Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Too many candidates spoil the stew

A new study by Michigan State University researcher Arend Hintze found that moderate competition optimally drives the evolution of decision-making strategies in humans. In crowded areas, hermit crabs evolve split-second decision-making to claim new shells, demonstrating a similar phenomenon in human politics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 11, 2015

First species of yeti crab found in Antarctica

Researchers have identified a new species of Yeti Crab, Kiwa tyleri, found in the Antarctic region surrounding hydrothermal vent systems. This unique crab thrives in extreme environments with temperatures and densities that are challenging for other marine life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 24, 2015

Just right: A spider's tale

A new study by University of Missouri biologist James E. Carrel found that southern house spiders prefer holes and cavities that are three to four times as big as their own body size for building nests. The spiders select nest sites based on their size, similar to how hermit crabs trade up for bigger shells as they grow bigger.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFlorida Entomologist·DateMar 25, 2015

Parasite turns shrimp into voracious cannibals

A new study found that a parasite significantly increases cannibalism among freshwater shrimp in Northern Ireland. Infected shrimp become voracious and consume their victims twice as much as uninfected animals. The research suggests that the parasite may be weakening the shrimp's resistance to invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 18, 2015

Fiddler on the roof?

Climate change may be causing fiddler crabs to move further north in the US East Coast, with one scientist discovering a crab nearly 50 miles north of its usual range. This warming trend could lead to changes in ecosystems as new species are introduced.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalJournal of Crustacean Biology·DateNov 21, 2014

Transparent larvae hide opaque eyes behind reflections

Marine species use reflectors on scales to reduce contrast with background, but tiny mantis shrimp larvae hide compound eyes behind brilliant eye reflections that match surrounding water spectrum. Lab tests show little contrast between eye reflections and environment, revealing potential role for larval eyeshine in camouflage

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateSep 17, 2014

Mantis shrimp stronger than airplanes

Researchers develop composite material with improved impact resistance and toughness inspired by mantis shrimp's club, which accelerates underwater faster than a 22-caliber bullet. The new design structure shows less external damage and increased residual strength after impact compared to standard aerospace materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateApr 22, 2014

Natural history dying of neglect

A study by Simon Fraser University ecologist Anne Salomon warns of a declining natural history research and use in academia, government agencies and non-government organizations. Natural history collections have stopped expanding since 1990, but it remains vital for making wise management and conservation decisions.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBioScience·DateMar 27, 2014

Hormone in crab eyes makes it possible for females to mate and care for their young

Scientists discovered a female-specific hormone in blue crab eyestalks that regulates development of reproductive structures for mating and childcare. This hormone is required for maternal care and triggers development of special receptacles to store sperm, as well as hair-like structures to hold fertilized eggs.

Noble gas molecule discovered in space

A team of astronomers from Cardiff University has discovered a noble gas molecule, argon hydride, in the Crab Nebula. The find provides new insights into the chemistry of outer space and challenges previous assumptions about the conditions necessary for such molecules to form.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience·DateDec 12, 2013

Extinct 'mega claw' creature had spider-like brain

Researchers have discovered a 520-million-year-old fossilized nervous system in an extinct marine arthropod, revealing a spider-like brain structure. The ancient creature, Alalcomenaeus, had a central nervous system similar to that of horseshoe crabs and scorpions, linking its ancestors to the modern chelicerates.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2013