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Mind-blowing Video: Whale Fall (afterlife of a whale)
by Robert Lamb | November 17, 2011
You guys remember Sharon Shattuck, right? She’s the documentary filmmaker responsible for “Parasites: A User’s Guide” and a frequent collaborator with Radiolab. The recent “Loops” Radiolab episode featured a segment on the ultimate fate of a dead whale: how its body becomes not only a feeding ground but an ecosystem all its own. To help us envision this particular loop of life and death, Sharon created this lovely video detailing the stages of whale decomposition via puppets. Let’s watch:
Tone Deaf Whale Cruises Seas Alone
by Amanda Arnold | February 23, 2011
Oh my goodness. A whale has stolen my heart.
Poor little enormous mammal is swimming the seas alone because his voice sounds weird.
Scientists who tracked the whale between 1992 and 2004 say the whale sings at the basso profundo frequency, or “just above the lowest note on a tuba.”
Like any other form of pollution, loud noises can seriously affect your health over time — and that’s just the beginning. As Robert and Allison break down the science behind noise, they also explain how noise pollution affects the natural world.
When whales or other aquatic mammals wash onto the shore, they are usually unable to return to the sea without help. What exactly causes a whale to beach, and how can scientists prevent it? Tune in and learn more in this episode.
Bob Barker Saves Whales with Namesake Ice-crusher
by Sarah Dowdey | January 6, 2010
Bob Barker is best known for his genial, tanned, 35-year-long presence on “The Price is Right.” But there’s also the tough as nails, fighting Barker of movie cameos — notably, “Happy Gilmore.” This piece of news seems to satisfy both reputations: Barker is helping to stop whaling with a 1,200-ton (1,000-metric-ton), ice-crushing namesake ship.
According to the AP, Barker donated $5 million to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which in turn named its anti-whaling vessel “The Bob Barker” in honor of the game show host. On Tuesday, the high-speed ship had its first encounter with Japanese whalers off of Antarctica.
Last night I had the privilege to attend another Science on Tap lecture at the Georgia Aquarium, this time featuring Dr. Gregory D. Bossart, the aquarium’s chief veterinary officer. Bossart discussed a subject that he’s devoted much of his career to: the mysteries surrounding stranded marine life.
Stuff that makes you go Hmmm #11 – Blue whales are singing different
by Marshall Brain | December 3, 2009
Blue whales have changed their songs, and the reason why is a mystery: Blue Whale Song Mystery Baffles Scientists All around the world, blue whales aren’t singing like they used to, and scientists have no idea why. The largest animals on Earth are singing in ever-deeper voices every year. Among the suggested explanations are ocean […]
Early Risers Are Mutants – “Don’t hate those people who are perky and efficient after only a few hours of sleep. They can’t help it. New research suggests that a genetic mutation may explain why some people sleep less…” The Amazing Story of the Diver and the Whale – “The following incredible photos have been […]
The dearhearts at Weird World mentioned yesterday that over in Goa, India, former home of Jason Bourne and tropical paradise, there something in the air. We call this something the stench of rotting whale flesh. As you may know, once an organism dies its cells undergo a form of cannibalism called autolysis…
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