Science Journalism

Fanni Daniella Szakal

I am a marine biologist turned science journalist
and aspiring documentary filmmaker.

February 2023, Hakai

How Did Millions of Dead Crabs Wind Up in the Abyss? – The unexpected discovery of a mass grave of red crabs 4,000 meters below the ocean’s surface is puzzling scientists—and raising questions about the ecology of the deep sea.

November 2022, Eos

The Bottom of the Arctic Is BloomingResearchers found phytoplankton hidden on the Arctic seafloor, hinting at a cascade of effects on the local ecology and the carbon cycle.

June 2022, Eos

Algal Mats May Be a Key to the Arctic Food WebMelt ponds in sea ice have thriving algal communities with startlingly high levels of photosynthetic activity.

June 2022, Hakai

Magnetic Microbes Are Thriving in the Mariana TrenchClosely studying these magnetic foraminifera could lead to new insights about the evolution of magnetic life.

January 2022, Hakai

How Dead Whales Seem to Connect Deep-Sea LifeBy sinking a dead whale to the bottom of the ocean and studying what comes to visit, scientists are learning more about how deep-sea ecosystems are related.

November 2021, Eos

Forecasting Geohazards in the Age of Gas Hydrate ExploitationA curious breath-like pattern exhibited by gas hydrates may help forecast hazards associated with extracting them from the seafloor.

August 2021, Hakai

Guiana Dolphins Are Unintended Victims of Venezuela’s Economic CrisisWith sky-high inflation rates and crumbling social support, impoverished Venezuelans are increasingly targeting the struggling species.

July 2021, Wine Enthusiast

The Cultivation Method That Makes This Hungarian Wine a Legend

April 2021, Eos

A Massive Methane Reservoir Is Lurking Beneath the SeaScientists have found a methane reservoir below the permafrost seabed of the Laptev Sea—a reservoir that could suddenly release large amounts of the potent greenhouse gas.

March 2021, Massive Science

Retracting publications doesn’t stop them from influencing scienceThese “Zombie papers” keep on getting cited, with huge ripple effects

January 2021, Ensia

Can global innovation competitions unearth the next sustainability solution? – Entrepreneurs from low- and middle-income countries face many obstacles. These programs help their breakthrough ideas see the light of day.

August 2020, Massive Science

Invasive species are pushing close to the boundaries of protected areasProtected areas are successful at maintaining ecosystems, but for how long?

June 2020, Massive Science

Viruses exploit marine bacteria for energyThese minuscule interactions could have ripple effects on global carbon dioxide levels

Photography

Have a look at my photography projects that I did during fieldwork and adventures.

Art

I also paint and work on different art projects.

Get In Touch

fanni.szakal@gmail.com