Parasites Defy Biodiversity Rules, Thriving Far from the Equator
By tracking infections across snails, crabs and fish, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ researchers reveal a surprising twist to a classic biodiversity pattern. Certain trematode parasites are more common in cooler, temperate waters.
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ-FWC Study: Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish Make a Comeback
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ and FWC researchers report endangered smalltooth sawfish are making a comeback in a historical Florida nursery. Young fish repeatedly use the same mangrove-lined habitats - offering new hope for recovery.
The 'Croak' Conundrum: Parasites Complicate Love Signals in Frogs
An ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ study shows parasites can affect mating signals in green treefrogs by subtly altering male calls, influencing how females choose mates.
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Harbor Branch Receives Gift for Environmental Research
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute received a $300,000 gift from the Robertson Family Fund for marine research focused on coral and seagrass restoration.
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Awarded $900,000 for Gulf of America Sea-Level Research
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ researchers have received a $900,000, four-year grant from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to advance AI-driven sea-level forecasts and tools for Gulf Coast resilience.
Marine Plastic Pollution Alters Octopus Predator-Prey Encounters
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ research shows a chemical released by plastics can alter how octopus and their prey behave -- shifting prey choice and lowering prey defenses. Plastic-derived oleamide may quietly rewire marine behavior.
Researchers Find New Bacteria in Stranded Florida Pygmy Sperm Whales
Analyzing more than 20 years of stranding data, ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Harbor Branch researchers discovered three new Helicobacter bacteria strains in stranded pygmy sperm whales, linked to ulcers and stomach inflammation.
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Feasibility Study: Queen Conch Aquaculture and Seagrass Impacts
¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Harbor Branch has launched a study to assess the commercial viability and environmental benefits of queen conch aquaculture in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, including market potential and seagrass impacts.
Shrinking Shellfish? Risks of Acidic Water in the Indian River Lagoon
Rising COâ‚‚ and nutrient pollution are weakening the Indian River Lagoon's ability to support shell-building life. A new ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Harbor Branch study maps where shell growth is most at risk across the lagoon.
Strategic Sex: Alaska's Beluga Whales Swap Mates for Survival
A new ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Harbor Branch study reveals a surprising strategy for long-term survival: Alaska's beluga whales mate with multiple partners over years, creating many half-siblings that preserve genetic diversity.