Shark net anger, toxic dolphin protein, and bowheads secret to longevity
Big Blue Bulletin #67
Welcome to the latest edition of the Big Blue Bulletin – things have changed just a little bit around here as featured stories will now focus on whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with a little bit of commentary from me thrown in as well. Still, you can expect good news, bad news, and a cute creature in your inbox every week.
Let’s dive in 🐬
Ocean news
🗞️ Big news of the week -
🧠 Scientists find Alzheimer’s toxic protein in dolphin brains
Scientists studying stranded bottlenose dolphins along Florida’s east coast have discovered toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease in their brains. The decade-long study found dolphins stranded in warmer months had dramatically higher levels (up to 2,900 times more) of a neurotoxin produced by cyanobacteria, a microscopic organism that thrives in warming waters. The study was conducted to understand why the dolphins stranded but instead discovered how certain toxins might trigger dementia in the species.
🏹 Can bowhead whales with their 200-year lifespan help us to slow ageing?
With lifespans reaching 200 years, bowhead whales are the longest-living mammals on Earth and scientists may now be one step closer to understanding why. A new study has found that boweads are exceptionally good at repairing DNA damage, thanks to a protein called CIRBP, which is triggered by cold exposure. They produce 100 times more of it than humans, helping to maintain healthy cells over time. Researchers are looking into how this could potentially promote healthy ageing in people and protect organs during surgery and transplants.
💩 Baleen whales excrete nutrients that boost primary ocean productivity by up to 10%
A new study has found that baleen whales play a key role in ocean ecosystems by excreting nutrients that fuel phytoplankton growth. By recycling over 800 tons of nitrogen and 300 tons of phosphorus daily in the Nordic and Barents Seas, their waste can increase ocean primary productivity by up to 10%. Researchers say this fertilising effect strengthens the base of the marine food web and stresses just how interconnected nature truly is.
😔 Two-year-old humpback whale found dead in NSW shark net causes anger
A two year old humpback whale has died after becoming entangled in a shark net off the New South Wales coast. This is the first confirmed whale death among 15 entanglements along Australia’s east coast just this year alone.
The juvenile was discovered near Wollongong during a routine check, with netting wrapped around its tail and fin. Rescuers attempted to recover the body, but worsening sea conditions forced them to abandon the effort. The incident has reignited criticism of shark nets, with marine advocates calling their continued use “animal cruelty”.
Have a great weekend! 📸
Cover image by Kelvin Aitken/VWPics/Alamy.
Lots of fascinating medical news this week. Ghost shark? Perfect 👍
My father passed several years ago from Alzheimer’s so I’m always interested to learn about related findings. Here is another clue about possible causes, and shows one more time how we should protect and treasure nature.