Jellyfish push water in and out of their bells to propel themselves forward. Researchers are investigating if and how the small underwater waves and currents created by Jellyfish movements can help break up oil spilled in marine ecosystems.

The Smithsonian posted an article featuring scientist Brad Gemmell’s research about interactions of gelatinous zooplankton with oil. As members of the DROPPS consortium, he and his team monitor jellyfish movements and their affect on oil droplets and the influence that jellyfish mucus has on oil-degrading bacteria.

Read the Ocean Portal article to learn how jellyfish get oil moving.

For more information about this research, read Study Finds Jellyfish are Monitors for and Conveyors of Crude Oil Toxins.