Pollutants in Fish Inhibit Human's Natural Defense System
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 15 April 2016
Scripps-led study finds pollutants in fish can block P-gp, a key protein that expels toxins from the body. Chemicals like flame retardants and pesticides may hinder this defense, raising health concerns over contaminated seafood consumption.
Keywords: Scripps Oceanography, P-gp protein, toxin defense, persistent organic pollutants, seafood contamination
Photo of the Week: Seeing Seadragons
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 20 April 2016
Scripps researchers photographed a leafy seadragon in Australia while searching for the rare ruby seadragon. The team studies seadragon species, with some on display and bred at Birch Aquarium, which will host a symposium in June 2016.
Keywords: Scripps Oceanography, leafy seadragon, ruby seadragon, Australia, marine research, Birch Aquarium, seadragon breeding
Patterns of Glowing Sharks Get Clearer with Depth
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 5 May 2016
Researchers from Scripps and partners found catsharks can see their own green biofluorescence, enhancing contrast at depth. Using a custom “shark-eye” camera, they suggest this glow helps sharks recognize and communicate with each other.
Keywords: Scripps Oceanography, catshark, biofluorescence, shark vision, marine biology, underwater communication, shark-eye camera
