Latest news with #ocean
Washington Post
2 hours ago
- Washington Post
Why you should quit your suitcase and embrace a duffel bag
What it's like to be on the 9-month cruise around the world January 12, 2024
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is 'Jaws' Based on a True Story? All About the Thriller's Inspiration in Honor of Its 50th Anniversary
Jaws was released in theaters on June 20, 1975 The thriller was based on the best-selling book by Peter Benchley There are similarities between the events in Jaws and a series of shark attacks in 1916Just when it looked safe to go back in the water, Jaws is circling back toward the shore for its 50th anniversary on June 20. In the half-century since its release, few movies have had more impact than Jaws. It birthed the summer blockbuster, cemented director Steven Spielberg as one of Hollywood's great talents, and it made beachgoers everywhere afraid to frolic in the ocean. The memorable production of Jaws has become infamous over the decades, with it being recounted in books and even adapted into a stage play. "Jaws was a fun movie to watch but not a fun movie to make. It was made under the worst of conditions," Spielberg said in the book, Spielberg: The First Ten Years, per Vanity Fair. "People versus the eternal sea. The sea won the battle — but where we won was with audiences in every country." Fifty years later, Jaws is a cinematic classic, but is the terrifying shark tale true? Here's what to know about the inspiration behind the monster movie that unlocked a new fear of the mysterious oceans. No, the movie Jaws is not a true story, and neither is Benchley's novel, which was the basis of the film. The writer was fascinated with sharks after spotting them during childhood fishing trips with his father on Nantucket. While working on the book, Benchley cited a 1964 article he read about Frank Mundus, a fisherman who caught a great white shark off the coast of Montauk, N.Y. Though, according to The New York Times, Benchley denied that Mundus was the inspiration for the character, Quint. "I had been thinking for years about a story about a shark that attacks people and what would happen if it came in and wouldn't go away," the author recalled in the 1995 documentary about the making of Jaws. According to Audible, Benchley was a freelance journalist who was commissioned to write Jaws in 1971. The book was released about three years later and became a literary sensation, spending 44 weeks on the bestseller list. No specific event inspired Jaws, but there are similarities to a series of shark attacks on the Jersey Shore in 1916. Between July 1 and July 12 of that year, five people were attacked by a shark, with one surviving. The incidents occurred in the resort towns of Beach Haven and Spring Lake. It also happened in Matawan Creek, 30 miles north of Spring Lake. During a 2012 interview with the Smithsonian Magazine, ichthyologist George Burgess said it was the 'most unique set of shark attacks that ever have occurred.' Although there are coincidences between the New Jersey attacks and the ones in Jaws, Benchley stated that his work was not inspired by the events in 1916, per The New York Times. No, Amity Island, where Jaws takes place, is not real. While the fictional Amity Island is located off Long Island in New York in the Jaws novel, it was actually inspired by Martha's Vineyard, an island off the coast of Massachusetts, where the movie was filmed. Jaws was shot in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard, and the town is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the movie this summer with various events, including an outdoor film screening, with the movie's iconic score performed by the Cape Symphony. Yes, Quint's harrowing speech recounting the sinking of the USS Indianapolis was based on an actual event, one that has been called "the worst shark attack in history." On July 30, 1945, in the final weeks of World War II, a Japanese submarine torpedoed the USS Indianapolis in the Philippine Sea. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the ship sank in 12 minutes, and out of the 1,196 men aboard, about 900 survived and were thrown into the water. As the sailors floated in the ocean waiting to be rescued, sharks were attracted by the explosions and blood in the water. Loel Dean Cox, who survived the disaster, told BBC News in 2013, 'Every now and then, like lightning, [a shark] would come straight up and take a sailor and take him straight down. One came up and took the sailor next to me. It was just somebody screaming, yelling or getting bit." On August 3, the USS Cecil J. Doyle rescued the remaining survivors from the water. Ultimately, only 316 men out of the ship's original 1,196-man crew remained alive. The number of sailors who died from shark attacks ranges from "a few dozen to more than 150." Despite the events depicted in Jaws — and its sequels — great white shark attacks are rare. According to Outdoor Life, per findings from the Florida Museum of Natural History's International Shark Attack File, since 1580, "there have been 949 unprovoked shark attacks documented around the world." Out of those attacks, 351 involved great white sharks, with 59 being fatal. In February 2025, the International Shark Attack File reported that shark attacks decreased in 2024. "Worldwide, there were only 47 unprovoked attacks, down 22 from the previous year and well below the 10-year average of 70." Read the original article on People
The National
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The National
As Jaws turns 50, the 10 scariest shark movies ever made
The scariest films tap into something primal. Shark attack movies may have begun with Jaws in 1975, but the genre endures because Jaws was merely the first to articulate a fear that nearly all of us have felt – the dread of what may be lurking below our feet in the watery depths below. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jaws' release today, here are some of the most terrifying films – in no particular order – that tap into the age-old dynamic of man versus shark. 47 Meters Down (2017) 47 Meters Down is directed by Johannes Roberts, and stars Mandy Moore and Claire Holt as sisters. The film follows the two as they go on a shark-cage diving expedition off the coast of Mexico. During the dive, the winch snaps and the cage drops 47 metres to the ocean floor. As the oxygen depletes and panic ensues, sharks begin to circle the cage. Made on a modest budget of $5 million, the film grossed more than $60 million in box-office returns. The small budget allowed for a larger focus on creating a suspenseful and toe-curling experience without the need for bombastic effects. Open Water (2003) In 1998, Tom and Eileen Lonergan went out with a scuba diving group on the Great Barrier Reef, only to be accidentally left behind. They were never seen again. Open Water, from director Chris Kentis, imagines what may have happened to them into one of the bleakest films of the century thus far. And while it does eventually build to violent confrontations with the ocean's apex predators, Open Wate r is at its most chilling in anticipation of that fateful event. And because it was made on a low-budget in pseudo-documentary style, it's impossible to divorce this film from the reality that inspired it. Jaws (1975) Director Steven Spielberg has made a plethora of masterpieces in his decades-long career, but even if he'd stopped after Jaws, his reputation would have been sealed. Jaws remains a masterclass in suspense filmmaking and the birth of the modern blockbuster, all with richly rendered characters. But what's most surprising is, even 50 years later, it's still deeply unnerving. A true classic – and should remain a film each generation discovers at a young age when they're ready for something scary. Dangerous Animals (2025) Written by Nick Lepard and directed by Sean Byrne, Dangerous Animals may have had its premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, but this is no highbrow art film. The film follows Hassie Harrison's Zephyr, an American surfer kidnapped by a shark-obsessed psychopath Bruce Tucker, played by Jai Courtney, who holds her captive aboard his trawler for ritualistic shark-feeding sessions. The movie may be the latest shark-based horror flick in a long line to deliver nautical scares, but many are calling it the best in years. Combining the fear of sharks with the demented mind of a serial killer, Dangerous Animals, now in cinemas, delivers a truly new experience to the subgenre. The Shallows (2016) Less is more. Rarely is that more clear than in director Jaume Collet-Serra's The Shallows. There are only two main characters to be found here – one is a medical student named Nancy Adams (Blake Lively), who goes out surfing and is stranded on a rock 180 metres from shore, and the other is a great white shark. In the film's pulse-pounding 86-minute runtime, Adams must find a way back to safety. Jaws 2 (1978) While it's often dismissed because of the greatness of its predecessor, Jaws 2 deserves a second look. Sure, it may not reach the heights of the first, but it's a cracking horror film in its own right – revealing the monster far earlier and upping the body count. Ultimately, Jaws 2 is more comparable to Halloween or Friday the 13th, only the shark is the slasher picking off the core characters one by one instead of Jason or Michael Myers. Give it a shot, and you'll find it's one of the most underrated fright flicks of the 1970s. Deep Blue Sea (1999) The sci-fi horror directed by Finnish filmmaker Renny Harlin, who previously directed Die Hard 2 and Cliffhanger may not be realistic, but it delivers the goods. Set in an isolated underwater research facility, the film follows a group of scientists who are genetically engineering mako sharks to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Things go horribly wrong when the sharks attain intelligence and turn on the scientists. Renowned for its fast-paced action, suspenseful atmosphere and surprising plot twists, Deep Blue Sea features a strong cast that includes Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, LL Cool J and Samuel L Jackson. The film has become a cult favourite for its mixture of CGI and animatronic effects, which were provided by Stan Winston Studios that previously worked on Jurassic Park and Aliens. The Reef (2010) Australian survival horror film The Reef is written, directed and produced by Andrew Traucki. The filmmaker specialises in survival thrillers, but this remains his best. Inspired by real-life events, the film follows five friends whose boat capsizes on the way to Indonesia after striking a coral reef, forcing them into shark-infested waters as they attempt a perilous swim to safety. The Reef is another stellar example of a shark attack film that delivers scares without a massive budget. Filmed on location in Queensland, the movie uses actual great white shark footage mixed with on-set scenes. If there is one true hidden gem to be discovered from this list, it's The Reef. Its sequel, however, is more of a mixed bag. Bait 3D (2012) While you may have to adjust your aesthetic expectations from Steven Spielberg to more of an old-school Roger Corman monster movie, Bait is an often-thrilling suspense film that follows a group of people who are being hunted by bloodthirsty great white shark while strapped in a grocery store during a freak tsunami. This is a good time if you don't set your expectations too high. Under Paris (2024) A global hit when it released on Netflix last summer, this French action-horror disaster film directed by Xavier Gens follows a grieving marine biologist who is compelled to face her tragic past to save Paris from a giant shark that appears in the Seine river. While it's more thrilling than scary, it does offer moments of claustrophobic tension that may have you gasping for air.
Sustainability Times
4 hours ago
- Health
- Sustainability Times
'Clot-Free Cancer Breakthrough': Scientists Use Sea Cucumbers to Forge Next-Gen Therapies That Rewrite Treatment Norms
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Researchers have discovered a unique sugar compound in sea cucumbers that blocks the Sulf-2 enzyme linked to cancer growth. in sea cucumbers that blocks the linked to cancer growth. 🔬 Unlike other inhibitors, the sea cucumber compound does not interfere with blood clotting , making it a safer alternative for cancer therapy. , making it a safer alternative for cancer therapy. 🐟 Sea cucumbers are limited in abundance, prompting researchers to develop a synthetic version of the compound for further testing. of the compound for further testing. 🌐 The study highlights the untapped potential of marine-based therapies in revolutionizing modern medicine with safer, more effective treatments. In the vast, unexplored depths of our oceans, marine life holds secrets that could revolutionize medical science. Among these mysteries, the humble sea cucumber emerges as a potential hero in the fight against cancer. Known for their role as nature's janitors, these creatures possess unique compounds that could lead to safer, more effective cancer therapies. Recent research has uncovered a sugar compound within sea cucumbers that can inhibit enzymes linked to cancer progression, offering a promising new avenue for treatment without the risk of clotting, a common side effect of many existing therapies. Seafloor Cleaners, Disease Fighters The discovery of sea cucumbers' potential as cancer fighters is rooted in their role as seafloor cleaners. As they sift through ocean sediments, they ingest and process organic material, making them invaluable to marine ecosystems. But their significance extends beyond their environmental role. The compounds found in sea cucumbers have unique structures not seen in terrestrial organisms, which makes them particularly interesting to researchers. Researchers from the University of Mississippi and Georgetown University have identified a sugar compound in sea cucumbers that effectively blocks Sulf-2, an enzyme linked to cancer growth. Unlike other inhibitors, this compound does not interfere with blood clotting, a major advantage in cancer therapy. Inhibiting Sulf-2 could prevent the manipulation of glycans on cell surfaces, a process cancer cells use to spread. This makes sea cucumber compounds a safer alternative to current treatments, which often carry the risk of severe side effects like uncontrolled bleeding. 'I Built a Laser from Hell': YouTuber Unleashes World's Strongest Handheld Beam That Instantly Melts Metal and Ignites Anything From Sushi to Science Sea cucumbers are not just a potential medical marvel; they are also a culinary delicacy in many parts of the world. However, their limited abundance raises challenges for large-scale drug production. The next step for researchers is to synthesize the compound found in sea cucumbers for further study. This involves developing a chemical route to produce the compound in sufficient quantities for testing. The synthesis of this compound is crucial because relying on natural harvesting could lead to ecological imbalances. By creating a synthetic version, researchers can ensure a sustainable and ethical approach to drug development. This not only preserves marine life but also provides a consistent supply for medical research and potential treatments. 'Tesla Is Over': This New Electric Car With a Miracle Battery Promises 930 Miles of Range and Shocks the Entire Auto Industry The Science Behind the Discovery The breakthrough in using sea cucumbers for cancer treatment stems from a combination of advanced scientific techniques. The research team employed mass spectrometry, biochemistry, enzyme inhibition, and computational modeling to understand how the sea cucumber sugar compound interacts with Sulf-2. This multidisciplinary approach allowed them to pinpoint the compound's effectiveness in blocking the enzyme, paving the way for new cancer therapies. Such comprehensive research demonstrates the power of collaboration across scientific fields. It underscores the importance of exploring marine life as a source of novel medical compounds. As our understanding of these creatures deepens, we uncover more about their potential to impact human health positively. 'China Risks $117 Billion Collapse': This Scientist's Rare-Earth-Free Super Magnet Could Wreck an Entire National Industry Marine-Based Therapies: The Future of Medicine? The discovery of sea cucumbers' cancer-fighting properties highlights the untapped potential of marine-based therapies. Unlike traditional drugs derived from animals, which can carry risks of viral transmission, marine sources offer a cleaner and potentially safer alternative. This could lead to a shift in how we approach drug development, focusing more on the ocean's vast resources. As researchers continue to explore the depths of our oceans, the hope is to find more marine organisms with similar or even more potent therapeutic compounds. This not only enhances our arsenal against diseases like cancer but also encourages sustainable practices in drug production. The ocean, with its vast biodiversity, may hold the key to overcoming some of humanity's most challenging health issues. The potential of sea cucumbers in cancer therapy opens a new chapter in medical science, promising safer, more effective treatments. As researchers work towards synthesizing these compounds, we are left to ponder: what other secrets does the ocean hold, and how can they transform the future of medicine? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (26)
The Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
‘World's hottest scientist' signs up for new Netflix shark reality show with incredible £37k prize
A WOMAN once branded the world's hottest scientist has signed up to a new Netflix reality show all about sharks. Biologist Rosie Moore, who boasts hundreds of thousands of followers online thanks to her stunning looks, has confirmed she will be a contestant on Netflix 's All The Sharks, set to launch next month. 4 4 The online star spoke out to fans to address why she went "MIA" online last summer and confirmed it was because she had jetted off to film the brave new show. Taking to Instagram to confirm her participation, the scientist wrote alongside a trailer for the series: "I can finally announce why I went MIA last summer! "Watch for All the Sharks, airing July 4th on @netflix." Florida-based Rosie is known for being an animal lover and litters her Instagram with snaps of her interacting with all sorts of creatures, including crocodiles and snakes. The star is always camera-ready and never shies away from the chance to have a perfectly preened photograph taken. Now, fans will get the chance to see her up close and personal with sharks in All The Sharks. In the programme, four shark lovers, including Rosie, head across the seas with a team of experts to find different variations of the deadly sea creatures. As part of their challenge, the participants are tasked with snapping the best pictures of the sharks that they can. Whoever manages to get the most impressive photo stands to win a cool $50,000 - equivalent to £37,000. But putting themselves so close to sharks does not come without its risks. Shark attack reported at popular US beach as victim rushed to hospital just weeks after 1,600lb beast spotted in state In the show's trailer, the group can be seen surrounded by many sharks as one of them shouts out: "The sharknado. Holy sharks!" Rosie can later be heard talking about the "cutest shark attack ever" - clearly showing she is just as brave as she is beautiful. Reacting with joy to Rosie's casting in the show, one fan said: "Now this is absolutely a reality show I can get behind." Another added: "Rosie!!! This is sick! Congrats." As a third penned: "Cannot wait!!! So happy for you!"
