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Shark Cascades, Vader Fish, and Brain Cells Playing Pong
The Point by Modern Sciences - January 7, 2026
Don Smith
January 07, 2026
By The Modern Sciences Team | January 7, 2026 |
Happy new year, Cultivators of Curiosity!
Welcome to the first 2026 edition of The Point by Modern Sciences! As we embark on a new year of scientific discovery, we bring you three stories that challenge our understanding of the delicate balance between nature and technology.
We start with a critical look at South Africa’s changing oceans to understand why the loss of a single predator can reshape an entire world. We then travel to the fjords of Papua New Guinea to meet a newly discovered species that reminds us how much of our planet remains unexplored. Finally, we step into the lab to witness the blurring lines between biology and silicon. These stories will explore why conservation is urgent, how biodiversity surprises us, and why the future of computing might just be organic.
NATURE
Loss of Great White Sharks Causes ‘Trophic Cascade’ in South Africa’s False Bay
A new study reveals the significant impact of the decline in great white shark populations in False Bay, South Africa. The absence of this key apex predator has triggered a "trophic cascade," disrupting the balance of the local marine ecosystem. With great whites gone, sevengill sharks and seals have surged, resulting in declines in other species and underscoring the critical need for shark conservation.
The Point:
Great white shark decline disrupts False Bay’s marine ecosystem: A study from the University of Miami reveals that the disappearance of great white sharks in False Bay has triggered significant changes in predator-prey dynamics, altering population balances among local marine species.
Rise in seals and sevengill sharks lead to cascading effects: With great whites gone, Cape fur seals and sevengill sharks have increased in number, causing declines in the fish and smaller sharks they consume—a textbook example of a trophic cascade.
Researchers highlight the vital role of apex predators: The study emphasizes that apex predators like great white sharks are essential for maintaining marine ecosystem stability, reinforcing the urgent need for global shark conservation efforts.
NATURE
'Darth Vader' fish: New species found in Papua New Guinea
In the remote volcanic fjords of Papua New Guinea, researchers have discovered a striking new species of dwarfgoby with a unique, purplish-black coloration. Named Eviota vader in a nod to the Star Wars villain, this tiny fish was identified from a single specimen. Its discovery highlights the unique biodiversity of the region, known for harboring rare and localized species.
The Point:
A 'Star Wars' fish is discovered in Papua New Guinea: A new, uniquely purplish-black dwarfgoby species has been identified in the Tufi region, with researchers naming it Eviota vader after the famous cinematic villain.
Unique anatomy confirms the new species: Beyond its dark color, the fish is defined by a complete sensory-pore system on its head and a specific fin structure, setting it apart from all other known dwarfgobies.
The fish remains a rare and mysterious find: Scientists have only documented a single half-inch specimen, prompting calls for further exploration to understand the actual population and range of this potential microendemic species.
ENGINEERING
'DishBrain' cells learn video games faster than AI
Researchers have demonstrated that lab-grown brain cells in a "DishBrain" system learn to play the video game Pong faster than advanced AI. A new study highlights the superior sample efficiency of biological neural networks, which adapt and improve with far less training. This breakthrough supports a new field called Bioengineered Intelligence, aiming to create powerful new computing devices from living neurons.
The Point:
Biological cells outpace AI in learning: A system of lab-grown neurons called DishBrain learned to play Pong more rapidly than advanced AI, revealing the remarkable sample efficiency of living neural networks.
New paths for biological intelligence are defined: Researchers distinguish between Organoid Intelligence, which mimics brain structures, and a new bottom-up approach called Bioengineered Intelligence, which engineers custom neural circuits for tasks.
A commercial biological computer powers the research: The CL1 platform developed by Cortical Labs provides the necessary hardware to sustain and interact with these neural cultures in real-time, closed-loop environments.