# USGS study links mercury and stress hormones to seal health markers

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Topic: Science · Status: published · Version: 1
Published: 2026-11-04T02:01:44.472Z · Updated: 2026-11-04T02:01:44.472Z
Record: https://davids.news/s/usgs-study-links-mercury-and-stress-hormones-to-seal-health-markers-855315b9

A 10-year study of adult female northern elephant seals found associations between mercury, cortisol and several immune, thyroid and reproductive biomarkers.

- Researchers analyzed tissue samples and 10 blood biomarkers; the reported relationships varied by marker.

Why it matters: The findings describe links in seals, not proof that mercury or cortisol caused the measured changes.

## Original sources

- [U.S. Geological Survey](<https://www.usgs.gov/centers/werc/news/mercury-contamination-interacts-stress-hormones-influence-immune-and-endocrine>) — primary announcement
  Source: U.S. Geological Survey · U.S. Geological Survey 2026 · Original report: 2026-11-04T00:11:47.000Z

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