A study by the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa found that human activities alter coral reef chemistry, reducing their resilience to environmental stressors. Researchers discovered 25 contaminants from various sources accumulating in coral tissues, leading to decreased nutrient and energy reserves. 🧪

Study led by University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa shows the temp of the Hawaiian mantle plume has increased by ~250°C over the past 47 m.y. This challenges the belief that hotspots cool over time and suggests that heat surges contributed to the formation of the largest volcanoes in the Hawaiian Ridge. 🧪

A study led by University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa found that calves are only 9% of the spinner dolphin population off Hawaiʻi Island, lower than the expected 17%. This low calf count, due to chronic human disturbance from tourism and recreation, raises concerns about the population’s long-term survival.

News & Views on this and a related paper by Garrett Ito (@soest.hawaii.edu): www.nature.com/articles/s41...

New research led by @drxtinakar.bsky.social of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa reveals that rising heat and humidity are reducing the viability of cooling data centers with naturally cold outside air, particularly in the tropics and southeastern United States.

Work done by SOEST scientists at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has made it to @jimmykimmellive.bsky.social. ⚒️🧪

This is work done at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

A new study reports the first live observations of the elusive goblin shark in its natural deep ocean habitat near Jarvis Island and the Tonga Trench. It reveals that the goblin shark inhabits much deeper waters than previously thought. 🌊🧪

New research from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa reveals that tectonic stress along the San Andreas and San Jacinto fault systems in Southern California has reached historically high levels, suggesting the potential for a large, damaging rupture that could impact Los Angeles and vicinity. 🧪

A seven-year study reveals alarming health declines in Hawaiʻi’s endangered false killer whales, with some losing up to 28% of their body weight. The research suggests that nutritional stress and environmental shifts, like rising ocean temperatures, are driving the decline.

Global coral reef 🪸 collapse is not inevitable. We explain why in our new science & society piece for TREE! www.cell.com/trends/ecolo... Written with Lisa McManus and Rob Toonen! @soest.hawaii.edu @oxuniearthsci.bsky.social

Elizabeth Madin, a researcher at the Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, developed software to analyze satellite imagery and detect “reef halos” around coral reefs. These features are created by grazing fish and provide a global monitoring tool for coral reef health. 🌊🧪

Emily Josefina Velasquez, a graduating senior from Mozambique, chose the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for its culture of environmental stewardship and community-centered science. At UH Mānoa, she immersed herself in research across multiple disciplines and found a sense of community and belonging.

A number of SOEST faculty, staff, and students were recognized for their dedication and service with University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa awards.

New research from @soest.hawaii.edu published in the Journal of Hydrometeorology reveals that the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) significantly influences climate conditions in Hawaiʻi. Learn how their discovery could help improve forecasts across the islands: https://bit.ly/3QNQuDi

Vera Wang, a senior at Kaiser High School, won multiple awards at the 2026 Hawai‘i State Science & Engineering Fair. Her project, conducted in @fungaloha.bsky.social's lab at University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, found that fungal communities living in coconut husks can biodegrade sunscreen and plastic.

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has reorganized the Waikīkī Aquarium into SOEST to enhance research synergies while maintaining its public offerings. This move aims to create a cohesive framework for marine science education and community service, transforming the aquarium into a living laboratory.

Prof. Niklas Schneider from the Department of Oceanography showed @helenczerski.bsky.social some of the ocean phenomena that can be demonstrated with a rotating tank. In this case, it’s the formation of subtropical gyres and why we will always have the Gulf Stream. 🌊 weathertank.mit.edu

A student-led engineering team from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and UH Hilo, Team RoSE, is a finalist in NASA’s 2026 RASC-AL Competition. Their project, PETAL, proposes a scalable power system for lunar operations that combines nuclear and lunar-soil energy storage. 🔌💡

The University of Hawaiʻi has been designated by NOAA as the Pacific Reef Research Coordination Institute to support coral reef conservation in the Pacific. The institute will conduct research, collaborate with various stakeholders, and implement NOAA’s coral reef strategies. 🌊

Here’s a starter pack of people at SOEST.

Researchers from University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa created a simple ocean-based model to predict El Niño and La Niña 15 months ahead using ocean surface temperature and height data. It achieves forecast skill similar to complex models. The current forecast predicts a strong El Niño later this year. 🌊

@manelcamacho.bsky.social could you please add us to the science feed? 🙏

A University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa study shows that Waikīkī faces increasing sewage flood risks from sea-level rise through storm-drain backflow and groundwater emergence. The findings call for updated flood strategies focused on contamination, not just surface damage and economic loss.

Oceanographers from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa discovered the answer to how species diversity can be so vast and sustained in a seemingly homogeneous environment like the open ocean. 🌊

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB) and the Waikīkī Aquarium are collaborating to increase awareness of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Sanctuary through lectures, a revamped exhibit, and educational programs. 🌊