EnvironmentSeptember 8, 2014
SpaceX Rocket Base to Be Built Near Endangered Sea Turtle Nesting Beach
Can rockets and endangered species co-exist?
Stories by Melissa Gaskill
A science and environment writer based in Austin, Texas, Melissa Gaskill has a B.S. in zoology from Texas A&M University and a master's in journalism from the University of Texas. She also has a passion for the ocean and writes about it whenever possible for publications such as Nature News, Men's Journal, The New York Times, and many others.
EnvironmentMay 12, 2014
Post-BP Oil Spill Gulf Restoration Projects So Far Lack Basis in Science [Slide Show]
Few funds generated by the Deepwater Horizon disaster have been allocated as yet to return the Gulf of Mexico’s marshes and ecosystems to a healthier state, leading to “random acts of restoration”
December 23, 2013
Counting Fish: Wrap Up and Conclusion
Since July 2012, Ive been posting about a study of artificial reefs along the Texas coast. Scientists at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies in Corpus Christi conducted the research, funded by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, to determine whether these structures increase fish populations, and whether their location, type and [...]
EnvironmentDecember 11, 2013
As Lionfish Invade the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, Conservationists Say Eat Up [Slide Show]
The species is wreaking havoc on reef communities, prompting efforts to encourage the public to catch and eat the fish
October 3, 2013
Counting Fish – End of the season
Scientists at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies stayed busy this summer completing vertical longline sampling and ROV and diving surveys at artificial and natural reefs off the Texas coast.
EnvironmentJune 27, 2013
Counting Fish: We're Back!
June 26, 2013
How to Save Sharks off Cuba’s Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico [Slide Show]
Is it possible to create a sustainable fishery for sharks before the ocean's top predators are gone?
EvolutionMay 16, 2013
Rise in Roadkill Requires New Solutions
Vehicle–wildlife collisions kill millions of animals--and harm thousands of people--each year. Scientists are working on solutions
EnvironmentDecember 8, 2012
Counting Fish: Growing Reefs
EnvironmentNovember 27, 2012
Climate Change Threatens Long-Term Sustainability of Great Plains
Rising temperatures, persistent drought and depleted aquifers on the southern Great Plains could set the stage for a disaster similar to the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, scientists say
EnvironmentOctober 16, 2012
Counting Fish: Longlines, Lionfish and Liberty Ships
EnvironmentAugust 27, 2012
Counting Fish: well, thanks Isaac, no counting fish this week
EnvironmentAugust 8, 2012
Counting Fish: on the artificial reefs
EnvironmentJuly 19, 2012
Triple Whammy Led to High Rate of Bottlenose Dolphin Deaths in Gulf of Mexico
Cold weather, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and an influx of cold fresh water combined to cause record cetacean mortality
EnvironmentJuly 13, 2012
Counting Fish: Gulf of Mexico Artificial Reef Survey
TechnologyFebruary 1, 2012
It Detects Earthquakes and Lactose Intolerance
A new suitcase-size spectrometer has many functions
Mind & BrainSeptember 3, 2011
Motion Sickness Treatments Make Waves
NASA and the U.S. Navy are finding better ways to treat motion sickness, which could be good news for everyone
EnvironmentJuly 15, 2011
Trawls and Trash Represent One-Two Punch for Threatened Turtles [Slide Show]
Studies have identified plastic pollution and fishing practices as major threats to sea turtles for several years. This knowledge is, at last, beginning to translate into action