new research vessel

Schmidt Ocean Institute launches new research vessel that will change the face of ocean exploration

• March 3, 2023

Founders Eric and Wendy Schmidt launch R/V Falkor (too), with an inaugural expedition, expanding capacity, capability, and science for ocean research and technology development globally.

Images and video can be  found here .

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Schmidt Ocean Institute launched today its newly refitted 110-meter global-class research vessel for use by scientists worldwide to dramatically advance marine science and push the frontiers of deep sea expedition.

Funded by Schmidt Ocean Institute founders Eric and Wendy Schmidt, the research ship,  Falkor (too) , will embark on a series of expeditions and be available to scientists and technologists globally at no cost in exchange for making their research and discoveries publicly available. The ship replaces Schmidt Ocean Institute’s previous research vessel, which was in service for a decade and hosted more than 1,100 scientists, discovered over 50 new marine species and underwater formations and mapped over half a million square miles of the seafloor.

“The ocean is our planet’s last frontier, and the opportunities for exploration are immense,” said Wendy Schmidt, co-founder and president of Schmidt Ocean Institute. “ Falkor (too)  will make it possible to welcome more scientists aboard and to take them further and deeper into our unknown ocean, making possible a new and wondrous decade of discovery.”

The ship’s inaugural science expedition will explore one of the world’s most extensive underwater mountain chains–the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. More than 20 scientists will study hydrothermal vents–hot springs on the ocean floor made by underwater volcanoes. The scientists will examine lost city vents–older hydrothermal towers made of limestone–that have a chemical makeup thought to be most similar to when life began on earth. The microbes living on these vents could provide insight into the conditions that facilitated life’s origin.

An impressive seven-deck vessel,  Falkor (too)  will offer scientists a modular platform to conduct almost any research at sea with a 105-square-meter main laboratory in addition to seven other at-sea laboratories. The ship also features a 150-ton crane, two moonpools, equipment for high-resolution ocean depth mapping – which will contribute to a global effort to map the entire ocean floor by 2030, a microplastic water flow-through system, and 960-square meters of aft deck space for interdisciplinary ocean research and exploration.

“The ocean has always needed a moonshot,” said Eric Schmidt, co-founder of Schmidt Ocean Institute. “ Falkor (too)  embodies that ambition, bringing together breakthrough technology and the global marine science community to explore the furthest reaches of our world. This is a very big moment for us, for the oceans and for the future of science.”

The ship refit was performed at Freire Shipyard in Vigo, Spain, with sea trials taking place off Puerto Rico. In addition to the scientific and technical capabilities, the vessel is also outfitted with 98 berths, allowing for even more participation in expeditions by scientists, technologists, students, media, artists, and community leaders.

With a purpose of boldly exploring the unknown ocean, Schmidt Ocean Institute focuses on global scientific understanding of the ocean while recognizing the importance of addressing international inclusivity. Schmidt Ocean has released its  expedition plans for the next decade , with each year dedicated to a specific region of the ocean.

“This global state-of-the-art research vessel will build upon Schmidt Ocean Institute’s legacy of supporting the research that has led to numerous discoveries of marine species and sea floor features,” said Jyotika Virmani, executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute. “After 17 months undergoing an extensive scientific refit, this ship has been transformed into a magnificent asset for ocean exploration, and we are eagerly looking forward to a new era of marine science and discovery.”

Schmidt Ocean Institute, founded in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt, began its exploration of the seas with R/V  Lone Ranger , the precursor to R/V  Falkor . The model of offering a state-of-the-art research vessel at no cost to scientists was revolutionary in marine science philanthropy when  Falkor  launched in 2013, and Schmidt Ocean spent the last decade building an extensive portfolio of discoveries and scientific accomplishments in collaboration with the global scientific community.

In 2021, Schmidt Ocean acquired the M/V  Polar Queen  and began its metamorphosis from an offshore industry vessel to a scientific research vessel. Built in 2011,  Falkor (too)  is 30 meters longer and 30 years younger than the original  Falkor , which was  donated last March  to Italy’s National Research Council (Consiglio Nazionale delle Richerche).

About Schmidt Ocean Institute:

Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by philanthropists Eric and Wendy Schmidt to catalyze the discoveries needed to understand our ocean, sustain life, and ensure the health of our planet. Schmidt Ocean Institute pursues impactful scientific research and intelligent observation, technological advancement, open sharing of information, and public engagement at the highest levels of international excellence. For more information, visit  www.schmidtocean.org .

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Ship launch marks key milestone in OSU-led construction of new U.S. oceanographic research vessels

HOUMA, La. – The first of three new oceanographic research vessels dedicated to advancing marine science along U.S. coasts was successfully launched Thursday.

The ship, R/V Taani, is being constructed as part of a project, led by Oregon State University and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, to provide scientists with valuable new tools to study critical issues such as rapidly changing ocean conditions and human impacts on the marine environment.

The Regional Class Research Vessel project, supported by more than $390 million in grants, is charged with delivering three nearly identical ships to the U.S. Academic Research Fleet. The ships are being built by Bollinger Shipyards in Houma, Louisiana with construction staggered about six months between each vessel. Taani will be operated by Oregon State University and based in Newport on the Oregon Coast.

“Seeing Taani in the water is a very special moment and signifies the promise of many scientific advances to come in the years ahead,” said Tuba Özkan-Haller, dean of OSU’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, which is overseeing the effort for the university. “We are grateful that the National Science Foundation has entrusted us to lead this project.”

The launch was led by Bollinger, which worked with LaShip, a subsidiary of Edison Chouest Offshore. With a small crowd of eager onlookers on shore and more watching a web camera online, Taani was floated for the first time on May 18 using a drydock.

Once the ship’s hull was submerged five feet, teams of inspectors closely examined the interior for any leaks before completing the launch. The vessel, which is not yet under its own power, was then towed by a pair of tugboats back to where it was assembled at Bollinger Shipyards. It will remain docked there while construction and outfitting are completed.

The launch essentially concludes the major exterior construction on the vessel. The shipbuilders will now complete wiring and finish installing equipment and other construction tasks; carry out weeks of operational testing; and conduct sea trials to ensure the vessel is ready for its mission.

“It has taken tremendous dedication and an extraordinary team of designers, shipbuilders, scientists, inspectors, technicians and project and contract managers to bring Taani to life, but there is still much work to be done before the vessel is operational,” said Clare Reimers, Distinguished Professor of Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry at OSU, who is the RCRV project scientist and co-principal investigator.

The name Taani, a word used by the Siletz people meaning offshore, was chosen to recognize Oregon’s Indigenous peoples and continues a university tradition of tying names of research vessels to regional Tribes and languages.

The second vessel, the R/V Narragansett Dawn, will be operated by the East Coast Oceanographic Consortium led by the University of Rhode Island. The third vessel, the R/V Gilbert R. Mason, will be based in the Gulf of Mexico. It will be managed by the Gulf-Caribbean Oceanographic Consortium, led by the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium and the University of Southern Mississippi.

The 200-foot ships are unique, with new technologies and other features to enhance operational capabilities, improve safety and expand ocean-based research. Each ship is designed to operate with 13 crew and up to 20 scientists for missions extending up to three weeks at sea.

“These are very technically advanced vessels and getting the many systems that scientists use to all fit within the available internal space has been challenging,” said Demian Bailey, OSU’s principal investigator and project manager for the RCRV program. “Opportunities to build a ship like this don’t come along often, and we want to make sure the ocean science community is well equipped for the next couple of decades.”   

Construction of Taani is expected to be completed in 2024. After that, the ship and its new OSU-based crew will spend several months learning to operate the vessel, training on safety protocols and conducting trials of the scientific tools, sensors and equipment in the Gulf of Mexico before bringing the vessel through the Panama Canal and to its home port in Newport. The first research expeditions aboard Taani are expected in 2025 under current timelines.

“The launch of the first RCRV, R/V Taani, is an exciting moment for the oceanographic research enterprise,” said Jim McManus, division director for the National Science Foundation’s Division of Ocean Sciences. “It is fantastic to see this elegant new ship in the water, and we are eager to see the ground-breaking science that will be forthcoming.”

Oregon State University was first awarded a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation to complete the RCRV design in 2013 and grants to build the three ships followed. The project was initially expected to take about 10 years but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic; multiple Gulf Coast hurricanes, including the category 4 storm Ida in 2021 that caused extensive damage at the shipyard and across Houma; and other challenges.

While the vessels are under construction in Louisiana, there is also a significant effort underway in Oregon to support the project. At an OSU warehouse in Corvallis, a “transition to operations” team is developing and testing scientific sensors and instrumentation; setting up the ships’ cyber infrastructure and ordering tools, equipment and supplies that will be needed to operate the vessels– everything from spare propellers to galley equipment and more.

At Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, a $13 million project is in progress to renovate and upgrade the dock and improve the causeway to accommodate Taani. The original portion of the dock, constructed in the early 1960s, is being replaced with a wider trestle and the power system on the dock will be upgraded as well.

“With a new ship and a new pier, and the hiring of several new ocean-going scientists, we will be ready to get to work once Taani arrives in Newport,” Reimers said. “We have a lot of people who are excited to use this ship. Taani and her crews will shape the future of ocean science and education.”

College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences

About the OSU College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS): The college is renowned for research excellence and academic programs that span the earth, ocean and climate sciences, as well as the human dimensions of environmental change. CEOAS inspires scientific solutions for Oregon and the world.

Michelle Klampe, 541-737-0784, [email protected]

Clare Reimers, [email protected]

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New Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV) Website

Conceptual rendering of the new Antarctic Research Vessel

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September 21, 2022

The National Science Foundation is currently developing the design for a new Antarctic Research Vessel (ARV). If fully funded, the ARV is expected to be delivered by mid-2031. The ARV project will produce a modern, world-class, ice-breaking research vessel coupled with modern scientific tools and enhanced capabilities compared to those of the RVIB  Nathaniel B. Palmer  (NBP). The ARV will ensure uninterrupted science operation in the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic for decades to come. The new research vessel will support the National Science Foundation's science mission goals by increasing access to ice protected hard-to-reach study sites, allowing for longer mission durations, and delivering more scientists and equipment to the Antarctic theatre.

The NSF Office of Polar Programs, in coordination with the Antarctic Support Contractor (ASC), have developed a series of webpages that provide a host of information concerning the structure of this project and the development of the new ship. The website will guide readers through frequently asked questions, the current preliminary vessel design, expected vessel capabilities, and much more. 

The voices of our community are valued! Also available at the website is an ARV Feedback Form where additional comments or questions regarding the new ARV project can be directed.

Note: This project is dependent on funding approvals from the NSF Director, and the National Science Board, and appropriations from Congress.

The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.

Connect with us online NSF website: nsf.gov NSF News: nsf.gov/news For News Media: nsf.gov/news/newsroom Statistics: nsf.gov/statistics/ Awards database: nsf.gov/awardsearch/

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Construction begins on MBARI’s new flagship research vessel

For more than three decades, MBARI research has revealed the astounding diversity of life deep beneath the sea surface. Our technology innovations have provided priceless insights into the ocean’s geological, ecological, and biogeochemical processes.

Last fall, MBARI embarked on a new chapter in our work as we began the construction of a state-of-the-art ship. The new research vessel—named in honor of MBARI’s founder, David Packard—is being built at Freire Shipyard in Spain and will arrive at MBARI’s facilities in 2023.

The R/V David Packard will be capable of accommodating diverse expeditions in Monterey Bay and beyond to further MBARI’s mission to explore and understand our changing ocean.

The new research ship will be 50 meters (164 feet) long and 12.8 meters (42 feet) wide with a draft of 3.7 meters (12 feet). It will support a crew of 12, plus a science crew of 18. This new vessel will enable continued exploration of the deep sea, from the midnight zone—the inky depths below 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet)—to the abyssal seafloor 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) deep.

As the command center for MBARI’s deep-diving remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts , the R/V David Packard will allow researchers to continue exploring the deepest reaches of the Monterey Canyon. The new ship will also be capable of launching a variety of autonomous robotic technologies, allowing MBARI to continue our work to map the deep seafloor, track the environmental DNA (eDNA) shed by marine life, and listen for the echo of the nightly migration of deep-sea animals.

MBARI’s new research vessel will honor Silicon Valley innovator David Packard, who founded Hewlett-Packard (HP) in a Palo Alto, California, garage with Bill Hewlett, and is largely credited with sparking the tech revolution. His philanthropic endeavors included funding the creation of the Monterey Bay Aquarium in 1984. Three years later, Packard founded MBARI as an independent institution committed to pursuing cutting-edge ocean science and engineering programs.

Packard encouraged MBARI to pursue bold, pioneering initiatives, famously saying, “Take risks. Ask big questions.” MBARI’s new research vessel will further his vision for MBARI as a next-generation hub for groundbreaking science and innovation. Funding for this new vessel comes from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation .

Planning for MBARI’s acquisition of a new research vessel began in 2009. MBARI’s marine operations team engaged Glosten for its expertise in naval architecture and marine engineering.

Glosten is a full-service consulting firm of naval architects and marine, electrical, production, and ocean engineers. Glosten has provided design and engineering support to the oceanographic research community for more than 60 years, working with scientists and operators to offer economical designs that are optimized for marine science, operational areas, and low emissions.

MBARI enlisted Glosten to provide design and engineering support for our new research vessel. The team spent the last three years detailing design specifications for the ship, and construction got underway in 2021. Image: Glosten © 2021 MBARI

For the past three years, MBARI’s marine operations team worked closely with Glosten’s team of engineers to refine design specifications for the R/V David Packard . Glosten provided the design and specification services for the shipyard bid package and assisted in the bid review process. Glosten also serves as the on-site construction team for MBARI, providing MBARI continuity through the life of the ship.

Freire Shipyard is building the R/V David Packard in Vigo, a coastal town in northern Spain. Freire (Construcciones Navales P. Freire) is a family-owned company established in 1895 by Paulino Freire. The Freire family continues leading and managing the company. Today, Freire is one of the leading shipyards in the world and specializes in designing, building, and repairing the most sophisticated and innovative ocean research vessels.

The final design was completed this past spring, and construction commenced in November with the laying of the ship’s keel. The keel is the central steel beam that serves as the ship’s backbone. Keel laying marks the beginning of the build as the ship begins to take form. MBARI’s Director of Marine Operations Michael Kelly joined Glosten engineers William Moon and Isabel Goni-McAteer at Freire Shipyard to honor this momentous milestone.

Construction should be complete by May 2023, when the vessel will depart Spain for its journey to its homeport of Moss Landing, California. MBARI’s marine operations team will conduct the ship’s final fitting out and testing before science operations begin in fall 2023. The R/V David Packard will join MBARI’s two existing research vessels, the R/V Rachel Carson and R/V Paragon .

The R/V David Packard will replace MBARI’s current flagship research vessel, the R/V Western Flyer , which will be retired in fall 2022. The Western Flyer has been an integral part of MBARI’s research and cutting-edge marine instrumentation. The vessel has been instrumental in MBARI’s explorations of Monterey Canyon with the ROV Doc Ricketts , mapping missions at Sur Ridge, long-term research at Station M off the coast of Central California, and extended expeditions to the Gulf of California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest. Operations for the ROV Doc Ricketts will transition from the R/V Western Flyer to the R/V David Packard when the new vessel reaches full operational status in fall 2023.

The MBARI team is excited to follow the ship’s construction, and we look forward to welcoming our new research ship in 2023.

“To safeguard Earth’s living ocean, we need to invest much more in science and exploration. MBARI’s new vessel will be a powerful research and exploration platform, and I’m excited about the potential the R/V *David Packard* can contribute to inspiring ocean education and conservation for decades to come.” —Julie Packard, Chair of MBARI’s Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Robotic floats provide a new look at ocean health

A fleet of robotic floats gives a global perspective on ocean productivity.

SCHMIDT OCEAN INSTITUTE ACQUIRES NEW RESEARCH VESSEL TO EXPAND ABILITY TO EXPLORE, RESEARCH THE OCEAN

MENLO PARK, Calif. – Schmidt Ocean Institute announced today it has acquired a new research vessel that will expand the organization’s philanthropic science program and capability to explore the Ocean.

The new ship is significantly larger and can travel further than Schmidt Ocean Institute’s existing research vessel, Falkor , which has been operating since 2012 and was the world’s first year-round philanthropic research vessel made available for free to scientists.

The new vessel was purchased from GC Rieber Shipping ASA as the Polar Queen and was built in 2011 as an offshore industry vessel, used most recently to construct offshore wind farms in Europe. The new ship –re-named Falkor (too) — is 363 feet in length, compared to the 272-foot Falkor , built in 1980. The new vessel is also ice-rated and can cover more of the globe, extending Schmidt Ocean Institute’s reach.

Over the past nine years, Falkor has mapped more than 1.25 million miles of the ocean floor, hosted more than 1,000 scientists on nearly 80 expeditions, and discovered countless new species and deep-sea bathymetry.

“We are excited as we look ahead to the next decade and beyond,” said Wendy Schmidt, who co-founded Schmidt Ocean Institute with her husband Eric. “This new ship will build on Falkor ‘s legacy, not only continuing but also expanding the remarkable discoveries and collaborative research made by Schmidt Ocean Institute and our science partners. With Falkor (too) , we will be able to host more scientists, conduct more research and explore more of our Ocean as we seek to advance our understanding and protection of one of our planet’s most valuable natural resources.”

In the coming months, the new ship will be refitted in Spain with science capabilities and the most sophisticated maritime technologies. Schmidt Ocean Institute’s current science program will continue until July, and Falkor will then join the new vessel in Spain. The refit of Falkor (too) is expected to be completed by early 2022, when it will resume the organization’s science program.

“ Falkor (too) will allow us to broaden our geographical range of operations and, with more than three times the interior capacity of Falkor and more than six times the deck space, this vessel will meet the research needs of scientists around the world for decades to come,” said Jyotika Virmani, Schmidt Ocean Institute executive director. “With 80% of the seafloor still unmapped, we will be installing a complete suite of modern mapping capabilities as part of the refit. We will also be adding state-of-the-art scientific laboratories, a high-tech on-board mission control room for our ROV SuBastian, and facilities for artists that will greatly enhance both the research capabilities as well as our outreach and artist-at-sea program next year.” 

Falkor was named after the Luckdragon from the 1978 German fantasy novel “The Neverending Story.”   In the spirit of continuing Schmidt Ocean Institute’s work, the new vessel, Falkor (too) , will carry on the name.

About the Organization Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to advance oceanographic research through the development of innovative technologies, open sharing of information, and broad communication about ocean health. It operates Falkor , the only year-round philanthropic research vessel in the world that is made available to the international science community at no cost. For more information, visit www.schmidtocean.org .

CONTACT: Carlie Wiener (808) 628-8666 [email protected]

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MBARI announces construction of new state-of-the-art research ship, R/V David Packard

Press Release

MBARI is embarking on a new chapter in its ocean research with the construction of a state-of-the-art ship. The new research vessel will be named in honor of MBARI’s founder, David Packard. The R/V David Packard will be capable of accommodating diverse expeditions in Monterey Bay and beyond to further the institute’s mission to explore and understand our changing ocean. 

The R/V David Packard will be 50 meters (164 feet) long and 12.8 meters (42 feet) wide with a draft of 3.7 meters (12 feet). It will support a crew of 12, plus a science crew of 18. MBARI has selected Freire Shipyard in Vigo, Spain, for the construction of the R/V David Packard .

“MBARI’s mission to explore and understand the ocean is more important than ever, especially in light of the growing threats of climate change, overfishing, and pollution,” said Chris Scholin, MBARI President and Chief Executive Officer. “This new state-of-the-art research vessel will expand MBARI’s reach and enhance our research, engineering development, and outreach efforts.”

For over three decades, MBARI research has revealed the astounding diversity of life deep beneath the surface, and the institute’s technology innovations have provided priceless insights into the ocean’s geological, ecological, and biogeochemical processes. The new research ship will enable continued exploration of the deep sea, from the midnight zone—the inky depths below 1,000 meters (about 3,300 feet)—to the abyssal plain, with MBARI’s deep-diving remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts . As the command center for the ROV Doc Ricketts , the David Packard will allow researchers to continue exploring the deepest reaches of the Monterey Canyon and beyond. 

“To safeguard Earth’s living ocean, we need to invest much more in science and exploration,” said Julie Packard, Chair of MBARI’s Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium . “That’s something my father understood when he founded MBARI in 1987. MBARI’s new vessel will be a powerful research and exploration platform. And it will help Monterey Bay Aquarium show people around the world the wonders of deep-sea life by supporting our upcoming exhibition, Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean . I’m excited about the potential the R/V David Packard can contribute to inspiring ocean education and conservation for decades to come.”

The R/V David Packard will replace MBARI’s current flagship research vessel, the R/V Western Flyer , which will be retired in fall 2022. “As MBARI’s workhorse for the last 25 years, the Western Flyer ’s unique capabilities will always be synonymous with MBARI,” said Michael Kelly, MBARI’s Director of Marine Operations. The Western Flyer has been an integral part of MBARI’s pioneering ocean research and cutting-edge marine instrumentation. The vessel has been instrumental in MBARI’s explorations of Monterey Canyon with the ROV Doc Ricketts , mapping missions at Sur Ridge, long-term research at Station M off the coast of Central California, extended expeditions to the Gulf of California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest. “It’s a tremendous legacy to carry forward,” said Kelly. Operations for the ROV Doc Ricketts will transition from the R/V Western Flyer to the R/V David Packard when the new vessel reaches full operational status in fall 2023.

MBARI’s new research vessel will honor Silicon Valley pioneer David Packard, who founded Hewlett-Packard (HP) in a Palo Alto, California, garage with Bill Hewlett, and is largely credited with sparking the tech revolution. His philanthropic endeavors included funding the creation of the Monterey Bay Aquarium in 1984. Three years later, Packard founded MBARI as an independent institution committed to pursuing cutting-edge ocean science and engineering programs.

Packard encouraged MBARI to pursue bold, pioneering initiatives, famously saying, “Take risks. Ask big questions.” MBARI’s new research vessel will further his vision for MBARI as a next-generation hub for groundbreaking science and innovation. “We wanted to honor Mr. Packard’s long-standing commitment to ocean research, technology, and conservation by naming this ship after him,” said Scholin. Funding for this new vessel comes from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation .

Planning for MBARI’s acquisition of a new research vessel began in 2009. MBARI’s marine operations team engaged Glosten for its expertise in naval architecture and marine engineering. For the past three years, MBARI’s marine operations team has worked closely with Glosten’s team of engineers to refine design specifications for the R/V David Packard .

“Supporting the Western Flyer over the years created great opportunities for Glosten to demonstrate our capabilities in support of the MBARI mission. Working as partners to design this next-generation research vessel was especially rewarding. We look forward to continuing our support of MBARI throughout the vessel construction and into the future,” said Morgan Fanberg, Glosten President.

Glosten provided the design and specification services for the shipyard bid package and assisted in the bid review process. As construction gets underway, Glosten will be the on-site construction team for MBARI, providing MBARI continuity through the life of the ship.

Freire will build the R/V David Packard at its shipyard in Vigo, a coastal town in northern Spain. The final design will get underway this spring, with keel laying expected by November 2021 and the vessel’s launch in September 2022. Construction should be complete in May 2023, when the vessel will depart Spain for its journey to its homeport of Moss Landing, California. MBARI’s marine operations team will conduct the final fitting out and testing of the ship before science operations begin in fall 2023. The R/V David Packard will join MBARI’s two existing research vessels, the R/V Rachel Carson and R/V Paragon .

“We are so delighted and thankful for being awarded this significant project from such a unique and prestigious research organization as MBARI. We feel really proud to be the selected shipyard for building this amazing research vessel, and we are looking forward to seeing the R/V David Packard sailing and performing its amazing missions to better our understanding of our ocean,” said Guillermo and Marcos Freire, General Managers at Freire Shipyard.

For continued updates on the construction of the R/V David Packard , follow MBARI on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter , and subscribe to MBARI’s newsletter .

For additional information or images relating to this article, please send an email to [email protected]

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Michael Kelly

Director of Marine Operations (2015–2023)

Christopher A. Scholin

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Observation Platforms: Vessels

Vessels are arguably the most critical element in any ocean-going venture. Once a ship leaves the safety of its dock, it is an island unto itself on the open seas, its crew at the mercy of the waves. Any ship, from a 15-foot sailboat to a 1,500-foot tanker, must carry all of the food, water, fuel, and equipment that its crew will need to live safely for the duration of the journey.

In the case of research vessels, such as those highlighted here, the ships must also be equipped with special tools and technology that allow scientists to explore ocean environments. Research vessels are highly advanced mobile research stations, providing stable platforms from which explorers can deploy equipment, divers, and submersibles. In addition, these vessels carry state-of- the-art electronics, computers, and navigational and communications systems.

Welcome aboard!

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Swedish polar research secretariat

The government is investigating possibilities for new polar research vessel.

A new investigation will look at what measures and collaborations are needed for Sweden to acquire and operate a modern climate-neutral polar research vessel.

Sweden's ambition is to be a world-leading polar research nation that can conduct expeditions year-round. In a press release, the Government announces, through Education Minister Mats Persson, that the next step is being taken to give Swedish polar researchers access to a modern climate-neutral research vessel. He also mentions that Sweden has a long history and a leading position in polar research that contributes data to global climate models.

The press release demonstrates that Sweden aims to maintain and develop the ability to navigate and collect data from the polar regions. This is important given the rapid climate changes in the polar regions and the effects these changes have on the climate and ecosystems. To understand and meet these changes, more data from ship-based observations is needed, among other things.

– It is very positive that the Government, with the investigation, is now taking the next step for Sweden's future modern polar research vessel to become a reality. The acquisition of a climate-neutral research vessel is a priority for the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and a prerequisite for Sweden to maintain its leading position in marine polar research. Research in the polar regions is becoming increasingly crucial for understanding climate change and its consequences, says Katarina Gårdfeldt, General-Director.

Press release (in Swedish)

The government explores possibilities for a future polar research vessel, Ministry of Education, 2024-01-08

Sweden's strategy for the Arctic region (2020/21:7)

On 24 September 2020, the government submitted Sweden's strategy for the Arctic region to the Riksdag. Polar research and environmental monitoring are one of six priority areas in the strategy, which states, among other things, that Sweden wants to be a world-leading polar research nation with the capacity for expeditions on a year-round basis. The strategy also mentions that the Polar Research Secretariat needs to continue to consider possible alternatives for access to a heavy polar-class, climate-neutral research vessel for year-round operations, even when the Swedish icebreaker Oden is no longer deemed to be able to be used for research missions.

> Sweden's strategy for the Arctic region (in Swedish)

Strengthened focus on future research infrastructure (SOU 2021:65)

In the investigation, among other things, the issue of different financing models for continued access to a research icebreaker is addressed. Some of the conclusions drawn were:

• A new polar research vessel should be seen as an investment for society
• New construction of a polar research vessel requires an increase in the ambition of polar research
• Renting space on a vessel or renting a vessel is likely cheaper than new construction but makes it more difficult for Swedish polar researchers
• Of the investigation's consultation responses, 17 responded to the issue regarding access to a polar research vessel, 15 of these were positive.

> Strengthened focus on future research infrastructure (in Swedish)

Polar Connect

The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat contributes to several projects within the Polar Connect initiative, which aims to lay a fiber optic cable via the Arctic on the seabed between Europe and Asia. Currently, no Western ship has the icebreaking capacity needed for cable laying. On the other hand, the new polar research vessel would live up to the requirements set for the mission. Polar Connect is led by NORDUnet.

> Polar Connect

> "EU funding for the Swedish project Polar Connect", the Swedish Research Council, 12 Janaury 2024

Benefits for the society

International relations

The new research icebreaker would strengthen Sweden's presence and influence in the Arctic and Antarctic. It would also benefit Science Diplomacy, i.e., promote international relations development. Today, Sweden is an attractive international partner in polar research, something that would be further strengthened with the new ship.

Favors green transition

A decision on climate-neutral research icebreakers sends positive signals to the industry. This could lead to the knowledge of methanol as a ship fuel being able to be further scaled up. In turn, this would benefit the green transformation of the ship fleet both nationally and globally, with reduced climate impact as a result.

Creates jobs

The social investment that a new research icebreaker implies leads to more jobs with suppliers and subcontractors. It will also provide more jobs in shipping and personnel in support functions such as research engineers, technicians and plumbers.

Stronger education

The new research icebreaker could become an essential mission for Scandinavian design, where aesthetics and functionality are combined. Even the Secretariat's valued teacher program, where teachers accompany on expeditions and bring valuable experiences to the students, could be scaled up further.

Art and culture

Just as we are a leading nation in polar research, we can continue to belong to the top tier in cultural contexts. The Secretariat's artist program contributes an important narrative that reaches a large audience. It also strengthens Sweden's cultural identity as a nation with strong ties to the Arctic.

Partner in important projects

For example, a new research icebreaker could play an important role in the Polar Connect project with the objective of laying a fiber optic cable on the seabed between Europe and Asia via the Arctic. Currently, no Western ship has the icebreaking capacity needed for cable laying.

Role in total defence

During the design work, the new research vessel could be adapted for tasks within total defence. In crisis and war situations, a heavy polar-class icebreaker can contribute capabilities in the polar regions currently lacking in total defence. Examples of missions include rescue operations or breaking ice for other ships or convoys.

Concept illustration

Concept illustration of the new polar research vessel. Illustration by Peter Mild.

Advantages of the new polar research vessel

• Optimized for research
• Year-round use, thus available for research in both poles during all seasons of the year
• Climate-neutral operation
• Powerful propulsion and high ice class (PC2+) enable ice breaking in difficult ice conditions
• Modular design, can be adapted for different tasks
• Adapted for transport and various operations in open water (DP-2)
• Will strengthen international research collaborations

About Swedish marine polar research

• The Swedish-led expedition in 1980 with the icebreaker Ymer around Svalbard was the starting point for modern marine research in the Arctic.
• The icebreaker Oden has been used for polar research since 1991 and was the first research icebreaker to reach the North Pole in the same year together with the German research vessel Polarstern. Since then, Oden has returned to the North Pole ten times
• During 1991 – 2023, Oden completed 24 expeditions to the Arctic and five to Antarctica.
• She is one of the few research icebreakers that can handle the areas of difficult-to-access multi-year ice found in the High Arctic and around Antarctica.
• Swedish research has had great international success with the icebreaker Oden as a research platform. Many expeditions are carried out as collaborations with different nations or organizations, which increases the researchers' contact areas and collaboration opportunities. For example, joint research expeditions have been carried out with the USA, Canada and Germany.
• For example, Oden was part of the Arctic Coring Expedition (ACEX) 2004, Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). Articles from the expedition, in which Swedish researchers participated, have generated more than 8,600 citations (January 2020).
• Sweden has world-leading competence in ice breaking and "Ice Management" when it comes to carrying out advanced missions in the Arctic and Antarctic.
• Between 2005 and 2011, Oden worked in Antarctica in a Swedish-American research collaboration. Then, Oden developed a significantly more efficient method for breaking the ice lane to the US research station McMurdo.
• Oden's expedition activities have significantly contributed to the understanding we now have of the development of the globe and the variation of the climate throughout history.

Publishing date: 08 Jan 2024

Research Vessels

R/V ROGER REVELLE

Global-Class, general-purpose research vessel capable of long-duration missions in extreme environments worldwide.

R/V SALLY RIDE

Ocean-Class, general-purpose research vessel.

R/V ROBERT GORDON SPROUL

Regional general-purpose research vessel serves research and education missions offshore California and the US West Coast.

R/V BOB AND BETTY BEYSTER

A purpose-built coastal research vessel designed for efficient operations offshore Southern California and throughout the Channel Islands. 

Emeritus Vessels

Emeritus vessel:  FLIP

The Floating Instrument Platform, or FLIP, was one of the most innovative oceanographic research tools ever invented. Over the course of its distinguished service life spanning more than 50 years, FLIP enabled research at the frontiers of science and exemplified the ingenuity of scientists and engineers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego.

Emeritus vessel:  R/V MELVILLE

After a distinguished 45-year service life, R/V Melville was retired from the U.S. Academic Research Fleet following her final cruise in September 2014.

Emeritus vessel:  R/V NEW HORIZON

A groundbreaking design by Scripps engineer Maxwell Silverman led to the development of the general-purpose research vessel New Horizon, which was used extensively by the CalCOFI Program and scores of other research missions throughout the eastern Pacific.

New research vessel of the Federal Republic of Germany to be equipped with eVSP

• In operation from 2026 for national and international marine research
• eVSP and VIT enable sustainable and efficient operation
• High performance in dynamic positioning makes safe and precise work possible even in adverse conditions

The 125-meter-long ship will be fitted out with state-of-the-art research equipment enabling it to carry out its multifunctional and interdisciplinary tasks. This will include laboratories and high-precision echo sounders as well as research winches for measurements in the deepest ocean trenches.

The Meteor IV will also have high-precision positioning systems enabling high-precision work to be carried out. At the heart of these systems is state-of-the-art propulsion technology from Voith: Two powerful electric Voith Schneider Propellers (eVSP 32X8/285) at the stern, supported by a Voith Inline Thruster (VIT 2000-1650H) and a retractable rudder propeller at the bow provide the necessary thrust for the research vessel. The extremely fast response time of the eVSP enables high performance in accurate dynamic positioning and excellent maneuverability, which clearly surpasses that of comparable propulsion concepts, even in rough waters.

The Meteor IV is designed for a service life of 30 years at 345 days of use per year. This high usage rate in combination with the long service life was also a reason why the operators and the shipyards decided in favor of the eVSP. The innovative ship propulsion system features high reliability, low wear, and low maintenance – especially since the propulsion system does without a gearbox.

Another advantage of the eVSP: The propulsion system has an extremely low level of vibration and includes an integrated roll stabilization system, which can reduce vessel roll. This greatly enhances passenger comfort and working conditions for the maximum 71 people (36 nautical and technical crew members and 35 researchers) on board. It will also make it possible for them to work more safely when the ship is in rough waters.

Global Communications Voith Turbo

• Download press release PDF, 0.19 MB

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New research vessel headed for Cal Poly Humboldt

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The ocean covers most of the planet’s surface, and of that, only 5 percent has been explored. To reveal the mysteries of our ocean, Cal Poly Humboldt is looking toward the future with a new oceanographic research vessel.

The 78-foot-by-28-foot custom-built aluminum catamaran powered by twin 1100 horsepower Tier 4 engines will travel at speeds up to 24 knots. The vessel — expected to be operational in early 2025 — will carry up to 40 students, faculty, and crew on day trips and accommodate up to 14 people on multi-day research voyages. The vessel will have a variety of hydraulic deck machinery for handling up to 5,000 lbs of oceanographic equipment and instrumentation.

The deck will also accommodate divers entering the water from two dive platforms off the stern. The vessel’s laboratory and pilot house will carry a diverse array of state-of-the-art navigation and oceanographic electronics to measure physical and biological features of the ocean bottom and water column.

“I see this as a continuation of the University’s long tradition of supporting and advancing marine research and educating our future marine scientists,” says Rick Zechman, associate dean of Marine Operations and director of the University’s Telonicher Marine Lab. “The new vessel reaffirms our commitment to ocean exploration and the University’s academic marine science programs.”

That legacy of supporting undergraduate and graduate academic experiences while promoting marine research spans decades with programs and facilities that include the R.V. Coral Sea, which was purchased by the University in 1998.

Since then, thousands of Cal Poly Humboldt students have learned first-hand everything from gathering and analyzing water and sediment samples to collecting fish from the deep ocean, while also learning the basics of seamanship and what is required to work on a vessel at sea, says Coral Sea captain Jim Long.

“It’s one thing to learn about marine sciences in a class—but when students get their feet wet (literally), the science becomes real,” Long says.

Student research continues on land at the Marine Lab, which was built in 1965. There, samples collected from aboard the Coral Sea are analyzed.

Compared to the Coral Sea, the new vessel, being built by All American Marine, will be more fuel efficient and capable of a faster cruising speed, which translates into exploring the ocean farther offshore.

“All American Marine remains on the leading edge of manufacturing techniques and is an industry innovator, merging the latest technology into a functional and proven vessel,” says Ron Wille, president and chief operating officer of All American Marine. “We are thrilled to receive this contract for another multi-mission research vessel that will service a variety of critical missions such as offshore research, oceanographic surveys, and ocean monitoring, as well as informing the emergent offshore wind market on the West Coast. This vessel will open a new era of ocean conservation and research capabilities.”

The Coral Sea is due for retirement, says Eric Riggs, dean of Cal Poly Humboldt’s College of Natural Resources & Sciences. Though well-maintained, the Coral Sea turns 50 this year, far exceeding the average 30-year lifespan of a research vessel.  In addition, the state passed new emission standards effective in 2026 for vessels in the Coral Sea’s class, and replacing the ship’s five diesel engines to meet the new standards would cost up to $2 million.

Acquiring another second-hand vessel presents its own challenges. It would require retrofitting with engines that meet state standards and outfitting with oceanographic equipment to handle the needs specific to the types of research being conducted by faculty and students. Given these factors, and the anticipated growth in enrollment in the University’s marine science programs, it made more sense to invest in a vessel built specifically for Humboldt, according to Riggs.

The $7.9 million new research vessel is made possible by the state’s historic investment in Humboldt’s expansion as a polytechnic university.

As for the Coral Sea’s next destination, the vessel cannot operate in California due to the state’s emissions rules. Given those restrictions, the University is considering selling it.

The new vessel will have dual certification from the U.S. Coast Guard as an oceanographic research vessel and passenger vessel, creating additional opportunities for the University, region, and other agencies.

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Raimondo, state leaders celebrate work on new NOAA center in Newport. Why it's coming to RI

NEWPORT – Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo was back in her home state Monday to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new headquarters of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Atlantic Ocean research fleet . 

Raimondo, former governor of Rhode Island, joined her successor, Dan McKee, and the state’s congressional delegation Monday morning at Naval Station Newport, where workers are already building the $147-million operations center that will support climate research, fisheries surveys, nautical charting and other work to better understand the ocean environment. 

The bulk of the funding for the project is coming from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act , which was largely aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change. 

“Here in the Ocean State, climate change is real,” Raimondo said. “We know the risks – but also the opportunities – that come with living and working along the coast.”  

NOAA is moving center to Newport from Virginia

She spoke as construction crews in the background drove piles for the pier that will become the homeport for four NOAA research ships. The facility, which is expected to be completed in 2027, will also include a floating dock for smaller vessels, repair space and a building for shoreside support and storage. About 150 NOAA personnel will be based at the center. 

NOAA, which is part of the Department of Commerce, is moving its Atlantic operations center from Norfolk, Virginia, to Newport. It will be one of two main operations centers for NOAA’s fleet of 15 research and survey vessels. The other one, serving the Pacific Ocean, is in Newport, Oregon. 

Rear Admiral Nancy Hann, director of NOAA’s marine and aviation operations, said the Newport site was chosen in part for its proximity to facilities operated by the U.S. Navy and the Coast Guard, which work closely with her agency. 

She said that future projections of sea level rise and other climate impacts also factored into the decision. 

“We need a climate-resilient facility,” Hann said. “We need to know that if we’re making this investment, we can use it for decades to come.”  

NOAA has been expanding its presence in Rhode Island in recent years

NOAA has gradually been expanding its presence in the City by the Sea during the past decade. In 2016, Newport became homeport for the Henry B. Bigelow, a 209-foot-long fisheries research ship. It was later joined by the Okeanos Explorer, a 224-foot-long ship that specializes in exploration of the deep ocean. 

The Thomas Jefferson, a 208-foot-long survey ship, is set to also come to Newport, as is the Discoverer, a 244-foot-long research vessel under construction in Louisiana. 

Raimondo and others at the ceremony credited U.S. Sen. Jack Reed for working to secure NOAA’s commitment to Newport. 

Reed said that locating the NOAA center in Newport makes sense because it’s also close to academic institutions, including Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. 

“We’re at the intersection of all of the blue economy and blue research – I think not just on the East Coast but everywhere,” Reed said. 

Green building designs to be used for new facility

Hann said that NOAA is employing climate-friendly practices at the new facility. The operations building was designed to minimize its carbon footprint and will be certified by LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which oversees the most common rating system in the United States for green construction. It will include energy-efficient mechanical systems and will maximize the use of natural light, she said. 

In addition, the Discoverer will have lower emissions than comparable vessels by employing a hybrid propulsion system that combines diesel engines with battery storage, she said. 

NOAA’s research is used in everything from weather forecasting to fisheries management. Hann said that it’s also important to national security.  

She pointed to the agency’s work after a container ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in March and caused it to collapse. She said that NOAA mapped an alternative shipping channel under the bridge so the Port of Baltimore could reopen. 

None of NOAA’s vessels were in port for Monday’s ceremony. 

“You’ll have to imagine our ships here, because they’re all out working,” Hann said. 

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms late this afternoon. Storms might be strong to severe.

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President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his Investing in America agenda in Wisconsin.

Ground broken for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration base in Newport

by GABRIELLE CARACCIOLO, NBC 10 NEWS

NEWPORT, R.I. (WJAR) — NOAA is moving to the Newport Naval Base.

A marine operations center is being relocated from Virginia to Rhode Island.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is starting to build this new hub here. It will serve a variety of vessels that will go out and do ocean research.

The construction of the nearly $150 million base is largely being funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.

The new facility will support 200 jobs, be used to coordinate ships in the Atlantic Ocean and Great Lakes, and will be the homeport of NOAA’s flagship research vessels.

It will feature a pier, floating dock, warehouse and space for ship repairs.

Construction is expected to be done in 2027.

"From this site, NOAA will provide data to map the nation sea floors that are critical for the nation's $2.3 billion maritime industry that depends on the safe navigation from the data our ships collect . We'll collect fisheries data to sustainably manage the nation's $9.6 billion fishing industry. We'll explore the nation's oceans ensuring that we can manage our resources," said Adm. Nancy Hann, director of the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations

Former Gov. Gina Raimondo, who's now the U.S. secretary of commerce, was back in Rhode Island for Monday's groundbreaking.

NOAA falls under her purview in the Commerce Department.

A subset of Alzheimer's cases may be caused by two copies of a single gene, new research shows

A gene called apoe4 has long been considered a key risk factor. but new research says if people inherit two copies of that gene it's not just a risk — it appears to be the underlying cause, by lauren neergaard | the associated press • published may 6, 2024 • updated on may 6, 2024 at 2:07 pm.

For the first time, researchers have identified a genetic form of late-in-life Alzheimer’s disease — in people who inherit two copies of a worrisome gene.

Scientists have long known a gene called APOE4 is one of many things that can increase people’s risk for Alzheimer's, including simply getting older. The vast majority of Alzheimer’s cases occur after age 65. But research published Monday suggests that for people who carry not one but two copies of the gene, it's more than a risk factor, it's an underlying cause of the mind-robbing disease.

The findings mark a distinction with “profound implications,” said Dr. Juan Fortea, who led the study the Sant Pau Research Institute in Barcelona, Spain.

Among them: Symptoms can begin seven to 10 years sooner than in other older adults who develop Alzheimer’s.

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An estimated 15% of Alzheimer’s patients carry two copies of APOE4, meaning those cases “can be tracked back to a cause and the cause is in the genes,” Fortea said. Until now, genetic forms of Alzheimer’s were thought to be only types that strike at much younger ages and account for less than 1% of all cases.

Scientists say the research makes it critical to develop treatments that target the APOE4 gene. Some doctors won’t offer the only drug that has been shown to modestly slow the disease, Leqembi, to people with the gene pair because they’re especially prone to a dangerous side effect, said Dr. Reisa Sperling, a study coauthor at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Sperling hunts ways to prevent or at least delay Alzheimer’s and “this data for me says wow, what an important group to be able to go after before they become symptomatic.”

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But the news doesn’t mean people should race for a gene test. “It’s important not to scare everyone who has a family history” of Alzheimer’s because this gene duo isn’t behind most cases, she told The Associated Press.

How do genetics affect alzheimer's?

More than 6 million Americans, and millions more worldwide, have Alzheimer’s. A handful of genes are known to cause rare “early-onset” forms, mutations passed through families that trigger symptoms unusually young, by age 50. Some cases also are linked to Down syndrome.

But Alzheimer’s most commonly strikes after 65, especially in the late 70s to 80s, and the APOE gene – which also affects how the body handles fats -- was long known to play some role. There are three main varieties. Most people carry the APOE3 variant that appears to neither increase nor decrease Alzheimer’s risk. Some carry APOE2, which provides some protection against Alzheimer’s.

APOE4 has long been labeled the biggest genetic risk factor for late-in-life Alzheimer’s, with two copies risker than one. About 2% of the global population is estimated to have inherited a copy from each parent.

Chris Hemsworth learns he's predisposed to Alzheimer's, is 'taking time off'

Research points to a cause for a subset of alzheimer's.

To better understand the gene’s role, Fortea’s team used data from 3,297 brains donated for research and from over 10,000 people in U.S. and European Alzheimer’s studies. They examined symptoms and early hallmarks of Alzheimer’s such as sticky amyloid in the brain.

People with two APOE4 copies were accumulating more amyloid at age 55 than those with just one copy or the “neutral” APOE3 gene variety, they reported in the journal Nature Medicine. By age 65, brain scans showed significant plaque buildup in nearly three-quarters of those double carriers – who also were more likely to have initial Alzheimer’s symptoms around that age rather than in the 70s or 80s.

Fortea said the disease's underlying biology was remarkably similar to young inherited types.

It appears more like “a familial form of Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Eliezer Masliah of the National Institute on Aging. “It is not just a risk factor.”

Importantly, not everyone with two APOE4 genes develops Alzheimer’s symptoms and researchers need to learn why, Sperling cautioned.

“It’s not quite destiny,” she said.

Will the new findings affect Alzheimer's research and treatment?

The drug Leqembi works by clearing away some sticky amyloid but Sperling said it’s not clear if carriers of two APOE4 genes benefit because they have such a high risk of a side effect from the drug – dangerous brain swelling and bleeding. One research question is whether they’d do better starting such drugs sooner than other people.

Masliah said other research aims to develop gene therapy or drugs to specifically target APOE4. He said it's also crucial to understand APOE4’s effects in diverse populations since it’s been studied mostly in white people of European ancestry.

As for gene tests, for now they’re typically used only to evaluate if someone’s a candidate for Leqembi or for people enrolling in Alzheimer’s research – especially studies of possible ways to prevent the disease. Sperling said the people most likely to carry two APOE4 genes had parents who both got Alzheimer’s relatively early, in their 60s rather than 80s.

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Research finds anger can have negative impact on blood vessels

By Mallika Marshall, MD

May 2, 2024 / 5:35 PM EDT / CBS Boston

BOSTON - A new study finds that negative emotion can impact the health of your blood vessels.

Researchers at Columbia University took 280 healthy adults and randomly assigned them to recall feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, or remain neutral for eight minutes. They found that anger, not sadness or anxiety, reduced the ability of the participants' blood vessels to dilate or open up. In other words, it made them stiffer which over time could lead to heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease.

The effects only lasted up to 40 minutes but if you're someone who angers easily and frequently, you could be doing lasting harm to your arteries. Scientists would also like to study whether anger management could help improve patients' cardiovascular risk.

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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Biomarker found to help identify cells that can repair damaged blood vessels

by Indiana University School of Medicine

Researchers have discovered a protein marker to help identify cells able to repopulate in patients with damaged blood vessels. Their findings, recently published in Circulation , could lead to new therapies for people with endothelial dysfunction, a type of disorder that contributes to coronary artery disease that may occlude with plaque and lack ability to carry sufficient blood into the heart tissue causing a heart attack.

"This study is the first to establish that a single, prospective marker identifies vascular clonal repopulating endothelial cells (CRECs)," said Chang-Hyun Gil, Ph.D., MS, assistant research professor of surgery at the Indiana University School of Medicine and co-first author of the study. "These exciting findings could lead to new cell therapies for repair of damaged vessels for patients."

The researchers analyzed the potential of endothelial cells, which make up the protective inner layer of blood vessels, that express a protein called ABCG2 to make colonies, self-renew and form vessels. These cells could form new blood vessels and contributed to the repair of heart tissue blood vessels after a heart attack.

"By analyzing the genes and proteins in these cells, we identified specific pathways involved in blood vessel formation and tissue regeneration," Gil said. "We discovered that ABCG2 involved in blood vessel development are more active in these cells compared to others, suggesting these specific endothelial cells have the potential to be used in repairing damaged blood vessels.

"AbcCRECs are becoming an important cell type to be considered for use in human patients suffering from a variety of diseases such as peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, diabetic proliferative retinopathy, acute kidney disease and cardiovascular disease."

"It is particularly important that this protein marker identified the CRECs in both mouse and human subjects," said Mervin C. Yoder, MD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the IU School of Medicine and a professor of surgery at the University of Pittsburgh.

"Few markers have been found that permit prospective isolation of endothelial cells with reparative properties in both mice and humans, making these findings exciting for future study."

The team has been studying these types of endothelial cells for more than seven years. Further experiments and studies are needed to better understand the functions and mechanisms of AbcCRECs. This will help in developing methods to apply these cells in treating vascular damage and diseases. Additionally, clinical trials are required to validate the therapeutic efficacy of AbcCRECs and explore how to apply the treatment to patients.

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• Student 3-D Model Wows Excavator of Mysterious Ancient Egyptian Ship /

Student 3-D Model Wows Excavator of Mysterious Ancient Egyptian Ship

Hunter Omerzo '24's 1/30-scale replica helps answer age-old questions about a famed fifth-century B.C. vessel. Photo by Dan Loh.

Shipwreck research makes waves at Oxford

by MaryAlice Bitts-Jackson

In the fifth century B.C., Herodotus described a riverboat so peculiar it sparked centuries of scholarly debate. The Greek historian called it a baris, and for ages no one could verify that his account was accurate or even true. That is, not until “Ship 17” blew Herodotus’ doubters right out of the water and made international news.

Now, Hunter Omerzo ’24 adds to the world’s understanding of it, as he has created the most detailed and accurate 3-D model of a baris to date. His recreation of Ship 17, sparked by a classroom assignment and created with his own 3-D printer, helps answer researchers’ questions. And soon, he’ll continue his research at Oxford University.

The case for 3-D

Omerzo, an Ohio native, is a Dickinson student-athlete, a double major in archaeology and classical studies  and the recipient of Raven's Claw and C.V. Starr scholarships. He learned about the baris while translating Herodotus’ writings for a class taught by Associate Professor of Classical Studies  Scott Farrington .

Omerzo painstakingly replicated each part of Ship 17 for his model. Photo by Dan Loh.

Having already dived to and learned about shipwrecks through a field-school experience, Omerzo knew that physical, 3-D models are less common in marine archaeology than their digital counterparts. And while reading about the excavation of Ship 17 in the Nile Delta, he discovered that the only 3-D baris model in existence was a rough estimation, created for a BBC documentary. Omerzo wondered if a more accurate 3-D model would help researchers better understand this mysterious ship.

“It’s sort of like how reverse engineering works,” explains Omerzo. “You can’t always tell what a certain part is for until you try to put it back together."

Expert on board!

For precise measurements, Omerzo went straight to the source. He emailed Alexander Belov, a researcher for the European Institute of Underwater Archaeology (France), which excavated Ship 17. Belov's book on the Ship 17 findings, published by the Oxford Centre for Maritime Archaeology, was Omerzo’s primary resource. 

“Hunter set the first baris afloat since the time of Herodotus. This is a great achievement." —Alexander Belov

The expert was impressed. “I got an image of Hunter as a very keen and motivated person with a great working capacity," says Belov, who not only sent his data but also remained in touch, answering questions and offering advice. "Not every person would be so intrigued by the ancient description of a vessel and undertake such a complicated and time-consuming project.”

Complex and color-coded

Slowly and carefully, Omerzo replicated each part of Ship 17 for his 1/30-scale model, down to the tiny tendons, and weighted each section to scale. He counted 837 parts, not including pegs.

Omerzo put his 3-D-printed model to the test in Dickinson's pool. Photo provided by Hunter Omerzo.

It took weeks to create the pieces with his own 3-D printer and months to assemble the model. His first attempt was a partial recreation. His second was complete, with color-coding to differentiate surviving sections of Ship 17 from missing, damaged and obscured sections. 

And then it was time to test the model in the pool.

To simulate a cargo load, Omerzo filled plastic bags with .25 kilogram of sand and added them to his mini-baris. While a thin coat of liquid rubber hadn’t waterproofed the model completely, it still floated well.

“Hunter set the first baris afloat since the time of Herodotus,” says Belov, who shared Omerzo’s findings with the marine archaeology department at Oxford University. "This is a great achievement."

But what does it mean?

Omerzo’s project provides new details about several aspects of the baris—most significantly, it shows that the design was sound. By Herodotus’ description, the baris had no frame. Instead, a single plank served as its hull, with thin, side-to-side ribs inserted into the hull planking. That skeleton-like structure provided enough support for Omerzo’s model to carry 4 kilograms of cargo.

“That was impressive, and it translated to 108 metric tons—just barely shy of Belov’s 112-metric-ton estimate,” Omerzo says. “I also got to observe how the ship sank, which is important to my current research.”

More mysteries ahead!

The end of this story marks a new beginning: Omerzo will continue his research as a master’s candidate at Oxford University. He looks forward to refining his model—this time with access to the original artifact.

Belov looks forward to learning about Omerzo’s progress. He also hopes to one day connect with Omerzo at Thonis Heracleion, the sunken city in Egypt where Ship 17 was discovered along with some 125 ancient hulls.

“It’s the greatest known cemetery of ancient ships in the world,” Belov says, “and I hope that Hunter will be able to join our excavations, because there are still so many mysteries to solve.”

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Published May 3, 2024

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