This week in jellyfish: churning the seas and being served with cheese

The movements of marine animals like jellyfish contribute to ocean turbulence, it emerged this week. Scientists used dyes to show how jellyfish churn water as they move, causing "biogenic mixing". [Jellyfish help to stir the oceans, BBC News]

The role jellyfish play in stirring the oceans may also be staving off climate change. According to a study published in Nature, jellyfish help churn downwards the carbon dioxide-rich water at the surface of the ocean, temporarily preventing its release into the atmosphere. [Jellyfish may help keep the planet cool, NPR]

This good news doesn't stop a certain amount of trepidation regarding our wobbly friends. Vancouver Island and Nanaimo in Canada are experiencing a mysterious surge of moon jellies, and are worried that a flood of stinging Lion's Mane jellyfish may follow. [Residents notice a surge in jellyfish, Canada.com]

Meanwhile in Oklahoma, United States, residents were surprised to discover freshwater jellies in Lake Murray. These harmless, coin-sized jellies sound like they might be peach blossom fish. [Jellyfish at Lake Murray?, KTen]

As jellyfish increase in number, we must chow down on them with a wry smile, according to Wired Science. Jellies were once considered "unpalatable goo", but as their natural predators get overfished, serving up jellyfish is requiring some tricky marketing moves. [Saving fish is possible, unless they're past the tipping point, Wired]

Japan is ahead of the game, having put jellyfish burgers on the menu. These ocean patties are a blend of minced pork, beef and dried jellyfish, served with bacon and cheese. [A Real Jellyfish Burger, Guilty Planet]

And finally, what better way to celebrate a cnidarian sighting than with a jellyfish-inspired cocktail? These drink recipes may look like jelly, but you might have to wait for the Japanese to invent a drink containing actual jellyfish. [Jellyfish & jellyfish drinks, Cape Cod Today]