Oceans

70% of California’s Beaches Could Disappear by 2100, Study Finds

70% of California’s Beaches Could Disappear by 2100, Study Finds

A new study from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has found that 25% to 70% of California’s beaches could disappear by the end of this century. It follows a similar study from 2017 that found 31% to 67% of beaches in Southern California were at risk. The research, which is currently undergoing the peer-review process, […]

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    Heading to a Beach This Summer? Here’s How to Keep Harmful Algae Blooms From Spoiling Your Trip

    Heading to a Beach This Summer? Here’s How to Keep Harmful Algae Blooms From Spoiling Your Trip

    Plunging into the ocean or a lake is one of the great joys of summer. But arriving at the beach to find water that’s green, red or brown, and possibly foul-smelling, can instantly spoil the party.

    As a toxicologist, I study health risks from both synthetic and natural substances. I’ve conducted research into early detection of harmful algal blooms, or HABs, which are an increasing threat to humans, animals and the environment.

    A Ray of Hope for Some Coral Reefs

    A Ray of Hope for Some Coral Reefs

    Sometimes, change is good.  Scientists at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science have discovered a new resiliency in certain coral reefs in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Dominant, foundational coral species on those reefs have survived multiple marine heat waves so far by changing out the symbiotic algae within their […]

    Microplastics 101: Everything You Need to Know

    Microplastics 101: Everything You Need to Know

    Quick Key Facts We use a lot of plastic.  Since the 1950s, more than 8.3 billion tons of plastic has been produced by humans. All in all, only 9% of these plastics have actually been recycled, and the rest has either been incinerated or landed up in landfills — and, in many cases, in the […]