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Lots of animals use tools to get their food, but researchers just observed an animal tool that they think might be for something different: skincare. This week, they described how they saw killer whales modifying and using stalks of kelp to groom each other. Michael Weiss, research director at the Center for Whale Research, joins Host Flora Lichtman to share some killer (whale) beauty tips.
Plus, marine microbiologist Mohammed “Monir’ Moniruzzaman joins Flora to discuss another unusual ocean behemoth—giant ocean viruses. His team recently identified the genetic signatures of 230 new viruses in seawater samples from around the world.
Further Reading
- Watch the drone footage via CNN.
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Segment Guests
Michael Weiss
Dr. Michael Weiss is research director at the Center for Whale Research in Friday Harbor, Washington.
Mohammad 'Monir' Moniruzzaman
Dr. Mohammad ‘Monir’ Moniruzzaman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine Biology and Ecology at the University of Miami in Florida.
Segment Transcript
The transcript is being processed. It will be available 2-3 days after this story’s publication date.
Meet the Producers and Host
About Charles Bergquist
As Science Friday’s director and senior producer, Charles Bergquist channels the chaos of a live production studio into something sounding like a radio program. Favorite topics include planetary sciences, chemistry, materials, and shiny things with blinking lights.
About Flora Lichtman
Flora Lichtman is a host of Science Friday. In a previous life, she lived on a research ship where apertivi were served on the top deck, hoisted there via pulley by the ship’s chef.