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New research reveals how some whales can sing while holding their breath underwater
New research reveals how some whales can sing while holding their breath underwater

How Whales Can Sing Underwater

This discovery sheds light on the unique physiological adaptations that allow these marine giants to perform such vocal feats.

The research's primary focus involved examining humpback whales' laryngeal anatomy. Researchers found that specific adaptations in the whale's larynx enable it to produce song even without the continuous passage of air, contrary to what is typically required for sound production in most mammals, including humans.

Breath Control and Vocalization

The Taam Ja' Blue Hole sits underwater in Chetumal Bay, Mexico

Discovery of the World's Deepest Underwater Sinkhole

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified what is now considered the world's deepest underwater sinkhole, located off the coast of Mexico. This remarkable geological feature which reaches depths exceeding 1,300 feet (420 meters) could potentially house hidden caves and tunnels, offering new insights into Earth's subterranean mysteries.

Explorer Ventures Fleet Adds the PADI Eco Center designation to their Green Fins Certifications for Galapagos Vessels 

The addition of the PADI Eco Center designation to its Green Fins certification for its fleet vessels, the M/V Humboldt Explorer and the M/V Tiburon Explorer, operating in the iconic Galapagos Islands, marks a proud achievement. 

These vessels now stand as the pioneering Eco Centers and Liveaboards in Galapagos, showcasing a dedication to environmental stewardship. 

A spear squid.
A spear squid.

Birthdate determines mating strategy for spear squid

Scientists from The University of Tokyo have discovered that a male spear squid’s birthday is not just a date—rather, it determines their mating strategy for the rest of their lives. 

According to their study, spear squid that are born early in the mating season (between early April and mid-July) grow to formidable sizes. Called "consorts", they actively fight off any rivals in order to mate and then stick close to their mate as she lays her eggs. 

Juvenile Great White Shark
Juvenile Great White Shark (Elias Levy, CC BY 2.0)

Juvenile Great White Sharks Prefer Shallow Water

The groundbreaking study delved into the drivers behind how juvenile white sharks move. Using special tracking technology that listens to the sharks and tracks their positions, the team of scientists, led by Emily Spurgeon, gathered detailed information about how the varying temperatures of the layers of the sea affect their travels.

SeaLife Introduces New 6" Wide Angle Dome Lens for SportDiver Smartphone Housing

SeaLife, the leading maker of underwater imaging gear, has introduced a new Wide Angle Dome Lens for their popular SportDiver underwater smartphone housing that increases the phone’s camera lens field-of view by 40% and allows photographers to get closer to the subject while fitting everything into the image frame.

The 0.71x dome lens requires no skill, training, or adjustment; simply mount it and shoot. Split shots that split the topside view with the undersea view are especially easy. There’s a safety lanyard included to keep the lens with the housing should it get bumped off.

WRECKS4ALL 2.0 conference

The Adriatic Sea holds a wealth of underwater archaeological sites, from ancient shipwrecks to submerged archaeological landscapes. With the increasing interest in maritime cultural heritage, there is a growing need for responsible and sustainable management of these precious resources. 

The conference titled "The Future of the Adriatic Past - Challenges of the Adriatic Underwater Cultural Heritage for Sustainable Tourism Development" will take place on April 23, 2024, at Hotel Cattaro in Kotor.

Freediver Alessia Zecchini Sets New CMAS World Record

Alessia Zecchini surpassed her previous CMAS Free Immersion world record by 3 meters on April 19th, reaching a depth of 104 meters. Her record dive took her 3min 46sec.

This new FIM record was established during the Camotes Freediving Challenge near Cebu, Philippines, on its second day. This week-long, limited-entry event began on April 17th. In Free Immersion, divers do not use fins and must descend and ascend by pulling themselves along the rope.

Some of the historic and modern-day mussel shells used in the study

Mussel shells along US East Coast have higher porosity

Researchers from the American Museum of Natural History have discovered that the porosity in mussel shells along the East Coast of the United States has increased. The cause is believed to be rising ocean temperatures.  

Porosity can affect the structural integrity of mollusk shells, so this means that the shells are weaker and thus more susceptible to damage. 

The findings was published in the journal PLOS ONE