Octopuses tweak the RNA in their brains to adjust to warmer and cooler waters
The California two-spot octopus can edit the RNA in its brain to produce different proteins as ocean temperatures fluctuate, a new study finds.
marine biology
Hammerhead sharks 'hold their breath' in deeper, colder waters, research shows
Sharks are ectotherms and their internal body temperatures usually reflect the waters they swim in. Holding their breath helps them function in the frigid deep.
This floating ocean garbage is home to a surprising amount of life from the coasts
A study of plastic trash hauled out of the Pacific Ocean found that most of it had been colonized by coastal life that was thriving right next to species that normally live in the open sea.
Toothed whales use 'vocal fry' to hunt for food, scientists say
New research suggests that vocal fry among toothed whales is what gives them the ability to echolocate, hunting down their prey with the loudest sounds produced by any animal on the planet.
Killer whale moms are still supporting their adult sons — and it's costing them
Orca moms spent precious resources feeding their fully grown adult male offspring. A new study finds that this may limit how many more young they produce.
The biggest whales can eat the equivalent of 80,000 Big Macs in one day
Scientists have gotten the best estimates yet of exactly how much baleen whales, the largest animals on the planet, can consume in one day. Their caloric intake is mind-boggling.
A Research Vessel Found SpongeBob Look-Alikes A Mile Under The Ocean's Surface
A photo of a real-life sponge and starfish hanging out together delighted the internet. But "the reality is a little crueler than perhaps a cartoon would suggest," says the researcher who posted it.
Colombia's Former Prison Island Gorgona Is Open For Tourists — And Snakes
Nature has taken over this onetime penal colony turned national park, surrounded by waters popular with divers for their sharks, rays and whales. A resort manager calls it a "mini-Galápagos."
Florida's Corals Are Dying Off, But It's Not All Due To Climate Change, Study Says
A new study from the Florida Keys shows that a lot of the stress on corals comes from local sources, providing hope that community action can help save them.
Nursery For Giant Manta Rays Discovered In Gulf Of Mexico
Sightings of baby mantas are rare, but the Flower Garden Banks Marine Sanctuary appears to be a safe playground for newborns to adolescents.