Parasitic Worms Have Armies, and Produce More Soldiers When Needed
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 26 February 2020
Researchers found trematode worm colonies inside snails adjust their balance of “soldiers” and “reproductives” based on invasion threats. This reveals how parasite societies allocate resources and serve as models for broader animal social behavior.
Keywords: trematodes, parasites, snails, soldier worms, resource allocation, animal societies, invasion defense
Beaked Whale Strandings in the Mariana Archipelago Associated with Sonar
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 26 February 2020
A study links beaked whale strandings in the Mariana Archipelago to naval sonar, showing a strong correlation. Passive acoustic monitoring revealed the area as key whale habitat, raising concerns over sonar’s impact on marine life.
Keywords: beaked whales, sonar, strandings, Mariana Archipelago, naval operations, passive acoustic monitoring, marine conservation
Earth's Mantle, Not Its Core, May Have Generated Planet's Early Magnetic Field
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 5 March 2020
Scripps researchers propose Earth’s early magnetic field may have come from a molten mantle “basal magma ocean,” not the core. New studies support the idea, suggesting this mantle dynamo protected early Earth and shaped planetary evolution.
Keywords: early Earth, magnetic field, basal magma ocean, mantle dynamo, geophysics, planetary evolution, cosmic radiation
