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William Detrich
Professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences

William Detrich for Northeastern Global News

Emperor penguins are Antarctica’s most iconic bird. Are they on the verge of extinction?
emperor penguin on iceberg

Emperor penguins are Antarctica’s most iconic bird. Are they on the verge of extinction?

Colonies of penguins saw no chicks survive last breeding season due to loss of sea ice. Expert Detrich says it is not “emperor doomsday” yet.
The secret to better eyesight? Just add oxygen (and millions of years of evolution).

The secret to better eyesight? Just add oxygen (and millions of years of evolution).

A study published by an international collaboration of researchers recently revealed how oxygen helped vertebrates evolve better vision.
When the climate changed, these fish were ready

When the climate changed, these fish were ready

A new study of notothenioids helps inform our understanding of how species diversify in response to environmental change.
Northeastern University professor H. William Detrich demonstrates that you can make a hybrid icefish

Northeastern University professor H. William Detrich demonstrates that you can make a hybrid icefish

Northeastern professor H. William Detrich demonstrated that sperm and eggs from different species of icefish can create viable offspring.
Sequencing the genome of the blackfin icefish might help us better understand anemia, osteoporosis, and other ailments

Sequencing the genome of the blackfin icefish might help us better understand anemia, osteoporosis, and other ailments

Professor H. William Detrich’s work in sequencing the genome of the blackfin icefish could help scientists understand human health issues.
Antarctica is no longer the cool place it used to be for its cold-adapted fish. So what changed?

Antarctica is no longer the cool place it used to be for its cold-adapted fish. So what changed?

Professor William Detrich's latest odyssey is documented in “Expedition Antarctica,” a YouTube series that chronicles his discoveries.
3Qs: Creating the world’s largest marine preserve and what it means for fishing, climate research

3Qs: Creating the world’s largest marine preserve and what it means for fishing, climate research

Last week, an agreement was reached by 24 nations and the European Union to establish the world’s largest marine protected area, in the Ross Sea in Antarctica. The area, which will come under protection on Dec. 1, 2017, covers some 600,000 square miles of ocean, 28 percent of which will be designated as research zones. […]
Antarctic island named after Northeastern professor

Antarctic island named after Northeastern professor

William Detrich has been making research trips to Antarctica for over 30 years. In recognition of his work, an island was named after him.
How will cold-loving Antarctic fish respond to warming ocean waters?

How will cold-loving Antarctic fish respond to warming ocean waters?

Antarctic fish are a vital component to the food web that sustains life in the cold Southern Ocean that surrounds Antarctica. They feed on smaller organisms, and serve as meals for the bigger ones. But little is known about how the rapid rate at which these waters are warming will affect the development of fish […]
First genome of an Antarctic notothenioid fish sequenced

First genome of an Antarctic notothenioid fish sequenced

Northeastern is part of an international research team that has sequenced the first genome of an Antarctic notothenioid fish. The breakthrough will shed light on the animal's unique evolutionary adaptation to freezing waters.