Ocean Sustainability

Over 70% of the earth is covered in water, which serves as a vital resource human subsistence. Contamination and acidification pose major threats to aquatic health and biodiversity. Microbes offer a promising solution in their ability to breakdown contamination from oil spills and plastics. Applied microbiologists can play a significant part in understanding biodiversity, contributing to solutions, and encouraging stewardship.

Strongest hints yet of biological activity outside the solar system

2025-04-17T10:28:00+01:00By

Astronomers have detected the chemical fingerprints of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and/or dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), in the atmosphere of the exoplanet K2-18b. On Earth, these are only produced by life, primarily microbial life such as marine phytoplankton. 

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More Ocean Sustainability

Kīlauea Volcano Ash Cloud

Kīlauea volcano’s ash prompted largest open ocean phytoplankton bloom

2025-04-10T14:58:00+01:00By

Through satellite tracking, a global study uncovered the reasons behind the stimulation of phytoplankton growth in the North Pacific Ocean, linking to the deposition of ashes to the major eruption of the Kīlauea Volcano in 2018 and nutrient deprivation in the ocean.