science

These technologies play a crucial role in the field of archaeology, often regarded as a 'destructive science', where data collection involves the excavation and removal of artifacts, preventing anyone else from digging the same place again.

Nuria Espallargas at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and colleagues have developed a silicon carbide-based coating for equipment used in aluminium manufacturing or repair.

In the paper, published online Nov. 21 in Science, researchers report that global shipping traffic overlaps with about 92% of these whale species' ranges.

"Protecting whales from the impact of ship strikes is a huge global challenge. We've seen the benefits of slowing ships down at local scales through programs like 'Blue Whales Blue Skies' in California. Scaling up such programs will require a concerted effort by conservation organizations, governments and shipping companies," said co-author Jono Wilson, director of ocean science at the California Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, which helped identify the need for this study and secured its funding.

Details of the new discovery were published in Science Advances.