Sea Stars: Ancient Ocean Wonders

2025-08-09
Sea Stars: Ancient Ocean Wonders

Sea stars, existing a quarter-billion years before dinosaurs, thrive in every ocean, from shallow sands to the deepest trenches. Lacking fins and gills, they've evolved diverse defenses: armor, spines, neurotoxins, and remarkable regeneration – some can regrow an entire body from a single arm! Throughout history, they've captivated cultures, from Aztec altars to modern cartoons. Today, approximately 2,000 species exhibit stunning variety in shape and color, ranging from tiny to enormous, showcasing the incredible diversity of the natural world.

Read more

WhaleSpotter: AI-Powered Whale Detection System Aims to Prevent Deadly Collisions

2025-04-22
WhaleSpotter: AI-Powered Whale Detection System Aims to Prevent Deadly Collisions

Developed by scientists at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, WhaleSpotter uses AI and human verification to detect whales from ships and land-based installations. Since its 2019 trials, its capabilities have drastically improved, with over 51,000 marine mammal detections in 2024. Now partnering with Matson Navigation Company, the system is being adapted for use on large container ships to reduce whale-ship collisions. Improvements have extended detection range to 6 kilometers, aiming for zero false positives to ensure timely captain intervention. While not a panacea, WhaleSpotter is vital for protecting endangered species like the North Atlantic right whale.

Read more