News 2012

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.

23 August 2012

A new study based on a 30-year period show that the ocean floor communities of both Kongsfjorden and Smeerenburgfjorden have changed dramatically.  Existing organisms are replaced by warmth- and light-loving species. – A biological tipping point, according to the authors.

24 July 2012

New DNA studies suggest that polar bears evolved into a distinct species as many as 4-5 million years ago. Climate change and genetic exchange with brown bears helped create the polar bear as we know it today.