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Location matters: For invasive aquatic species, it's better to start upstream

Researchers found that invasive species like the European green crab may have a major advantage when starting at the upstream edge of their range, particularly in environments with strong prevailing directions of water or wind currents. This can help inform control efforts and conservation strategies for native species.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2011

Ben-Gurion U. research leads to improved calcium supplement derived from crustacean shells

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.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 17, 2011

Blue crab research may help Chesapeake Bay watermen improve soft shell harvest

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.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalDiseases of Aquatic Organisms·DateJan 24, 2011

Researchers discover giant crayfish species right under their noses

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the Biological Society of Washington·DateJan 19, 2011

Marine lab hunts subtle clues to environmental threats to blue crabs

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 discover new species of crustacean on Lanzarote

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.

SourceSpringer·JournalMarine Biodiversity·DateAug 24, 2009

Evolution: Crabs go deep to avoid hot water

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.

SourceNational Oceanography Centre, UK·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJul 2, 2009

Lobster traps going high tech

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.

SourceNOAA National Marine Fisheries Service·JournalJournal of Operational Oceanography·DateMar 9, 2009

Origin of claws seen in 390-million-year-old fossil

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.

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateFeb 5, 2009