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Scientists use space technology to study tiny marine creatures

Changes in the hue of seawater may indicate the impact of a warming environment on small Antarctic organisms.

A new approach to monitoring Antarctic marine life from space is being developed, focusing on the subtle variations in seawater coloration caused by the presence of tiny, yet crucial, creatures.

The image shows a highly magnified image of a krill - a marine crustacean that is a few centimeres long when fully grown. The detail shows its large eye, some of its internal anatomy visible through its translucent body and multiple pairs of legs that it uses for swimming and for trapping food.
Krill are just a few centimetres long fully grown, but are one of the most abundant animals on Earth

The primary subject of this research is the Antarctic krill, a small, abundant, and ecologically vital species that plays a significant role in the planet's ecosystem, despite its diminutive size of only a few inches.

A diverse range of marine wildlife, including whales, penguins, seals, and seabirds, relies on krill as a food source, highlighting the importance of these small creatures in the marine food chain.

However, concerns have been raised by conservation scientists regarding the potential impact of fishing and climate change on krill populations, emphasizing the need for innovative monitoring methods to track these changes.

According to Rod Downie, chief polar adviser at WWF-UK, Antarctic krill are a crucial component of the Southern Ocean ecosystem, providing sustenance for a wide range of marine life.

A scientist leans over the side of a small boat in Antarctica. The sun is shining and the sea is calm. Icebergs are visible in the background. The scientist, a woman who is turned away from the camera, is pulling in a sampling net, which she is using to catch krill for her research.
Dr Cait McCarry catching krill in a net in Antarctica in order to study the animals

Downie emphasized that krill are facing threats from climate change and unsustainable fishing practices, which could have far-reaching consequences for the entire ecosystem.

Researchers from the University of Strathclyde, WWF, and the British Antarctic Survey are collaborating on a project to utilize satellite technology to estimate krill populations in the ocean surrounding Antarctica.

The key to this approach lies in detecting subtle differences in the amount of light absorbed by seawater, which is influenced by the presence and density of krill.

Antarctic krill in a container on board a research vessel. The image shows two small krill swimming in turquoise water. A light is being shone down on the creatures, which are just a few centimetres long.
The scientists have started by studying how krill change the colour of seawater

Dr. Cait McCarry, a researcher from the University of Strathclyde, recently returned from a research expedition to Antarctica, where she conducted experiments to measure the effect of krill on seawater light absorption.

McCarry explained the experimental process, stating that it involves adding krill to seawater and measuring the changes in light absorption, allowing researchers to understand how krill density affects the color of the ocean.

By analyzing the relationship between krill density and seawater coloration, researchers aim to develop a method for monitoring krill populations from space, using satellite imagery to track changes in the ecosystem.

As a vital food source for large marine animals, including giant whales that migrate thousands of kilometers to feed on them, krill play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ocean ecosystem.

The fluke, or tail, of a giant humpback whale drips with seawater as the marine mammal hunts for krill in Antarctic waters. There is sea ice visible all around.
The fluke of a humpback whale, which is feeding on krill in Antarctica

Krill are a fundamental component of a complex ecosystem, supporting a cycle of nutrient exchange and carbon sequestration, where whales feed on krill, krill feed on microscopic plants, and these plants absorb carbon dioxide as they grow.

However, as ocean temperatures rise due to global warming, there are concerns that this delicate balance could be disrupted, leaving krill vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Rod Downie emphasized the need for urgent action to protect krill habitats and manage fisheries sustainably, highlighting the importance of establishing a network of marine protected areas.

This research project has the potential to provide a valuable tool for monitoring and safeguarding krill populations, supporting conservation efforts and promoting the long-term health of the ocean ecosystem.

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Tudor to take interim charge of Tottenham

Igor Tudor has reached an agreement to take the reins as Tottenham’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

Tottenham has reached an agreement with Igor Tudor to take the helm as interim head coach for the remainder of the current season.

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UAE Defeats Canada to Enhance Super 8s Qualification Chances

The United Arab Emirates boosted their slim chances of advancing to the T20 World Cup Super 8s, securing a narrow five-wicket victory over Canada, thanks in part to Aryansh Sharma’s unbeaten 74.

In a crucial match for the United Arab Emirates, Aryansh Sharma achieved his fifth T20 international half-century, contributing to the team's victory over Canada.

The Men's T20 World Cup, being held in Group D in Delhi, saw an intense competition between the two teams.

Canada's innings resulted in a total of 150-7 after 20 overs, with Harsh Thaker scoring 50 runs off 41 balls, while Junaid Siddique took 5 wickets for 35 runs.

The UAE team responded with a total of 154 runs in 19.4 overs, led by Aryansh Sharma's unbeaten 74 runs off 53 balls and Sohaib Khan's 51 runs off 29 balls, despite Bin Zafar taking 3 wickets for 14 runs.

The United Arab Emirates secured a five-wicket win over Canada, boosting their chances in the tournament.

Aryansh Sharma played a pivotal role in the UAE's win, scoring an unbeaten 74 runs to help his team overcome Canada's total.

With four overs remaining, Canada seemed poised to defend their total, but Sohaib Khan's aggressive batting reignited the UAE's chase, as he scored 17 runs off Dillon Heyliger's bowling.

In the final over, the UAE required eight runs to win, and Aryansh Sharma eased the pressure by hitting a six off Jaskaran Singh's first ball.

Sohaib Khan was dismissed after scoring a rapid 51 runs off 29 balls, including four sixes, leaving the scores level.

Muhammad Arfan then sealed the victory with two balls to spare, hitting a four off Jaskaran Singh, as Aryansh Sharma top-scored with 74 runs off 53 balls.

The UAE now stands third in Group D with two points, but they face an uphill task in their upcoming matches against full members South Africa and Afghanistan to advance to the next phase.

Although the UAE has never beaten a full member in any World Cup format, their performance in this match has given them some confidence.

Earlier in the match, Junaid Siddique achieved the best bowling figures by a UAE player in a T20 World Cup, taking 5 wickets for 35 runs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Harsh Thaker's 41-ball half-century, which included three sixes and two fours, provided a solid foundation for Canada's total.

Thaker and Navneet Dhaliwal shared a 58-run partnership to help Canada recover from a difficult start, before Dhaliwal was run out for 34 runs.

After Thaker fell victim to Junaid Siddique's slower ball, Canada struggled to find boundaries against the UAE's tight bowling.

Shreyas Movva made a useful contribution of 21 runs off 21 balls, but Junaid Siddique took two wickets in the final over to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in T20 internationals.

In a separate match, Zimbabwe's Brilliant Muzarabani played a key role in his team's stunning win over Australia.

For more updates, notifications, and social media coverage, visit the BBC Sport website.

In another development, Paul Stirling has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup due to injury.

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Guardiola Advocates for Cultural Embrace to Foster a Better Society

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has stated that accepting diverse cultures will lead to a more harmonious society, in reaction to comments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding immigration.

As a player, Pep Guardiola earned 47 international caps for Spain, showcasing his skills on the global stage.

Manchester City's manager, Pep Guardiola, believes that embracing diverse cultures is essential for creating a more harmonious society.

Guardiola was questioned about his thoughts on comments made by Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who stated that the UK had been "colonised by immigrants", sparking a debate.

Following criticism, Ratcliffe apologised for any offence caused, while still advocating for open discussion on the issue.

Ahead of Manchester City's FA Cup fourth-round match against Salford, Guardiola shared his perspective, saying that people seek better lives and opportunities, which can be found in their birthplace or elsewhere.

According to Guardiola, one's birthplace is not a determining factor in their potential or aspirations.

Many individuals are forced to leave their homelands due to problems in their native countries, rather than a desire to abandon their roots.

Guardiola emphasized that by genuinely embracing other cultures, society as a whole can improve, a notion he has no doubts about.

An examination of the facts behind Jim Ratcliffe's statements on immigration and benefits is also underway.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a billionaire, has made headlines, but who is he and how did he accumulate his wealth?

Born in Santpedor, Catalonia, Spain, Guardiola has had a diverse career, playing in Spain, Italy, Qatar, and Mexico, before transitioning to management.

As a manager, the 55-year-old has had stints in Spain, Germany, and England, taking the helm at Manchester City in 2016.

Guardiola views the issue of immigration as a global problem, stating that it is a concern that affects many countries.

He believes that immigrants are often unfairly blamed for problems in their adopted countries, highlighting the fact that one's birthplace is often a matter of circumstance.

Guardiola reiterated that people from all backgrounds strive for a better life, seeking opportunities that may be available in their birth country or elsewhere.

He stressed that factors such as skin colour or birthplace should not be barriers to achieving one's goals.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Manchester City, please refer to our dedicated section.

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