Osedax (bone-eating worms) Studies Project Osedax (bone-eating worms) Studies In 2002, MBARI scientists first observed two very odd species of worms living on the bones of a gray whale. Their trunks and brilliant red plumes produced a flowing “shag” carpet that covered many of the bones. The genus Osedax (Latin for bone eater) was formally described in 2004.
Antarctic Research Project Antarctic Research Global climate change is causing Antarctic ice shelves to shrink and split apart, yielding thousands of free-drifting icebergs that impact nearby chemistry and ecology, serving as “hotspots” for ocean life.
Ocean Chemistry of Greenhouse Gases Project Ocean Chemistry of Greenhouse Gases Investigations of the physical and environmental chemistry of carbon dioxide and methane using MBARI's advanced technology.
Population Structure and Connectivity of Deep-sea Species Project Population Structure and Connectivity of Deep-sea Species Analyses of DNA sequences from nuclear and mitochondrial genes have allowed us to reconstruct the recent demographic history of species. Rates of gene flow, geographical patterns of differentiation, and interspecific hybridization have been documented now for a number of deep-sea animals that live at vents and seeps.
Sampling and Identifying Marine Zooplankton Project Sampling and Identifying Marine Zooplankton Sampling and identifying marine zooplankton (SIMZ) is a project aimed at advancing our understanding of plankton ecology. SIMZ uses autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to collect samples of zooplankton and molecular genetic techniques to assess their diversity and abundance.
Sargasso Sea Research Project Sargasso Sea Research Sargassum algal rafts in the Sargasso Sea are vital feeding and spawning grounds for fishes, seabirds, sea turtles, and whales. Researchers investigate how changes in ocean conditions and Sargassum habitat impact rafting animals.