Home » Research Highlights » Research Highlights » Sep

Research Highlights

September 2008

Evolution Revelation

Scripps researcher leads study examining genetic roots of vertebrate innovations

A primitive, worm-like marine animal that spends most of its time burrowed in sand is a hot commodity to marine biologists thanks to what its genome could tell them about vertebrate evolution.

Continental Re-Org

Scripps researchers are re-examining tectonic plate motions in India and Asia to better understand what drives continental drift and earthquakes

Scientists trace the source of May's devastating earthquake in Sichuan Province, China, to a continuous northward motion of the Indian tectonic plate, the same tectonic energy pushing the Himalayas to new heights.

The Secrets of Effective Communication

In turbulent seas off Kauai, Scripps researchers measure the physical properties that stand in the way of successful underwater acoustic data transmissions

An acoustic signal is sent horizontally through ocean waters from one point to another. All along the way the sound is bouncing off a “ceiling” of choppy, wind-whipped seas and seafloor that could be craggy rock or smooth sand.