We speak with Dr. Margaret McFall-Ngai, an animal physiologist and biochemist about her work with the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) and its partner, the luminous bacterium Vibrio fischeri. McFall-Ngai provides a great synopsis of how this stable beneficial relationship not only creates light, and supports the bobtail maturation, but can also help us understand what could be going on in the light organs of deep-sea animals.

We speak with Dr. Margaret McFall-Ngai, an animal physiologist and biochemist about her work with the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes) and its partner, the luminous bacterium Vibrio fischeri. McFall-Ngai provides a great synopsis of how this stable beneficial relationship not only creates light, and supports the bobtail maturation, but can also help us understand what could be going on in the light organs of deep-sea animals.

Alan and Thom speak with Yakup Niyazi, a marine geoscientist who first saw the ocean at the age of 27. This fourth instalment in the Deco-Stop series, which focuses on the human element of deep-sea research, is an inspiring episode about one man’s journey from the desert to the bottom of the ocean, his challenges, achievements, and the deep community support he received along the way.

In a follow-up to one of our favourite episodes, Ep 10 Here be Monsters, we bring Tyler Greenfield back for another fascinating chat, this time about Mythbusting in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Our feeds have been filled with images of mermaids, bizarre creatures supposedly from the depths and even strange barnacle washing videos, so we ask Tyler to bring his expertise to weigh in on the prevalence and problems with AI images.

In a follow-up to one of our favourite episodes, Ep 10 Here be Monsters, we bring Tyler Greenfield back for another fascinating chat, this time about Mythbusting in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Our feeds have been filled with images of mermaids, bizarre creatures supposedly from the depths and even strange barnacle washing videos, so we ask Tyler to bring his expertise to weigh in on the prevalence and problems with AI images.

Professor Ronnie N. Glud shares how hadal trenches are dynamic deep-sea hotspots of intensified microbial activity and diversity. Discover how these extreme environments act as crucial carbon depocenters, accumulating organic material (and surprising levels of pollutants), and their vital role in element cycling. The key is the adaptability of generalist microbes and the key role of viruses for horizontal gene flow.

Professor Ronnie N. Glud shares how hadal trenches are dynamic deep-sea hotspots of intensified microbial activity and diversity. Discover how these extreme environments act as crucial carbon depocenters, accumulating organic material (and surprising levels of pollutants), and their vital role in element cycling. The key is the adaptability of generalist microbes and the key role of viruses for horizontal gene flow.

The PRESSURISED version of episode 60, just the science, none of the waffle. An image comes to mind when we think of coral reefs, but how deep does the reef go? It turns out to be hundreds of meters. We are discussing the often-overlooked mesophotic reefs, super-deep diving and their surprising links to the aquarium trade.

An image comes to mind when we think of coral reefs, but how deep does the reef go? It turns out to be hundreds of meters. We are discussing the often-overlooked mesophotic reefs.

The PRESSURISED version of Episode 59. It’s time for some genetic homeopathy in the deep sea, we are talking environmental DNA (eDNA) with Dr Georgia Nester. What can we learn from the trace amounts of genetic material in the deep sea? How do we use this new tool, and what new insights does it give us?

It’s time for some genetic homeopathy in the deep sea; we’re talking environmental DNA (eDNA) with Dr Georgia Nester. What can we learn from the trace amounts of genetic material in the deep sea? How do we use this new tool, and what new insights does it give us?

Does ice impact the deep seabed? We discuss the ways that Antarctic glaciation affects the deep-sea habitat around Antarctica.

Does ice impact the deep seabed? We discuss the ways that Antarctic glaciation affects the deep-sea habitat around Antarctica

Part of the Antarctic ice sheet three times the size of Paris broke away revealing never before seen deep-sea communities.

Part of the Antarctic ice sheet 3x the size of Paris broke away revealing never before seen deep-sea communities.

It’s the colossal squid’s birthday! Join us and Kat Bolstad for the celebration!

It’s the colossal squid’s birthday! Join us and Kat Bolstad for the celebration!

We talk about Antarctic fishes with Thomas Desvignes while in Antarctica!

What’s unique about the fishes of Antarctica? What groups are only found here and how have they adapted to this harsh environment?

Our short and to the point PRESSURISED version of episode 54. If you don't have time for the full episode and want to get right to the science without any of our waffle, this is the place to be! Read the show notes and find the full episode here: https://www.armatusoceanic.com/podcast/054-antarctica   It’s a big one! With The Professor down in Antarctica and Dr Thom not too far behind him, we’ve got an update live from the field. We’re talking about Antarctic submarine dives, below-freezing trenches, unexpected uses of glacial ice and, of course, the importance of growing a beard… But they’re not alone! This month we’re joined by the incredible Shaylyn Potter (Marine Scientist, Sub Pilot and polar diver) as she talks us through the intricacies and unique nature of this environment. We learn about what makes an iceberg different from a bergy bit (yes, that’s a real word), and why plans don’t always go as planned in the south.   We’re really trying to make this project self-sustaining so we have started looking for ways to support the podcast. Here’s a link to our page on how to support us, from the free options to becoming a patron of the show. We want to say a huge thank you to those patrons who have already pledged to support us!   Thanks again for tuning in, we’ll deep-see you next time!   Check out our podcast merch here! Which now includes Alan’s beloved apron and a much anticipated new design...    Feel free to get in touch with us with questions or your own tales from the high seas on: podcast@armatusoceanic.com We’d love to actually play your voice so feel free to record a short audio note!   We are also on  Twitter: @DeepSeaPod, @ArmatusO Facebook: DeepSeaPodcast, ArmatusOceanic  Instagram: @deepsea_podcast, @armatusoceanic Bluesky: @@deepseapodcast.bsky.social   Keep up with the team on social media Twitter:  Alan - @Hadalbloke (https://twitter.com/Hadalbloke) Thom - @ThomLinley (https://twitter.com/ThomLinley)  Georgia - @geeinthesea (https://twitter.com/geeinthesea)    Instagram:  Georgia - @geeinthesea (https://www.instagram.com/geeinthesea/)  Thom - @thom.linley (https://www.instagram.com/thom.linley/)   Or Bluesky: Thom: https://bsky.app/profile/deepseapod.com   Read the show notes and find out more about us at: www.armatusoceanic.com   People mentioned Shaylyn Potter Kat Bolstad --------------------------------------------------------- Credits Theme – Hadal Zone Express by Märvel Logo image - The Deep-Sea Podcast: PRESSURISED Logo Edited by - Georgia Wells