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Elegant interplay of coloration strategies is discovered in squid's smart skin

Researchers from Northeastern University and the Marine Biological Laboratory discovered that squid chromatophores use both pigmentary and structural coloration to create dynamic effects. This breakthrough opens up new opportunities for biologists and chemists to better understand cephalopod biology and develop wearable devices or coat...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2019

Cephalopods could become an important food source in the global community

A study published in Frontiers in Communication suggests that cephalopods, including squid, octopus, and cuttlefish, could be an important source of protein for the global community. With their growing population and high nutritional value, cephalopods offer a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateOct 29, 2018

The grim, final days of a mother octopus

A study by neurobiologists at UChicago sheds light on the grim final days of a female octopus after reproduction. The researchers found that the optic gland produces distinct molecular signals that control a mother octopus' behavior, leading to its decline and eventual death.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 25, 2018
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.

Hunting squid slowed by rising carbon levels

Scientists have found that high carbon dioxide levels cause squid to bungle attacks on their prey, leading to a 20% decrease in successful attacks. This effect is observed in two cephalopod orders, pygmy squid and bigfin reef squid, which may have significant consequences for marine ecosystems.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 21, 2018

Hunting squid slowed by rising carbon levels

Scientists have found that high carbon dioxide levels cause squid to bungle attacks on their prey, leading to a 20% decrease in successful hunts. This effect is observed across two cephalopod orders, suggesting that many species may be impacted by rising CO2 levels in the oceans.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 21, 2018

Material mimics 3-D camouflage abilities of an octopus

Researchers have created a 2-D material that can morph into a 3D structure and change color to blend in with its environment. The material mimics the skin of an octopus, featuring erector muscles that rapidly form shapes to achieve camouflage.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2017
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

The courting cephalopods of the East China Sea

Researchers at National Tsing Hua University studied oval squid behavior in the East China Sea, discovering five common patterns of tone signals and movements used for communication. These patterns, compiled into an ethogram, will aid future behavioral studies in cephalopods and other species.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMay 2, 2017

Weird pupils let octopuses see their colorful gardens

Researchers propose that cephalopods' U-shaped or dumbbell-shaped pupils can judge color by accentuating chromatic aberration, allowing them to focus on specific wavelengths. This unique visual system may enable camouflage and mimicry despite being 'colorblind'.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 5, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Camouflage artists, in color

A study by Harvard University scientists suggests that cephalopods can perceive color through chromatic aberration, which allows them to detect different wavelengths of light. This mechanism enables the animals to create vivid camouflage abilities despite being limited to black and white vision.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2016

In changing oceans, cephalopods are booming

A new study reveals that cephalopod populations have consistently increased over the past six decades, with diverse groups exhibiting remarkable long-term trends. The research suggests that cephalopods' rapid growth and adaptability may be key factors behind their proliferation in changing ocean environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2016

Squids on the rise as oceans change

A University of Adelaide study reveals a global increase in cephalopod abundance since the 1950s, with rapid growth and adaptation traits allowing them to thrive in changing ocean environments.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2016
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

'Octopus-like' skin can stretch, sense touch, and emit light

Researchers have developed an 'octopus-like' skin that can stretch, sense pressure, and emit light. The hyperelastic, light-emitting capacitor (HLEC) device outperforms previous models in terms of elasticity and versatility.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 2016

Octopus genome reveals cephalopod secrets

The octopus genome contains widespread rearrangements of genes and a dramatic expansion of genes involved in neuronal development. The research also found novel genes that may be responsible for the creature's unique camouflage abilities.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2015
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Octopus genome sequenced

The California two-spot octopus genome was fully sequenced, revealing widespread genomic rearrangements and a dramatic expansion of genes involved in neuronal development. The findings provide an important foundation for evolutionary studies and deeper investigations into the genetic mechanisms underlying cephalopod-specific traits.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2015

Decoding the genome of an alien

Researchers from OIST, University of Chicago, and UC Berkeley sequence and analyze the first cephalopod genome, unlocking secrets of octopus's intelligent behavior and extraordinary features. The study sheds light on the evolution of cephalopods and their brain development, potentially inspiring robots that can explore the ocean floor.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2015

Unraveling iridescence

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have clarified the mechanism of iridescence in squid skin, revealing that specific sequences of reflectins correlate with color output. The study identifies three major types of reflectins and their roles in static and tunable iridocytes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJul 1, 2015

Seeing without eyes

Researchers found that octopus skin can sense light changes without central nervous system input, using the same opsin proteins as its eyes. This allows for a response to brightness and color, enabling camouflage and communication. The discovery has implications for understanding cephalopod behavior and evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 20, 2015
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Vampire squid discovery shows how little we know of the deep sea

Researchers discovered vampire squid alternate between reproductive and resting phases, a pattern common in fish, not other cephalopods. The slow metabolism suggests longer lifespan than shallow-water squid species, highlighting the need to enhance knowledge of deep-sea organisms.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 20, 2015

How is a Kindle like a cuttlefish

Researchers found that both biological organisms and electronic devices use similar approaches to change reflective colors, but biology outperforms electronics in efficiency, scalability, and sophistication. Human-made technology excels in speed and color range, but lags behind nature's complex adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 26, 2012

Squid ink from Jurassic period identical to modern squid ink, U.Va. study shows

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that melanin, a pigment found in cuttlefish and squid, remains intact in 160-million-year-old fossils. This finding suggests that the ink-screen escape mechanism of cephalopods has not evolved since the Jurassic period.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2012

Mid-ocean creatures control light to avoid becoming snacks

Researchers at Duke University discovered that certain mid-ocean creatures can control their reflection by changing skin pigments in response to blue light. This allows them to avoid predators using searchlights, such as squid and octopuses that use this tactic to catch prey.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 10, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Researchers complete mollusk evolutionary tree

Scientists have pieced together the most comprehensive phylogeny for mollusks, revealing surprising relationships between enigmatic groups. The study places Monoplacophora, thought extinct, as a sister clade to cephalopods, and establishes a single origin for shelled mollusks.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2011

May 2011 Geology highlights

Researchers studied freshwater fish fossils to understand the Neogene water cycle in Central Africa. A study proposed that Nuna was Earth's first supercontinent. Ancient cave systems near the Allgau Mountains preserved the oldest radiometrically dated dripstones known in the European Alps.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateApr 13, 2011

A convincing mimic: Scientists report octopus imitating flounder in the Atlantic

Atlantic longarm octopuses have evolved expert camouflage capabilities, including mimicking the appearance and swimming speed of peacock flounders. Researchers observed uncanny similarities in coloration, form, and movement between the two species, demonstrating an unusual form of disruptive camouflage.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalBiological Bulletin·DateMar 3, 2010
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Tentacles of venom: New study reveals all octopuses are venomous

A new study by researchers from the University of Melbourne and others has found that all octopuses possess venomous capabilities, with a common ancient ancestor producing specialized proteins. The team's findings also highlight the importance of cephalopod venoms in drug development for conditions such as pain management and allergies.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Molecular Evolution·DateApr 14, 2009

Living fossils have long- and short-term memory

Nautilus pompilus demonstrated short-term memory lasting up to an hour before fading away, but remembering it again after 6 hours. The living fossil's memory was comparable to that of modern cephalopods, challenging the assumption that complex brains are necessary for memory.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 30, 2008
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.