Oceanography

Search for the Unicorn—Slightly Off-Center

April 13, 2016April 6, 2021 Science Connectednarwhal, teeth, whales

In medieval times, the narwhal tusk was bought and sold as a “unicorn horn.” It is actually a very long tooth, but it is still very cool. By Mark Lasbury, PhD Zootopia opened in movie theaters on March 4, 2016. Among all the animals featured in this feature, you probably recall a few sporting horns. But did you happen to spot any unicorns? Mythical Unicorns The earliest writings that describe unicorns were those of the Greek writer Ctesias, in the late fifth century BCE. He described the Indian ass, an…

A grey whale with scars on its tail flukes, possibly the result of a collision with a marine vessel. Image credit: Ricardo Antunes.

Environment Oceanography Zoology

Protecting Marine Mammals with Maritime Tracking

February 29, 2016March 17, 2021 Science Connectedmarine life, marine mammals, oceans, sea animals, whales

Whales and other marine mammals are often struck by ships, sometimes with fatal results. Researchers and shipping companies may protect them.

Biology Oceanography Science and Art Zoology

Preserving a Soft Skeleton: Backs without Bones

December 16, 2015May 12, 2016 Science Connectedfish, shark, skeleton

By Sebastien Enault What are shark skeletons made of? The skeleton of modern sharks, rays, and skates consists of cartilage, a connective tissue that is lighter and more flexible than bone. Most people closely associate the skeleton with bone, and are familiar with the skeletal structure of many ancient and modern vertebrates, which are beautifully described in a vast number of anatomical works and frequently displayed in most natural history museums. However, while sharks and rays are very popular in aquariums around the world, few people actually know what their…

Oceanography Science Videos Zoology

Eight Incredible Deep Sea Creatures

November 2, 2015May 4, 2021 Science ConnectedDeep sea, marine biology

Dr. Joe delivers another terrific It’s OK To Be Smart video, and we are excited to share it with you. Meet eight of the freakiest deep sea creatures. By Joe Hanson We know more about some other planets than we do about the deepest corners of Earth’s oceans, and the species we’ve found there are almost alien. Here’s some of the most unbelievable deep sea creatures ever observed! Special thanks to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) for help with this video! Twitter/Periscope: @jtotheizzoe @okaytobesmartSnapchat: YoDrJoeInstagram: @jtotheizzoeFacebook: facebook.com/itsokaytobesmart Whale illustrations…

Environment Oceanography

Coral Bleaching: Reefs Continue to Suffer

October 9, 2015July 30, 2022 Science Connectedclimate change, coral, coral reefs, marine animals, oceanography

NOAA has announced that the third global coral bleaching event is underway. Find out what you might be able to do to help save the coral reefs.

Biology Oceanography

What Does a Marine Biologist Do?

September 17, 2015July 19, 2019 Science Connectedmarine biology, STEM, STEM careers, Women in STEM

Our friends over at Techsploration in Canada inspire people to make the world a better place with science. That’s why they’ve produced this short video about marine biologist Maxine Westhead. In it, she explains how and why she became a marine biologist, and what she loves most about her work. Are you passionate about protecting marine life, but unsure of how to make that passion into a career? See how Maxine’s work as a marine biologist is making a difference to protect our precious oceans and the creatures that live in them,…

Green sea turtles swimming near North Stradbroke Island, Australia (Photos by Kathy Townsend)

Environment Oceanography Zoology

Sea Turtles Poisoned by Plastic

September 14, 2015May 12, 2016 Science Connectedmarine life, marine mammals, plastic in ocean, sea turtles

By Kate Stone Mr. McGuire: I want to say one word to you. Just one word. Benjamin: Yes, sir. Mr. McGuire: Are you listening? Benjamin: Yes, I am. Mr. McGuire: Plastics. Benjamin: Exactly how do you mean? Mr. McGuire: There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it? (The Graduate, 1967) An international study led by the University of Queensland has revealed that more than half the world’s sea turtles have ingested plastic and other rubbish. The study, led by Dr. Qamar Schuyler from UQ’s…

Shellfish threatened by climate change: A mussel farm in South India (Photo courtesy of Lucy Turner)

Environment Oceanography

Will Climate Change Take Shellfish Off Menus?

July 8, 2015April 4, 2021 Science Connectedclimate change, fish, marine life, oceans, seafood

Climate change may dramatically affect the availability of shellfish. As the oceans become warmer and less salty, bacteria could threaten the shellfish. Do you enjoy a tasty shrimp scampi, or perhaps some steamed mussels with lemon? How about a few oysters on the half shell? If so, you won’t be happy to hear that those and other shellfish dishes may soon be harder to come by. Climate change models are predicting rising sea temperatures around the world. In the tropics, rainfall is also predicted to increase, reducing the salt concentration…

Biology Oceanography Zoology

Shelf Life Episode 8: Voyage of the Giant Squid

June 25, 2015April 4, 2021 Science Connectedanimals, biology, cephalopods, ecology, fish

Find out how natural history museum staff transport the body of a giant squid. These animals grow to the size of a school bus, or longer. This episode of the Shelf Life video series focuses on a simple transportation problem– how to transport the body of a rare giant squid. But long before they were a quandary for customs officials, these mysterious cephalopods fueled fear and folklore all over the world. While they may not breathe fire or devour large ships, the animals that inspired their mythological counterparts are no…

Electric Blue Cichlid (Courtesy of Criminalatt)

Oceanography Science Videos Zoology

Hey Cichlid, Check Out My Sandcastle

June 16, 2015September 2, 2015 Science Connectedbiology, ecology, fish, marine biology

By Tom Evans (@AquaEvans) Here is a healthy reminder that all those other fish in the sea aren’t so bad. I’d like to justify my belief that Lake Malawi cichlids are considerably more charming than most human companions. Before we go on, I am not encouraging you to leave your wife/husband and run to the nearest lake. Lake Malawi, also known as Lake Nyasa in Tanzania and Lago Niassa in Mozambique, is an African Great Lake. It is located between Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Cichlid Love Cichlids are charismatic lovers, and…