The University of Queensland

Current Biology, February 2012.
Cuttlefish polarisation vision has been shown to be far more sensitive than previously thought. Justin Marshall and colleagues from the University of Queensland and the University of Bristol used modified computer screens to present cuttlefish with polarised light cues. Although not visible to humans, these cues produced clear responses in the cuttlefish, demonstrating that they can detect very small changes in polarised light. These species are likely to use their ultra-sensitive polarisation vision system for breaking prey camouflage. Read more...

Ecology Letters, April 2012.
New research by Dr Selina Ward, Professor’s Peter Mumby, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, and colleagues has shown that ocean acidification (OA) threatens baby corals by disrupting an ancient relationship between coral larvae and their favourite nursery habitat. OA threatens coral populations by lowering settlement rates, altering larval behaviour, and reducing the availability of the most desirable habitat for their survival. Read more...

Science, November 2011.
Climate change challenges organisms to adapt or move to track changes in environments. In a new study published in Science, Professor Pandolfi, A/Professor Anthony Richardson and colleagues analysed the shifting climates and seasonal patterns on land and in the oceans over the past 50 years. The ‘velocity of climate change’ was higher in the ocean than on land at some latitudes, despite slower ocean warming. A particular concern for conservation is that areas of high marine biodiversity often have greater velocities of climate change and seasonal shifts.
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Nature Communications, November 2011.
Humans are no longer the only species known to receive fitness-enhancing benefits from physical contact. UQ's Dr Lexa Grutter and colleagues found that cleanerfish, known for removing parasites from 'client' fish, influence client decisions by physically touching them, a behaviour known as tactile stimulation. They simulated this behaviour by exposing surgeonfish to mechanically moving cleanerfish models and found that the physical contact alone, without a social aspect, is enough to significantly lower levels of cortisol in the surgeonfish, thereby reducing stress. Read more...

(Photo by Richard Smith)