Articles tagged with Aquatic Animals
Researchers have gained a better understanding of mosasaur evolution, relationships, and behaviors through advanced imaging technologies and comparative anatomy. A new study found evidence of cannibalism in mosasaurs and illuminated patterns of foraging area segregation and feeding diversity.
Virginia Tech researchers successfully tagged a young Mediterranean shortfin mako shark, gathering valuable data on its movements and habitat usage. The shark traveled over 750 miles in 54 days, suggesting that protecting nursery areas may not be enough to prevent its decline.
The LabEmbryoCam is a robotic instrument that autonomously monitors embryonic development in aquatic species, providing insights into how environmental conditions impact early life stages. The open-source instrument enables scientists to track key features such as heart rate and growth in large numbers of embryos simultaneously.
A study by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi revealed the presence of fentanyl and other pharmaceuticals in Gulf of Mexico dolphins. The findings suggest potential human health risks due to the dolphins' consumption of contaminated fish and shrimp.
Researchers discovered that sea anemones reshape their entire bodies to maintain the same overall form after injury, contrary to other regenerating animals. This process involves molecular changes across the body, including the activation of metalloproteases, to restore proportionate shape and function.
Researchers in New Zealand recorded repeating, quack-like sounds in the '80s that were likely a conversation between multiple animals. The sounds, known as Bio-Duck, have never been conclusively identified despite theories that they may be made by Antarctic Minke whales.
Researchers from UC Riverside have identified the oldest known ecdysozoan, Uncus dzaugisi, dating back to the Precambrian period. This discovery fills a significant gap in understanding the origins of this diverse animal group, which includes nematodes, arthropods, and scalidophora.
A new study led by Arizona State University researcher Michael Lynch explores the substantial energy demands required to maintain and evolve multicellular life. Multicellular organisms require a tenfold increase in energy compared to protists, highlighting how respiration and metabolic processes are crucial for advanced life forms.
Researchers have discovered two previously unknown bacterial species in deep-sea corals from the Gulf of Mexico. These bacteria have extremely reduced genomes and lack the ability to break down carbohydrates, surviving on amino acids instead. The discovery provides insights into the unique adaptations of deep-sea organisms.
A mathematical model developed by researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University predicts how the environment affects the life choices of salmon, revealing a complex impact on population evolution. The model correctly forecasts changes in migration patterns in response to environmental conditions, shedding light on eco-evolutionary respo...
A new study by University of Texas at Arlington researchers found that living with symbiotic algae weakens the immune system of jellyfish, making them more vulnerable to infections. This finding has important implications for coral reef conservation and human disease prevention.
Researchers found that Weddell seals strategically conduct extreme dives earlier in the day to maximize their oxygen stores and foraging success. By avoiding midday dives, the seals can spend more time underwater, taking advantage of high-light conditions, which is ideal for visual hunting.
A team of researchers has directly measured the behavioral responses of dolphins to military sonar, finding that they are sensitive to sound levels orders of magnitude lower than previously predicted. The study reveals unexpected behaviors, including fine-scale changes in movement and changes in group configurations.
A research team, led by Francesco Ferretti, located signs of white sharks at four sites in the Sicilian Channel, a stronghold of the endangered species. The team used improved methods and technologies, including eDNA sampling and camera traps, to detect the presence of the sharks.
A new study by Duke University finds that deep-diving whales confuse plastic debris with prey items, as its acoustic signature mimics squid. Researchers tested various types of plastic trash and found strong similarities in their acoustic signals compared to whale prey, highlighting the need for more sustainable materials.
Carl-Philipp Heisenberg, a developmental biologist, has received a five-year €1M NOMIS grant to investigate the role of cytokinesis in early embryo development. His research aims to challenge the current understanding and uncover the mechanisms that shape complex life forms.
Research finds that low stream diatom biodiversity on islands may decrease oxygen production due to reduced biodiversity. This could have implications for freshwater ecosystems and the animals that depend on them. The study examines how island location, age, and distance from continents affect diatom diversity and oxygen levels.
A study from Goethe University Frankfurt reveals that venomous crustaceans, specifically remipede crabs in Mexican cenote caves, contain a variety of toxins with pharmacological potential. The xibalbines peptides effectively inhibit potassium channels and activate signaling pathways involved in pain sensitization.
Researchers found that geckos utilize the saccule, a part of their inner ear traditionally linked to balance, to detect low-frequency vibrations. This 'sixth sense' plays a complementary role in the geckos' normal hearing and sensory perception.
Researchers discovered that sea robins' legs are covered in sensory papillae with taste receptors, allowing them to detect and uncover food. The findings reveal an ancient gene controlling leg development and sensory organ formation, shedding light on the evolution of complex traits in wild organisms.
The study reveals that sea robin legs are sensitive to both mechanical and chemical stimuli, and are covered in papillae similar to human taste buds. The research provides new insights into the evolution of this unique trait, which could offer clues about how humans developed bipedalism.
The study found a recent reversal of fortunes in the Adriatic Sea, with populations of marine predators and their prey plummeting and being replaced by a single species. The researchers used seafloor environments to determine interactions between species, showing a decline in biodiversity and excess nutrients.
A new study of 21,000 marine animals reveals that even pristine habitats are at risk due to human activities and climate change. The research highlights the impact of cumulative human stressors on global marine fauna, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that the public only discovers 58% of decoy dolphin carcasses, suggesting a higher number may be dying but not reported. The results point to habitats where staff should focus their efforts and highlight the importance of accurate estimates for understanding cause-specific deaths.
A new study reveals a deep-sea isopod that consumes Sargassum algae sinking from the ocean's surface, showing how closely connected the surface and deep oceans are. The isopod uses specialized adaptations to feed on this sunken source of nutrients.
A new study reveals that breeding queen conch populations within a protected marine reserve in The Bahamas sustain populations beyond the borders of the reserve. The research identifies where additional protections could help ensure the survival of future generations.
The peach blossom jellyfish, an invasive species from China, has been spotted in 34 locations in B.C., with predictions suggesting sightings and locations will increase by the end of the decade. The jellyfish clones are effectively identical, having originated from the same polyp or cluster of polyps.
A team of experts discovered a dugongine sea cow attacked by an ancient crocodile and tiger shark, shedding light on prehistoric food chains. The fossils showed signs of both active predation and scavenging, providing new insights into the region's food chain networks during the Miocene epoch.
Researchers found a choanoflagellate harboring its own microbiome, forming colonies that enclose bacteria and exhibiting a unique symbiotic relationship. This discovery sheds light on the origin of interactions between animals and bacteria in ancient oceans.
Researchers discovered that solitary humpback whales in SE Alaska craft complex bubble nets to catch krill, allowing them to capture up to seven times more prey without extra energy. This behavior sheds light on how migratory humpback whales consume enough calories to traverse the Pacific Ocean.
A deadly marine cone snail's venom contains a toxin that interacts with human cells in a specific manner, regulating blood sugar levels and hormone balance. This discovery may lead to the design of more effective drugs for treating diabetes and endocrine disorders.
Researchers at University of Tsukuba have achieved the first successful lab rearing of Hypselodoris festiva, revealing a previously unknown growth process. The study describes nine stages of development, from metamorphosis to adulthood, and provides a reference for further research on Chromodorididae species.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered a new species of starfish off the coast of Japan, shedding light on the country's marine biodiversity. The newly named Paragonaster hoeimaruae is a distinctive red and beige color with five arms and spans over 10 centimeters.
Researchers found that rotifers acquire genes from bacteria and produce resistance weapons, such as antibiotics and antimicrobial agents. The team's findings suggest that rotifers could give important clues in the hunt for new antibiotics to treat human infections.
A UCF biologist has compiled a database of animal DNA to study the presence of magnetic bacteria, which may aid in navigation and conservation. The database contains hundreds of millions of genetic sequences showing the presence of various types of magnetic bacteria.
A new study reveals the crucial roles of fish and invertebrates in coral reef health, including nutrient boosting and predator protection. However, parasitic snails and destructive crab species also pose a threat to these vital ecosystems.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil and hydrocarbon gases, affecting an area of 1,100 square miles, nearly nine times larger than earlier studies. Biodiversity loss among harpacticoid copepods declined dramatically due to the spill.
Researchers found that Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales, a subset of the Eastern North Pacific population, have been getting smaller since around 2000. This decline could have major consequences for their health and reproductive success, and also raises alarm bells about the state of the food web.
A Bronze Age purple dye workshop has been found on the Greek island of Aegina, featuring tools, ceramics, and snail shells that reveal the production process. The site provides insights into Mycenaean culture and trade during the Late Bronze Age.
A new method developed by researchers at Florida Atlantic University and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center improves the accuracy of acoustic tracking in marine animals. The method uses a movement model to reconstruct animal tracks, even in regions with uneven receiver coverage.
Researchers have solved the mystery of shipworms' ability to digest lignin, a tough wood substance. A population of symbiotic microbes in the typhlosole sub-organ produces enzymes that break down lignin, with potential practical applications in biotech and significant impacts on climate change and human health.
A team of researchers led by Virginia Tech's Shuhai Xiao discovered a 550 million-year-old sea sponge that challenges previous theories about its evolution. The fossil, found in China, suggests that early sponges may have had soft-bodied skeletons and only later developed mineralized structures.
A Texas A&M-led team has created the first global map of seafloor biodiversity activity, uncovering key environmental factors that drive burrowing animals' activities and ecosystem health. The research highlights the critical role these animals play in regulating carbon, nutrient, and biogeochemical cycles.
The study explores how different cell division strategies have evolved across organisms, finding a link between life cycle stages and mitotic strategies. Species with multinucleate stages tend to use closed mitosis, while those with mononucleate stages employ open mitosis.
Scientists have discovered that different modes of cell division used by animals and fungi may have evolved to support diverse life cycles. A study using Ichthyosporea as a model found that certain species use closed mitosis while others use open mitosis, shedding light on the evolutionary origins of these processes.
Researchers have found that phytoplankton biomass in Narragansett Bay declined by 49% from 1968 to 2019, with the winter-spring bloom occurring earlier each year. The decrease in phytoplankton levels may indicate resilience in the face of climate change.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered that salps, gelatinous marine animals, use coordinated jet propulsion to swim through the ocean in giant corkscrew shapes. This unusual locomotion could inspire new designs for efficient underwater vehicles and may even enable silent and less turbulent navigation.
Researchers have identified over 2000 protein-coding genes that change significantly between summer and winter in the starfish's reproductive process. This study provides a promising breakthrough in understanding how crown-of-thorns starfish communicate during reproduction, which could lead to the development of natural pest control me...
A young sperm whale's long-range migration across the Mediterranean poses significant threats to its survival due to busy straits and pollution. The study demonstrates the need for targeted protection at key locations to safeguard marine life in the region.
Researchers analyzed genome of Oikopleura dioica, finding it has wildly different languages despite identical physical characteristics. The 'scrambling' phenomenon suggests genes are regulated differently, challenging assumptions about species identity.
Mantis shrimp use their tail coils as shields to reduce the impact of rival blows, dissipated more energy than their armor can absorb. Researchers found that this behavioral adaptation increases energy loss by up to 90%
Scientists have discovered a previously unknown population of the Australian brook lamprey, an ancient and endangered species, in Queensland. The find expands the species' geographic range into truly tropical waters, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect this unusual fish.
A comprehensive analysis of over 200 scientific articles reveals the fundamental importance of scavengers and carrion in wetlands, benefiting soil, plants, birds, and mammals. The study highlights five different functions performed by scavengers during carrion consumption, including nutrient recycling and pathogen control.
A new study suggests that incorporating seafood rich in umami, such as fish and shellfish, into vegetable dishes can boost their flavor and make them more appealing. The research uses a mathematical equation to calculate the umami content of various seafood options, finding that even small amounts can greatly enhance the taste.
Researchers at University of Florida discovered a Florida bottlenose dolphin infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), the first reported case in a mammal in North America. The team analyzed tissue samples and confirmed the presence of HPAI A(H5N1) virus subtype 2.3.4.4b.
Researchers have identified cocaine as a contaminant of concern in the Bay of Santos' water, sediments, and marine organisms. The drug causes toxicological effects in animals such as mussels, oysters, and fish, with severe bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological risks.
A new tagging method, Bioadhesive Interface for Marine Sensors (BIMS), provides a rapid, non-invasive way to track marine animal movements and behaviors. BIMS uses a soft hydrogel-based adhesive that forms strong bonds with animal tissues, allowing for long-term monitoring of fragile species.
High levels of plastic pollution can kill the embryos of a wide range of ocean animals, preventing healthy development in all seven tested species. This study highlights the
Researchers found DNA traces of placozoans in the stomachs of predatory snails that live in seabed sediments, contradicting previous theories. The discovery indicates a more diverse genetic makeup than previously thought, with five genetically distinct lineages identified in just two snails.
A team of Australian scientists has developed a step-by-step guide to ageing octopus, using growth rings on beaks and stylets to validate age. This tool helps estimate growth rates, reproduction, and maturity, ensuring sustainable fisheries and conservation.