Two Sperm Whales Spotted Off Israeli Coast for First Time Since 2022
Researchers from the University of Haifa's Morris Kahn Marine Research Station documented two sperm whales off the coast of Ashdod on June 8, 2026, marking only the second sighting since 2022 and the fifth detection via hydrophone. Sperm whales are among the Mediterranean's rarest species, with only a few hundred estimated to inhabit the sea, and are considered endangered. The sighting underscores the importance of marine conservation efforts in Israeli waters, where the species faces threats from human activity, limited food availability, and climate challenges.
During a deep-sea survey conducted by University of Haifa researchers, two sperm whales were spotted approximately 35 kilometers west of Ashdod at a depth of 700 meters on June 8, 2026, coinciding with International Ocean Day. The sighting occurred just before the research team was called to shore after only one day of their planned six-day survey due to Iranian missile strikes. According to Dr. Aviad Scheinin, principal investigator of the project, the whales were detected through a hydrophone—an acoustic system used to locate marine mammals—moments before it was lifted from the water. This marks the second visual sighting of sperm whales off the Israeli coast since 2022 and only the fifth time the species has been detected via hydrophone. The Mediterranean Sea is estimated to be home to only a few hundred sperm whales, classified as an endangered species, with Israeli waters hosting populations that spend significant portions of the year in the region's deep waters.
What different sources said
- The Jerusalem PostRight
WATCH: Two sperm whales spotted off coast of Ashdod by University of Haifa researchers
Related
Profilin-1 Deficiency Activates Immune Response Against Breast Cancer in Preclinical Study
Researchers found that removing the Profilin-1 protein from breast cancer cells triggers DNA damage and activates an immune pathway called STING, which recruits cancer-fighting T cells and causes tumor regression in mice. The study used CRISPR gene-editing technology to deplete Profilin-1 and observed that the resulting genomic instability paradoxically strengthens anti-tumor immunity. The findings suggest targeting Profilin-1 could be a new strategy to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness in breast cancer.
Computational Study Explores How Magnetic Fields May Affect Tomato Plant Ion Channels
Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how static magnetic fields affect the CNGC6 ion channel in tomato plants, finding that magnetic fields may alter the channel's structure in specific ways. The study was motivated by observations that magnetic treatment of tomato seeds appears to speed germination and improve plant development, though the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. The findings provide a computational foundation for future experimental work, though the authors emphasize this is a preliminary exploratory study requiring validation.
New Algorithm Simplifies Evolutionary Network Reconstruction for Hybridized Species
Researchers developed NetCS, a fast algorithm for reconstructing evolutionary networks in hybridized species that avoids expensive computational bottlenecks. The method works well when given accurate intermediate data but reveals that the real challenge in network inference lies in an earlier reconstruction step. This finding could enable phylogenetic analyses of larger datasets while identifying where future improvements are needed.