Visualising Microplastics incorporated into Corals: A Rapid and Direct Chemical Imaging Method
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)
Published: 23 January 2026
JAMSTEC researchers developed a rapid chemical imaging method using CARS microscopy to visualize microplastics in coral tissue and skeletons, finding that unhealthy corals incorporate more microplastics than healthy ones.
Keywords: microplastics, coral health, chemical imaging, CARS microscopy, marine pollution, coral skeletons, plastic contamination
Scientists outline case for next-generation ocean iron fertilization field trials
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 5 February 2026
Ocean researchers call for carefully designed ocean iron fertilization field trials to determine if adding iron to seawater can safely and effectively remove atmospheric CO2 via natural ocean processes.
Keywords: ocean iron fertilization, carbon dioxide removal, carbon sequestration, phytoplankton, climate change, ocean biogeochemistry
Oil residues can travel over 5,000 miles on ocean debris, study finds
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Published: 7 January 2026
Researchers found petroleum residues survive long-distance ocean transport on floating plastic and rubber debris, tracing oil from a 2019 Brazil spill over 5,200 miles to Florida shores.
Keywords: oil spill, marine pollution, ocean debris, plastic pollution, chemical fingerprinting, ocean currents, environmental science
