Article
Physiology
A. Fahlman, J. C. Mcknight, A. M. Blawas, N. West, A. G. Torrente, K. Aoki
Summary: This study examined the effects of expiration and inspiration on the if H response in bottlenose dolphins. The results showed that inspiration increased if H, while expiration decreased if H.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Stefano Bigiani, Cristina Pilenga
Summary: The mechanism behind dolphins' strong social bonds has been unclear, so researchers hypothesized a positive feedback mechanism where social affiliation promotes cooperation and vice versa. By stimulating cooperation with a rope-pulling task, they found that cooperating dolphins had stronger social affiliation before cooperation and increased it further after cooperation, while non-cooperating dolphins did not show similar changes. These findings provide evidence for the hypothesis that previous social affiliation facilitates cooperative behavior among dolphins.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Marina Salas, Amanda Fernandez-Fontelo, Eva Martinez-Nevado, Jesus Fernandez-Moran, Agustin Lopez-Goya, Xavier Manteca
Summary: The assessment of animals' personalities by caretakers can be a reliable method to help make appropriate management decisions, such as breeding success and creating social groups. This study focused on evaluating the reliability of caretakers' ratings when assessing dolphins' personalities, showing a good degree of agreement within raters and centers, but also detecting systematic score mean differences.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Mathilde Lalot, Fabienne Delfour, Birgitta Mercera, Dalila Bovet
Summary: Research has found that bottlenose dolphins may exhibit prosocial behaviors and direct reciprocity, with a tendency to modulate these behaviors based on partner-specific information. The subjects showed a preference for being more prosocial towards the opposite sex and more reciprocal towards same-sex recipients. Additionally, an audience effect was observed, with the presence of the subject's offspring increasing the likelihood of a prosocial response.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lisa K. Lauderdale, Michael T. Walsh, Jill D. Mellen, Douglas A. Granger, Lance J. Miller
Summary: Animal welfare science has evolved in recent decades to utilize a multidisciplinary approach in assessing the welfare of animals in accredited zoos and aquariums. Science-based welfare assessments have become essential in management programs, where management practices and habitat characteristics play a significant role in impacting animal welfare. The study collected survey data from 86 bottlenose dolphins in 40 habitats at 38 facilities in seven countries, aiming to provide insights into dolphin management practices and habitat characteristics in accredited zoos and aquariums.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lisa K. Lauderdale, Michael T. Walsh, Jill D. Mellen, Douglas A. Granger, Lance J. Miller
Summary: In recent decades, animal welfare science has evolved to utilize a multidisciplinary approach to assess the welfare of animals in accredited zoos and aquariums. Science-based animal welfare assessments have become an essential component of management programs, although habitat characteristics and management practices are not standardized across locations. Knowledge and subsequent application of these practices and habitat characteristics can enhance our understanding of factors associated with positive welfare.
Article
Biology
Maria del Carmen Fuentes-Albero, Silvia Abril Sanchez, Jose Luis Ros-Santaella, Eliana Pintus, Chiara Luongo, Sara Ruiz Diaz, Carlos Barros Garcia, Maria Jesus Sanchez Calabuig, Daniel Garcia Parraga, Francisco Alberto Garcia Vazquez
Summary: Dolphins are well-adapted aquatic mammals in captivity and are ideal for studying their reproductive features for conservation programs. Sperm shape and dimensions differ between male dolphins and can be classified into subpopulations, which are influenced by testosterone levels and refrigeration. This study provides new insights into sperm competition in dolphins and has implications for other endangered aquatic mammalian species.
Article
Biology
Ashley M. Blawas, Douglas P. Nowacek, Austin S. Allen, Julie Rocho-Levine, Andreas Fahlman
Summary: The study found that dolphins exhibit respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) during surface breathing, with a rapid increase and gradual decrease in heart rate (f(H)). The minimum if(H) during submerged breath-holds was lower than during surface breathing, but similar patterns were observed between RSA and extended inter-breath intervals (IBI). Understanding the relationship between RSA and submersion bradycardia is important for comprehending heart rate variability in marine mammals.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alessandro Gallo, Aglae Thieffry, Martin Boye, Kyra Monmasson, Martine Hausberger, Alban Lemasson
Summary: The study of animal communication has faced challenges in associating signals with specific emitters, especially in cetacean communication. However, researchers have now developed a low-cost device that allows for reliable identification of callers in dolphin vocalizations, which could contribute to a better understanding of dolphin acoustic communication.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Rebecca Rimbach, Ahmad Amireh, Austin Allen, Brian Hare, Emily Guarino, Chana Kaufman, Hannah Salomons, Herman Pontzer
Summary: Marine mammals are believed to have a high energy expenditure due to their endothermy in marine environments. In this study, total energy expenditure was measured in 10 adult bottlenose dolphins, showing a decline in adjusted energy expenditure and an increase in fat mass with age. Results suggest that marine mammals have higher energy expenditure compared to terrestrial mammals, but bottlenose dolphins expend less energy than other marine mammals of similar body mass.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Alex van Schie
Summary: This paper provides an overview and explanation of the special features and construction challenges of the immersed part of the Bjorvikatunnel, which is a tunnel connection consisting of two cut and cover sections and the first immersed tunnel in Norway.
TUNNELLING AND UNDERGROUND SPACE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
John Kucklick, Ashley Boggs, Kevin Huncik, Amanda Moors, Elizabeth Davis, Gina Ylitalo, Mary McConnell, Christina Makris, Randall S. Wells
Summary: Legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in common bottlenose dolphins from Sarasota Bay have been declining from 2000 to 2016, with different rates of decline for different POP classes and classifications. The decline in POPs is highest in adult males and lowest in calves. The POP trends appear to have stabilized since 2009.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ding Zhang, Yifan Wang, Joaquin Gabaldon, Lisa K. Lauderdale, Lance J. Miller, Kira Barton, Kenneth Alex Shorter
Summary: This study investigates the benefits of a fluke-and-glide gait for bottlenose dolphins in terms of cost of transport. The results show that the fluke-and-glide gait enhances the horizontal swimming efficiency of these dolphins.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. L. Crespo-Picazo, C. Rubio-Guerri, M. A. Jimenez, F. J. Aznar, V Marco-Cabedo, M. Melero, J. M. Sanchez-Vizcaino, P. Gozalbes, D. Garcia-Parraga
Summary: In the western Mediterranean, bottlenose dolphins exhibit aggressive behavior towards striped dolphins and Risso's dolphins, resulting in lethal injuries and deaths. The injuries and inter-tooth distance characteristics suggest that these interactions are caused by bottlenose dolphins. The study discusses how environmental changes and human activities may be triggering these interactions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kim E. Ludwig, Mags Daly, Stephanie Levesque, Simon D. Berrow
Summary: The 26-year study of a genetically discrete, resident population of bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon Estuary in Ireland revealed a high adult survival rate, although there were differences in survival rates among individuals due to variations in markings. The results underscore the importance of consistent and thorough survey efforts in studies of marine mammal populations.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Cara L. Green, Sharon E. Mitchell, Davina Derous, Libia A. Garcia-Flores, Yingchun Wang, Luonan Chen, Jing-Dong J. Han, Daniel E. L. Promislow, David Lusseau, Alex Douglas, John R. Speakman
Summary: Calorie restriction is an effective intervention to extend lifespan and improve healthspan. This study revealed graded changes in the cerebellar metabolome after calorie restriction, involving various metabolites and pathways regulation.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Davina Derous, Jagajjit Sahu, Alex Douglas, David Lusseau, Marius Wenzel
Summary: The study on cetacean genomes reveals significant positive selection in genes associated with nutrient sensing pathways, suggesting adaptation in cetaceans to a glucose-poor diet and overcoming deleterious effects during diving. Furthermore, the role of fat stores in regulating metabolism, foraging behavior, and diving physiology in cetaceans may differ from terrestrial mammals.
CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Mingming LIU, Mingli LIN, David LUSSEAU, Songhai LI
Summary: The study found that humpback dolphins tend to live in small-sized groups with a mean size of mostly no more than 10 individuals. Geographic variations in group sizes of humpback dolphins are primarily associated with latitude, sea surface temperature, and abundance.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Dorian S. Houser, Davina Derous, Alex Douglas, David Lusseau
Summary: The study compared the plasma metabolomes of bottlenose dolphins in post-absorptive and 24-hour-fasted states, revealing changes in lipid metabolism, protein catabolism, and synthesis consistent with a diabetic-like fasting state. Pathway analysis predicted increased cytokines and apoptosis in response to fasting. Furthermore, a dynamic network marker indicative of a physiological shift toward a negative energy state was identified, with potential applications for assessing energy balance in wild dolphins at risk.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
J. L. Marumo, D. Lusseau, J. R. Speakman, M. Mackie, C. Hambly
Summary: This study investigated the effects of environmental factors on the average daily milk yield and day-to-day variation in milk yield of barn-housed Scottish dairy cows. The results showed that multiparous cows had higher initial milk yield and total lactation milk yield, while primiparous cows had the greatest incline slope and persistency. The temperature had minimal effect on milk yield, but as the temperature increased, the variation in milk yield decreased for both primiparous and multiparous cows.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Joyce Ledile Marumo, David Newton Fisher, David Lusseau, Maitland Mackie, John Roger Speakman, Catherine Hambly
Summary: Dairy cows are capable of forming stable social groups and long-lasting relationships with conspecifics. This study found consistent social associations at the AMS, which may impact milk yield and composition. Multiparous cows exhibited stronger social associations compared to primiparous cows, which influenced milk fat and protein percentages.
APPLIED ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Davina Derous, Anna Kebke, Patricia A. Fair, Mark Styczynski, Gregory D. Bossart, Alex Douglas, David Lusseau
Summary: Cumulative exposure to anthropogenic stressors can impact the health and reproduction of coastal cetaceans. The concept of health for cetaceans in an ecological context is not well understood. Using a health-monitoring program, this study found that individuals in poor health showed changes in metabolic pathways. Further research is needed to understand the interplay between health and energy metabolism in cetaceans.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Rebecca L. Smith, Kelly Rebergen, Carter Payne, Epaminondas Megapanos, David Lusseau
Summary: One of the main threats to wild primates is habitat alteration, fragmentation, and destruction. A study on capuchin monkeys in Paraguay found that they exhibit diet plasticity and can adapt to degraded forest conditions by opportunistically taking advantage of crop plants. This ability to adjust their diet in different habitat fragments highlights the importance of small islands of Paraguayan Atlantic Forest for their persistence.
FOLIA PRIMATOLOGICA
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Abubakr Awad, Wei Pang, David Lusseau, George M. Coghill
Summary: Research on Physarum polycephalum has gained popularity in recent years, especially after Nakagaki's famous experiment. This experiment demonstrated the ability of Physarum to find the shortest route through a maze, and subsequent research has further explored the potential of Physarum-inspired algorithms. This comprehensive review presents the biological aspects, mathematical models, and applications of Physarum in a competitive environment, highlighting the intelligent behavior of Physarum.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Lusseau, Lotte Kindt-Larsen, Floris M. van Beest
Summary: Human activities at sea are becoming more complex, requiring adaptable management interventions to mitigate their cumulative effects on biodiversity conservation. Coastal cetaceans, particularly harbour porpoises, are threatened by bycatch and the indirect effects of repeated exposure to disturbances such as acoustic disturbances. The prevalence of pingers, used to mitigate bycatch, can affect both bycatch rate and the population consequences of noise disturbance. Understanding the physiological effects on reproductive decisions and behavioural responses to noise is crucial for evaluating the cumulative impacts of bycatch and its mitigations.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Lusseau, Rosie Baillie
Summary: More than half of the global population live in cities and rely on urban greenspaces for their nature experience. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of nature exposure for wellbeing and our study shows that people sought greenspace during mobility restrictions. However, access to greenspace varied depending on neighborhood deprivation, and the preference for greenspace intensified throughout the waves of lockdown.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Lu Wang, Davina Derous, Xiahe Huang, Sharon E. Mitchell, Alex Douglas, David Lusseau, Yingchun Wang, John R. Speakman
Summary: Calorie restriction extends life span by modulating aging-related mechanisms. Metabolic pathways such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and fatty acid degradation are significantly stimulated, while main signaling pathways and pathways in cancer are not significantly affected. Moreover, the metabolism of xenobiotics is altered by calorie restriction.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Lotte Kindt-Larsen, Gildas Glemarec, Casper W. Berg, Sara Konigson, Anne-Mette Kroner, Mathias Sogaard, David Lusseau
Summary: Incidental captures (bycatch) of harbour porpoise in European Union fisheries remain a significant threat to cetaceans. A long-term monitoring program in Denmark using electronic monitoring has provided detailed data on porpoise bycatch and gillnet fishing effort. The study highlights the importance of considering fishing characteristics in estimating bycatch rates and emphasizes the need for effective monitoring methods and mitigation techniques.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rebecca L. Smith, David Lusseau
Summary: The hooded capuchin is an adaptable primate species found in the Paraguayan Upper Parana Atlantic Forest. It prefers mature, bamboo-dominated, and flooded forests, and avoids crop fields. Deforestation in Paraguay poses a threat to the connectivity of the capuchin's habitat.
ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AND EVIDENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Emily Erskine, Rosie Baillie, David Lusseau
Summary: Globally, there are more photos posted by more users in MPAs. Flickr users mentioned nature and wildlife topics more in MPAs. MPA photos were described more positively and were more popular.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Atefeh Zendehboudi, Azam Mohammadi, Sina Dobaradaran, Gabriel E. De-la-Torre, Bahman Ramavandi, Seyed Enayat Hashemi, Reza Saeedi, Emran Moradpour Tayebi, Ahmad Vafaee, Amirhossein Darabi
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics and ecological risks of microplastics (MPs) in ballast water for the first time, and found high levels of MP pollution. These findings contribute to our understanding of the sources and risks of microplastics in marine ecosystems.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rose Boahemaa Pinto, Linda Bogerd, Martine van der Ploeg, Kwame Duah, Remko Uijlenhoet, Tim H. M. van Emmerik
Summary: Catchment-scale plastic pollution assessments provide insights into the sources, sinks, and pathways of plastic pollution. We propose an approach to quantify macroplastic transport and density in the Odaw catchment, Ghana, and find that the urban riverine zone has the highest transport, while the urban tidal zone has the highest riverbank and land macroplastic density.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aliya Baidourela, Qian Sun, Gongxin Yang, Umut Halik, Zhongkai Dong, Kaixu Cai, Guili Sun, Wenya Zhang, Sisi Cheng
Summary: The study focused on heavy metal pollution in the green vegetation of a suburban industrial area in Tuokexun County, Xinjiang, China. The results showed that the overall level of heavy metal pollution in the soil was minor, with mercury (Hg) being the most severe contamination, likely caused by human activities. The composition of heavy metal elements in trees was more stable compared to grass and shrubs, with varying concentrations across different vegetation. Shrubbery was found to be the most effective in heavy metal restoration, and there were disparities in heavy metal enrichment among different vegetation types.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James H. Bridson, Hayden Masterton, Beatrix Theobald, Regis Risani, Fraser Doake, Jessica A. Wallbank, Stefan D. M. Maday, Gavin Lear, Robert Abbel, Dawn A. Smith, Joanne M. Kingsbury, Olga Pantos, Grant L. Northcott, Sally Gaw
Summary: Plastic pollution has significant environmental impacts, largely due to chemical additives. However, the behavior of plastic additives in marine environments is not well understood. A marine deployment experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of weathering on the extractables profile of four types of plastics in New Zealand over a period of nine months. The concentration of additives in polyethylene and oxo-degradable polyethylene was strongly influenced by artificial weathering, while polyamide 6 and polyethylene terephthalate showed minimal change. These findings emphasize the importance of considering leaching and weathering effects on plastic composition when assessing the potential impact and risk of plastic pollution in receiving environments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alan G. Scarlett, Francis D. Spilsbury, Steven J. Rowland, Marthe Monique Gagnon, Kliti Grice
Summary: This study used diamondoid hydrocarbon distributions to identify the sources of environmental oil contamination. A suite of 20 diamondoids was found to accumulate in fish adipose tissue. The scatter plots of indices between fish and exposure oils showed a close to ideal 1:1 relationship, which can be used to determine the origin of the oil.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shan Jiang, Mengmeng Wan, Kun Lin, Yanshan Chen, Rui Wang, Liju Tan, Jiangtao Wang
Summary: In this study, the concentration, composition, distribution, and sources of PCBs in surface seawater of the Bohai Bay were analyzed. The results showed that PCBs in the Bohai Bay had high concentrations and were primarily derived from land-based sources such as port activities and river inputs. The PCBs in the Bohai Bay may come from commercial PCBs and their incineration products, municipal landfills, wood and coal combustion, and industrial activities, etc.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Icaro S. A. Porto, Saulo V. A. Dantas, Caio S. A. Felix, Francisco A. S. Cunha, Jailson B. de Andrade, Sergio L. C. Ferreira
Summary: This study evaluated the risks of mercury levels in sardines consumed by low-income population in Salvador, Brazil. The results showed that the mercury content in the sampled sardines posed no risks to human health. This study is significant as most sardines in Salvador come from Todos os Santos Bay, which has a history of mercury contamination.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jiahui Chen, Chengyu Yuan, Guanqun Zhai, Guangcheng Chen, Heng Zhu, Jun Liu, Yong Ye
Summary: This study investigated the combined influences of species selection and site elevation on greenhouse gas fluxes from restored mangrove soils. The results suggest that Avicennia marina should be selected for mangrove restoration to minimize carbon release and reduce the influence of greenhouse gas fluxes on the global greenhouse effect.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Emmanuel Onyeabor, Uju Obuka
Summary: The Gulf of Guinea region in Africa is a significant area for coastal countries, playing a vital role in their economic and environmental development. This study aims to reduce marine plastic pollution in the region by utilizing legal instruments.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuanli Liu, Stephan Luttjohann, Alvise Vianello, Claudia Lorenz, Fan Liu, Jes Vollertsen
Summary: Large area attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (LAATR-FTIR) is a novel technique for detecting small microplastics, with limited accuracy for large microplastics. However, it shows promise in homogeneous matrices. The spectra quality is comparable between transmission mode and LAATR mode.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Phuc T. D. Le, Andrew M. Fischer, Britta D. Hardesty, Heidi J. Auman, Chris Wilcox
Summary: This study explores the relationship between ocean currents and the accumulation of floating marine debris (FMD) and finds that higher concentrations of FMD are associated with frontal frequencies (FF). FMD is primarily trapped in accumulation zones between fronts and the coastline, which have high biodiversity value.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rosa Sawan, Perine Doyen, Florence Viudes, Rachid Amara, Celine Mahfouz
Summary: Few studies have examined the impact of urbanization and meteorological events on microplastics discharged into the sea through rivers. Surface water samples were collected from two Lebanese rivers, with differing degrees of urbanization, during dry and wet periods. The results showed that the most industrialized river had a significantly higher abundance of microplastics compared to the less-industrialized river. There was also a correlation between particle contamination and the season at each site, with microplastic concentrations highest on the first day of the wet season. These findings highlight the importance of considering meteorological events in accurately assessing plastic pollution influx into coastal waters.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katherine R. Shaw, Jonathan L. Whitney, Eileen M. Nalley, Madeline C. Schmidbauer, Megan J. Donahue, Jesse Black, Raquel N. Corniuk, Kellie Teague, Rachel Sandquist, Catherine Pirkle, Rachel Dacks, Max Sudnovsky, Jennifer M. Lynch
Summary: This study examines the ingestion of plastic in reef fish in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Plastic particles were found in the gastrointestinal tracts of multiple fish species. However, further analysis revealed that these particles were actually natural materials and posed no threat to human consumers.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Revati Hardikar, C. K. Haridevi, Shantaj Deshbhratar
Summary: This study investigated the variability in phytoplankton functional structure using a trait-based approach and explored the relationship between species traits and environmental factors, as well as their impact on ecosystem functioning. The results revealed that morphological traits, temperature, and ammonia played a decisive role in the seasonal succession of phytoplankton species. It was found that certain traits favored higher biomass production but might hinder energy transfer efficiency. The strong correlation between environmental variables and phytoplankton functional structure supports the practical implementation of a trait-based approach in studying phytoplankton community dynamics under different environmental conditions.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Engki A. Kisnarti, Nining Sari Ningsih, Mutiara R. Putri, Nani Hendiarti, Bernhard Mayer
Summary: This study examines the movement patterns of plastic marine debris in Indonesian waters, revealing that Indonesia contributes significantly to transboundary marine debris in the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea. Most of the debris remains in Indonesian waters and moves back and forth due to the influence of monsoon currents.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2024)