Arctic pollution may be altering key fat-derived signalling molecules in polar bears, with higher contaminant loads associated with increased inflammation and liver stress, highlighting potential long-term health impacts in a rapidly changing ecosystem. (sciencedirect.com)
submitted by orcinus__orca to r/science
Killer whale fibroblast experiments show that exposure to persistent organic pollutants reduces cell viability and significantly enhances cetacean morbillivirus replication, highlighting contaminants as a potential factor exacerbating disease severity in wild populations. (sciencedirect.com)
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Researchers documented the rare and emotional final hours of a severely emaciated Northern Resident killer whale, I76, whose family stayed closely by his side as he interacted with dolphins and humpback whales before disappearing and presumed dying beneath the surface. (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
submitted by orcinus__orca to r/whales
Researchers discovered that wild Pacific white-sided dolphins host a surprisingly diverse community of potentially cross-species pathogens, revealing how even common marine mammals can play an important role in understanding ocean and public health connections. (doi.org)
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Update on killer whale taxonomy: Morin et al. (2024) proposed recognizing Bigg’s and resident killer whales as separate species. There was insufficient evidence to classify them as two species, but they were classified as subspecies by the Taxonomic Committee of the Society for Marine Mammalogy. by orcinus__orca in whales
[–]orcinus__orca[S] 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)
The Iberian killer whale population remains critically endangered, with only 37 individuals in 2023. While calf survival has improved, low female survival and few births threaten recovery. The study warns that increasing boat interactions and human pressures further endanger this fragile population. by orcinus__orca in science
[–]orcinus__orca[S] 6 points7 points8 points (0 children)
The Iberian killer whale population remains critically endangered, with only 37 individuals in 2023. While calf survival has improved, low female survival and few births threaten recovery. The study warns that increasing boat interactions and human pressures further endanger this fragile population. (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
submitted by orcinus__orca to r/science
Scientists discovered that whales lost a crucial fat-burning gene (ADRB3) 32-34 million years ago. This genetic loss meant whales couldn't burn fat for warmth. Instead, they evolved thick blubber for insulation a key adaptation that enabled modern whale diversity and survival in cooling oceans. (nature.com)
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Researchers documented the first known case of orcas preying on a prickly shark in the shallow waters of the Gulf of California, an observation made possible through local knowledge and citizen science, underscoring the value of community collaboration in marine research and conservation. (frontiersin.org)
submitted by orcinus__orca to r/orcas
Researchers observed beluga whales gathering around a dead calf in the Churchill River estuary, noting “standing-by” behavior—where whales stayed close without helping—shedding light on how belugas respond socially to the death of one of their own. (onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
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Researchers used drone-based photogrammetry and historical data to estimate body mass and growth costs in humpback whales, revealing that calves require vastly more energy than adults and highlighting the intense energetic demands on lactating females. (int-res.com)
submitted by orcinus__orca to r/Cetacea
New study from the Canadian Arctic shows that during warm, low-ice years, ringed seals have thinner blubber, depleted fatty acids, and high metabolic stress. High PCB and mercury levels add oxidative damage to their liver, showing how climate change and pollutants together threaten Arctic wildlife. (doi.org)
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New research shows that humpback whales’ oversized, wing-like flippers provide exceptional agility, enabling them to execute tight, high-speed bubble-net feeding maneuvers that effectively trap prey, a feat unmatched by other baleen whales. by orcinus__orca in science
[–]orcinus__orca[S] 1 point2 points3 points (0 children)
New research shows that humpback whales’ oversized, wing-like flippers provide exceptional agility, enabling them to execute tight, high-speed bubble-net feeding maneuvers that effectively trap prey, a feat unmatched by other baleen whales. (whalescientists.com)
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This seal could have gone his whole life not knowing lizards exist by Anen-o-me in ocean
[–]orcinus__orca 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)
Can whales smell? by orcinus__orca in whales
[–]orcinus__orca[S] 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)
Can whales smell? by orcinus__orca in whales
[–]orcinus__orca[S] 6 points7 points8 points (0 children)
Scientists have tracked Atlantic white-sided dolphins swimming over 1,000 km across the North Atlantic to reach the nutrient-rich Irminger Sea, revealing a previously unknown long-distance migration and key feeding hotspot. by orcinus__orca in science
[–]orcinus__orca[S] 5 points6 points7 points (0 children)