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Maryland scientists crack blue crab’s genetic code

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science has sequenced the genome of the blue crab, revealing approximately 24,000 genes and a genome length that is one third of the human genome. This breakthrough will aid in fisheries policies, aquaculture, and potentially track food source origins.

Ageing the unageable: UEA researchers develop new way to age lobsters

Scientists at UEA have identified a way to determine the age of lobsters using DNA. The method is based on quantifying DNA changes that accumulate with age within a lobster. This breakthrough could help manage lobster fisheries more sustainably by providing accurate estimates of lobster ages.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New fossils show what the ancestral brains of arthropods looked like

Rare fossils from the Cambrian period confirm the presence of an ancestral frontal domain in arthropods, which gives rise to crucial neural centers involved in decision-making and memory. The discovery also sheds new light on the evolutionary origin of visual systems in arthropods.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Loss of biodiversity in streams threatens vital biological process

The study found that streams with high detritivore diversity have higher rates of decomposition, but also discovered that the loss of these organisms can slow down this process. The researchers concluded that if detritivores continue to decline, ecosystems will struggle to sustain life due to reduced nutrient recycling.

Unusual currents explain mysterious red crab strandings

New research suggests abnormal ocean currents, rather than temperature changes, cause the occasional appearance of pelagic red crabs outside their native range. A seawater flow index was created to help researchers detect abnormal currents, providing a tool for understanding climate change and its effects on coastal species.

Cooked crustaceans, cannabis and a budder way

A study by University of California San Diego researchers found that lobsters can absorb vaporized THC through their gills and exhibit reduced locomotor activity. However, the effects on detection of hot water stimuli were minimal, leaving it unclear whether this constitutes feeling pain.

A new type of supernova illuminates an old mystery

A worldwide team of scientists has found evidence for a new type of stellar explosion - electron-capture supernovae. The discovery sheds new light on the thousand-year mystery of the supernova from A.D. 1054.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

New, third type of supernova observed

Astronomers have confirmed the existence of a new type of supernova, electron capture supernova, through observations of SN 2018zd. The discovery confirms a prediction made four decades ago and provides new insights into the life and death of stars.

Fossil research shows woodlice cousins roamed Ireland 360 million years ago

A new fossil analysis published in Biology Letters reveals that woodlice cousins, Oxyuropoda, existed on Irish land 360 million years ago. The study uses modern imaging technology to recreate the image of this ancient creature, providing insight into the evolution of crustaceans and their colonization of land.

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.

Social structure and genome size in snapping shrimps

A study found that social behavior in snapping shrimps influences genome size, with eusocial species having larger genomes and more transposable elements. Genome size varies widely between species and is generally unrelated to complexity.

Snowflake morays can feed on land, swallow prey without water

A new study shows that snowflake morays can grab and swallow prey on land thanks to an extra set of jaws in their throats, allowing them to utilize different environments for food resources. This unique feeding mechanism enables at least one species of moray to feed on land without relying on water.

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.

Being social generates larger genomes in snapping shrimp

A study by Columbia University researchers found that eusocial snapping shrimp have larger genomes due to an accumulation of 'jumping' genes called transposable elements. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the relationship between genome evolution and social behavior in various species, including humans.

Researchers create leather-like material from silk proteins

Tufts University researchers develop a silk-based leather material with similar texture and flexibility to real leather, using sustainable sources and environmentally friendly chemical processes. The material can be printed into various patterns and textures and is biodegradable.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Mantis shrimp larvae punch just like Ma and Pa

Researchers discover that mantis shrimp larvae can unleash powerful punches as little as 9 days after hatching, with limb accelerations reaching blistering speeds. The tiny creatures' appendages operate similarly to those of adult mantis shrimp, but scaled down, and can hurl the limb at rotational speeds of ~16,500deg/s.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Baby mantis shrimp don't pull their punches

Larval mantis shrimp display impressive accelerations despite being smaller than expected, highlighting the limitations of theoretical models. Their transparent exoskeletons allow researchers to study the inner workings of their spring-latch mechanisms.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

When 'eradicated' species bounce back with a vengeance

A study led by University of California, Davis found that invasive European green crabs increased 30-fold after 90% were removed from a California estuary. The explosion was due to cannibalization of younger individuals by adult decapod crustacea.

How does a crustacean become a crab?

Researchers at Harvard University found that the crab-like body plan evolved at least five times independently in both true crabs (Brachyura) and false crabs (Anomura). The team also discovered that the crab-like body plan has been lost at least seven times in a process called decarcinization. This study provides insights into the evol...

Mantis shrimp inspires new breed of light sensors

Researchers developed a new optical sensor that mimics the mantis shrimp's eye, enabling simultaneous hyperspectral and polarimetric imaging. The SIMPOL sensor can detect spectral features 10 times narrower than typical sensors, opening doors to organic electronic sensing technologies.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Could a common barnacle help find missing persons lost at sea?

Researchers have developed equations to estimate the time an object has spent drifting at sea and plot possible drift paths of a missing boat. By analyzing the growth rate of Lepas anserifera attached to the object, scientists can narrow down the search area and find missing persons more efficiently.

Managing crab and lobster catches could offer long-term benefits

Researchers found that managing pot fishing intensity at an optimum level increases quality of catch, benefits environment, and makes industry more sustainable. The study provides evidence of a 'threshold' for pot fishing intensity, highlighting compatibility with marine conservation when managed correctly.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The spillover effect

New research reveals that marine reserves can increase fish catches by 225% and enhance the fishery, contrary to long-held skepticism. By providing a refuge for stock rebuilding and spillover into nearby waters, MPAs lead to improved catch rates.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Dungeness crab fishing industry response to climate shock

Researchers studied the impact of a marine heatwave-associated harmful algal bloom on Dungeness crab fishing communities. They found that 71% of vessels temporarily left the industry, but those who adapted by participating in other fisheries or moving to more favorable locations were better resilient.

Bait and switch

A study by Arizona State University found that approximately 3.4% to 4.3% of consumed seafood is mislabeled, with substituted species coming from fisheries performing worse in terms of population impacts 86% of the time.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

How seaweed-munching crabs could help save coral reefs

Researchers found that introducing native herbivorous crabs to coral reefs in the Florida Keys led to rapid declines in seaweed cover and returned small corals and fishes. The crabs improve habitat conditions for corals and fishes, providing a new tool for reef restoration.

Nuclear war could take a big bite out of the world's seafood

A new study reveals that a nuclear war could lead to significant losses in wild-caught seafood, potentially rivaling the impacts of climate change on fisheries. The team estimates that a large-scale nuclear conflict could reduce seafood production by as much as 30%, with potential losses of tens of millions of tons per year.

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.

Secrets of 'smasher shrimp' property ladder revealed

Mantis shrimps surveyed burrows before evicting rivals, with the ideal burrow size found to be a balance between being large enough to fit into and small enough to block entry. The species, known for their powerful strikes, compromise on burrow size when faced with occupied homes.

Global 'BiteMap' reveals how marine food webs may change with climate

A new study maps the appetites of coastal predators, showing that rising temperatures can shape entire communities of predators and alter biodiversity. The global 'BiteMap' was created using handmade squid baits called 'squid pops,' which were used to entice fish and crabs to reveal their feeding patterns.

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.

Triggerfish learns to catch more diverse food

A titan triggerfish was observed catching a Red Sea ghost crab in shallow water without beaching itself. This unique behavior highlights the fish's ability to learn and adapt its feeding strategy.

Crabs are key to ecology and economy in Oman

The article highlights the importance of crabs in Oman's ecology and economy, with Barr Al Hikman nature reserve being a crucial nursery ground for numerous crab species. The research shows that millions of crabs inhabit the reserve, providing food for hundreds of thousands of birds.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.