The megalodon has long been imagined as an enormous great white shark, but new research suggests that perception is all wrong. The study finds the prehistoric hunter had a much longer body—closer in shape to a lemon shark or even a large whale.

Keeping work surfaces clean during meat processing is a challenge, so in this week’s Journal of Laser Applications, researchers deliver key insights into a solution that could change the current practice altogether: Instead of working to prevent bacteria buildup, they created surfaces that stop bacteria from attaching in the first place. Using lasers to etch and alter the surface of the metal, the team was able to create micro- or nanoscale textures that make it difficult for microbial cells to attach to the surface. The technique, known as laser-induced surface texturing, also alters the metal’s water-repellent properties.

Citizen scientists have the chance to join world-renowned microplastic experts on an expedition off the Atlantic coast.

University of Staffordshire’s Professor Claire Gwinnett and colleagues have joined forces with Basking Shark Scotland to conduct four expeditions this September – and members of the public can sign up to take part.

Lasting four days, each trip will leave from Inverness in Scotland and focus on monitoring microplastic pollution in feeding sites of endangered basking sharks.

Shark depredation is a rising issue in recreational fishing, especially in Florida, where sharks steal fish straight off anglers' lines. Researchers harnessed citizen science – social media, angler surveys, charters – and genetic analysis, to investigate the problem. Findings reveal that snapper-grouper species are the most targeted, with bull and sandbar sharks as the primary culprits. Nearly half of anglers reported depredation. These insights help shed light on the extent of this human-wildlife conflict and its impact on different fishery sectors.