Articles tagged with Crustaceans
Researchers describe a new species of land crab that documents the first crab extinction during the human era, likely caused by the arrival of humans to the Hawaiian Islands. The loss of the crab had a significant impact on the ecology of the islands.
Researchers identified a gene responsible for male production during environmental sex determination in Daphnia. The study suggests an ancient connection between genetic and environmental sex determination mechanisms.
The genome sequence of Daphnia pulex, a small freshwater crustacean, has revealed neurotrophins that suggest the nervous system of crustaceans is more complex than previously believed. This finding may have implications for understanding the impact of climate change on crustacean behavior.
Mass trilobite burials record communal behaviors similar to those in modern crustaceans, including molting, mating, and migratory queues. These 'geologic snapshots' preserve life position and molted exoskeletons, providing evidence of rapid burial and minimal disturbance.
A team of scientists discovered that shallow-water shrimp can tolerate extreme pressure and temperature conditions similar to those found in the deep sea. The study used the variable shrimp as a model species, finding it could withstand pressures beyond what would be expected in shallow water.
Two new species of cladocerous crustaceans, Leydigia iberica and Leydigia korovchinskyi, have been discovered in the Iberian Peninsula. These ancient arthropods, dating back to the Permian period, are considered powerful bio-geographic indicators.
A team of BGU researchers has created a unique calcium supplement form that provides higher biological absorption and retention rates. The supplement, derived from unstable calcium carbonate, showed significant benefits in laboratory animals, with improved blood and bone absorption rates.
The waterflea's genetic code has been fully sequenced, revealing a highly gene-packed animal with potential applications in environmental monitoring and biomedical research. The study provides new insights into gene function and disease associations, shedding light on the organism's ability to detect environmental changes.
An international team found that many crustacean families can detect and avoid reef noise, depending on their lifestyle. The study reveals that larvae of crabs and lobsters are attracted by the noise, while others actively avoid it.
Scientists identified a viral infection that causes high mortality among soft-shell crabs, which can result in significant financial losses for Chesapeake Bay watermen. By developing a genome-based technique to detect the virus, researchers aim to help improve the soft shell harvest and bring more profitable products to market.
Researchers have discovered a new species of giant crayfish, Barbicambarus simmonsi, in Tennessee and Alabama, which is at least twice the size of its closest relative. The species was found under rocks in a creek and has distinctive 'bearded' antennae with setae that enhance sensory function.
LSU scientists and an international team discovered the Crab Nebula is flickering due to changes in magnetic fields near its central neutron star. The anomaly has significant implications for astronomers, forcing them to find new ways to calibrate their instruments.
Astronomers have discovered unexpected changes in the Crab Nebula's X-ray emission, revealing it is not as stable as previously thought. The findings indicate the nebula has brightened and faded by up to 3.5% a year since 1999.
The discovery of gamma-ray flares in the Crab Nebula, powered by a rapidly spinning neutron star, challenges current theories on cosmic particle acceleration. The flares were caused by super-charged electrons of up to 10 peta-electron volts, 1,000 times more energetic than any man-made accelerator.
Kent State University geology professors Rodney Feldmann and Carrie Schweitzer report on the discovery of a 360-million-year-old fossil shrimp in Oklahoma. The ancient crustacean's muscles are remarkably well-preserved, providing valuable insights into its evolution.
New 3D modeling of Anomalocaris' mouth parts reveals they were flexible, not hard like teeth. This challenges the long-held idea that it preyed on trilobites with hard shells. The investigation also found no signs of wear on the mouth parts, which further supports a soft-food diet.
Newly published findings reveal king crabs' distribution is influenced by water temperature in the Southern Ocean. The thermal barrier limits their biogeographical distribution, and even small increases in temperature due to global warming could lead to their spread into new areas.
Researchers developed a sensor that uses frog peptides to test for drug and medical device contamination, reducing the need for horseshoe crab blood. The new technology could help save endangered species like the red knot, which relies on horseshoe crabs for food.
USDA-funded scientists in Hawaii have developed new fish feeds using discarded fish parts that can attract shrimp and boost their growth, similar to studies on Alaskan pollock and cod. Researchers are now refining these practical feeds for nutritional balance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety.
Horseshoe crabs, considered living fossils, face population decline due to climate-driven habitat destruction and overharvesting. Their genetic variation reveals sensitivity to natural climate change, posing a significant threat to their survival.
A study using genomics found a clear decline in horseshoe crab populations that parallels climate change, affecting reproduction and distribution. Climate change projections predict further declines, impacting species like Atlantic loggerhead sea turtles and millions of migrating shorebirds.
Researchers found that hormonal changes play a significant role in enabling the crabs to make their journey. The Crustacean Hyperglycaemic Hormone (CHH) enables the efficient use of stored energy and its conversion to glucose to fuel the migration.
By comparing different species and environments, researchers can identify environmental optima and tolerance limits for predicting climate change effects. Tropical porcelain crabs, despite being heat-tolerant, live near their thermal tolerance range and have limited ability to adapt to warmer temperatures.
The Asian shore crab has found a hospitable niche in its new environment, coexisting with native species in the cobbled beach ecosystem. The cordgrass-ribbed mussel environment provides a stable habitat for the crabs, allowing them to thrive without crowding out native species.
Researchers found that hermit crabs gather in groups and queue up for new shells, increasing the chances of finding improved housing. This social behavior is similar to human apartment hunting and can be applied to other animals relying on reusable resources.
A team of researchers has completed a new analysis of the evolutionary relationships among arthropods, providing a solid grasp of what those relationships are. The study makes a major contribution to our understanding of the nature and origins of the planet's biodiversity.
A new study has created a more accurate family tree for arthropods, including insects, crustaceans, and others. The research identified five newly discovered groupings, including remipedes as the closest living relatives of insects.
A research team from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a new method to detect subtle clues to environmental threats affecting blue crabs. By analyzing metabolite levels in blue crab hemolymph using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, they found biomarkers that can identify specific sourc...
Scientists unveil the story of a 4.5 million-year-old whale, shedding light on fossilization and taphonomic processes. The study provides insights into the ecological phases associated with whales in the past.
Four new species of deep-sea king crabs were formally described, expanding the total number of known species to 113. The new discoveries reveal that king crabs are found in most world oceans at depths between 500 and 1500 meters.
In a surprising finding, some marine organisms like crabs, shrimp, and lobsters build more shells when exposed to ocean acidification caused by elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This may be due to the increased availability of dissolved inorganic carbon, which is beneficial for their skeleton formation.
Researchers discovered mantis shrimp eyes can convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light, a crucial function in CD and DVD players. This natural mechanism works across the entire visible spectrum, outperforming human-made quarter-wave plates.
A $453,000 NSF grant is funding a research expedition to investigate the return of predatory crabs to Antarctica due to climate change. The team will use advanced technologies to explore the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas and understand how warming waters are promoting the invasion of these species.
Researchers at McMaster University found that corpses of animals emit the same death stench, produced by specific fatty acids, which repels living relatives of insects. This ancient warning signal may have evolved to avoid disease and predators, with potential applications in pest control and immunity activation.
A Texas A&M-Galveston professor has discovered two new species of marine life, a tiny worm and a poisonous crustacean, in an underwater cave off the coast of North Africa. The team found the creatures deep inside the dark cave, which is believed to have been formed by a volcanic eruption 20,000 years ago.
A team of scientists has discovered a previously unknown species of crustacean, Speleonectes atlantida, in the Tunnel de la Atlantida lava tube on Lanzarote. The new species is morphologically similar to another remipede found in the same cave system and is believed to be an ancient relic isolated from the main Caribbean group.
Researchers at the University of Guam's WPTRC have secured funding from the EPA, USDA, and NOAA to address environmental concerns and improve agricultural practices on the island. The awards aim to develop ecologically sound pest management methods and protect endemic species.
NOAA will participate in a private research expedition to study the impact of the USS Monitor wreck on local marine life. The survey will examine species such as fish, crustaceans, and coral, as well as lionfish, which may be harming the site's ecosystem.
Scientists have developed a new catalyst made from shrimp shells that can convert canola oil to biodiesel more efficiently and with less waste. The new catalyst enables faster and more environmentally friendly production of biodiesel, reducing pollution and minimizing wastewater.
A study found that invasive Atlantic Coast crabs and snails have devastated oyster reefs in Tomales Bay, California, destroying half of the native Olympia oyster population. The invasion has disrupted trophic cascades, causing a loss of critical habitat for marine biodiversity.
A study reveals that king crabs' ability to live in low-temperature waters drove their evolution and spread globally, while also influencing the distribution of other marine species. The research, published in the Journal of Biogeography, highlights the importance of temperature in shaping the biology and ecology of deep-sea creatures.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a mixed-fiber material combining chitosan from crustacean shells with industrial polyester for use in nerve repair. The material shows promise for repairing severed nerves and could be used in other biomedical applications.
Researchers have discovered that crustaceans use resilin springs to simplify brain control of limb movements, allowing for more efficient energy storage and reduced nervous system activity. This unique mechanism enables crabs and crayfish to coordinate their limb movements at an impressive 20 times per second.
Researchers found a surprising tendency for Northern shrimp eggs to hatch and larvae to appear near spring phytoplankton blooms, which are triggered by temperature and sunlight. This timing is strongly dependent on local bottom water temperatures, suggesting that the species has evolved to maximize larval survival.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that snail shells in the Atlantic Ocean have increased in size due to changes in local conditions, such as wave exposure and invasive species
A recent study published in Animal Behaviour has shown that crabs suffer from pain and retain a memory of it. The research found that shocked crabs were more likely to move towards new shells, indicating they recall the experience.
Lobster traps equipped with temperature sensors provide valuable data on ocean circulation and processes in the Gulf of Maine. The eMOLT program, a collaboration between NOAA, lobstermen, and marine science students, aims to improve our understanding of ocean currents, pollution dispersal, and marine life distribution.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have identified a new biomaterial in crab claws that is extremely fracture-resistant and could be used to develop stronger tiny tools and machines. The material, which is rich in bromine, was found to be 1.5 times harder than acrylic glass.
A long-term study reveals that the average weight of red knots has declined significantly since their primary food source, horseshoe crab eggs, was reduced. The population size of red knots has declined by over 75 percent due to increased harvest of horseshoe crabs.
A 390-million-year-old fossil discovery sheds light on the origins of claws in scorpions and horseshoe crabs. The specimen, Schinderhannes bartelsi, features a head with large eyes, paired grasping appendages, and wing-like limbs, providing insights into the evolution of these unique structures.
Climate change is causing Antarctic sea life to face an invasion of predatory king crabs and exotic species, potentially devastating the region's unique ecosystem. Rising temperatures are allowing these species to expand their habitats, disrupting delicate ecological relationships and putting the world's last truly wild places at risk.
This issue of BioScience explores strategies for managing biological resources, including optimizing forest responses to climate change. The journal also examines the ecological roles of mesocarnivores and the impact of mercury contamination on sport fish in the Northeastern United States.
Researchers are fitting lobsters with transmitters to track their migrations year-round, providing more accurate information about juvenile lobster sources and interactions between populations. The study aims to improve management of the economically valuable fishery, allowing lobsters to remain a staple in New England cuisine.
A new study from Texas Christian and Louisiana State universities finds that shrimp trawling operations in the Gulf of Mexico are linked to higher levels of toxic mercury in juvenile red snappers. The research demonstrates a clear relationship between mercury concentrations and coastal areas where commercial shrimp trawling occurs.
A comprehensive study on Puerto Rico's freshwater fish species has been conducted by NC State researchers, identifying key features that support native populations and distinguishing those susceptible to invasion. The study aims to inform conservation efforts and management decisions for the island's fisheries.
Fiddler crabs grow weak and puny 'cheap' claws that deceive rivals about their fighting ability, highlighting the widespread nature of dishonesty in animal communication. The study sheds light on how animals like fiddler crabs bluff their way to survival and reproductive success.
A new Cornell University study found that climate change is driving rapid ecosystem shifts in the North Atlantic, with cold Arctic waters flowing south and altering species distributions and food chains. The study reports counterintuitive findings, including northern species moving southward as temperatures rise.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have successfully grown blue crabs in freshwater ponds, showing that they can thrive in these environments. The method has the potential to provide a sustainable source of crabs while reducing pressure on coastal populations.
Genetic mutations and lower growth rates found among crustaceans in Parramatta River due to heavy metal exposure, suggesting permanent negative impacts on species fertility and survival. Researchers used a sensitive test organism, Melita plumulosa, to assess toxicity of marine sediments.
A 50-year analysis of Narragansett Bay fish-trawl surveys reveals a shift from vertebrate to invertebrate species and from benthic to pelagic species composition. The study attributes this change primarily to global warming, with smaller, warm-water species increasing while larger, cool-water species declining.