In the early stages of their life cycle, many marine invertebrates (animals without backbones) are often free-swimming larvae covered with tiny hair-like structures (cilia). These larvae possess a grouping of sensory cells, known as an apical organ, and some also have a long tuft of cilia, called an apical tuft. Like an antenna, the apical … Read more
The ocean contains a widespread group of single-celled algae called diatoms which play a significant role in the global carbon cycle. As microscopic photosynthesising organisms (phytoplankton), diatoms transform light energy from the sun into chemical energy, fixing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen (primary production). Diatoms are responsible for up to 40% of marine primary productivity … Read more
Diatoms are single celled algae and are one of the largest groups of organisms on earth. They can form vast blooms in the ocean and support life of other marine organisms at the base of aquatic food chains. Diatoms do not live in isolation, but with a plethora of other marine microbes such as bacteria. … Read more
Plants, which rely on photosynthesis to survive have evolved to move towards a light source; but for the first time, similar behaviour has been recorded in marine animals. Researchers from the Marine Biological Association (MBA) have discovered that snakelocks anemones (Anemonia viridis) are heliotropic – they track the sun by pointing their tentacles towards it while remaining … Read more
Loay Jabre, a postdoctoral investigator at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, USA visited the Marine Biological Association (MBA) to learn more about signalling mechanisms in marine phytoplankton. Loay, who recently finished his PhD at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, studies phytoplankton physiology and ecology, and how phytoplankton growth interacts with biogeochemical processes. … Read more
Marine fungi researchers at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) have used molecular techniques to reveal exciting discoveries about marine symbiosis in the lichen Lichina pygmaea. Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. Historically considered a two-way relationship, some lichen symbioses have been … Read more
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Cefas Chief Executive Neil Hornby and Cefas Chief Scientist, Professor Grant Stentiford to the Marine Biological Association. They were welcomed to our laboratory in Plymouth by Chief Executive, Professor Willie Wilson. They were given a tour around our facilities to see our cutting-edge science laboratories and meet our … Read more
The Marine Biological Association (MBA) welcomed scientists from three USA universities as part of new collaborative project to better understand dynamic sinking behaviour in diatoms. Dr Glen Wheeler hosted Brad Gemmell, Associate Professor at the University of South Florida, Kevin Du Clos, Assistant Professor at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium and Professor Lee Karp-Boss from … Read more
New, state of the art laboratory facilities were officially opened at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) which will focus on the vast and varied microscopic world in our ocean, and help us understand its health and the impacts of climate change using world-class technology. After six months in construction, the Marine Microbiome Centre of Excellence … Read more
The Marine Biological Association (MBA), one of the world’s longest-running learned societies on marine biology research is launching a major recruitment drive. The organisation was first founded in 1884 and has been based at Citadel Hill, overlooking the Plymouth Sound for 135 years. With recent funding and expansion plans, the Marine Biological Association (MBA) is now looking … Read more
The Marine Biological Association
The Laboratory,
Citadel Hill Plymouth,
Devon
PL1 2PB, UK
The Marine Biological Association conducts, promotes and supports scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea. We're working with our ever-growing membership to provide a clear and independent voice on behalf of the marine biological community