Some Plastic Straws Degrade Quicker Than Others, New Study Shows
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 30 January 2024
WHOI researchers tested how long different drinking straws last in the ocean and found that a foamed bioplastic prototype degrades faster than paper, offering a promising, less-polluting alternative to conventional plastics.
Keywords: plastic degradation, marine pollution, biodegradable straws, cellulose diacetate, WHOI, bioplastics, ocean sustainability
Researchers Studying Ocean Transform Faults, Describe a Previously Unknown Part of the Geological Carbon Cycle
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 12 February 2024
WHOI scientists discovered that oceanic transform faults act as major CO₂ sinks, revealing a previously unknown part of the geological carbon cycle and offering insight into Earth's natural climate regulation over geological timescales.
Keywords: carbon cycle, transform fault, mantle rock, CO2 sink, peridotite carbonation, WHOI, geological climate
New Research Reveals: The New York Bight Is an Important Year-Round Habitat for Endangered Fin Whales
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 15 February 2024
New research reveals fin whales inhabit the New York Bight year-round, using acoustic monitoring to track their song patterns. The findings support the need for constant protection strategies against threats like vessel traffic.
Keywords: fin whale, New York Bight, acoustic monitoring, endangered species, whale conservation, WHOI, year-round habitat
