of the largest dead zone in U.S. waters, the Gulf of Mexico dead zone, is roughly the size of New Jersey.

‘Dead zone’ in Gulf of Mexico now the size of New Jersey, scientists say

Ohio State

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The Lantern

On Tuesday, licensed Ohio dispensaries began legally selling non-medical marijuana to consumers; however, the drug’s possession, growth and/or usage are still prohibited on Ohio State’s campus. Credit: Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times/TNS [Original caption: Four citizen-led petitions with proposals to update Dallas’ charter hit the 20,000 valid signature threshold to make it on the Nov. 5 election ballot, including one that would ban police officers from arresting or citing people carrying less than four ounces of marijuana.] As of Tuesday, students 21 and older can now legally purchase marijuana in Ohio.

Dispensary sales of recreational marijuana began Tuesday; possession and usage still prohibited on Ohio State’s campus

The world today is more understanding – and embracing – of cannabis use than it has ever been before. Oddly enough, the green herb with its distinctive odor has quickly jumped the ranks from a controversial substance to an almost celebrated component of pop culture. However, like with...

Cannabis use directly linked to head and neck cancer

South Carolina State

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Colleton County, SC

Explore Beaufort SC

Some beachgoers were in for a surprise this week when a bizarre looking prehistoric fish washed ashore in Colleton County along Edisto Beach at Edisto Beach State Park. It turned out to be an atlantic sturgeon.

Rare Atlantic sturgeon washes ashore on South Carolina beach

ScienceAlert


Brazilian sharpnose sharks swimming in South America's coastal waters have been found to have significant levels of cocaine and its metabolites in their system, according to a team of researchers in Brazil.



					
			

Unlike Hollywood's depictions of coked-up predators on drug-fueled rampages, the effects of the illicit stimulant on key species in the marine food chain could be less obvious yet far more concerning.
The team, led by environmental scientist Gapriel de Farias Araujo from the Oswaldo Cruz Institute in Brazil, found high concentrations of cocaine in every one of the 13 juvenile and young adult Brazilian sharpnose sharks (Rhizoprionodon lalandii) they tested.
They...

'Cocaine Sharks' Discovered in Brazil Raise Alarm Over Ocean Pollution

Salon

Love eating ice-cold oysters-on-the-half-shell in the summertime? Enjoy a large bowl of mussels cooked in garlic, wine, butter and parsley? Then you may be a bit discouraged to learn that, as per Megan Schaltegger at Delish, both oysters and mussels "contain 'disturbingly high levels of fiberglass.'" Perhaps it's a good time to curtail your consumption a bit, at least in the interim.

New study reveals that mussels, oysters and other sealife contains an excess amount of fiberglass

IFLScience

And they may reveal the genetic secrets behind rare lobster colorations.

Peaches The 1-In-30 Million Lobster Just Hatched Some Rare Babies

Jellyfish are captivating and diverse marine creatures that belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which also includes corals and sea anemones. Jellyfish are known for their unique stinging cells called cnidocytes, which contain venomous structures. While many species are harmless and pose little threat to humans, others are renowned for their potent venom, which can be both mesmerizing and potentially dangerous.

World's Most Dangerous Jellyfish

NewsBreak

Seagrass meadows filter human pathogens, making seafood safer

Beneath the ocean waves, a green oasis exists that often goes unnoticed: seagrass meadows. Think of them as the underwater equivalent of your local park. However,...

Seagrass meadows filter human pathogens, making seafood safer

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