06/15/2026
Turns out I had another story out today with National Geographic!
This one was on a new technology to ultrasound wild, pregnant manta rays - an endangered species - in North America’s largest protected marine reserve led by scientist Madalena Cabral (Madalena Cabral) of Mares de México | .
“When the giant manta has accepted her presence and seems comfortable, Cabral swims above the manta with a handheld device, which she has permits for through the organization. She scans the manta’s back; the water between the probe and the manta’s skin actually has a role: It functions as a conductive gel. Then an image flickers onto her phone. Inside the animal, a pup, a baby manta, is moving—its wings flexing, its mouth opening and closing as it pumps nutrient- and oxygen-rich uterine fluid.”
Also featuring photos from Bryant Turffs (Bryant Turffs) Marine Megafauna Foundation.
