Articles tagged with Crustaceans
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.
Two new species of tiny shrimps, Odontonia bagginsi and Odontonia plurellicola, are described as part of a research project at Leiden University. The shrimps are found in symbiosis with tunicates, with unique adaptations to their environment.
Research by University of Exeter scientists found that cautious rockpool prawns are better at controlling a limited resource than bolder counterparts. This may be due to their risk-averse strategy, which involves staying near a food source rather than exploring new areas and risking competition with stronger rivals.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism of sex determination in the crustacean Daphnia magna, where long chain noncoding RNAs activate male-determining genes. This finding contributes to our understanding of lncRNA function and diversity in sex-determination mechanisms.
Researchers analyzed museum specimens to determine the origin and spread of a small crustacean, revealing it had colonized European coastlines 24 years prior to recorded sightings. The discovery highlights the importance of taxonomy and monitoring biodiversity in coastal ecosystems, where invasive species threaten ecosystem health.
A team of scientists has described five new species and a new genus of closely related blanket-hermit crabs, shedding light on their unique symbiotic relationship with sea anemones. The discovery reveals that these crustaceans have evolved remarkable adaptations to develop this extraordinary bond.
Crab spiders aid buckler-mustard plants by eliminating plant-eating insects and their larvae. This unexpected alliance benefits the plant, as it increases the production of floral volatile that attracts beneficial spiders.
Researchers at Cardiff University have discovered a significant scarcity of phosphorus in cosmic supernovae, which could pose a challenge to the existence of life beyond Earth. The finding suggests that material blown out into space by these stellar explosions may vary dramatically in chemical composition.
Three Asian water snake species use varying approaches to capture soft-shelled crabs, including Gerarda, which rips them into bite-sized pieces, and Fordonia, which targets tiny hard-shelled crabs. These adaptations enable the snakes to overcome prey size limitations.
Research suggests that past environmental changes have impacted the geographic range and species diversity of deep-sea yeti crabs. The study reveals that these animals are likely descended from a common ancestor that inhabited mid-ocean ridges in the SE Pacific, but their populations have declined due to climate change.
A study by UK scientists reveals that species living in symbiosis with others may be the most vulnerable to extinction, with rising sea levels threatening freshwater habitats. The research suggests that these ecosystems are delicately balanced and threatened, making them prone to extinctions.
A new study provides three-dimensional visual data from hermit crabs using 3D microCT scanning technology, making it easier to examine and compare specimens for taxonomic research. The dataset is now available for download and includes interactive web-based viewers and 3D printable file formats.
Researchers found trade-offs between fighting claw mass and egg number in weakly eusocial snapping shrimp queens. In contrast, strongly eusocial species showed smaller or absent trade-offs. Colony size also played a role in shaping these trade-offs.
Researchers observed cooperative behavior in Neolamprologus obscurus fish, excavating stones to create shelter and increase food abundance. The study found that helpers played a crucial role in maintaining and expanding these shelters, leading to increased prey abundance and improved breeding success.
The passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria over Puerto Rico temporarily disrupted the acoustic activity of snapping shrimp, reducing their calls, while increasing fish choruses. The storms also had lasting effects on insect sounds in dry forests, with a marked reduction in sounds after Hurricane Maria.
A study published in PLOS ONE has identified two new muscles in the horseshoe crab's pushing leg and male pedipalp using CT scans, expanding our understanding of this iconic creature's anatomy.
Researchers have detected snapping shrimp off the Oregon coast and believe their loud clicking noise may attract eastern Pacific gray whales. The crustaceans are typically found in warm waters but were previously unknown to inhabit the cooler coastal areas.
Researchers found a 515% increase in American lobster abundance in the Gulf of Maine from 1985 to 2014, while southern New England saw an 78% decline. Proactive fishery conservation measures may help mitigate climate change effects on commercial fisheries.
A new study demonstrates how conservation techniques championed by Maine lobstermen help mitigate the impacts of warming oceans. The research found that conservation efforts prepared the Gulf of Maine population for temperature changes, leading to a 515% increase in lobster abundance.
Researchers found that mantis shrimp engage in predictable sparring matches to assess their rivals' abilities before deciding whether to fight or retreat. Heavyweight winners typically emerge victorious, but fights often follow a similar course, with both opponents trading blows and rarely de-escalating.
Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a unique structure in the mantis shrimp's club that protects it from self-inflicted damage, enabling the development of ultra-strong materials. The club's striated region wraps around the club to prevent catastrophic cracking, similar to hand wraps used by boxers.
Research by Anglia Ruskin University reveals female fiddler crabs prioritize accelerating courtship displays over constant or slowing ones. The findings suggest that females value males' quality based on their ability to perform demanding activities, conserving energy until necessary.
Scientists discovered that specific metabolites in blue crab urine suppress mud crab foraging by 60% and 67%, respectively. This finding has significant implications for understanding chemically mediated interactions in marine ecosystems.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified two urinary chemicals, trigonelline and homarine, that trigger a warning response in mud crabs when exposed to blue crab urine. This finding has implications for understanding ecological balances in marine ecosystems and informing better management of fisheries.
Researchers uncovered the secrets behind snapping shrimp's ability to break water, attributing it to millions of years of evolution and adaptation. The study reveals a series of small changes in claw form led to the development of ultrafast movements.
A new theory explains how cooperation can lead to sustainable resource use by fostering tight-knit groups under high pressure to preserve resources. This is illustrated through the examples of Maine's lobster and blueberry industries, where cooperation has helped maintain populations and livelihoods.
Research by University of Delaware scientist Danielle Dixson and her team found that decorator crabs primarily decorate their arms and legs first, which helps them hide from predators. The study also showed that habitat presence affects decorating patterns, with crabs decorating faster in the absence of a shelter.
A 530-million-year-old trilobite fossil contains the earliest known example of an eye, with a primitive form of compound eyes similar to those in modern animals. The study suggests that compound eyes have changed little over 500 million years.
Researchers found that simulated anthropogenic noise exposure physiologically impacted blue crabs and lobsters, causing increased stress responses. The study also revealed behavioral impacts, including aggressive behaviors and reduced feeding, highlighting the need for environmental permitting in coastal areas.
Researchers discovered the structure and functioning of a half-billion-year-old fossil trilobite's compound eye, showing similarities with modern compound eyes. The ancient eye consists of 100 subunits with eight sensory cells each, but lacks a lens, suggesting its development may have predated modern forms.
Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identified CRABS CLAW as a key molecule that controls the termination of stem cell growth and the formation of gynoecium in flowers, promoting floral reproduction. The study also shows auxin homeostasis is regulated by TORNADO2, providing insight into flower development.
A new PSU study finds that Prozac in ocean water can cause Oregon shore crabs to exhibit risky behavior, increasing their vulnerability to predators. The research highlights the potential risks of pharmaceuticals in the environment on animal survival.
A new study using citizen science data predicts that warmer waters will cause fish to extend their ranges further from the equator, leading to a decline in the diversity of invertebrates such as crabs and lobsters. This change is expected to affect food webs and ecosystems worldwide.
Researchers developed a bioinspired camera mimicking the mantis shrimp's eye to sense both color and polarization, enabling early cancer detection and decoding underwater communication channels. The camera uses silicon photodetectors and nanomaterials to replicate the mantis shrimp's visual system.
Researchers discovered mushroom bodies in mantis shrimp brains, a structure previously only found in insects. The findings suggest that these complex structures may have evolved early in the evolution of all arthropods.
A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that some large plant-eating dinosaurs in present-day Utah ate crustaceans on purpose, possibly for protein and calcium sources. The evidence comes from fossilized feces samples containing thick bits of fossilized shell, indicating the crustaceans were living in decaying wood.
A new hermit crab species, Diogenes heteropsammicola, has been discovered that adopts a walking coral as its home instead of a seashell. The crab transports the coral and prevents it from being buried by sediment, offering an advantage over traditional shell homes.
Researchers at STRI and JLU discovered a new species of porcelain crab, Pachycheles tuerkayi, found only along the coasts of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. The new species has hairy claws and can be distinguished from another similar species, P. serratus, through its unique characteristics.
A new study reveals that electromagnetic radiation from the Crab Nebula may originate in a single population of electrons, challenging traditional models. This suggests that a different acceleration process is needed to explain the entire electromagnetic spectrum.
A new species of crab with star-shaped tubercles has been discovered in Taiwan and the Philippines. The Pariphiculus stellatus crab's carapace and chelipeds feature pointy protrusions that change with age, giving it a unique appearance.
A comprehensive taxonomic summary of all recognized species of crayfish worldwide has been created. The updated classification includes five families and 38 genera, and will impact various fields such as physiology, ecology, neurobiology, conservation, and evolution.
A new species of deep-water hermit crab, Paragiopagurus atkinsonae, has been discovered off the West Coast of South Africa. The 'Green-eyed' hermit crab is characterized by its distinctive green coloration and unique home preference, living in soft polypy masses built from sand and sea anemones.
A research team used micro-computer tomography to investigate the relationship between parasite and host masses, finding a positive correlation. This suggests that larger hosts support larger parasites. The study also sheds light on the life-cycle of parasitic barnacles, revealing two groups with different competitive strategies.
Researchers from the University of Oldenburg and Alfred Wegener Institute found that competition within the krill population drives fluctuation cycles. The study suggests a self-generating mechanism in the population is responsible for the variability.
Researchers discover two new shrimp species in burrows at the bottom of the Gulf of California. The study reveals details about the habitats and characteristics of these crustaceans, shedding light on the biodiversity of the region.
A non-toxic mixture of chitin-rich crab shell powder and silver nanoparticles effectively inhibits the growth of mosquito larvae and prevents bacterial species from multiplying. The eco-friendly solution shows promise in controlling the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes, including those responsible for malaria.
Astronomers have produced a highly-detailed image of the Crab Nebula by combining data from telescopes spanning nearly the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The image reveals intricate details about the nebula's structure and interactions with fast-moving particles and magnetic fields.
The Crab Nebula has been extensively studied, yet astronomers still have much to learn. By combining data from multiple telescopes, a team of scientists gained new insights into the object's complex physics.
Invasive fiber-like red seaweeds have covered up to 90 percent of some areas, changing the ocean floor landscape. The new habitat supports two to three times more small creatures at the base of the food chain.
Research found that hermit crabs living in broken shells are more aggressive and fight at a higher intensity than those with intact shells, compensating for their apparent disadvantage. This is attributed to the 'resistance training' of carrying heavy, unusable parts of the shell.
A team of researchers discovered that the Western Amazon sank twice, with ocean water from the Caribbean flooding the region for less than a million years. The study found distinct layers of marine pollen separated by non-marine types, as well as shark teeth and mantis shrimp fossils.
Researchers develop a bacteria-fighting wound dressing made from the shells of crustaceans, which could prevent up to tens of thousands of infections annually. The dressing combines chitosan, an antibacterial and biodegradable substance extracted from crustacean shells, with hydrogel dressings to create a durable and elastic solution.
Ghost crabs actively select dark sand for dark-colored individuals and light sand for light-colored ones, showcasing active choice in crypsis. This behavior has implications for understanding anti-predator adaptations and evolution.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have found that sea scorpions likely used their serrated tail spines to kill ancient early vertebrates. The study suggests that these prehistoric predators could slash their tails from side to side, using a horizontal slashing motion to capture and dispatch their prey.
A newly discovered pistol shrimp species has been named Synalpheus pinkfloydi in recognition of Pink Floyd's influence. The bright pink-clawed shrimp creates a loud sonic energy similar to the band's iconic sound.
Marine ecologists at HKU have discovered a new species of mangrove-climbing crab, Haberma tingkok, found only in the Ting Kok area of Hong Kong. The crab is small, dark brown, and has elongated legs, representing the second endemic mangrove crab species described in Hong Kong.