Do you catch lots of colds while some of your friends rarely get sick? Humans aren’t the only ones with variable defenses against disease. Mote staff scientist Dr. Erinn Muller and her colleagues are searching for hardy genetic varieties of corals with the best odds of surviving the coral disease outbreaks and climate change impacts affecting reefs worldwide. Amid sad news about coral reef declines, Dr. Muller and her colleagues are finding hopeful signs of possible resilience in some coral genotypes, while investigating practical measures such as “firebreak” procedures to hinder the spread of coral disease. With scientists' help, can our "rainforests of the sea" tough it out?

Do you catch lots of colds while some of your friends rarely get sick? Humans aren’t the only ones with variable defenses against disease. Mote staff scientist Dr. Erinn Muller and her colleagues are searching for hardy genetic varieties of corals with the best odds of surviving the coral disease outbreaks and climate change impacts affecting reefs worldwide. Amid sad news about coral reef declines, Dr. Muller and her colleagues are finding hopeful signs of possible resilience in some coral genotypes, while investigating practical measures such as “firebreak” procedures to hinder the spread of coral disease. With scientists' help, can our "rainforests of the sea" tough it out?

 

Did you know that young people have real power in their families’ environmental choices? Did you know that marine science education is within reach, even if you don’t live near the ocean or an aquarium? In this episode, Joe and Hayley discuss these topics and much more with Aly Busse, Assistant Vice President for Education at Mote. Busse’s childhood in rural New Jersey – “cow country” – might seem distant from her current job leading an ocean education team, but she was driven by her fascination for marine science and found a career translating science for the wider world. In today's connected world, more of us can be like Aly – putting scientific knowledge to good use for our oceans. Everyone can check out https://mote.org/education for Mote's Florida-based and digital learning programs. Teachers can check out upcoming professional development workshops here. For educational fun, play "Who Wants to Be A Sea Star?" on Mote's website. (Click the link and then scroll down for the game.)

Did you know that young people have real power in their families’ environmental choices? Did you know that marine science education is within reach, even if you don’t live near the ocean or an aquarium? In this episode, Joe and Hayley discuss these topics and much more with Aly Busse, Assistant Vice President for Education at Mote. Busse’s childhood in rural New Jersey – “cow country” – might seem distant from her current job leading an ocean education team, but she was driven by her fascination for marine science and found a career translating science for the wider world. In today's connected world, more of us can be like Aly – putting scientific knowledge to good use for our oceans. Everyone can check out www.mote.org/education for Mote's Florida-based and digital learning programs. Teachers can check out upcoming professional development workshops here. For educational fun, play "Who Wants to Be A Sea Star?" on Mote's website. (Click the link and then scroll down for the game.)

Tech-savvy listeners: Dr. Jordon Beckler is your guy. Jordon, manager of Mote’s Ocean Technology Research Program, tells Joe and Hayley about: autonomous underwater vehicles that monitor the ocean for harmful red tide algae; an Ocean Technology Club where young people program simple computers to be scientific sensors; seeking better ways to monitor the success of environmental restoration projects; and best of all… mud! Using ocean technology, Jordon studies the chemistry where undersea mud meets water — part of the carbon cycle that influences Earth’s climate.

Tech-savvy listeners: Dr. Jordon Beckler is your guy. Jordon, manager of Mote’s Ocean Technology Research Program, tells Joe and Hayley about: autonomous underwater vehicles that monitor the ocean for harmful red tide algae; an Ocean Technology Club where young people program simple computers to be scientific sensors; seeking better ways to monitor the success of environmental restoration projects; and best of all… mud! Using ocean technology, Jordon studies the chemistry where undersea mud meets water — part of the carbon cycle that influences Earth’s climate.

Matt Seguin, Curator of Husbandry & Records for Mote Aquarium, oversees the care and record-keeping efforts for a staggering number of animal species that Aquarium visitors view every day. Learn why his favorite fish have a special “job” in the Aquarium, how he finds the fun in animal parasite prevention, and how he teaches college courses — occasionally using Star Wars references to make science a little bit cooler. Hayley and Joe are impressed, indeed: When it comes to marine animal knowledge, Matt is a true Renaissance man!

Matt Seguin, Curator of Husbandry & Records for Mote Aquarium, oversees the care and record-keeping efforts for a staggering number of animal species that Aquarium visitors view every day. Learn why his favorite fish have a special “job” in the Aquarium, how he finds the fun in animal parasite prevention, and how he teaches college courses — occasionally using Star Wars references to make science a little bit cooler. Hayley and Joe are impressed, indeed: When it comes to marine animal knowledge, Matt is a true Renaissance man!

Stone crabs are famous for their delicious claws, but Florida’s multi-million-dollar stone crab fishery has shown declines in recent years. Dr. Phil Gravinese, Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellow, shares his research focused on young stone crabs and the environmental changes that might affect them. Hayley finds a way to mention sea monkeys. Talk of a stone crab lab makes Joe hungry. But seriously: Stone crabs are critical to Florida’s culture and well deserving of the scientific spotlight. Tune in and learn more!

Stone crabs are famous for their delicious claws, but Florida’s multi-million-dollar stone crab fishery has shown declines in recent years. Dr. Phil Gravinese, Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellow, shares his research focused on young stone crabs and the environmental changes that might affect them. Hayley finds a way to mention sea monkeys. Talk of a stone crab lab makes Joe hungry. But seriously: Stone crabs are critical to Florida’s culture and well deserving of the scientific spotlight. Tune in and learn more!