Thursday, February 15, 2024

New Whale Species in the Gulf of Mexico

A whale long known to inhabit the Gulf of Mexico, believed since 1965 to be a subspecies of the Bryde’s whale, was identified last year as a separate species, Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei). It soon may be extinct. Read my piece about it here


Tuesday, November 21, 2023

The Pros and Cons of Cold Water Immersion

Studies show a freezing dunk can improve your immune system and stave off depression—or cause a heart attack or frostbite. Read more about the possible benefits and the risks of cold water immersion.

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Playing Matchmaker for Corals

Improving the success of sexual reproduction is another tool for restoring the world’s coral reefs. Read about a project working on this method in Florida and the Caribbean. 

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Tracking whales to prevent ship strikes

 Collisions with ships are a leading cause of death for large whales worldwide. Whale Safe, a technology created by the Marine Mammal Center and UCSB’s Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, can let ship crews know when whales are present so they can slow down, which dramatically reduces the risk of fatal collisions. Read more here

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

The sources of Earth's water

 Earth has a lot of water. Scientists aren't sure where it all came from, but they may be getting close to finding out. Read more here

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Planting Coral Reefs

 The Coral Restoration Foundation in Florida heads up a massive outplanting project to help save coral reefs. This piece for The Revelator explains how volunteers are integral to the effort. 

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Coral Reefs in Crisis

 First in a series about efforts to restore coral reefs in Florida and the Caribbean. This one looks at seascape genomics as a restoration tool and a controversial idea: controlled invasion. Read more here