Steven Wilhelm – The Conversation

A research ship sails in the Atlantic Ocean, where scientists are studying the roles of marine viruses. SW Wilhelm

January 13, 2026

Viruses aren’t all bad: In the ocean, some help fuel the food web – a new study shows how

Steven Wilhelm, University of Tennessee and Joshua Weitz, University of Maryland

Marine viruses attack cells, but the material that spills out helps fuels marine life around the world.

Ice on Lake Erie provides winter light for algae thriving below. Sue Thompson

June 11, 2024

Losing winter ice is changing the Great Lakes food web – here’s how light is shaping life underwater

Steven Wilhelm, University of Tennessee; Brittany Zepernick, University of Tennessee, and Robert Michael McKay, University of Windsor

In winter 2023-24, the Great Lakes’ ice cover was near record lows, peaking at just 16%. Researchers explain how diminishing ice could have consequences for fisheries, and how species are evolving.

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