Israeli researchers just dropped a splashy revelation: Dolphins might be struggling to hear each other over humanity’s oceanic traffic jam. A new study from the University of Haifa reveals that ship noise could be throwing a wrench into how these marine geniuses communicate and navigate.
Scientists recorded bottlenose dolphin whistles in Eilat, a bustling Red Sea port city, using AI-powered algorithms to decode their chatter. Why algorithms? Turns out, dolphin dialects are trickier to untangle than a TikTok dance trend. When ships rolled through, the dolphins switched up their whistle patterns like friends adjusting their group chat during a loud concert.
While this adaptation is *chef’s kiss* impressive, researchers warn that chronic noise pollution could strain dolphin social bonds and survival skills. Imagine trying to study for finals while someone blasts music next door – not cool for dolphins either.
So next time you’re booking a cruise, remember: The ocean’s party animals might need a little peace and quiet.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com