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Ocean underwater image with sharks and coral reef.
Climate and Oceans

Historic ocean treaty underpinned by Oregon State University science takes effect Jan. 17

Less than two years after OSU scientists led the publication of a landmark marine protected area guide in Science, the United Nations in June 2023 adopted the text of the treaty.

A volleyball player stands on a court.
Integrative Biology

Vivian Light, Class of ’25: Senior balances biology and volleyball at Oregon State

If you ask student-athlete and biology senior Vivian Light to share a fun science fact, she will likely tell you something fascinating about fish

View of the Colorado river inside the Grand Canyon.
Research

Transforming river health, ecology, seaweed, and pest control: Revolutionary SciRIS research

Founded in 2018, SciRIS funds interdisciplinary research projects that aim to create meaningful societal impact. This year, biologist David Lytle’s project focuses on understanding the complex interactions between multiple biotic components, including food base, disease landscape and microbiome in the lower Colorado River, including the Grand Canyon.

Dark, rocky shores stretch to the ocean against a hazy sunrise, waves lapping against the rocks.
Integrative Biology

College of Science researchers suggest low climate change resilience in rocky Pacific Northwest shores

A study by College of Science researchers says the ecosystems at our shores may face greater danger in a changing climate.

Three individuals walking through sand dunes, leaving footprints in their wake.
Research

From 'Dune' to coastal conservation, researchers lead the way in shifting sands

Three years after the release of “Dune,” a film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic 1965 sci-fi novel, “Dune: Part Two” is reigniting the public’s fascination with sandy environs and humanity’s efforts to reshape them.

Sally Hacker, a professor of integrative biology in the College of Science, is working with the Oregon departments of Parks and Recreation and Land Conservation and Development to create guidebooks for coastal dune management based on the best available science.

Coral microbiologist Rebecca Vega Thurber snorkeling above a mass of coral in clear waters.
OSU Press Releases

College of Science postdoctoral scholar helps find hidden viral threats to coral reefs

Microscopic algae that corals need for survival harbor a common and possibly disease-causing virus in their genetic material, an international collaboration spearheaded by an Oregon State University researcher has found.

A person standing on a canoe on an expanse of turquoise water.
OSU Press Releases

United States’ ocean conservation efforts have major gaps, Oregon State University analysis shows

More than 98% of U.S. waters outside the central Pacific Ocean are not part of a marine protected area, and the ones that are tend toward “lightly” or “minimally” protected from damaging human activity, research from the Department of Integrative Biology shows.

People standing on a rocky beach.
Climate and Oceans

Coastal ecosystem being destabilized by climate change, Oregon State research shows

A new study from the Department of Integrative Biology shows that climate change has eroded the resilience of intertidal communities.

Mark A. Phillips standing in front of shrubbery.
Faculty and Staff

New integrative biology hire examines the mechanisms of evolution

With a unique background, extensive mentoring experience and research relevant to today’s big questions, new Assistant Professor of Integrative Biology Mark A. Phillips is poised to make an impact at Oregon State University starting Fall 2021.

OSU marine scientists on the Oregon coast.
Climate and Oceans

Ocean hypoxia off Pacific Northwest coast more troubling than ever, experts say

Climate change is making low-oxygen seasons in the northwest worse said marine ecologist Francis Chan.