Articles tagged with Crustaceans
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a new way animals can modify their vision, found in the photoreceptors of larval mantis shrimp. The structure resembles a human-made optical device and may help the mantis shrimp larvae see bioluminescence.
A study by the University of Bonn found that parasitic worms, such as Pomphorhynchus laevis, use bright orange coloring to attract specific host fish like barbels and sticklebacks. This strategy increases infection rates in these species, which are suitable for the parasite's reproduction.
Researchers at the University of Bristol discovered that fiddler crabs separate polarisation and brightness channels to detect approaching objects. This method provides a greater range of information for the crab, with polarisation offering a more reliable source of information than brightness in detecting predators.
Researchers predict that warmer winters in the Chesapeake Bay will lead to longer and more productive blue crab seasons. As water temperatures rise, blue crabs' overwinter survival is expected to increase by at least 20%, potentially extending their season year-round.
A new study found that seismic air gun signals can damage the sensory organs and righting reflexes of rock lobsters. The research, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B, reveals that exposure to these signals can cause lasting harm to lobsters' statocysts and ability to function in the wild.
A new study finds that restricting inshore potting for crab and lobster within marine protected areas generates a win-win for both fishermen and the environment. Crab caught in low-potting areas were found to be heavier than those caught in areas with medium-high potting levels or unfished control areas.
The Tibet ASgamma experiment has discovered the highest energy gamma rays ever observed from an astrophysical source, exceeding 450 TeV. The most energetic gamma rays were produced by interaction between high-energy electrons and cosmic microwave background radiation.
Shrimp fed on acidic algae exhibited 63% female population, while those on normal pH had 36% females. Algal growth was correlated with CO2 levels in acidic waters, disrupting ocean's ecological balance.
A new study found that biomedical bleeding can reduce spawning activity and alter biological rhythms in female horseshoe crabs, potentially impacting reproduction and population levels. The research suggests that the recovery from bleeding may also affect energy allocation towards spawning.
Researchers discovered a material inspired by the mantis shrimp's telson, absorbing significant amounts of energy during a strike without falling apart. The team is working to incorporate this technology into protective gear and building infrastructure.
Research by David Kisailus and Pablo Zavattieri reveals the telson's secret, unlocking a helicoidal structure that prevents cracks from growing and dissipates energy. The study finds that the telson's carinae ridges stiffen it along its axis while flexing inward when forces are applied perpendicular to its long axis.
Researchers found that the mere presence of Dikerogammarus villosus can reduce the effectiveness of its prey, causing them to expend more energy avoiding the predator. This phenomenon, known as a non-consumptive effect (NCE), has major localized effects on river ecosystems and may impact their recovery following perturbation.
A study by Kyoto University reveals that chimpanzees habitually catch and consume freshwater crabs, suggesting a year-round source of protein and salts for females and growing juveniles. This finding sheds light on human evolution and the diverse diets of our closest genetic relatives.
Researchers observed chimpanzees in Guinea catching and eating fresh-water crabs year-round, regardless of fruit availability. Crab consumption was more common among female chimps and their offspring, suggesting it provides essential nutrients like fatty acids.
Researchers found that shore crabs from mudflats closely match the appearance of the mud they live on, while those in rock pools rely on high-contrast patterns to break up their outline. This study contributes to understanding why shore crabs are so diverse.
A new study finds radioactive carbon from nuclear bomb tests has reached the deepest parts of the ocean, contaminating crustaceans' muscle tissues and affecting their longevity. The study suggests human pollution can quickly enter the food web and make its way to the deep ocean.
Marine invertebrates' vision is highly sensitive to oxygen levels, with reduced oxygen causing 60-100% vision loss. Most species recover visual function when oxygen levels are restored.
A red-shouldered hawk was observed attacking and dismembering a ghost crab on a South Carolina beach. The incident is the first documented case of a raptor consuming any species of crab in North America.
Chemical engineers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a system that mimics feeding, fighting, and fleeing responses in microbial particles. The system uses catalyst-coated sheets to create chemical gradients, allowing particles to respond to their environment and interact with each other.
A new fossil crab species, Callichimaera perplexa, has been discovered, challenging our understanding of evolution and revealing a unique body form. The species has characteristics similar to crab larvae, with adults exhibiting disproportionately large eyes and oar-like legs that are the oldest record of adaptations for swimming.
Researchers found a new species of 90-95 million-year-old crab fossil with multiple marine arthropod characteristics, showcasing an unusual branch on the crustacean tree of life. The exceptional preservation allowed detailed reconstruction and 3D-printer-ready models.
Callichimaera perplexa is the earliest known swimming arthropod with paddle-like legs since the extinction of sea scorpions. Its unique appearance, including large compound eyes and bent claws, suggests that it may have evolved through heterochrony, a process where larval traits are retained in miniaturized adults.
A new study challenges the idea that substituting fishmeal with plant ingredients is environmentally friendly, finding it may shift pressures to land-based food production systems. The research suggests a paradigm shift is needed in thinking around aquafeed ingredient sustainability.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new method of underwater plasma generation using a snapping shrimp's claw, producing jets of plasma reaching over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This discovery could provide significant improvements for actions ranging from water sterilization to drilling.
Scientists used fossil and modern whale barnacles to reconstruct the movements of ancient humpback and grey whales. The study found that summer-breeding and winter-feeding migrations have been a consistent part of these whales' way of life for hundreds of thousands of years.
A new SDSU study reveals that California sheephead and spiny lobsters play a crucial role in controlling sea urchin populations in Southern California kelp forests. The research provides valuable insights into the complex predator-prey relationships in these ecosystems, which are essential for maintaining the health of kelp forests.
During the 2014-16 marine heatwave, an unprecedented 37 tropical species were documented in California and Oregon, with many having never been seen so far north before. This shift is attributed to warmer ocean temperatures, which allowed southern species to track northward, adapting to climate change.
Researchers found that mangrove fiddler crab burrows change the surrounding sediment, attracting bacteria with similar functions across three locations. This effect, known as bioturbation, influences environmental processes such as carbon and nutrient fluxes in mangrove ecosystems.
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.
A group of tanner crabs have been found to feed on methane-eating bacteria and archaea at a methane seep off the coast of British Columbia. This discovery has significant implications for climate change, as methane seeps may provide an important energy source for seafloor-dwelling species.
Researchers discovered the lobster membrane is surprisingly tough and stretchy, making it a potential guide for designing flexible body armor. The membrane's layered structure, similar to plywood, provides exceptional strength and resistance to scratches and cuts, outperforming industrial rubber composites.
Researchers from Université de Genève and NCCR in Chemical Biology create probes inspired by lobster cooking to visualize physical forces in action, enabling imaging of forces within organelles like mitochondria. This breakthrough allows scientists to study mechanobiology and revolutionize life sciences.
Resident sand fiddler crabs prevail when challenged by intruders due to a home advantage in claw pinching strength. The researchers found that residents only need strength to win contests, while intruders require both strength and stamina.
Researchers investigate the impact of skill levels on animal contests, focusing on hermit crab behavior. They aim to understand factors that influence fighting skill and its relationship with aggression, which can have implications for sports science and human training.
A WCS study finds Tropical Cyclone Winston damaged homes and fisheries in Fiji, with mud crab fisheries particularly vulnerable. The cyclone led to a significant decline in catch rates and local consumption of crabs, affecting women fishers who rely on them for income.
Researchers found that three Daphnia species had distinct roots for settling in Northern Eurasia, shedding light on continental freshwater fauna formation. Genetic analysis revealed differences between populations and the approximate time of their divergence, with one species spreading quickly across the region.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology discovered how transcription factors AGAMOUS and CRABS CLAW bind to the YUC4 gene, regulating plant hormone auxin synthesis. This epigenetic regulation is crucial for proper flower formation and gynoecium development.
Researchers studying gribble, a small marine crustacean, have discovered that their digestive system holds the key to converting wood into low-carbon fuel. Hemocyanins, proteins found in the crustaceans' blood, enable the breakdown of lignin, allowing for more efficient sugar release from wood.
Two NUS studies examine the relationship between a crab spider and its pitcher plant host, revealing that when resources are scarce, this partnership is beneficial. The research suggests that under stressful conditions, mutualism increases in frequency and intensity, supporting the idea that a 'friend in need' can be beneficial for all...
A Chalmers University of Technology project has shown that process waters from the seafood industry contain valuable nutrients, such as proteins and micronutrients, which can be recycled and used in food or aquaculture feed. The research team recovered up to 98% of protein and 99% of omega-3 rich fats from these waters.
A recent study found that frequent disturbances to kelp forests can significantly impact marine life, leading to a decrease in commercially desirable fish and shellfish. The experiment suggests that increasing storm frequency could dramatically alter the ratios and types of sea life along the California coastline.
The study reveals that sand crabs build narrow burrows to prevent collapse, with the upper limit of stable burrow widths being around 5 cm. The researchers also found that cometary pits have a similar lower size limit, suggesting that both are governed by the same principle: the mechanics of cohesive granular matter.
A new study estimates that climate change will force about 200,000 coastal farmers in Bangladesh to migrate inland due to rising sea levels and salty soil. The study found that farmers who convert from rice to seafood farming can expect a significant increase in crop revenue, but many cannot afford the conversion on a large scale.
Researchers discovered a unique bioceramic saddle structure in the mantis shrimp's limbs that stores elastic energy without breaking. The structure consists of two layers with different materials, allowing it to withstand large forces and enable rapid raptorial strikes.
A Rutgers study reveals that the body structures of blue crab larvae significantly impact their ability to survive. Contrary to an initial assumption, the study found no correlation between a mother's size and her offspring's larval characteristics.
Researchers from the University of Stirling used European Union data to assess the risk of imported farmed shrimp, finding it to be comparable to other seafood products. The study analyzed 18 years of data and found that consumers would need to eat over 300g of shrimp per day to exceed safe limits for antimicrobials.
Researchers created a new camera inspired by mantis shrimp vision, improving dynamic range up to 10,000 times higher than commercial cameras. The camera detects light polarization and can spot hazards three times farther away than color cameras used on cars today.
Researchers found that the peppermint shrimp outperformed other species in a set of experiments, reducing parasite infection by 87% and targeting environmental stages. This discovery provides a viable candidate for a natural biocontrol agent to combat parasites in aquaculture industries.
Researchers at James Cook University found that shrimp clean parasites from injured fish without aggravating their injuries. The interaction between cleaner shrimp and client fish also reduces stress levels, potentially increasing the fish's ability to heal.
The study found that warmer temperatures and earlier springs lead to an increase in epizootic shell disease, which can cause a 70% mortality rate in infected lobsters. Disease prevalence doubles during early-molting years and correlates strongly with summer heat.
Researchers found that periwinkles have developed a genetic toolkit with specific genes clustered on three chromosomes to help them adapt to environments threatened by crabs and waves. This rapid adaptation is thought to have occurred within 5,000 generations, enabling the snails to survive in rapidly changing coastal habitats.
Researchers found a close relationship between two species of blind cave shrimp in Israel and Italy, with genetic analysis revealing a common ancestor. The study suggests that the unique conditions in the caves led to a slowdown in evolutionary changes.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have created a material derived from crab shells and tree fibers that can replace flexible plastic packaging. The new material shows up to a 67% reduction in oxygen permeability compared to traditional PET packaging, making it a promising alternative for food preservation.
New research on the Neohelice granulata crab reveals that it combines visual information from both eyes to track moving targets. This complex binocular processing may be essential for capturing prey and interacting with other crabs.
A recent study maps the global trade routes for lobster, revealing that a growing number of nations are acting as middlemen, making it difficult to trace seafood origins and anticipate market demand changes. The Asian market, particularly China, appears to be significantly larger than previously thought, putting Maine's industry at risk.
The unique properties of horseshoe crab blood make it invaluable for drug and safety testing, but over-harvesting poses significant risks to the species' health and ecosystem. Alternative tests and conservation strategies are needed to ensure a sustainable supply.
A team of researchers from Purdue University has found that twisting cracks in certain animal materials make them incredibly strong and resistant to failure. This phenomenon, observed in the mantis shrimp's club, is now being replicated in new composite materials.
A new study reveals how cleaner shrimp partner with would-be predators by waving their antennae and using color changes to convey a willingness to clean. This exchange is based on truth in advertising, with both parties benefiting from the interaction.
Researchers discovered that Caribbean rock mantis shrimp specifically target the most fragile regions of snail shells to gain access. They can adapt their strategy based on the shell's shape and size.
A new study urges a more proactive conservation management strategy for North Atlantic right whales due to declining calf births and shifting distribution. Researchers recommend expanding protective policies to cover their new habitat range and implementing advanced monitoring programs.