Max-Planck-Gesellschaft

Chemie (U&K)

The driver of Sargassum blooms in the Atlantic Ocean

November 05, 2025

Upwelling of phosphorus-rich deep water promotes an N-fixing symbiont of the Sargassum algae giving it a competitive advantage.

The oceans remove microplastics from the air

March 12, 2025

Chemie (U&K) Ecology (E&C)

Contrary to previous claims, the ocean absorbs more microplastics from the atmosphere than it releases into it

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Max Planck Research

MaxPlanckResearch 2/2026 Science Magazine - Focus: Ocean in Motionn

The ocean is the foundation of life for many people and animals, yet as such, it is also under threat. In this issue, we focus on the importance of sand for the people of Marseille and Mombasa, Kenya, and the conflicts that arise over this natural resource. We also outline the current state of research on how the Atlantic circulation—which includes the Gulf Stream—might change as a result of climate change, and what consequences a potential weakening of this circulation could have for Europe’s climate. Finally, we report on research into the behavior of fork-tailed gulls on the Galápagos Islands that aims to facilitate their protection.