March research highlights: Nautilus habitat, eco-friendly tennis courts, more
Our take
In the latest research from the University of Washington, we get a fascinating glimpse into the delicate ecosystems that shape our planet. The focus on the habits and habitats of the 'living fossils' Nautilus and Allonautilus not only highlights the importance of preserving these ancient creatures but also invites us to reflect on the broader implications of marine biodiversity. As noted in other recent reports, such as UW researchers decipher beluga calls to bolster conservation efforts and Court Rules Texas State Must Reinstate Prof Fired for Israel-Palestine Talk, the intertwining of academic inquiry and real-world issues emphasizes the critical role that research plays in shaping our understanding of environmental challenges.
The study of Nautilus and Allonautilus offers a unique perspective on the resilience of life in our oceans. These creatures have existed for millions of years, surviving various environmental changes that have wiped out countless species. Their ability to adapt and thrive in such dynamic habitats serves as a reminder of nature’s tenacity. This resilience is mirrored in other marine studies, such as those investigating why temperature dynamics matter to mussels. As our climate continues to change, understanding these adaptations can provide vital insights into how we might protect vulnerable species and ecosystems.
Additionally, the exploration of eco-friendly tennis courts that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere highlights the innovative approaches being developed to combat climate change. Such initiatives are not just about sustainability in sports; they represent a vital intersection of community engagement and environmental responsibility. By promoting green alternatives, we not only foster healthier environments but also inspire a collective sense of purpose. This is especially important for students and young adults who are increasingly aware of their environmental footprint and seeking tangible ways to make a difference.
As we delve into these research topics, it’s essential to recognize the broader narrative they weave together. They illustrate a growing awareness of our interconnectedness with the natural world and the importance of scientific inquiry in addressing pressing environmental issues. Whether it’s understanding the behaviors of a species or developing innovative solutions like carbon-capturing tennis courts, each piece of research contributes to a larger conversation about sustainability and conservation.
Looking ahead, we must ask ourselves: How can we continue to foster this spirit of inquiry and innovation within our communities? The answers may lie in encouraging collaboration among researchers, students, and local organizations to create solutions that are not only effective but also grounded in community values. As we engage with these discoveries and their implications, we should strive to remain proactive in our efforts to protect our planet. After all, the future we build today will determine the ecosystems and communities we leave behind for generations to come.
The habits and habitats of ‘living fossils’ Nautilus and Allonautilus
Nautilus and Allonautilus cephalopods and their extinct ancestors have been drifting through the mesophotic zone of the ocean for more than 500 million years. Researchers have spent the last 40 years trying to understand how these mysterious “living fossils” thrive in areas with limited nutrients. In a recent paper published in Scientific Reports, a UW-led team documented new habits and habitats for current Nautilus and Allonautilus species. These creatures appear to live in deeper water than their extinct cousins did, and the younger ones live twice as deep as the fully mature adults. Nautilus and Allonautilus species scavenge their food and never stop moving. While a few species migrate hundreds of meters down at dawn and then back up at dusk every day, the team found that most species aren’t quite as intrepid. The researchers also describe a new population of Allonautilus in waters off the island New Britain, one of several populations thriving due to hunting restrictions inspired in part by research efforts from this team.
For more information, contact senior author Peter Ward, UW professor of both biology and Earth and space sciences, at argo@uw.edu.
Other UW co-authors are Andrew Schauer, Eric Steig and Job Veloso. A full list of co-authors and funding is included in the paper.
Green clay tennis courts become carbon negative after 10 years
The United States has around a quarter of a million tennis courts, 40,000 of which are helping mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Green clay tennis courts, an alternative to traditional hard courts and the red clay courts popular in Europe, are constructed with a type of rock that reacts with carbon dioxide and water to sequester carbon as a stable dissolved salt. In a recent study published in Applied Geochemistry, UW researchers show that in the U.S., green clay courts remove 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year and 80% of green clay courts make up for construction emissions within 10 years. Moving forward, the researchers hope to experiment with other materials that also remove carbon dioxide without compromising performance for players.
For more information contact lead author Frankie Pavia, UW assistant professor of oceanography, at fjpavia@uw.edu.
A full list of co-authors and funding is available in the paper.
Temperature dynamics, not just extremes, impact heat tolerance in mussels
Intertidal mussels, forming bumpy layers on shoreline rocks, withstand significant temperature swings as the tide ebbs and flows. These creatures live in one of the most thermally variable environments on Earth, but a new study shows that the rate, timing and duration of heating and cooling impact their metabolic rate, a proxy for overall health. At the UW’s Friday Harbor Laboratories, researchers exposed mussels to temperature regimens with equal highs and lows but different patterns of change. Even when the average temperature for a set period was the same, the mussels’ response was distinct. These results, published March 19 in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, show that predicting how marine organisms respond to climate change means considering how temperature changes over time, not just how warm it gets.
For more information, contact lead author Michael Nishizaki, assistant professor of biology at the College of the Holy Cross and a mentor for the UW Friday Harbor Laboratories REU program, at mnishizaki@holycross.edu.
The other UW co-author is Sara (Grace) Leuchtenberger. A full list of co-authors and funding is available in the paper.
When algae stop growing, bacteria start swarming
Tiny geometric algae, called diatoms, produce nearly a quarter of the world’s organic matter by photosynthesis. In the microscopic marine universe, diatoms coexist with both harmful and helpful bacteria. A new study, published March 23 in mBio, describes how a recently identified species of marine bacteria targets diatoms based on growth phase and nutrient availability. Growing diatoms can resist bacterial attacks, but when growth ceases, the bacteria modulate their gene expression patterns to become aggressive — first swimming and releasing compounds that damage the diatom and then clustering around them to feed. Bacteria can also overcome the diatom’s defenses in nutrient-rich environments. These findings highlight the dynamic relationship between bacteria and algae in the lab. Moving forward, researchers will explore what, if anything, changes in a more complex environment.
For more information, contact lead author David Wiener, UW postdoctoral fellow in oceanography, at dawiener5@gmail.com.
Other UW co-authors are Zinka Bartolek and Virginia Armbrust. A full list of co-authors and funding is available in the paper.
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