Research News

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The Smithsonian is one of the world’s foremost research centers in science, the arts, and the humanities. In addition to research pursued by the museums, our research centers specialize in areas of inquiry spanning the globe and the farthest reaches of the universe. 

Confocal images of a Day 3 larvae

Confocal images of a Day 3 larvae showing fluorescence from GFP (left) and distribution of DyLight-coated gold nanorod particles surrounding the larva in cryoprotectant (right).

Scientists Freeze and Thaw Coral Larvae for the First Time  
Breakthrough Could Help Save Coral Reefs From Extinction
10.24.2018
Conservation Biology Institute Research News
Smithsonian profiles map
Smithsonian Launches Profiles of Scholarly Experts  
10.23.2018
Smithsonian Libraries Administrative News Research News
Marsh showing invasive grasses

This Maryland marsh is covered with invasive Phragmites, light brown stalks that grow taller than native marsh plants. However, marshes and other coastal ecosystems excel at storing “blue carbon,” and some invasive plants like Phragmites could more than double.

Invasive Plants Can Boost Blue Carbon Storage
Coastal Ecosystems Store More Carbon With Certain Plant Invaders, but Animal Invaders Set Them Back
10.01.2018
Environmental Research Center Research News
A crab on a Ketchikan dock

A crab on a Ketchikan dock, covered in the invasive tunicate Botrylloides violaceus. (Photo: Linda McCann/SERC)

New Invasive Bryozoan Arrives in Alaskan Waters
Local Citizen Scientists Help Biologists Detect and Track Alaska’s Marine Invaders
09.27.2018
Environmental Research Center Research News
One of two cases of healed blows to the cranium from the Playa Venado excavation
Violence in Pre-Colombian Panama Exaggerated, New Study Shows
09.24.2018
Tropical Research Institute Research News
closeup of underwater coral collection
New Soft Coral Species Discovered in Panama
09.13.2018
Tropical Research Institute Research News
Smithsonian and Partners Map Extensive Transnational and High-Seas Travels of Migratory Marine Animals
Study Results Set To Bolster Success of International Conservation Agreements in Protecting Imperiled Species
09.03.2018
National Zoo Conservation Biology Institute Research News
2 cownose rays

Underwater shot of cownose rays in a holding tank. Cownose rays migrate to Chesapeake Bay every summer to give birth to their pups and mate. (Credit: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center)

For The First Time, Biologists Track Cownose Rays to Florida and Back
Summer and Winter Habitats Pinned Down in Longest Cownose Ray Migration Study on Atlantic
08.23.2018
Environmental Research Center Research News
Old Species Learn New Tricks…Very Slowly
08.16.2018
Tropical Research Institute Research News
yellow bird with red back and black wings.
New Smithsonian Study Highlights Effects of the El Niño Climate Cycle on Amazonian Birds
07.19.2018
National Zoo Research News
rocket launch
Hi-C Launches To Study Sun’s Corona
06.05.2018
Astrophysical Observatory Research News
Anole lizard
Climate Change May Even Threaten One of the World’s Most Resilient Lizards
05.09.2018
Tropical Research Institute Research News

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