United KingdomA new study reveals that sperm whales maintain their vertical resting position just below the ocean surface by releasing gas bubbles to regulate buoyancy. Researchers from the University of St Andrews and Université de Neuchâtel found that sperm whales, which are naturally positively buoyant due to spermaceti oil in their heads, use this technique to stay submerged while resting. By releasing bubbles, they counteract the expansion of gas in their lungs during slow ascents, achieving neutral buoyancy. Data was collected using suction-cup tags attached to sperm whales off the Norwegian coast, recording both sound and movement. Simulations based on tissue density and gas volumes confirmed the effectiveness of this method. The study highlights the unique physiological adaptations of sperm whales and suggests potential connections to metabolic gas exchange.
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