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Polar Bears Increasingly Thrive in the World’s Hottest Regions: A Study on Weight Gains

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Polar bears in Svalbard

Researchers Monitor Polar Bears’ Body Condition in Svalbard

John Earls, Norsk Arctic Institute

In the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, a region known for its climatic extremes, polar bears are surprisingly gaining weight despite the alarming reduction of sea ice. However, scientists warn this trend may not be sustainable.

The northern Barents Sea, located between Svalbard and Russia’s Novaya Zemlya, is warming disproportionately—seven times faster than the global average. Over the past two decades, sea ice around Svalbard has diminished, disappearing two months earlier each year. Currently, polar bears must swim over 200 kilometers between their hunting grounds and birthing caves.

<p>Despite this challenging environment, the overall size and weight of Svalbard’s polar bears has increased since 2000, presenting a puzzling contradiction. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jon-Aars-2">Jon Aars</a>, who led the research at the Norwegian Polar Institute, claims it's positive news for Svalbard. However, he cautions that areas most affected by climate change show severe decline in polar bear populations.</p>

<p>This widely dispersed solitary predator counts among its many challenges the difficulty of accurate population estimates. The numbers <a href="https://www.iucn-pbsg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/PBSG-Status-Criteria-and-Report_Final_2024Oct7.pdf">are declining</a> in some regions while stable or even increasing in parts of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland; for nine populations, data remains insufficient.</p>

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<p>Estimations suggest the Barents Sea bear population ranges from 1,900 to 3,600 individuals, and appears stable or potentially increasing. From 1995 onward, researchers used tranquilizers via helicopter to study 770 bears, measuring their body length and thorax circumference to approximate weight.</p>
<p>Analysis of trends demonstrated a decline in body condition until 2000, followed by a gradual increase leading up to the last assessments in 2019.</p>

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                 data-caption="Polar bears depend on sea ice for many aspects of their lives" 
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                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Title">Crucial Role of Sea Ice in Polar Bear Survival</p>
                <p class="ArticleImageCaption__Credit">Trine Lise Sviggum Helgerud, Norsk Arctic Institute</p>
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<p>In spring, the birth of seal pups on sea ice provides a vital food source for polar bears, allowing them to build fat reserves for the warmer months. Researchers like Earls speculate that diminishing ice may actually assist bears in hunting seals more easily.</p>
<p>With the retreating ice, bears are adapting by exploring new food sources. The approximately 250 bears remaining on Svalbard may increasingly hunt bearded and harbor seals along the coast, while thriving walrus populations might offer additional sustenance.</p>
<p>These adaptable "local bears" are now raiding nesting colonies for bird eggs and chasing reindeer, showcasing a remarkable resilience. According to researchers, such flexibility may be delaying their extinction, says <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jouke-Prop">Jouke Prop</a> of the University of Groningen.</p>
<p>"This is a desperate tribe. They're doing unique things," he notes. "While this adaptability may not apply universally, it could suffice for a while in Svalbard."</p>
<p>Although polar bears have not yet reached Svalbard's ecological limits, thanks to the prohibition of hunting since 1973, warming temperatures threaten to disrupt the delicate food chain that begins with algae on sea ice, according to Prop.</p>
<p>"Should the sea ice vanish, sustaining a significant number of polar bears will become incredibly challenging," he warns.</p>
<p>"There exists a threshold beyond which continuous sea ice loss will negatively impact polar bears in Svalbard," Aars adds.</p>

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            <h3 class="SpecialArticleUnit__Heading">Uncover the Beauty of Svalbard and Tromsø</h3>
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                <p>Embark on an adventurous journey to Norway's Arctic region. Discover the scientific marvels behind the Northern Lights, the unique Arctic ecosystem, and how humans adapt to the challenges of the Far North.</p>
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Source: www.newscientist.com

Surprising Resilience: How Sea Turtles May Thrive Amid Global Warming

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Young Loggerhead Sea Turtle in the Caribbean Sea near the Bahamas

WaterFrame/Alamy

Recent research indicates that sea turtles may be more resilient to climate change than previously believed. Concerns have been raised that rising temperatures could lead to the extinction of these reptiles, as a majority of turtle eggs tend to develop into females. However, scientists have discovered a genetic safety net that maintains a more balanced sex ratio even as temperatures increase.

According to Chris Eizaguirre at Queen Mary University of London, “We believe we have uncovered the ability of turtles to adapt to the environment they find themselves in.”

The gender of baby sea turtles is temperature-dependent rather than determined by chromosomes. Laboratory studies show that cooler nest temperatures favor male hatchlings, while warmer conditions promote female hatchlings. This raises concerns that global warming could result in significantly more female turtles.

For instance, genetic research conducted in 2018 revealed that around 99% of young green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) aged 4 to 20 years in a nesting area off Australia were female. This finding contributed to alarming predictions about male shortages which could lead to a population collapse.

However, due to the challenges of identifying a turtle’s gender before it reaches maturity, field data regarding hatchling sex ratios have been limited.

To address this gap, Eizaguirre and colleagues conducted both laboratory and field experiments focused on loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta).

In one phase of the study, they collected 240 eggs from seven loggerhead nests along Florida’s Palm Beach County coast. These eggs were incubated at three different temperatures: 27°C (81°F) suitable for male hatchling production, 30°C (86°F) for an equal sex ratio, and 32°C (90°F) to promote female hatchlings.

After one to three days, blood samples were taken from the hatchlings, which were kept until mature enough for sex determination via keyhole surgery or laparoscopic imaging.

By comparing genetic data from the blood samples, researchers found distinctive activity patterns in hundreds of genes that indicated sex, attributable to an epigenetic process called DNA methylation. In females, 383 genes were hypermethylated, while males had 394 hypermethylated genes, many of which are known to play roles in sexual development.

Utilizing these findings, the team conducted field research on Sal Island, Cape Verde, collecting 29 newly laid loggerhead sea turtle eggs. The eggs were divided, with half buried in a cooler area and the other half in a warmer spot, and monitored for temperature variations.

Analysis of blood samples from 116 hatchlings revealed a higher number of males than predicted, suggesting previous models had overestimated female hatchling production by 50-60%, likely due to previously unrecognized biological adaptations.

“This discovery highlights that molecular mechanisms exist that help turtles adapt to climate change by modulating the sensitivity of sexual differentiation to temperature,” Eizaguirre explains.

“While feminization is a concern and does occur due to climate change, we are suggesting that if populations are robust and genetically diverse, species can adapt to their environmental conditions,” he adds.

These findings are supported by recent evidence from Graham Hayes at Deakin University, which showed that more male sea turtles are hatching than originally expected if temperature were the sole factor in sex determination. Hayes notes that turtles can adapt their crucial temperature-related sex ratios to local conditions.

In addition, turtles employ other strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as nesting earlier in the season and adjusting their migration patterns to breeding grounds to counteract feminization effects. “While females may not breed annually, males migrate to breeding grounds more frequently, contributing to a more balanced reproductive sex ratio,” Hayes explains.

Despite these behavioral adaptations, Eizaguirre warns that hatchlings still face threats from excessive heat, which can lead to lasting changes in DNA methylation—an indication of molecular adaptation that is promising for these vulnerable reptiles.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Centuries-Old Greenland Sharks Thrive Despite Heart Disease: Secrets to Their Longevity Revealed

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Greenland shark

Greenland Sharks’ Longevity: A Closer Look at Their Heart Health

Credit: Doug Perrine/naturepl.com

Greenland sharks are believed to live between 250 to 500 years. Remarkably, even at 150 years old, they show signs of severe age-related heart disease.

Interestingly, some body parts like their eyes seem resilient to aging and cancer, suggesting that not all organs in this ocean predator are equally affected by age. Despite this resilience, research has shown that Greenland sharks (Somniosus microcephalus) do have significant heart health issues, yet they show no obvious functional decline or reduced lifespan.

Alessandro Cellerino and his team at the École Normale Supérieure in Pisa, Italy, conducted a study on six Greenland sharks (four females and two males), each exceeding 3 meters in length, and found their results to be “truly surprising.”

The researchers estimate that all six specimens were between 100 and 150 years old. They employed various advanced microscopic techniques, including high-resolution fluorescence and electron microscopy, to investigate the animals’ heart tissues.

“The hearts of Greenland sharks exhibited significant fibrotic changes and an abundance of aging markers such as lipofuscin and nitrotyrosine,” stated Cellerino.

In humans, elevated fibrosis levels in heart tissues typically signal age-related heart problems and potential heart failure.

Nevertheless, Cellerino noted that the substantial accumulation of lipofuscin, associated with mitochondrial impairment, does not appear detrimental and “does not adversely affect the lifespan of Greenland sharks.”

The high levels of nitrotyrosine, another marker associated with heart inflammation and oxidative stress, suggest that Greenland sharks may have developed a unique evolutionary strategy for enduring chronic oxidative damage, as opposed to merely attempting to avoid it.

“Initially, I thought what I observed under the microscope was a technical artifact or an error in the experiment,” he remarked.

To compare, the researchers also examined another deep-sea fish, the velvet-bellied lantern shark (Etmopterus spinax), along with the turquoise killifish (Nosobranchius furzeri), a species noted for its fleeting lifespan of mere months, residing in seasonal pools across the African savannah.

Elena Chiavatti mentioned that while the Greenland shark’s heart is highly fibrotic, the other species showed no signs of such conditions, as indicated in the Scuola Normale Superiore paper.

“The accumulation of nitrotyrosine is significant in Greenland sharks, whereas lantern sharks show no accumulation,” Chiavatti commented.

Despite their brief lifespans, killifish share similar nitrotyrosine aging markers with Greenland sharks, she added.

Cellerino emphasized that Greenland sharks exhibit extraordinary resilience to aging, particularly in their hearts. “The existence of organisms like Greenland sharks that endure aging without any noticeable heart decline is remarkable,” he noted. “These findings underscore the exceptional heart resilience of Greenland sharks and suggest potential insights into healthy aging.”

João Pedro Magalhães from the University of Birmingham highlighted that the study underscores our limited understanding of the molecular and cellular aging mechanisms, including which changes are detrimental and which are advantageous.

Furthermore, Magalhães urged for a broader variety of animals in aging and lifespan research. “Most scientists, including myself, primarily use short-lived species like earthworms, mice, and rats, but remarkable long-lived species such as Greenland sharks and bowhead whales could hold the keys to longevity,” he urged.

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Fossil Discovery Indicates Mosasaurs Could Thrive in Freshwater Environments

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Paleontologists have discovered a 66-million-year-old Mosasaurus tooth within the Hell Creek Formation in North Dakota, USA. This find reinforces the idea that mosasaurs, often viewed as marine reptiles, also hunted in freshwater rivers.

Artist’s reconstruction of the Hell Creek Mosasaurus. Image credit: Christopher DiPiazza.

“Mosasaurs were apex predators in marine environments, diversifying during the Late Cretaceous and dominating a range of ecological niches,” stated paleontologist Melanie Dooling from Uppsala University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam alongside her team.

“The mosasauridae family is divided into three subfamilies: mosasauridae, plioplatecarpinidae, and tylosauridae, each showcasing unique adaptations that allow them to exploit various ecological opportunities.”

“Although mosasaurid fossils are often linked to shallow marine environments, findings of fossils in estuarine and freshwater settings challenge the notion that they were solely marine creatures.”

In 2022, a significant mosasaur tooth was unearthed from a multi-species fossil site in the Hell Creek Formation.

This area, once part of the ancient Western Interior Seaway, is well-known for a scarcity of marine species, primarily housing fossils of terrestrial and freshwater organisms.

The fossil was found in river sediments alongside an ancient tooth from a tyrannosaurus rex and a crocodile jawbone, indicating a rich ecosystem that included fossilized dinosaurs like edmontosaurus.

This specimen is related to the mosasaurid family prognatodontini, as its surface texture resembles that of other members in this group.

Researchers also studied isotopes within the tooth enamel to deduce the habitat of mosasaurs, discovering oxygen and strontium isotopic signatures indicative of freshwater conditions.

This may imply that mosasaurs preyed on freshwater animals, suggesting they could thrive and hunt away from oceanic environments.

“The carbon isotopes in teeth generally reflect the diet of the organism,” Dr. Dühring explained.

“Many mosasaurs exhibit low 13C values, allowing for deeper dives.”

“The teeth of Mosasaurus, in contrast, have higher 13C values compared to those of all known mosasaurs, dinosaurs, and crocodiles, indicating they likely did not dive deeply and may have occasionally consumed drowned dinosaurs.”

“Isotopic data suggest this mosasaur inhabited freshwater river environments.”

“When we examined two additional mosasaurus teeth from a nearby, slightly older site, we noted similar freshwater isotopic signatures.”

“These analyses indicate that mosasaurs inhabited fluvial environments for about the last million years before their extinction.”

Further examination of older mosasaurus teeth and other fauna from the Western Interior Seaway suggested isotopic concentrations more aligned with freshwater rather than saltwater habitats.

This points to a gradual decrease in salinity in the region over time.

The authors propose that members of Prognathodontini might have been opportunistic predators inhabiting niches similar to modern species, akin to the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), believed to have adapted to freshwater systems in response to the receding salinity of the Western Interior Seaway, gradually moving into the Hell Creek channel.

“We also analyzed fossils from other marine species and found distinct differences,” stated Dr. Per Ahlberg, a paleontologist at Uppsala University.

“Gill-breathing animals possessed isotopic signatures linked to brackish or saltwater, while all lung-breathing organisms did not.”

“This indicates that mosasaurs, which required surface access to breathe, lived in the upper freshwater layer rather than the saltier deeper layers.”

The team’s paper was published in the Journal on December 12, 2025, in BMC Zoology.

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in the midst of chaos others. 2025. King of the Riverside offers a fresh perspective on pre-extinct mosasaurs through a multi-proxy approach. BMC Zuhl 10, 25; doi: 10.1186/s40850-025-00246-y

Source: www.sci.news

Polar Bears Are Adapting Their Genetics to Thrive in a Warming Climate

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As climate change continues to undermine the icy habitats crucial for polar bear survival, new studies indicate that these bears are swiftly altering their genetic makeup to adapt.

This species is being compelled to cope with the increasingly harsh conditions of a warming Arctic, marking what scientists believe to be the first documented instance of rising temperatures prompting genetic adaptations in a mammal.

Research conducted by the University of East Anglia in the UK revealed findings: published in Friday’s issue of the journal Mobile DNA, which offers a rare glimmer of hope for these animals.

“Polar bears are sadly projected to face extinction this century, with two-thirds of their population potentially gone by 2050,” Alice Godden, the study’s lead author, shared with NBC News.

“We believe our findings genuinely provide a flicker of hope: a chance to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and allow bears more time to adapt to significant changes in their habitats.”

Building on previous research from the University of Washington, Godden’s team studied blood samples from polar bears in northeastern and southeastern Greenland. In the comparatively warmer southern region, genes associated with heat stress, aging, and metabolism showed different behavior compared to those in the north.

“Essentially, this indicates that various groups of bears are modifying different segments of their DNA at varying rates, with this activity seemingly linked to their specific environmental and climatic contexts,” Godden mentioned in a university press release.

He remarked that this is the first indication that a distinct population of a species has been driven to “rewrite its own DNA,” suggesting this process is a “desperate survival mechanism” against disappearing sea ice.

The Arctic Ocean has consistently recorded unusually high temperatures in recent years, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Monitoring data suggests.

Researchers assert that rising ocean temperatures are diminishing the vital sea ice foundation that bears rely on for hunting seals, leading to isolation and food shortages.

Godden explained to NBC News that the genetic changes emerged as the bears’ digestive systems adapted to food scarcity, including a lack of prey, plant life, and low-fat diets.

“Access to food poses a critical challenge for these bears everywhere, particularly in the South,” she notes. “This may indicate that their physical structure and composition are also evolving in response to warmer surroundings.”

The lead researcher stated that her team targeted the southern bear group as the region’s warmer climate provides insights into what other bear populations may experience later this century if current climate trends persist.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates around 26,000 polar bears currently exist globally. Known scientifically as Ursus maritimus, or “sea bear,” these animals are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, believed to be at “high risk of extinction in the wild.”

The research “doesn’t imply that polar bears are at a reduced risk of extinction,” Godden stated. However, she added this finding “could provide a genetic framework for how polar bears may swiftly adapt to climate change.”

Godden further urged, “We all need to take action to reduce our carbon footprint and create opportunities to protect and expand this incredible and vital species.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Cats Can Conquer Their Fear of Water and Thrive with Aquatic Therapy

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Most cats aren’t fond of water

mclemay137/Getty Images

Innovative training protocols now enable even injured or disabled cats to experience underwater treadmill therapy and pools without fear.

This adaptive approach lowers stress levels, ensuring cats feel secure and can reap the benefits of the same water-based rehabilitation that aids dogs, horses, and humans. Stefania Uccedu from San Marco Veterinary Clinic and Research Institute in Padua, Italy.

“This is quite unexpected, as it boils down to habituation,” she explains. “Cats, like humans seeing the beach for the first time, have no concept of water. However, once they acclimate to the therapy setting, water becomes less of a concern.”

Underwater treadmills and pool therapies allow both animals and humans to exercise with less strain, making them excellent for rehabilitation and strength training for orthopedic issues like joint and tendon injuries, neurological problems, and senior care.

However, due to their evolution in arid environments, cats often feel extreme stress when encountering water or unfamiliar spaces, leading many owners and therapists to skip aquatic therapy altogether. The rare rehabilitation centers that include cats in water programs often adapt methods originally designed for dogs, according to Uccedu.

To address this, she and her team created a cat-specific protocol. Initially, the cat explores the room to dry off the equipment, then feels a damp towel on its paws. Next, the cat stands in a warm 5-centimeter deep water, familiarizes itself with the treadmill’s sound, and gradually is introduced to deeper water, always with the owner close by. Rewards such as food, petting, and toys are given based on the cats’ preferences.

“Notably, younger cats seem distracted by moving objects, allowing them to forget about the motion itself,” Uccedu notes.

Cat engaging in aquatic therapy protocol

San Marco Clinic Veterinary Research Institute

The team tested the protocol with 12 cats of various ages, breeds, and conditions drawn from the clinic’s feline patients with neurological and orthopedic issues.

During the program, each cat was observed for specific stress behaviors such as excessive meowing, licking their nose, and signs of fear. If a cat displayed these behaviors five or more times within a minute, the session was halted.

Uccedu reported that all 12 cats successfully completed rehabilitation programs of varying lengths, from a few weeks to a year, depending on their specific conditions. The cats exhibited remarkable physical progress, with some fully recovering and even climbing trees once again.

Encouraged by the favorable outcomes, the team began applying the protocol in swimming pools, integrating different lighting and music to create a more soothing environment. “Ultimately, the choice is up to the cat,” Uccedu emphasizes. “Some may prefer classical music, while others might enjoy Madonna.”

She stresses that these findings show that cats should not be dismissed from aquatic therapy based solely on their supposed aversion to water. “The encouraging news is that any clinic can apply this protocol and achieve similar outcomes.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Moss Spores Thrive and Germinate After 283 Days in Space Exposure

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This moss sprouted from spores that were exposed to space for nine months

Tomomichi Fujita

On March 4, 2022, astronauts placed 20,000 moss spores outside the International Space Station, where they endured extreme space conditions for 283 days. Following their retrieval, the spores were brought back to Earth in a SpaceX capsule for scientists to attempt germination. Remarkably, these attempts proved successful.

Mosses, one of the oldest land plants, are renowned for thriving in some of the planet’s harshest environments, such as Antarctica, volcanic terrains, and arid deserts. Tomomichi Fujita was part of the research team from Hokkaido University in Japan that conducted this groundbreaking experiment.

“We were curious whether these spores could withstand conditions in one of the most extreme environments imaginable: outer space,” he remarks.

Numerous studies have simulated the survival of various mosses and plants under extraterrestrial conditions, particularly those anticipated on Mars. However, this marks the first instance where researchers examined whether a specific type of moss can endure the actual conditions of space. The spores originated from the species Physcomitrium Patent.

A control group of spores that remained on Earth exhibited a 97 percent germination rate, comparable to another group of spores that were shielded from the damaging ultraviolet rays while still in space.

Astoundingly, over 80 percent of the spores that faced the totality of space—its vacuum, extreme temperatures, microgravity, ultraviolet light, and cosmic radiation—survived and grew into healthy plants. Researchers predict that some spores could remain viable in space for as long as 15 years based on these experimental results.

“Opening the sample felt akin to unlocking a biological time capsule: life that has endured the void of space and returned to full functionality,” Fujita expresses.

Prior to the experiment, the researchers had already assessed other living components of the moss, such as its filaments, under simulated conditions. They discovered that other life stages of this moss succumb to environmental factors like UV radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, high salinity, and dehydration within days to weeks.

However, the spores appeared to withstand all these adversities. This is particularly impressive given that the spores outside the space station faced simultaneous attacks, while the Earth-based tests evaluated only one stressor at a time.

Fujita noted that the multilayered spore wall encasing the reproductive tissue acts as a “passive shield against harsh spatial conditions.”

He likens the spores to residing within their own spaceship, suggesting this might be an adaptive feature they developed to deal with the extreme environmental pressures present during the early stages of terrestrial life, hundreds of millions of years ago.

“Spores are, in essence, compact life capsules that lie dormant but are ready to reactivate when conditions are favorable,” he states. “It feels like evolution has given them their own survival pods designed to travel across time and space.”

Fujita cautioned that this research does not confirm the presence of extraterrestrial life, but it does bolster the concept that once life appears, it can be incredibly resilient. “The ability of terrestrial life to thrive under space-like conditions suggests that the fundamental building blocks of life might be more abundant and persistent than we typically assume.”

David Eldridge and fellow researchers from the University of New South Wales in Sydney emphasize that the ultimate test is not merely whether the spores can germinate on Earth, but if they can thrive in space.

“The critical point is to evaluate the growth rates of these taxa in space and determine if they can reproduce,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Can Humans Thrive Beneath the Waves? Exploring a Live Underwater Experiment

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In recent years, the desire to establish human colonies beyond Earth, whether to escape environmental issues or explore uncharted territories, has gained significant traction.

While much attention is given to proposed bases on the Moon and Mars, there’s a more challenging and lesser-known frontier much closer to home: the ocean’s depths.

This concept isn’t new. Since the 1960s, with pioneers like French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, individuals have created and spent extended periods in aquatic habitats.

NASA has been sending teams to the Aquarius Reef Base since 2001. This research facility, located 20 meters (around 65 feet) underwater off the Florida coast, has allowed scientists, engineers, and future astronauts to live in the module for 7 to 14 days.

With advancements in technology, prolonged underwater stays may become feasible. The UK company, Deep, is leveraging this technology to design habitats for extended underwater living. But, is the technology the only challenge we face?

Above the Atmosphere, Under the Sea

Humans are quite vulnerable. We struggle without oxygen or sunlight and are not fond of extreme pressure changes. Thus, we might not be the best candidates for life at the ocean floor.

This doesn’t imply that we can’t thrive in inhospitable environments.

Since 2000, astronauts have spent significant periods aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Several astronauts have been documented living in the ISS for over 300 consecutive days, but Valeri Polyakov holds the record, having spent 437 days aboard the Mir Space Station in Russia between 1994 and 1995.

Moreover, astronauts returning from lengthy missions often face health issues, such as reduced bone density and muscle atrophy. What does this mean for those who aim to live underwater?

The most extensive study is that of Rudiger Koch, a German aerospace engineer who lived in a capsule submerged 11 meters (36 feet) under the Caribbean Sea for 120 days between 2024 and 2025.

Rudiger Koch on the balcony of the capsule where he lived between 2024 and 2025.

Koch reported no health issues upon celebrating with champagne and cigars.

In second place is Professor Joseph Dituri, who spent 100 days studying the physical and psychological effects of living underwater in a lodge situated at the bottom of a 9-meter deep (30-foot) lagoon in Florida.

Dituri conducted daily tests during his time submerged and following his return to the surface. Notably, aside from minor setbacks, he felt quite well.

He noted improvements in sleep quality, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. His stem cell count, testosterone levels, and cognitive performance also improved.

Interestingly, Dituri appeared to have lowered his biological age (an indicator of the aging process of the body), although he was recorded as having shrunk by over 1 cm (approximately 0.5 inches) due to the pressurized environment inside the lodge.

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A Step Towards Living Underwater

With limited data, we still have a tenuous understanding of life in aquatic environments. This is where Deep comes in.

The ocean technology and exploration company aims to develop two habitats by 2027, with the goal of establishing a permanent underwater presence. They are using a submerged quarry in Gloucestershire as a testing ground for their underwater habitats.

Deep is developing two habitat models: Vanguard, designed for three-person short stays, and Sentinel, a 16-meter (52-foot) capsule intended as a long-term habitat complete with living quarters, bedrooms, and research facilities, capable of accommodating researchers at depths of up to 200 meters (656 feet) for 28 days.

The aim is to enable researchers to remain submerged for extended periods, allowing for comprehensive studies of underwater living impacts and marine life. However, achieving these depths poses significant challenges.

“The most hazardous aspects of diving occur during descent,” explains Dr. Dawn Kernagis, Deep’s scientific research director. “Divers breathe compressed gas, with fluctuating pressure increasing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS), where gas bubbles form in the bloodstream.”

While most DCS cases are mild, severe instances can impact the brain, spinal cord, respiratory system, and circulatory systems.

To mitigate these risks, Deep aims to keep researchers “saturated” in the Sentinel habitats. This means achieving a new equilibrium with the underwater environment.

“Saturated tanks, like ours, facilitate diving into greater depths and adjusting to the pressure, enabling much longer stays, ranging from hours to about a month,” states Kernagis.

Deep plans for close monitoring of researchers during their stays to better understand the long-term physical and psychological effects of deep-sea living.

The foundation laid now may support future inhabitants underwater for weeks, months, or even years. In the not-so-distant future, some of us may find ourselves living in a modern-day Atlantis.

About Our Experts

Dr. Dawn Kernagis is the director of scientific research at Deep, a UK-based ocean technology and exploration firm. She has published in numerous scientific journals, including Journal of Clinical Oncology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Circulation.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Mammals evolved to thrive on land in the late Cretaceous period.

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A recent study conducted by the University of Bristol presents evidence that many mammals had already transitioned towards a more ground-based lifestyle prior to the final Cretaceous mass extinction that eradicated the non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

Dryolestes late Jurassic relatives of Cretaceous treatment mammals. Image credits: James Brown/Pamelagill/University of Bristol.

Present-day mammals thrive in a varied environment mainly dominated by angiosperms (flowering plants).

In contrast to the habitats provided by coniferous vegetation, forests and woodland environments possess intricate lower levels and towering trees, offering rich biodiversity and resources for terrestrial mammals of all sizes.

Yet, the angiosperm-dominated habitat is relatively recent in Earth’s history, primarily characteristic of the Cenozoic era (66 million years ago to the present), with initial developments towards the end of the Cretaceous period.

“Mesozoic mammals were typically small, mostly weighing under 5 kg, with few surpassing 10 kg,” noted Professor Christine Janice from the University of Bristol and a colleague.

“While it holds true that the majority of present-day mammals are small, averaging around 0.5 kg, the Cenozoic era saw the evolution of greater mammal diversity.”

“The small size of Mesozoic mammals has commonly been attributed to dinosaur predation, but recent recognition of the late Cretaceous proliferation of angiosperms and the habitats they offered may be more crucial than dinosaurs in elucidating the patterns of Mesozoic mammal evolution and diversification.”

“Did these mammals prefer trees or terrestrial substrates? And did this preference alter towards the close of the Cretaceous period with the changes in angiosperm habitats?”

In their research, the authors scrutinized tiny bone fragments of ancient mammalian taxa (marsupials and placentals) unearthed in western North America, specifically the extremity bone edges.

They identified indications that these mammals were adapting to a terrestrial lifestyle.

The analysis of extremity bone edges entailed signatures of locomotive patterns that could be statistically compared to modern mammals.

“There was a known shift in plant life towards the Cretaceous boundary, characterized by angiosperms,” stated the researchers.

“It was also acknowledged that arboreal-dwelling mammals faced challenges post-asteroid impact.”

“However, what remained undocumented was whether mammals were inclining towards a more ground-dwelling lifestyle alongside habitat transformations.”

Former studies utilized complete skeletons to study the movement patterns of ancient mammals, but this study was among the first to employ small bone elements to track alterations across the community.

“The plant habitat appears to have played a pivotal role in the trajectory of Cretaceous mammal evolution beyond dinosaur influences,” remarked Professor Janice.

Published in the March/April 2025 issue of the journal Paleontology, the study unveils intriguing insights into ancient mammal adaptations.

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Christine M. Janice et al. 2025. Paleontology 68(2): E70004; doi: 10.1111/pala.70004

Source: www.sci.news

8 Amazing Animals that Outlived the Dinosaurs and Continue to Thrive

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During the era of dinosaurs, which occurred 246 million to 66 million years ago, none of the species existing today were present. However, there are several groups of species currently inhabiting the earth whose lineage can be traced back to ancient ancestors with striking similarities.

These creatures, known as “living fossils,” seem to have remained almost unchanged over time. Nevertheless, it doesn’t imply that there have been no changes at all. Their DNA is distinct and has undergone numerous refinements throughout the process of evolution.

These living fossils provide a glimpse into life millions of years ago. They also demonstrate the resilience of certain groups to catastrophic prehistoric events that led to the extinction of others, such as the dinosaurs.

1. Crocodile

Extinct crocodiles, like their descendants, hung out by the water, waiting for prey. – Photo credit: JA Chirinos/Science Photo Library

Presently, there are over 20 species of crocodiles, including true crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials. These extant crocodiles share a common ancestor that coexisted with dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 80 million years ago (Mya).

This common ancestor bore a strong resemblance to today’s crocodiles, spending the majority of its time near water, basking in the sun, and hunting prey. Despite nearly 80 million years passing, modern crocodiles differ significantly from their ancient ancestors that first appeared around 235 million years ago in the late Triassic period.

Some extinct crocodile relatives, like Ritargosuchus, had a slim and agile build, hunting prey on land similar to wolves, while others, like the massive Sarcosuchus, reached lengths of up to 12 meters (about 40 feet) and preyed on animals by the riverbanks.

The diversity among early crocodile ancestors has led some scientists to argue against labeling them as “living fossils.” Although resembling prehistoric creatures, today’s crocodiles have evolved substantially from their ancestors and are likely to continue diversifying in response to climate change.

2. Horseshoe crab

Horseshoe crabs are found on the eastern coasts of the United States and Mexico, as well as the Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts of Asia – Photo credit: Getty Images

Despite its crab-like name, the horseshoe crab is more closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions than to crabs. Its ancestors emerged during the Late Ordovician Period around 445 million years ago, while the modern group, Limuridae, appeared approximately 250 million years ago during the Early Triassic Period.

For the majority of the last 250 million years, horseshoe crabs have remained largely unchanged, displaying minimal anatomical alterations. A comparison between fossilized and living specimens would lead one to believe they are the same creature.

Their lifestyle has also endured; just like their ancestors, modern horseshoe crabs feed on small insects and mollusks at the murky bottom of the ocean.

These creatures have survived multiple mass extinctions, including the cataclysmic event caused by an asteroid that resulted in the extinction of dinosaurs. Their ability to endure extreme conditions, such as low oxygen levels, is believed to contribute to their resilience against extinction.

3. Wasp

A female wasp lays eggs on a tree using her abdominal ovipositor – Photo credit: A TINAUT/USDA/APHIS/PPQ/ITP/WSDA

Measuring at 1 cm (0.3 inches) in length, this small hornet is the sole surviving member of the Waspidae family, which boasted nearly 50 species around 165 million years ago during the mid-Jurassic period.

The modern-day wasp, Syntesis libocedrii, is native to the mountains of central California (USA) and British Columbia (Canada), whereas its ancestors resided across Eurasia. At that time, the Eurasian continent was closely connected to North America through a series of islands.

Wasps are known to lay eggs in freshly burned cedar wood. Upon hatching, the larvae emerge cylindrically, burrowing into the forest to feed and grow. They spend up to three years in this larval stage before maturing into adults. Their lifecycle is intricately tied to wildfires and can contribute to significant economic damage to cedar wood stocks.

4. Tuatara

Tuatara eat insects, earthworms, and spiders, but also seabird eggs and chicks – Photo credit: Alamy Stock Photo

As the diversity of dinosaurs flourished around 200 million years ago during the Early Jurassic Period, another group of scaly, lizard-like creatures began thriving. This group, the Sphenodontidae family, was once very diverse but is now represented by the single species, Sphenodon punctatus or tuatara.

Although tuataras bear resemblance to skinks with scaly skin, splayed limbs, and clawed digits, they do not share a direct relationship. Instead, they share a common ancestor that lived around 250 million years ago, shortly after the Great Extinction event.

Presently, tuataras inhabit several small uninhabited islands surrounding New Zealand’s North Island, coexisting with burrowing seabirds and utilizing their burrows for shelter.

The guano produced by these seabirds supports vast populations of centipedes, crickets, and snails, forming an essential ecosystem on these islands.

5. Platypus

The adaptations that help platypuses swim, although somewhat awkward on land, allow them to retract the webs on their feet to expose their claws, making them good at digging – Photo by Doug Gimesy/naturepl.com

Charles Darwin coined the term “living fossil” when discussing the semi-aquatic egg-laying mammal, the platypus, in his renowned book “On the Origin of Species.”

Unlike other mammals, platypuses lay eggs and possess a duck-like beak, along with venomous spines on the hind legs of males. They use their beaks filled with electroreceptors to navigate their habitat and hunt for prey.

Adult platypuses lack teeth, while babies are born with tiny teeth that are later absorbed into their beaks. These vestigial teeth have helped researchers trace the evolutionary lineage of platypuses.

Alongside their closest living relative, the echidna, platypuses represent the last survivors of monotremes, a group of early mammals that diverged from marsupials and placentals during the Middle Jurassic Period around 170 million years ago.

6. Lungfish

Lungfish’s ability to breathe air allows them to survive when seasonal droughts affect the freshwater environments they live in. – Photo credit: Naturepl.com

Slender and reminiscent of insects, lungfish belong to an ancient group that emerged over 410 million years ago during the early Devonian period. This era marked the rise of ray-finned and lobe-finned fish, to which lungfish belong.

Similar to other lobe-finned fish, lungfish have limb-like fins and lungs enabling them to breathe air, aiding in their survival during drought periods.

While lungfish have changed little over hundreds of millions of years, they are anything but “primitive.” Their lungs are intricate structures optimized for gas exchange, with most modern lungfish possessing two lungs, with the exception of the Australian lungfish having one.

Currently, six lungfish species exist, distributed across Africa, South America, and Australia, preferring freshwater habitats unlike their ancestors. During the Devonian period, lungfish thrived worldwide and coexisted with tetrapods, the ancestors of modern amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

7. Horsetail

Horsetail can grow up to 30-60 cm (11-23 inches) in height and is a food source for invertebrates and mammals, including humans – Photo credit: Colin Varndell / Naturepl.com

Horsetail, an ancient plant resembling bamboo with tall hollow stems and horizontal bands, emerged around 185 million years ago, preceding the rise of flowering plants by 55 million years.

During the early Jurassic period, horsetails formed the undergrowth of dense forests, providing shelter and sustenance to various dinosaur species. Their hardy nature allows them to thrive globally, even being considered invasive in many regions including the UK.

coelacanth

The coelacanth was thought to be extinct until it was captured in 1938. – Photo credit: Laurent Ballesta/Andromede Oceanologie

The coelacanth, a prehistoric fish once believed to be extinct alongside dinosaurs 66 million years ago, was rediscovered in 1938 off the coast of South Africa.

Presently, only two coelacanth species are known, showcasing significant diversity during their prime that has led to the development of over 100 fossil species from the Early Devonian period to date.

The coelacanth’s evolutionary zenith occurred during the Mesozoic Era, between 252 million and 66 million years ago, where it exhibited a wide range of adaptations. These elusive fish reside in the deep waters of the western Indian Ocean, surfacing only at night to hunt small fish.

The coelacanth’s survival through multiple mass extinctions, including the asteroid event that wiped out dinosaurs, speaks to its remarkable resilience and adaptation to the deep-sea environment.

These living fossils have withstood catastrophic events and continue to thrive in their unique habitats, offering invaluable insights into the evolutionary history of Earth’s diverse ecosystems.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Microorganisms that thrive in acidic environments are suppressed by viruses

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Microorganisms thrive in acidic environments despite harsh conditions. These microorganisms, known as acidophilic organisms, are found in places like Yellowstone’s hot springs, sulfuric acid caves, and acid mine drainage channels. Viruses are also abundant in such environments, infecting bacteria just as influenza infects humans. These viruses are called bacteriophage, which means “bacteria eater.”

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities on Earth, found in almost every life-supporting environment. However, their role in extremely acidic environments is not fully understood. Chinese scientists investigated viral communities in acid mine drainage to gain insights.

Samples were collected from two acidic mine drainage sites in China – Daibaoshan Mine and Shijinshan Mine. These sites had high metal concentrations and acidic pH levels below 3, along with diverse microbial communities.

The research team used metagenomics to analyze the DNA in the samples, identifying microorganisms and viruses without the need for lab cultivation. They also collected geochemical data to understand the impact of environmental conditions on microbial and viral communities.

Over 1,500 bacteriophages and viruses were found in acid mine drainage, with their abundance linked to the presence of host microorganisms. Some viruses were found to benefit their host’s growth temporarily by enhancing metal uptake, giving them a competitive advantage within the microbial community.

The study revealed that viruses and environmental conditions play a crucial role in shaping microbial communities in acidic environments. While various factors influence these communities, the viral community at Daihozan Mine was more impacted by the types of microorganisms present, while both viruses and environmental conditions influenced the microbial community at Zijinshan Mine.

This research expands our understanding of viruses in acidic environments, revealing undocumented viruses in places like acid mine drainage. Bacteriophages may play a significant role in regulating microbial communities in extreme environments, suggesting the importance of viral “bacteria eaters” in such settings.

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Source: sciworthy.com