18-Jun-2026
New study led by South African scientists reveals how sea-ice #microbes survive the #SouthernOcean’s harsh winter, with implications for #climateChange
This study further reinforces the importance of the Southern Ocean marginal ice zone as a critical hotspot for global #sulfur cycling where #biogeochemical processes for climate regulation are enhanced.
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1132072
#science #ecology #extremeEnvironments #LifeOnTheEdge #climateCatastrophe

New study led by South African scientists reveals how sea-ice microbes survive the Southern Ocean’s harsh winter, with implications for climate change
In a new study scientists reveal up to 38-fold higher DMSP concentrations in Southern Ocean sea-ice versus the surrounding seawaters during the Southern Ocean austral winter. DMSP is known for protecting organisms against environmental stressors. Its degradation yields dimethylsulfide (DMS) and methanethiol (MeSH) which are important climate-cooling gases. The study underscores the role of this seemingly uninhabitable environment as a dynamic reservoir and transformation hub influencing climate-cooling cycles in the polar region.





