After a 40-year quest, Professor Christine Maggs has confirmed the discovery of a new seaweed species, ceramium ruenessianum, found living on maerl beds in UK waters off Cornwall. The pink-striped seaweed, nicknamed "pink-zebra weed," will join the Natural History Museum's collection, highlighting the biodiversity of threatened maerl habitats.
Prof. Christine Maggs has identified a new seaweed species, ceramium ruenessianum, found on maerl beds in Cornwall, UK, after a 40-year search. The discovery, confirmed with DNA sequencing, highlights the biodiversity of maerl and the importance of marine conservation.
Massive Sargassum seaweed blooms, stretching 5,000 miles, are a growing nuisance. Once a habitat, it now poses environmental, economic, and health threats, impacting tourism and coastal ecosystems due to nutrient-rich land-based inputs.
The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has reached a record 37.5 million tonnes, expanding significantly since 2011. Scientists attribute its growth to ocean currents and increased nutrient availability from river discharge and human activities, impacting marine life and coastal regions.
Record-high amounts of smelly sargassum seaweed are covering Florida's beaches, with researchers warning Louisiana and Texas could be next. The bloom, driven by ocean currents and nutrients, emits a rotten egg smell and can cause skin rashes and respiratory irritation.
The World AI Film Festival (WAIFF) in Cannes presented AI-generated films, highlighting technical prowess over narrative and raising copyright concerns. While some see it as a new wave, others question its emotional depth and ethical implications.
