EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Sharks

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

In celebration of #SharkWeek, we’re exploring the incredible world of sharks. From their vital role in marine ecosystems to the myths that surround them, join us as we explore all things shark in celebration of #SharkWeek!

Latest news releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 2-Nov-2025 01:11 ET (2-Nov-2025 06:11 GMT/UTC)

Shortfin mako sharks show enhanced thermoregulation abilities during deep dives

The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI
Peer-Reviewed Publication

We show that regionally endothermic shortfin mako sharks have enhanced thermoregulatory ability with an order higher warming rate than cooling rate during repeated dives, likely optimizing foraging efficiency. This ability, only comparable to bigeye tuna and swordfish in teleosts, represents the key adaptive significance of regional endothermy in fishes.

Journal: Journal of Animal Ecology
Funder: The Sasakawa Scientific Research Grant, The Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council, Taiwan, The Fisheries Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan, JSPS KAKENHI

Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries from shark bites

Flinders University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Australian shark experts have tested four bite-resistant materials to assess their ability to reduce injuries and blood loss.

While internal and crushing injuries may still occur, bite-resistant wetsuits can now be added to the ‘toolkit’ of measures available to reduce shark-bite risk and resulting injuries, say researchers from Flinders University’s Southern Shark Ecology Group.

Funder: Australian Research Council

Leopard shark sex tape: a scientific first

University of the Sunshine Coast
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A University of the Sunshine Coast researcher has caught on camera and documented for the first time a rare – and rather risqué – shark mating sequence in the wild.

Journal: Journal of Ethology
Funder: n/a

Bigscale pomfret are an ocean enigma

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) researchers have shown large sharks can spend hours deep in the oceans' mesopelagic zone, which lies 200 to 1,000 meters (650 to 3,300 feet) below the surface. This region is home to more biomass than any other layer of the ocean, but most of its inhabitants are too tiny to serve as meals for large predators, so why are they spending so much time there?

Journal: Marine Ecology Progress Series

Meat from critically endangered sharks is commonly sold under false labels in the US

Frontiers
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers from the US determined the species of 29 samples of shark meat bought in shops or online. 93% had been labeled ambiguously as ‘shark’, and 31% overall were from four endangered or critically endangered species. Several of these species are known to contain dangerous levels of heavy metals. The authors call for better regulation of labeling and greater consumer awareness.

Journal: Frontiers in Marine Science
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation

Study finds critically endangered sharks being sold as food in U.S. grocery stores

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Peer-Reviewed Publication

UNC-Chapel Hill researchers reveal widespread mislabeling and public health concerns linked to shark meat sales.

Journal: Frontiers in Marine Science

Reproductive flexibility in sharks and rays complicates conservation predictions

Newcastle University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Sharks, skates and rays adapt their growth and reproduction to changing food availability, a new study reveals.

Journal: Ecology Letters

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