Ultramarine: the science of our oceans and waterways

Four and a half thousand years ago, people were already navigating the dangerous waters of the High Arctic.

In this episode of the ConnectSci Podcast Ultramarine series, David Boldeman speaks with journalist Evrim Yazgin about new research showing how ancient Arctic communities crossed open ocean, thrived in extreme environments, and even helped shape the ecosystems around them.

For the latest science news visit connectsci.au/news
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We travel nearly ten kilometres beneath the surface of our own planet to explore one of the most extraordinary discoveries in modern science.

For decades, the search for extraterrestrial life has focused on distant planets and far-off stars. But some of the most compelling clues may be hiding in the deepest trenches of Earth’s oceans. In total darkness, under crushing pressure and without any sunlight, scientists have discovered thriving ecosystems powered not by light, but by chemistry.

Host David Boldeman and ConnectSci journalist Evrim Yazgin unpack how these deep-sea organisms survive using chemosynthesis, breaking down chemicals like hydrogen instead of relying on photosynthesis.

READ MORE: https://connectsci.au/news/news-parent/6784/Clues-to-extraterrestrial-life-found-in-deep-sea

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Mosquitoes are usually framed as pests and disease carriers. But what if they are simply one of the most successful species at adapting to the environments we have built?

In this episode Ultramarine, David Boldeman is joined by medical entomologist Dr Véronique Paris to explore the hidden water systems inside our cities and how they shape mosquito life.

Véronique is a Research Fellow in Medical Entomology and Vector Population Control, at the University of Melbourne: https://www.instagram.com/mozzienique/

This podcast is brought to you by ConnectSci, the home of fact-based content you can trust. For the latest science news and discoveries visit https://connectsci.au/news
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Ocean currents are the hidden systems that regulate Earth’s climate, moving heat and energy around the planet. But as the ocean warms, those currents are beginning to shift, with major consequences for Australia.

In this episode of the Ultramarine, science journalist Ellen Phiddian explains how ocean currents work, how scientists track their movement, and why predicting their future is so complex. The conversation explores changes already being observed, from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current to the East Australian Current pushing further south along Australia’s east coast.

Together, the episode unpacks what scientists know, what remains uncertain, and why Australia, as an island continent surrounded by multiple ocean systems, is particularly exposed to changes in ocean circulation. Understanding how the ocean moves, it turns out, is essential to understanding Australia’s climate future.

More information:
Earth Nullschool: An interactive global map that shows ocean currents, winds, and temperatures moving around the planet in near real time. A great way to visualise systems like the East Australian Current.
Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS): Australia’s national network of ocean sensors, moorings, and observing platforms used to track ocean currents, temperature, and conditions around the coastline.

For the latest science news and discoveries visit https://connectsci.au/news
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David Boldeman is joined by science journalist Ellen Phiddian to explore the strange and often misunderstood physics of tides. The conversation unpacks why most coastlines experience two tides a day, why tidal behaviour varies so dramatically around the world, and what tide charts are actually measuring. Along the way, they examine spring and king tides, the influence of geography and ocean shape, and how tidal forces affect not just the oceans, but the Earth and Moon over deep time including the possibility that tides played a role in the origins of life.

For the latest science news and discoveries visit https://connectsci.au/news
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