Marine scientists from the German federal state Bremen discover new giant clam - A hitherto unknown species shows signs of overfishing that already began 125.000 years ago
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 1 September 2008
Scientists have discovered a new giant clam species, Tridacna costata, in the Red Sea. Once dominant, it's now nearly extinct—likely the first case of human overfishing 125,000 years ago. Genetic and fossil studies confirm its unique identity.
Keywords: Tridacna costata, Red Sea, giant clam, overfishing, extinction, marine biodiversity, genetic analysis
Genome of the diatom Phaeodactylum sequenced
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 15 October 2008
Scientists sequenced the genome of the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, revealing its evolutionary roots and key traits like photosynthesis genes, oil production, and robust shells—vital for marine food chains and potential biofuel sources.
Keywords: Phaeodactylum tricornutum, diatom genome, marine algae, photosynthesis, biofuel, omega-3 fatty acids, Alfred Wegener Institute
Ancient groundwater records reveal regional vulnerabilities to climate change
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 29 June 2025
New WHOI-led study shows the Southwest may be more sensitive to drying than the Pacific Northwest through analysis of ancient groundwater records.
Keywords: groundwater, climate vulnerability, paleoclimate, drought, regional climate, water resources, environmental change
