Smore Science’s Post

"How is nature regulated?" In less than six minutes, Sean B. Carroll explained how organisms interact on Earth. It convinced me to add two new books to my Wish List: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘪 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 – A set of principles discovered by ecologists that govern the balance of life in nature. 𝘈 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 – Exploring the role of chance in shaping life on Earth. The hypothesis: how a series of random events can lead to the ordered and balanced ecosystems we have on our planet. More importantly, how these systems and their components are interconnected.

Microorganisms sometimes thrive nestled within or atop marine animals, creating unique symbiotic relationships. 🪸 But here's the catch - studying these microorganisms and their genomes is no easy feat. To understand their potential and harness the power of their compounds, scientists face the challenge of separating them entirely from their hosts. Curious about how researchers navigate this intricate process? Here is our latest info-graphic explaining this topic:

What’s the significance (and meaning) of each individual life? If you’re like me, you can geek out for hours on philosophical questions like this one… Forcing your brain to “zoom out” and grasp the world around you with a new perspective. Enter Sean B. Carroll: Evolutionary Biologist, Author, and Executive Producer. The mix of biology, philosophy, and history makes this piece a recent favorite from Big Think. Check it out.

Did you know? The southeastern Atlantic coast boasts some of the richest deep-water coral habitats in U.S. waters? And yet, much of this area has remained a mystery, unexplored and unmapped by modern techniques. 🔍✨ Our study "Data Synthesis and Advanced Predictive Modeling of Deep Coral and Hardbottom Habitats in the Southeast Atlantic" dives into better understanding sensitive benthic habitats like hardbottom substrates and coral communities 🏞️ We developed advanced predictive models to help delineate and characterize these hidden gems. 💎 These models, more efficient and cost-effective, can help BOEM and other users to develop better databases, reduce future field exploration costs by refining their areas of focus, and create comprehensive maps of these vital ecosystems. 📖 Read the research: https://lnkd.in/g2d_dkmP

What is a polyp? Which organisms help build a coral reef? Where and when can coral reefs grow? If you’re curious about these and other coral-related questions, we’ve got you covered! This short online course is your ultimate "Corals 101." From understanding the basics to exploring the incredible organisms that create coral reefs, you’ll gain insights into these fascinating ecosystems. Plus, test your knowledge as you complete each chapter! Enroll now—for free! Just follow the link below and start your journey into the world of coral reefs.

What are the odds that YOU exist? It was a remarkable chain of coincidences that allowed humanity to thrive on Earth. On an individual level, the odds of you being born with your inimitable personality and all the traits that define you are equally astronomical. The brilliant biologist and author Sean B. Carroll explains just how many things had to go just right for you to be reading this. This is one of my favorite videos I've ever worked on. https://lnkd.in/geVufjrp

A nice historical perspective on the stupidity of humans regarding the intelligence of animals : ) The last few months alone have been something of a boom time for research into the intelligence and behavior of animals. German researchers discovered a sort of pre-verbal stage in finches—similar to the babbling stage in humans—that leads to their becoming fluent in song. Studies in Sweden and Vienna explored the role of play among barnyard chicks and a species of falcon. French researchers studied advanced use of sticks as tools in chimps, and other work in the U.S. made similar findings among otters. And perhaps most remarkably, researchers in Indonesia published a study about a wild orangutan, nicknamed Rakus by the scientists, that was observed chewing the leaves of a plant with known medicinal and analgesic properties and applying the resulting pulp to a wound on its face. Mankind for a long time regarded animals and other sentient beings as stupid, but who is stupid here? The more we understand we are part of a bigger whole, the more we'll care for and take care of our relatives and our life supporting systems. We are all Native to Planet Earth. Nautilus on 'Meet the neighbors', a new book on Animal Minds and Life in a More-Than-Human World by Brandon Kiem: https://lnkd.in/eChBjfB4 Time Magazine: https://lnkd.in/e9iUtKSn Illustration by Brett Ryder for New Scientist. #reconnection #naturenow #decadeofaction #native #planet #earth #intelligence #morethanhuman #ecology #curiosity #love

Did a few chimpanzees learn how to say "Mama"? And do they tell us something about how our own species evolved to talk? Here's my story on a study that raises these intriguing questions. (Gift link) https://lnkd.in/dqQfUwq7

I am excited to share a fascinating blog post that delves into the remarkable life of the Greenland Shark, known as the longest-living vertebrate on Earth. This piece takes you on a journey through the unique adaptations and mysterious existence of this incredible species, which can live for centuries. Learn about the scientific insights and the unusual characteristics that make the Greenland Shark a true marvel of the natural world. For those interested in marine biology, conservation, or simply the wonders of nature, this article offers a profound glimpse into one of our planet's most enigmatic creatures. Read the full story here: https://ift.tt/aU0zh96.