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Study confirms horseshoe crabs are really relatives of spiders, scorpions

A recent study published in Systematic Biology confirms horseshoe crabs belong to the arachnid family tree, challenging previous hypotheses. By analyzing genetic data and considering multiple analysis methods, researchers found a high degree of confidence that horseshoe crabs are part of the arachnid radiation.

Spiders and scorpions have co-opted leg genes to build their heads

Researchers Emily Setton and Prashant Sharma discovered that spiders and scorpions co-opted leg genes to build their heads. This genetic adaptation allows scientists to trace the evolutionary history of these animals, revealing a complex web of genetic mechanisms underlying their diversity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Attacking ground spiders overwhelm victims with sticky silk

Research reveals ground spiders produce exceptionally tough and stretchy silk, but less sticky than other piriform silks, allowing them to ambush prey quickly. The silk's unique properties are adapted to overcome larger prey and arachnids, highlighting the trade-offs in their hunting strategy.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Study takes close look at formidable camel spider jaws

Researchers created a visual atlas and dictionary of terms for camel spider jaws, revealing a single evolutionary origin of the flagellum. The flagellum plays a crucial role in reproduction and is found on the jaws of adult males in most species.

Ancient arachnid brought back to life

Researchers used exceptionally preserved fossils and computer graphics to recreate the most likely walking gait of a 410-million-year-old arachnid. The study, published in the Journal of Paleontology, provides new insights into the evolution of early land animals.

Four-eyed daddy longlegs fossil fills in evolutionary tree

A newly discovered 305-million-year-old fossil fills in the evolutionary tree for primitive harvestmen, providing evidence that they once had two pairs of eyes. This rare find allows scientists to study the anatomy of ancient arachnids in unprecedented detail.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Ancient 'spider' images reveal eye-opening secrets

Researchers have discovered a 305-million-year-old harvestman fossil with two sets of eyes, challenging previous assumptions about the evolutionary history of arachnids. The fossil's exceptional preservation allows scientists to study its anatomy in unprecedented detail.

Spiders suffer from human impact

A recent study published in Biological Conservation found that spider populations are negatively affected by human activities such as habitat fragmentation, fire, and pesticides. The research, which analyzed 173 scientific papers, suggests that spiders are not exempt from the risks caused by human action.

Scientists believe ancient arachnids may have spun silk like modern spiders

Scientists at Ohio State University have found evidence of silk-spinning structures on the fossilized body of an ancient arachnid, called Aphantomartus pustulatus. The finding suggests that silk-spinning has been around for a long time and could provide insights into the early evolution of arachnids and life on land.