Some Fish Quickly Adapt to Lethal Levels of Pollution
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 8 December 2016
A study shows Atlantic killifish rapidly evolved pollutant resistance via changes in a key gene pathway. Their high genetic diversity enabled this adaptation, offering clues to pollution resilience and possible insights for human health.
Keywords: Superfund Research Program, AHR pathway, toxic resilience, Mark Hahn, Sibel Karchner, genetic diversity, rapid evolution
New 13-year Study Tracks Impact of Changing Climate on a Key Marine Food Source
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 20 October 2016
A 13-year WHOI study shows ocean warming causes Synechococcus phytoplankton to bloom up to four weeks earlier. Despite faster growth, predators keep populations stable, highlighting climate-driven shifts in marine ecosystems.
Keywords: Synechococcus, phytoplankton, ocean warming, WHOI, marine ecosystems
Study Reveals Corals’ Influence on Reef Microbes
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 12 October 2016
Corals influence surrounding microbes by selectively feeding on key bacteria and releasing compounds that boost microbial growth and nitrogen cycling, revealing their crucial role in shaping reef ecosystems.
Keywords: corals, microbes, SAR11, nitrogen, reef, bacteria, WHOI
