Articles
Scientists to explore previously hidden underwater world of Antarctica
This week scientists are scheduled to explore a previously hidden part of Antarctica, underwater. This section of Antarctica has been covered for 120,000 years by the Larsen Ice Shelf. However, last July a 1 trillion-ton iceberg sheared off from the ice shelf and exposed this section of underwater. Scientists will collect sample of plants, animals, and seabed while they explore the 2,200 square-mile section of exposed seabed.
Inon announces lens support for Sony RX0
Inon are shipping two conversion lenses for use with the Sony RX0 ultra-compact camera housed in the Sony MPK-HSR1 waterproof housing. The UWL-100 28M55 offers a minimum focus distance of 118mm (4.6 in) with an FOV of 100°. The UCL-G165 M55 offers a minimum focus distance of 96mm (3.8 in). Both attach via the 55mm thread on the housing.
Nimar announces PRO Camera Housings
Nimar has announced a range of PRO Camera Housings. Constructed of aluminum and resin, they are available for most newer Nikon and Canon pro SLR cameras. They have 3 M14 port and 1 M16, and are supplied with a sync cable bulkhead. There is wide range of ports available, including optional compatibility with a variety of manufacturer’s ports systems.
Results of UPY 2018 announced
The 2018 Underwater Photographer of the Year contest (UPY) has announced its results. Tobias Friedrich from Germany won the overall title with an amazing stitched image from the hold of SS Thistlegorm in the Red Sea. Congratulations to all the others among the placings and especially to all the members of the Wetpixel community.
Cyclone Gita devastates island nation of Tonga
The strongest storm in 60 years has passed over the island nation of Tonga, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. While no deaths from the storm have been reported, the damage is significant including the leveling of the Parliament House. There is also widespread flooding throughout the capital of Nuku’alofa, where dozens of homes have been destroyed by the storm.
Two new genus and four new species of nudibranchs named for Gulen citizen scientists
Two new genus and four new species of nudibranchs have been described and named after the Gulen Dive Resort and its citizen scientists. One of the new genera is named Gulenia, for the Gulen Dive Resort in Norway’s Sognefjord. While one of the brand new species is named Fjordia chriskaugei for Christian Skauge. Two other species have been named Gulenia monicae and Gulenia orjani for Monica Bakkeliwas and Ørjan Sandnes, respectively, both owners of the Gulen Dive Resort.
Behind the scenes: Strobe testing in the Red Sea
Wetpixel Editor Adam Hanlon is currently in the Egyptian Southern Red Sea resort of Port Ghalib putting the final touches to Wetpixel’s comprehensive field review of the Inon Z330, Retra Flash and Symbiosis SS2 strobes. He is being kindly hosted by Emperor Divers for the next week and will be adding field notes form the testing process throughout.
In a recent paper scientists show the applications for dermal denticles
In a recently published paper scientists have shown the benefits and potential applications of dermal denticles. Shortfin mako sharks are the fastest sharks in the ocean, with speeds of up to 60 mph, and their skin is lined with dermal denticles. Scientists from Harvard and the University of South Carolina teamed up to see if these denticles actually helped. They found that the denticles not only reduced drag, but they increased lift. The research could have implications for many vehicular applications.
Recent News
- Video of the Week: Indonesia's Raja Ampat (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Reward after buzzards shot dead (via BBC)
- Sea Slug’s Disposable Penis Surprises Scientists (via DivePhotoGuide)
- VIDEO: Reviving a Tiger Shark (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Are there Antibiotics at the bottom of the Ocean? (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Sharks & Mantas of Mozambique in Peril (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Our World Underwater 2013 Competition Winners Announced (via DivePhotoGuide)
- Reptiles face risk of extinction (via BBC)
- The bug-hunters finding new species in their spare time (via BBC)
- Seafood Restaurant Fines Customers for Wasted Food (via DivePhotoGuide)