25 June 2025/Kiel. Overfishing not only depletes fish stocks — it also alters the genetic blueprint of marine life. In the central Baltic Sea, cod (Gadus morhua) have not only become scarcer, but also significantly smaller than in the past. Researchers at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel have now shown for the first time that Eastern Baltic cod grow markedly more slowly than they once did, and that this change is reflected in their genome. Intensive fishing pressure triggers genetic responses in overexploited stocks, with long-term implications for their future development. The findings are published today in the journal Science Advances.

Babies as young as eight months old can adapt their learning style to changing situations, according to research by Francesco Poli of the Donders Institute at Radboud University. This is the first time that babies have been shown to learn in such a flexible way.

Semiconductor nanolasers are emerging as key components for next-generation optical systems requiring ultra-low power and compact design. Traditional lasers face limitations at the nanoscale, prompting researchers to explore innovative nanolaser architectures. A recent study outlines breakthroughs in photonic crystal nanolasers, deep subwavelength cavities, and Fano lasers. These technologies enable enhanced light confinement and energy efficiency, making them ideal for applications in on-chip communication, neuromorphic computing, and hybrid optical-electronic systems.