mussels

An estimated 1 billion sea creatures, mostly mussels, died in the heat wave last week along Vancouver's shorelines. But the marine biologist taking count worries the actual number will be much higher.

The standard test for infection with the coronavirus looks for a genetic fingerprint. Laboratory errors, including contamination, can lead to false results, a problem seen with environmental testing.

After decades with no sign of a lethal neurotoxin, the algae that produces it is now plaguing the warming waters of the Gulf of Maine, forcing unprecedented closures in shellfish harvesting.