Mapping the ocean with autonomous sensors
Founded by Ravi Pappu SM ’95, PhD ’01, Apeiron Labs is deploying low-cost ocean sensors to improve storm forecasts, detect endangered species, and more.
Climate change may produce “fast-food” phytoplankton
With warmer ocean temperatures, the composition of marine plankton could shift from protein-rich to carb-heavy, a new study suggests.
Ocean bacteria team up to break down biodegradable plastic
MIT researchers uncovered the roles of bacterial species from the environment as they consume biodegradable plastic.
Understanding how “marine snow” acts as a carbon sink
A new study finds hitchhiking bacteria dissolve essential ballast in ubiquitous “snow” particles, which could counteract the ocean’s ability to sequester carbon.
Island rivers carve passageways through coral reefs
Research shows these channels allow seawater and nutrients to flow in and out, helping to maintain reef health over millions of years.
Imaging technique removes the effect of water in underwater scenes
The color-correcting tool, known as “SeaSplat,” reveals more realistic colors of underwater features.
Study: Burning heavy fuel oil with scrubbers is the best available option for bulk maritime shipping
Researchers analyzed the full lifecycle of several fuel options and found this approach has a comparable environmental impact, overall, to burning low-sulfur fuels.
Seeking climate connections among the oceans’ smallest organisms
MIT oceanographer and biogeochemist Andrew Babbin has voyaged around the globe to investigate marine microbes and their influence on ocean health.
An abundant phytoplankton feeds a global network of marine microbes
New findings illuminate how Prochlorococcus’ nightly “cross-feeding” plays a role in regulating the ocean’s capacity to cycle and store carbon.
Oceanographers record the largest predation event ever observed in the ocean
The scientists’ wide-scale acoustic mapping technique could help track vulnerable keystone species.
Study: Weaker ocean circulation could enhance CO2 buildup in the atmosphere
New findings challenge current thinking on the ocean’s role in storing carbon.
Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage
The sustainable and cost-saving structure could dissipate more than 95 percent of incoming wave energy using a small fraction of the material normally needed.
Device offers long-distance, low-power underwater communication
The system could be used for battery-free underwater communication across kilometer-scale distances, to aid monitoring of climate and coastal change.
Dreaming of waves
Stefan Helmreich’s new book examines the many facets of oceanic wave science and the propagation of wave theory into other areas of life.
Study: The ocean’s color is changing as a consequence of climate change
The color changes reflect significant shifts in essential marine ecosystems.