Scientists Discover Why Iconic Bioluminescent Plankton Don't Shine Off the West Coast
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 12 November 2019
Researchers found West Coast Noctiluca scintillans lack both luciferin and functional luciferase, explaining their absence of bioluminescence. Mutations, predator types, and growth trade-offs may drive this trait, bound to the California Current.
Keywords: Noctiluca scintillans, bioluminescence, luciferin, luciferase, California Current, mutations, plankton
Scientists Report First Recording of a Blue Whale's Heart Rate
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 25 November 2019
Stanford and Scripps scientists recorded the first wild blue whale heart rate, revealing extreme slow and fast beats that push the species’ physiological limits and may explain why no animal grows larger.
Keywords: blue whale, heart rate, physiology, Scripps, Stanford, bradycardia, tachycardia
The Story of My Octopus
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 3 December 2019
A Scripps researcher forms a deep bond with a North Pacific bigeye octopus named Aaron, later discovered to be female. Their touching companionship ends with Erin’s death, leaving a lasting emotional impact.
Keywords: octopus, Scripps, animal bonding, marine life, Erin, aquarium, companionship
