The Shells of Wild Sea Butterflies Are Already Dissolving

This long-predicted outcome of ocean acidification experiments has started showing up in the wild.

Mar 1, 2019 | 750 words, about 3 minutes

In the Future, Jellyfish Slime May Be the Solution to Microplastic Pollution

Slimy, sticky jellyfish mucus can extract gold nanoparticles from water—now scientists are working to see if its adhesive properties extend to plastics, too.

Feb 28, 2019 | 750 words, about 3 minutes

Oil Spills Are Bad for Shipwrecks

By enhancing microbial activity, oil spills may speed up the corrosion of historical shipwrecks and artificial reefs.

Oct 18, 2018 | 450 words, about 2 minutes

The Mysterious Origin of Oolitic Sand

New evidence is emerging for the odd hypothesis that this strange, egg-shaped sand is built by microbes.

Aug 23, 2018 | 450 words, about 2 minutes

How Warming Could Speed up the Sea

As the planet warmed at the end of the last ice age, the abyssal Pacific circulation kicked into high gear.

Aug 16, 2018 | 850 words, about 4 minutes

Is a Chemical Used in MRIs a Threat to Marine Ecosystems?

Gadolinium, a rare earth element important for medical testing, has found its way into coastal waters.

Jun 14, 2018 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

Soon Your Phone May Be Powered by Ship Soot

Researchers found a way to turn carbon pollution into graphite, a component widely used in batteries.

May 17, 2018 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

A Scheme to End the World’s Worst Acid Trip

This geoengineering idea is potentially risky and largely untested, but it does work—theoretically.

Mar 28, 2018 | 850 words, about 4 minutes