What’s new in ocean science?
Each month, we share three pieces of ocean science news that caught our eye: Researchers uncover the cause of the devastating sea star wasting disease epidemic , bringing hope for sunflower sea stars and kelp forests. Over the past ten years, this epidemic has killed 90% of the global population of sunflower sea stars (Pycnopodia helianthoides), severely impacting kelp forests—key marine ecosystems that support biodiversity and coastal communities. Ocean air may help to live longer : a new study by the University of Ohio found that people in coastal regions enjoy life expectancies a year or more above the U.S. average, while city dwellers near inland rivers and lakes may face shorter lifespans. Researchers suggest the difference comes from environmental and social factors: cleaner air, cooler summers, recreation opportunities, and higher incomes near the coasts versus pollution, poverty, and flood risks inland . The findings reveal that not all “blue spaces” are equal, challenging ...