“This is a long-awaited day for the world of ocean research.”

Robert Gagosian, president of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership, comments on the sea-trials of re-fitted research vessel JOIDES Resolution (NSF press release; hat tip: Deep Sea News).

“It’s not the only explanation. But there is a discernible and substantial role of genes in your social network position.”

Study author Nicholas Christakis of Harvard on his research, which seems to show that popularity might depend on genes (Scientific American).

“There’s been an unusually high number of births and we’re extremely pleased about it. It’s a postwar baby boom.”

Virunga National Park Director Emmanuel de Merode on a boom in gorilla numbers in the strife-ridden Democratic Republic of Congo (Bloomberg).