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One of the common cuttlefish in the Marine Resources Center at the Marine Biological Laboratory
One of the common cuttlefish in the Marine Resources Center at the Marine Biological Laboratory

Cuttlefish smart enough to wait for better reward

Using a modified version of the Stanford marshmallow test, researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory (The University of Chicago) discovered that cuttlefish had the ability to delay gratification for a better reward—and those that were able to do it for a longer duration possessed better cognitive learning abilities.

The findings, which demonstrated the link between self-control and intelligence, was published recently in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B journal.

Corals in the Pacific Ocean
Corals in the Pacific Ocean

Coral count leads to reassessment of extinction threat

There are currently about half a trillion corals in the Pacific. Of the species studied, two-thirds of the coral species have population sizes exceeding 100 million colonies, while 20 percent of the species have population sizes that are more than a billion colonies.

“We need to know the abundance of a species to assess its risk of extinction,” said lead author Andy Dietzel from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University (Coral CoE at JCU).

Kristin Moger Portfolio

Octopus, by Kristin Moger. Micron ink on paper, 8 x 10 inches
Octopus, by Kristin Moger. Micron ink on paper, 8 x 10 inches

American artist Kristin Moger, who is based in Pennsylvania, creates beautiful, precise and intricately patterned black-and-white drawings of marine life, bringing to life the animals’ dynamic and sublime personalities on paper. X-Ray Mag interviewed the artist to learn more about her creative process and perspectives on art, nature and conservation.

Individual fish can be identified based on their behaviour and movements
Individual fish can be identified based on their behaviour and movements

Fish in study can be identified based on their movement and behaviour

This finding was based on research by a team of biologists and mathematicians from Swansea University and the University of Essex. It involved 15 three-spined stickleback fish observed individually in a fish tank containing two, three or five plants in fixed positions.

Using high-resolution tracking data from video recording, the scientists made their observations on the following parameters: movement (time stationary, step length, turning angle and burst frequency) and behaviorial (distance travelled, space use, time in free water and time near objects).

Last chance to enter 2021 'Underbathwater Photographer of the Year' competition

Fourth Element - the UK-based thermal protection manufacturer - came up with the idea in April 2020 with the aim of lifting divers' spirits, whilst they remained at home during the first British Government lockdown.

The idea was simple. Take the best photo you can underwater in your bathtub. And if you don't have a bath, just get creative. A sink, bucket, water butt or just about anything that can hold water was perfectly acceptable. 

A whitespotted eagle ray gliding through the waters
A whitespotted eagle ray gliding through the waters

Where eagle rays spread their wings in US waters

Until recently, the geographic wanderings of the whitespotted eagle ray have always been a mystery.

Now, in a study that took place from 2016 to 2018, a team of researchers have started to unlock some of its movement patterns.

The 54 rays in the study were tagged with acoustic transmitters, along both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of Florida, using collaborative acoustic telemetry networks.

GUE diver Nico Lurot

TOP 10 Scuba Diving Pioneers - Global Underwater Explorers

Who are the Top 10 Scuba Diving Pioneers? It doesn't matter if you're a cave diver, wreck diver, deep diver, or none of the above. If Scuba Diving is your passion/profession, you owe a debt of gratitude to the pioneers that came before you, those that shaped the industry.

In this video, GUE diver Nico Lurot is going to count down the TOP 10 Scuba Diving Pioneers whom he believes had (some of) the biggest influences on the industry and sport we love.

Divers at Porth Dafarch Beach, Wales

The BDSG advocates divers prepare for a return to UK diving

A BDSG spokesman states "Although we are currently in lockdown, it is time to start preparing to scuba dive UK sites and seas. We are all very keen to get back in the water again.

We understand that everyone is heartily sick of COVID-19 rules, hence this is an appeal for divers to do the right thing, and behave accordingly. Please take into consideration the following guidelines as you get set to scuba."

Medical Fitness

Divers need to comply with relevant medical requirements, and medicals may have lapsed, so check your dates. There is now the added complication of any impact COVID-19 may have created. Your respiratory system can be affected by the Coronavirus and can have long term effects that could impact on your ability to dive safely. If you have any doubts, seek professional medical advice from a diving doctor.

John Kendall getting ready to dive the 'Mars the Magnificent' wreck in July 2018

John Kendall earns top GUE CCR instructor rating

For those unfamiliar with this training agency, the qualification is the highest GUE closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) rating, ie advanced Trimix.

This means that John Kendall is able to teach both GUE's CCR courses: CCR Diver Level 1 and CCR Diver Level 2. John now joins the nine other GUE instructors in the world, capable of teaching this course.

Currently there are only 10 GUE CCR2 instructors in the world. Global Underwater Explorers

Master Liveaboards has announced a brand-new identity, website and e-commerce platform

Master Liveaboards has announced a brand-new identity, website and e-commerce platform. This is momentous news for their customers as they now accept live bookings 24/7 - with immediate confirmations.  B2B customers can also make bookings and place their selections on option via the company’s Diving Portal.