Tiny plankton shells used to reconstruct past polar ocean temperatures may contain two different chemical stories, a new study by iC3 researchers has found. 

The work shows that Neogloboquadrina pachyderma, a key species in polar climate archives, can grow an outer shell crust with a different chemical make-up from the shell beneath it, even when both are grown in the same conditions.

This discovery could help scientists produce more accurate records of past ocean change.

Japan is an island nation surrounded by the ocean. Fish are deeply familiar to us, yet they hold many mysteries and possibilities—from their ability to change sex depending on environmental conditions to their remarkable vitality in passing life to the next generation. Fascinated by fish traits, Professor Kohei Ohta researches and explores the world of fish with endless curiosity. His research spans from fundamental studies on the origins of life to applied technologies that support Japan’s future fisheries. In this feature, he shares insights into the fascinating aspects of fish reproduction, the potential of aquaculture technologies, and the outlook for sustainable food production.

30 April 2026 / Kiel / Mindelo. Tomorrow, fourteen Master’s students in the West African Master’s programme ‘Climate Change and Marine Sciences’ will begin their two-week training and research voyage aboard the research vessel POLARSTERN. Travelling from Mindelo in Cabo Verde to Bremerhaven, Germany, they will carry out physical, biogeochemical and biological measurements together with ten experienced scientists. This is the fourth time that the Floating University is taking place under the leadership of GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. This initiative significantly contributes to the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) as part of the WASCAL programme (West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use).