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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back 🪸 🐠 Resilience of coral reefs in the tropical Pacific 🐙 Resilience of coral reefs in the tropical Pacific Under the significant threats to coral reefs globally, a recent study by scientists at the University of Miami shines a ray of hope for certain coral ecosystems in the tropical Pacific, specifically those belonging to the Pocillopora genus. Based on over four decades of monitoring data from Panama, the researchers discovered that these particular coral reefs may withstand heat stress and maintain coral cover until the 2060s (which I personally feel is not that far away but let's not spoil the good news). The key to their resilience lies in an adaptive response to ocean heatwaves, where these corals adjust their symbiotic algae to include more heat-tolerant varieties. The findings challenge the narrative of a grim future for coral reefs worldwide, offering a glimpse into the potential for survival and adaptation. Despite the broader challenges posed by climate change and human activities, the study indicates that some coral reefs may possess the capacity to endure and even thrive in the face of adversity. However, researchers caution against assuming these hopeful findings for all coral reefs. While this particular adaptation strategy holds promise for certain ecosystems, the majority of coral reefs may still confront formidable challenges, potentially resulting in a reduction of species. Sources: https://new.nsf.gov/.../coral-reefs-tropical-pacific ... https://climate.nasa.gov/.../vanishing-corals-part-two.../ ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back 🤔What Has 9 Brains, 3 Hearts, and Blue Blood? 10 facts about octopuses 🐙 🐙 What Has 9 Brains, 3 Hearts, and Blue Blood? 10 facts about octopuses 1. They Have 9 Brains Octopuses have a central brain and a mini-brain in each of their eight arms. This setup allows their arms to act semi-independently, solving problems and exploring even while disconnected from the main brain. 2. They Have 3 Hearts Two hearts pump blood to the gills, while the third circulates it to the rest of the body. Interestingly, the systemic heart (the one that supplies the body) stops beating when they swim, which is why they prefer crawling. 3. Their Blood Is Blue Octopuses have copper-based blood called hemocyanin, which is more efficient than iron-based blood (like ours) in cold, low-oxygen environments, perfect for the deep sea. 4. Masters of Camouflage Using specialized skin cells called chromatophores, octopuses can change color and texture in milliseconds to blend into their surroundings or communicate with other animals. 5. They Use Ink as a Smoke Screen and a Weapon When threatened, octopuses eject a cloud of dark ink to obscure a predator’s view, helping them escape. But the ink isn’t just for camouflage, it also contains tyrosinase, a chemical that can irritate predators’ eyes and dull their sense of smell, making it harder for them to hunt. 6. They Can Regrow Limbs If an octopus loses an arm, it can fully regenerate it, complete with nerves, muscles, and even its local “mini-brain.” 7. They Squeeze Through Tiny Gaps Octopuses have no bones and can compress their soft bodies to fit through spaces no bigger than their beak; the only hard part of their body. 8. Most Octopuses Reproduce Only Once, laying Thousands of Eggs Before They Die Most octopus species are semelparous, meaning they reproduce just once in their lifetime. During this single reproductive event, a female can lay anywhere from tens of thousands to over half a million eggs, depending on the species. She then devotes herself entirely to guarding and caring for the eggs, often without eating, until they hatch. This self-sacrificing process, triggered by hormonal changes in the optic gland, ends in her death. While this dramatic life cycle is common, some deep-sea species show variations, with fewer, larger eggs and slightly different behaviors. 9. They Use Ink to Escape Predators When threatened, octopuses shoot a dark ink cloud to distract and confuse predators while they make their getaway. The ink may also dull a predator’s sense of smell. 10. They Can Think With Their Limbs Octopuses have a central brain and a mini-brain in each of their eight arms. These arm-based neural centers allow the limbs to operate semi-independently, exploring, reacting, and solving problems on their own. In a sense, each arm can “think” for itself. If you want to learn more about octopus, check out Oscar winning film, my octopus teacher. youtube.com/watch?v=3s0LTDhqe5A&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD https://www.jpost.com/.../science-around.../article-829458 https://www.nationalgeographic.com/.../facts/common-octopus https://www.jpost.com/.../science-around.../article-829458 ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Low cost and simple, solar-powered water desalination Low cost and simple, solar-powered water desalination Diagram by MIT The global population is projected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050, with many facing water shortages. According to UNICEF, over 2 billion people reside in nations with insufficient access to water supply now. As early as 2025, half of the world's population may reside in regions grappling with water scarcity. By 2030, as many as 700 million people could face displacement due to severe water scarcity. By 2040, roughly 25% of children worldwide will be residing in areas characterized by extremely high water stress. Understandably, the technology to solve the water shortage issue has been one of the top priorities for researchers around the world. Let's start with our most common question. The ocean covers about 71% of the Earth's surface. Why can't we use ocean water to help with water shortages? - High costs compared to other water sources - Substantial energy consumption that contributes to climate change - Negative environmental impacts from brine disposal - Differences in taste and quality may not appeal to everyone. So how expensive is the desalination processed water currently? - $1 to well over $2 to produce one cubic meter (264 gallons) of desalted water from the ocean - Freshwater sources can be as cheap as 10 to 20 cents per cubic meter. (the cost may vary depending on location and tech availability.) What makes the desalination so costly and challenging? The challenge lies in the HIGH ENERGY DEMAND of water desalination. Salt readily dissolves in water, creating robust chemical bonds that are challenging to disengage. Both the energy required and the technology for desalination are costly. Additionally, numerous attempts have faced challenges related to equipment fouling due to salt accumulation, leading to increased complexity and costs. A breakthrough: A joint team of researchers from MIT and Jiao Tong University in Shanghai has found a solution to salt accumulation, resulting in a more efficient and cost-effective solar desalination system compared to previous methods. This innovative approach can also be applied to treat polluted wastewater or produce steam for medical instrument sterilization, all powered solely by sunlight. This user-friendly device surpasses World Health Organization water quality standards and eliminates the need for frequent filter replacements, making it suitable for remote and resource-limited areas. It features a layered structure with dark material to absorb heat, a thin water layer, and a perforated layer above a salty water reservoir. Natural convection between the layers allows salt exchange, preventing accumulation and ensuring efficiency. The approach holds significant promise because of its exceptional energy efficiency, operational robustness, and cost-effectiveness. It enables affordable and passive desalination, generating fresh water from high-salinity source waters like seawater, brine, or brackish groundwater. “Unlike other designs with reliability issues, we use natural convention, relying on the geometry of the device. It was completely constructed from household materials we sourced through Amazon. By my estimates, it will cost about $4 for one square-meter device,” added the researcher. Resources: https://news.mit.edu/.../solar-desalination-system ... https://www.scientificamerican.com/.../why-dont-we.../ ... . ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back The motion of waves converted into energy!! 🐳 🐠 The motion of waves converted into energy!! Sea Wave Energy Limited (SWEL), based in Cyprus, has developed a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) known as the Waveline Magnet. This innovative floating generator uses a flexible "spine" of interconnected plastic platforms to harness the motion of ocean waves and convert it into electric power, potentially producing up to 100 MW of energy under ideal conditions. SWEL has conducted successful tests in Larnaca Bay, and while further development and testing are required, the WEC shows promise as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels. SWEL aims to deploy the WEC connected to an electrical grid in the ocean within the next five years, marking a significant step in renewable energy production and environmental preservation. 🐬 Sources: https://swel.eu/ https://youtu.be/jDdDRYaTrzw ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back A Major Win for Ocean Cleanup: 220 Tons of Plastic Removed from the Pacific Garbage Patch 🪼 A Major Win for Ocean Cleanup: 220 Tons of Plastic Removed from the Pacific Garbage Patch 🦐 Photo by The Ocean Cleanup Project The Ocean Cleanup project has reached a remarkable milestone, successfully removing 220 tons (nearly 450,000 pounds) of plastic waste from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This massive accumulation of marine debris, located between Hawaii and California, poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. Founded by Boyan Slat, The Ocean Cleanup has been utilizing advanced technology to extract plastic pollution, preventing it from breaking down into harmful microplastics. A recent video showcases the latest cleanup efforts, demonstrating the project's effectiveness in tackling one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues. This achievement marks a significant step toward reducing ocean pollution, but the work is far from over. The organization continues to develop and scale up its cleanup systems, aiming for long-term solutions to restore the health of our oceans. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back 🦞 One Becomes Billions: The All-Female Crayfish Cloning Its Way Around the World Warning: If you have one of these in your fish tank, do not release it into nearby water. A bizarre species of crayfish is rapidly multiplying and it doesn’t need males to do it. The marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) is an all-female species that reproduces through parthenogenesis, a rare form of asexual reproduction where eggs develop without being fertilized. Reproduction on Repeat Each marbled crayfish can lay 20 to 50 eggs every month, and every daughter is born fully capable of doing the same once she reaches six months of age. Because all offspring are genetically identical to their mother, a single crayfish can start an unstoppable chain of self-cloning, leading to exponential population growth. What’s alarming is that, while researching these crayfish, I found countless photos of them being raised as pets. Imagine how quickly a tank could become overrun! From Pet Tanks to Global Invaders First discovered in the German pet trade in the 1990s, scientists believe the species originated from a mutation in the slough crayfish (Procambarus fallax). Since then, it has spread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, particularly overwhelming freshwater ecosystems in Madagascar, where it's displacing native species and altering biodiversity.With no need for males, fast reproduction, and clones that adapt well to different environments, marbled crayfish have become a serious invasive species. The European Union has banned their sale and release in an attempt to slow their spread. Sources: * https://www.bbc.com/news/world-43032061 * https://canadiangeographic.ca/.../attack-of-the-clones.../ * https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-018-0467-9 ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Certain ingredients of sun screen are harmful to marine life Graphic by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. 🦀🌴 Certain ingredients of sun screen are harmful to marine life 🐡 These ingredients are still commonly used in sunscreens sold by U.S. brands. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the application of sunscreen can have unintended consequences for our environment. When we swim or shower, the sunscreen we apply may wash off and find its way into our waterways. Chemicals found in some sunscreens that can harm marine life include: - Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3) - Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) - 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4MBC) - Butylparaben - Benzophenone-1 - Benzophenone-8 - OD-PABA - 3-Benzylidene camphor - Nano-Titanium dioxide - Nano-Zinc oxide - Octinoxate - Octocrylene These chemicals can pose various risks to marine life. For example, they can impair the growth and photosynthesis of green algae. Coral can accumulate these substances in their tissues, leading to coral bleaching, DNA damage, deformities in young coral, and even death. Mussels may experience defects in their offspring, sea urchins can suffer damage to their immune and reproductive systems, as well as deformities in their young. Fish may encounter decreased fertility, reduced reproduction, and the development of female characteristics in male fish. Dolphins can also accumulate these chemicals in their tissues, which can then be passed on to their young. Notably, Thailand has implemented a ban on sunscreens containing these harmful ingredients due to their detrimental impact on the local marine environment. Regardless, it's extremely important to protect your skin with sunblock from harmful UV rays. So what can you do? Consider using sunscreens that are free of these harmful chemicals to marine life, seek shade between 10 am and 2 pm, and opt for Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) sunwear, such as shirts or pants with UV-blocking properties. And don't forget to stay hydrated! Wishing you a safe and enjoyable summer! Sources: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/sunscreen-corals.htmlhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58092472 Graphics owned by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the U.S. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back World's Largest Deep-Sea Coral Reefs Known Discovered off Florida Coast Resilience of coral reefs in the tropical Pacific Under the significant threats to coral reefs globally, a recent study by scientists at the University of Miami shines a ray of hope for certain coral ecosystems in the tropical Pacific, specifically those belonging to the Pocillopora genus. Based on over four decades of monitoring data from Panama, the researchers discovered that these particular coral reefs may withstand heat stress and maintain coral cover until the 2060s (which I personally feel is not that far away but let's not spoil the good news). The key to their resilience lies in an adaptive response to ocean heatwaves, where these corals adjust their symbiotic algae to include more heat-tolerant varieties. The findings challenge the narrative of a grim future for coral reefs worldwide, offering a glimpse into the potential for survival and adaptation. Despite the broader challenges posed by climate change and human activities, the study indicates that some coral reefs may possess the capacity to endure and even thrive in the face of adversity. However, researchers caution against assuming these hopeful findings for all coral reefs. While this particular adaptation strategy holds promise for certain ecosystems, the majority of coral reefs may still confront formidable challenges, potentially resulting in a reduction of species. Sources: https://new.nsf.gov/.../coral-reefs-tropical-pacific ... https://climate.nasa.gov/.../vanishing-corals-part-two.../ ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Tree of life in Queensland, Australia Tree of life in Queensland, Australia Cakora Lake in the heart of the enchanting Daintree Rainforest captivates with its serene beauty. The lake is known for its unique earthy hue, resembling the shade of well-steeped tea. The lake is surrounded by a riot of vegetation including lush tea trees, Melaleuca Alternifolia. The tea tree, a master of alchemy in their own right holds a treasure trove of tannins within their leaves. When their leaves fall from trees and touch the water, they release tannins. These organic compounds infuse the river with a deep amber color. The water, now imbued with the essence of the rainforest, carried with it the history of a thousand seasons, tales of growth and decay, of life's ever-turning cycle, in its rich, earthy tones. The story of the healing tea trees in human history finds its roots in the ancient annals for thousands of years and emerges from the rich heritage of the Bundjalung, Australia's Aboriginal people. Guided by generations of wisdom, they have harnessed these organic oases for their natural healing properties, tending to an array of maladies. Skin infections, burns, cuts, and insect bites yielded to the power of these elemental waters, offering solace and rejuvenation in their embrace. Some native women have given birth at the healing lake. Australian photographer, Derry Moroney, captured various faces of the stunning 'Tree of Life' formation on Cakora Lake. Source: Photos by Derry Mroney https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-australia-55642974 https://theconversation.com/indigenous-medicine-a-fusion ... ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back High School Student finds a way to remove microplastic from water 👏 High School Student finds a way to remove microplastic from water👨🏼🎓 https://www.fionnferreira.com/ This is truly inspiring, especially for a young student like myself!! I hope you can share this story with other young people to inspire. Fionn Ferreira, an Irish high school student, gained international recognition for his innovative discovery aimed at removing microplastics from water. In 2019, at the age of 18, Fionn won the Google Science Fair's grand prize for his project titled "An Investigation into the Removal of Microplastics from Water using Ferrofluids." Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size that have become a significant environmental concern due to their ubiquitous presence in oceans, rivers, and even drinking water. They can have harmful effects on marine life, ecosystems, and potentially human health when ingested through the food chain. In fact, researchers have found microplastics in human bodies and even in infants’ feces!! Ferreira's project focused on addressing this issue using a substance called ferrofluid, which is a liquid that becomes magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field. The innovative aspect of his project was to use ferrofluids to attract and remove microplastics from water, essentially creating a magnetic filter to extract these particles. His experiment involved mixing oil and magnetite powder to create the ferrofluid, and then exposing this mixture to water containing microplastics. By applying a magnetic field, Ferreira was able to make the ferrofluid attract and bind to the microplastics, effectively separating them from the water. This approach offered a potential solution for removing microplastics from various water sources. Fionn Ferreira's work serves as an inspiring example of how youths can contribute to scientific advancements and raise awareness about critical environmental challenges. Fionn Ferreira source: https://www.fionnferreira.com/ ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Vanishing Ice, Vanishing Lives: How Climate Change Threatens Arctic Wildlife 🐋 Vanishing Ice, Vanishing Lives: How Climate Change Threatens Arctic Wildlife🦭 The Arctic, one of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth, is warming nearly four times faster than the global average. As sea ice melts and temperatures rise, species that depend on the ice—such as polar bears, seals, and Arctic foxes—are facing habitat loss, food shortages, and increasing threats to their survival. Climate change is reshaping the Arctic at an unprecedented rate, pushing many species toward the brink of extinction. Polar Bears: Struggling for Survival Polar bears ( Ursus maritimus ) are among the most iconic victims of climate change. These apex predators rely on sea ice to hunt seals, their primary food source. However, with Arctic ice retreating earlier in the spring and forming later in the fall, polar bears are forced to swim longer distances or forage on land, where food is scarce and less nutritious. According to the U.S. Geological Survey , some polar bear populations have already declined due to malnutrition and lower reproductive success. Seals and the Chain Reaction of Ice Loss Seals, particularly ringed seals ( Pusa hispida ), are another key species affected by climate change. These seals depend on stable sea ice to give birth and raise their pups. With ice melting prematurely, young seals become more vulnerable to predators and harsh weather conditions. The loss of seals also means less food for polar bears and other Arctic predators, further disrupting the ecosystem. The Impact on Arctic Foxes and Other Species Arctic foxes ( Vulpes lagopus ) are highly adapted to cold environments, but their survival is becoming increasingly difficult as warming temperatures lead to competition with red foxes migrating north. Changes in prey availability, such as declining populations of lemmings, further threaten their survival. Additionally, the loss of ice affects walruses, narwhals, and beluga whales, many of which rely on sea ice for protection from predators or access to feeding grounds. Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Action Protecting the Arctic requires global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve critical habitats, and enforce sustainable policies. Scientists and conservationists emphasize that without immediate action, many Arctic species face a grim future. By mitigating climate change, we can help ensure the survival of the Arctic and the wildlife that calls it home. Sources: Laidre, K. L., Stirling, I., Lowry, L. F., Wiig, Ø., Heide-Jørgensen, M. P., & Ferguson, S. H. (2008). Quantifying the impact of climate change on Arctic marine mammals: A review . Ecological Applications, 18 (2), S97-S125. Amstrup, S. C., Marcot, B. G., & Douglas, D. C. (2008). A Bayesian network modeling approach to forecasting the 21st-century worldwide status of polar bears . Arctic, 61 (3), 250-261. Post, E., Alley, R. B., Christensen, T. R., Macias-Fauria, M., Forbes, B. C., Gooseff, M. N., ... & Wang, M. (2019). The polar regions in a 2°C warmer world . Science Advances, 5 (12), eaaw9883. IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change). (2021). Sixth Assessment Report: The Physical Science Basis . Stirling, I., & Derocher, A. E. (2012). Effects of climate warming on polar bears: A review of the evidence . Global Change Biology, 18 (9), 2694-2706. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back A 440-pound Blue Whale's heart 🦑🐳 A 440-pound Blue Whale's heart 🦀🐋 The wonders of nature are truly astonishing. Mammalogy technicians at the Royal Ontario Museum preserved a blue whale's 440-pound heart that washed up in Newfoundland. Reportedly, a heart of a blue whale can weigh up to 1000 lbs, about the size of a dairy cow! The preservation process included extracting the heart, dilating it with formaldehyde to prevent flattening, shipping it to Germany, plastinating it by replacing water with a silicone polymer, and curing it with a gaseous agent. Wow! Photo: owned by Royal Ontario Museum Sources: https://www.wired.com/.../how-scientists-preserved-a-440.../ https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/fea.../big-hearted-blue-whale Photo: owned by Royal Ontario Museum ←Previous Next→