Sunflowers of the sea: Anemones that track the sun

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

International researcher explores phytoplankton signalling mechanisms at the MBA

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

New discoveries about marine symbiosis in Lichina pygmaea

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

The MBA and Cefas – 120 Years of Collaboration

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

Marine scientists from the USA visit the Marine Biological Association

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

Official opening of the Marine Microbiome Centre of Excellence

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

Marine Biological Association announces major recruitment drive

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

Annual Science Talk and Annual General Meeting – November 22nd

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is how you, as a member, get to have your say in the running of The Marine Biological Association. You have the right to vote for those responsible for overseeing the delivery of our core aims and objectives as outlined in our Royal Charter. This years meeting will be taking place on the … Read more