Arctic Biology

31 March 2014

The new Centre of Excellence in biology education, bioCEED, opens formally on 30 April in Bergen. But UNIS jumped the gun and had a preopening ceremony for students and staff last Friday.

3 October 2013

This summer UNIS biologists found a plant species never before observed in Svalbard. And, to top it all, it is a carnivorous plant.

We are pleased to introduce Pinguicula alpina L.!

26 July 2013

A novel study is investigating the potential for non-native organisms to “hitchhike” with marine vessels and invade Svalbard waters. The results will have impact on the future management regime for the marine environment of the High Arctic.

12 September 2012

Recent data show a historical and dramatic decline in the Arctic summer sea ice extent. This has believed to be bad news for marine organisms living under the ice. But new research show that perhaps some of the species actually have adapted to minimal ice cover in summer. The scientists call their hypothesis the “Nemo hypothesis”.

6 September 2012

Never heard of glacier mice? Actually, they are small moss balls forming on glacier surfaces. New research by UNIS and Nottingham Trent University shows that there is “hopping” life in these fluffy balls. Invertebrates such as springtails and water bears literally thrive (and survive) in this ice-cold environment.