A new child-friendly science article has been developed to help young readers understand how respiration happens in the ocean.

‘The Mystery of Respiration in the Dark Ocean’, written by members of the MicroRESPIRE project for ‘Frontiers for Young Minds’, provides engaging explanations and examples to explore the process and discover how marine plants, sea creatures and microscopic organisms all have a role to play in the important processes that support our ocean’s health.

It explores the challenges scientists face in measuring respiration and how researchers are working across the globe to discover more.

Read the article: https://kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2026.1578373/full

Biswas H, Robinson C, Iversen M, Álvarez-Salgado XA, Arístegui J, Bressac M, Flynn RF, Lefevre D and Tamburini C. (2026). The Mystery of Respiration in the Dark Ocean. Frontiers for Young Minds, doi: 10.3389/frym.2026.1578373

The article was developed with SCOR WG Respiration in the Mesopelagic Ocean (ReMO) as part of their objectives.

‘Frontiers for Young Minds’ aims to inspire and motivate children and young people to learn more about real science, fostering their curiosity. The journal has a ‘kid-led peer review process’ and works directly with children and teenagers, aged between 8-15, to review articles and provide feedback to authors to ensure they are accessible to younger audiences.