Effects of seismic water guns on the peristomial membrane of sea urchins (Arbacia lixula, Linnaeus 1758).

The seismic water gun is widely used and plays an important role in seabed imaging acquisition; however, acoustic impacts on marine organisms are currently poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the biochemical responses on the peristomial membrane (PM) of the sea urchin, Arbacia lixula, when exposed to water gun shots in open water. The PM (located around the mouth) is involved in vital functions, such as nutrition and protection.

Evidence for Selection on Mitochondrial OXPHOS Genes in the Mediterranean Killifish Valenciennes, 1821.

Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) genes are a system subject to selection under determined environmental constraints despite a neutral evolution model that has long been hypothesized for the mitochondrial genome. In this study, the sequences of , , and OXPHOS genes were analyzed in six populations of the eurythermal and euryhaline killifish , to detect non-synonymous mutations leading to amino acid changes and to check whether selection acted on them using tests of recombination and selection. The results indicate a high and gene diversity and a high percentage of private haplotypes in all populations.

Uncovering the release of micro/nanoplastics from disposable face masks at times of COVID-19.

Wearing face masks is a fundamental prevention and control measure to limit the spread of COVID-19. The universal use and improper disposal of single-use face masks are raising serious concerns for their environmental impact, owing to the foregone contribution to plastic water pollution during and beyond the pandemic. This study aims to uncover the release of micro/nanoplastics generated from face mask nonwoven textiles once discarded in the aquatic environment.