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Fin whale back swimming in the waters off Svalbard. PHoto

Listening to whales – even when they make no sound

A 100-year-old equation and a fibre-optic cable off the coast of Svalbard led researchers to discover they could detect swimming whales — even if they were completely silent. The discovery broadens the tools that biologists could someday use to detect and monitor these marine giants.

New emergency towing equipment allows rescue helicopters to fly farther and in worse weather

In the Lofoten archipelago off Norway’s northern west coast, a rescue helicopter circles over a cruise ship. Soon, two people and a large bag are lowered onto the deck. Then a line is launched over to the coast guard ship that is right next to it. The cruise ship is ready to be towed. Fortunately, this is only an exercise to test the new equipment and not a real emergency.

Light environment in fish farms hinders salmon’s sleep rhythms

What happens when you disrupt a fish’s natural rhythm? The use of light in fish farms can stress the fish and prevent them from sleeping or developing properly. New research now makes it possible to measure light from the fish’s point of view. This could greatly improve fish health.

Man sitting in front of big computer screens with ocean images. Photo.

Underwater robots that are always on call

More than 70 per cent of the Earth is covered by oceans. An increasing amount of critical infrastructure is being installed on the seabed. Sabotage and accidents increase the need for inspection and monitoring. These measures are currently very expensive, but the hope is that they can soon be carried out by robots that are permanently stationed on the seabed.

Woman with her hand cupping her ear to improve hearing. Photo illustration.

A strange humming phenomenon

Do you occasionally hear a low buzzing or humming sound that doesn’t have a clear source? Then you’re among the estimated 2-4 per cent of the world’s population who hear this. Scientists have been trying to figure out for decades where this sound comes from.

A huge amount of plastic waste accumulated on a Norwegian shoreline among driftwood.

The impact of microplastics on ocean carbon uptake

Marine microplastics affect algae’s ability to grow and photosynthesize. Researchers have now calculated what impact this has on the greenhouse effect and the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.

Two elderly women runners ahead of a group of walkers on dirt path. Photo.

Exercise: a very little goes a long way

Don’t have time to exercise because of a busy schedule? Or are you simply not very motivated? You’ll be pleased to learn that just 10 minutes of exercise every other day is all it takes. However, you really need to exert yourself during those 10 minutes.

The Frosta boat racing along on hydrofoils in Trondheim fjord. Photo.

An autonomous “flying” boat

This past winter, people in Trondheim have caught glimpses of a boat that seems to fly over the water out on the fjord. Many have also taken part in test trips. NTNU researchers have investigated what it will take for people to trust a boat that runs almost without a crew on board.