Articles tagged with Crustaceans
A new species of crayfish, Cherax snowden, has been identified in West Papua, Indonesia, and is easily distinguishable from its relatives. The species was named after Edward Snowden due to its orange coloration and shape of body.
Researchers discovered that chitosan, derived from insect and crustacean shells, can effectively destroy up to 90% of pathogens in selected cell cultures. This biopolymer has been found toxic to pathogenic microorganisms, disrupting their membranes without harming healthy cells.
A study by Dr. Jaroslav Smrz and his team revealed that cave-dwelling invertebrates have distinct meal preferences despite harsh conditions. The researchers found evidence of specialization among species, such as a preference for cyanobacteria by scorpions and fungi by millipedes.
Researchers studied the exoskeletons of deep-sea shrimp and shallow-dwelling shrimp, revealing differences in structure and performance. The deep-sea exoskeleton is softer yet capable of withstanding temperature extremes, while the surface-shrimp exoskeleton is harder and better protects against predators.
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.
The first species of Yeti Crab, Kiwa tyleri, has been discovered in the East Scotia Ridge hydrothermal vents of Antarctica. This unique crab thrives in high densities at extremely low temperatures and relies on bacteria for nutrition.
Researchers have discovered that the mantis shrimp's dactyl club can filter out certain frequencies of shear waves, making it an effective material for body armor and athletic gear. The study aims to develop synthetic materials with similar filtering properties for various industries, including aerospace and automotive.
Research shows that estuaries offer a parasite-free zone for Dungeness crabs, allowing them to rid themselves of deadly nemertean worms. The crabs thrive in lower-salinity environments, making estuaries an essential habitat for their survival.
A new coral-dwelling gall crab, Lithoscaptus semperi, was discovered inhabiting free-living corals of the species Trachyphyllia geoffroyi on sandy bottoms near coral reefs. The study highlights the need to protect coral reefs, with the newly designated Tun Mustapha Park being a priority.
A team of scientists has identified a new species, Yawunik kootenayi, a marine creature with grasping appendages, from the Burgess Shale fossil deposit. The creature had versatile and complex frontal appendages that made it an important predator in its ecosystem.
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.
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.
The oldest known crab larva was recently discovered in a fossil, dating back 150 million years. The specimen's morphology is remarkably modern, resembling that of present-day crabs. This finding provides unique insights into the evolution of brachyurans and suggests early specialization of larvae within the crab lineage.
A 150-million-year-old fossilized crab larva from southern Germany provides critical evidence for understanding the early rise of crabs. The discovery reveals a modern morphology, indicating that ancient and modern crabs share similar life habits.
Scientists observe blue crabs, commercially important species, in the Gulf of Maine, north of their native Cape Cod. Warming ocean temperatures allow them to move further north, expanding their range.
Male and female Hoff crabs lead separate lives at volcanic vents due to conflicting demands of feeding and raising young. Females migrate from warm mineral-rich fluids to cold waters with fewer predators for their offspring's early development.
Researchers studied mantis shrimp claws, discovering that certain parts are more sensitive to changes than others. This mechanical sensitivity allowed the other parts to evolve independently without compromising the striking force.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have created cheap solar cells from shrimp shells, using chitin and chitosan. The efficiency is currently low, but improving it could make them suitable for wearable chargers and other devices.
A recent study by the Wildlife Conservation Society found that spiny lobsters are abundant and support local fisheries. The study recommends increasing the size limit to make the fishery more sustainable.
A species of small fish uses its diet to hide from predators by emitting an odor that makes it invisible to the noses of predators. The researchers tested cod and found that they stayed away when filefish were fed their home coral. This study provides evidence of chemical camouflage from diet in vertebrates.
Researchers studied molecular tools to understand the influence of the Isthmus of Panama on freshwater shrimps. The results showed that sister species remained genetically isolated despite potential crossing through a channel.
Researchers uncovered a third unknown species of freshwater shrimp, similar to Palaemon ivonicus, with genetic data revealing divergent lineages about 10 million years ago. This study highlights the importance of molecular tools for discovering new species in complex environments like Amazonia.
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.
A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology found that climate change is affecting the survival abilities of coastal crabs. The researchers found that while the crabs can adapt to a warming climate, they will not have enough energy for other activities beyond basic survival.
A new study reveals five high-risk Ponto-Caspian species, including the quagga mussel and killer shrimp, have established themselves in Britain. The invasion is expected to lead to devastating consequences for native species, with up to twenty additional species projected to arrive in the near future.
Invasive Antarctic crabs could degrade marine ecosystems by preying on local species, experts warn. Long-term monitoring programs are needed to assess the extent of the problem.
Researchers demonstrate that collective movements of small zooplankton create large-scale current patterns affecting ocean circulation. The findings suggest that these organisms could contribute trillion watts of power to the ocean.
Research reveals that diverse guard-crab species and size classes offer different kinds of effective protection against coral predators. The study found that even small crabs defend against snails, while larger crabs ignore them.
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
A new species of carnivorous crustacean, Thylacares brandonesis, has been identified from a 435 million-year-old fossil found in Wisconsin. The creature used long, claw-like appendages to catch prey, similar to modern remipedes.
A new study from Dartmouth College suggests that climate warming can affect the success of invasive species in different ways. The research found that warmer temperatures can favor non-native crustacean zooplankton by increasing their growth rate and making them less vulnerable to predators.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that microplastics are retained in the bodies of marine creatures like crabs six times longer than previously thought. This increased retention time raises concerns about the impact on the food chain.
Researchers discovered mantis shrimp have optics generating ultraviolet color vision using mycosporine-like amino acids as built-in biological sunscreen filters. The complex eyes detect polarized colors and navigate through the reef without processing visual information in the brain.
Researchers have discovered that chitin microparticles from crab shells can reduce inflammation in animal models and improve symptoms associated with IBD. The findings could lead to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for this chronic disease.
Researchers developed a new approach to measure the sensitivity of aquatic invertebrates to pesticides, revealing that different species respond differently to toxicants. The study focused on three pesticides, diazinon, imidacloprid, and propiconazole, which showed varying levels of toxicity among shrimps and snails.
A new study shows that middle predators, not just top predators, influence the health of entire ecosystems. In some areas, fear of predation by middle predators actually harms the reef's fertility.
Studies by Brown University researchers confirm that crabs are ravaging coastal saltmarshes in New England and Long Island. The team's work reveals herbivory of cordgrass by the Sesarma crab is a major cause of marsh death, with overfishing reducing natural predator populations.
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.
Researchers will study diverse structures from plants and animals like mantis shrimp, toucan, and bamboo to develop strong, lightweight materials.
Researchers discovered an ancestor of modern crustaceans with a sophisticated cardiovascular system, including a heart and blood vessels. The finding sheds light on the evolution of body organization in the animal kingdom and suggests that even ancient creatures had internal systems similar to those found in their modern descendants.
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.
Scientists discover fossilized eggs and embryos of tiny marine crustaceans, revealing a 450-million-year-old species that took care of its young in the same way as modern relatives. The finding provides conclusive evidence of reproductive strategy conservation across millennia.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a method to manufacture large objects using a fully degradable bioplastic isolated from shrimp shells. The bioplastic exhibits properties similar to synthetic plastics, but without environmental threats.
Researchers found that collecting and bleeding horseshoe crabs for biomedical purposes causes short-term changes in their behavior and physiology. The study suggests delaying the blood harvest or improving transportation conditions could help the animals recover and breed again, potentially mitigating population declines.
The study of crab diversity has led to a new dataset with DNA and mitochondrial sequences from 140 species and 58 families. Freshwater crabs have two independent origins, separated from marine relatives after Pangaea's break-up.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered argon hydride ions in the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant, using ESA's Herschel Space Observatory. The findings support theories on how argon forms in nature and provide evidence for the formation of noble gas molecules in space.
A new clinical trial, sponsored by Cancer Research And Biostatistics (CRAB), has been launched to test innovative treatments for lung cancer. The trial, which combines efforts from frontline treating oncologists and pharmaceutical companies, aims to improve patient outcomes and extend overall survival.
Researchers found that blood clots actively soak up lipopolysaccharide, a toxic compound released by Gram-negative bacteria. This protective mechanism may help prevent disease and death from septic shock, which affects 300,000 people annually.
Researchers suggest that specific parts of food can be safe for consumption in individuals with food allergies, and substitutes can be eaten safely. For example, someone with an egg allergy may be able to tolerate egg yolk but not the whites.
Anaphylaxis from shrimp allergy is rare in children, affecting only 7.8 percent of cases, according to a study. The most common reactions are angioedema and skin symptoms like hives, with asthma being a potential risk factor for anaphylactic reactions.
Researchers have discovered a steady change in the pulses of the Crab pulsar, indicating its strong magnetic field is moving towards the equator. The findings, made possible by a 42-ft telescope used to track ballistic missiles, provide insights into the star's interior and evolution.
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.
Native European shrimps have been shown to outcompete and devour invading American shrimp populations, preventing their establishment. This phenomenon of biotic resistance highlights the resilience of native species in defending against invasive species.
Research from Princeton University found that Christmas Island red crab's reproductive cycle closely follows precipitation patterns, suggesting a potential decline in population due to climate change. The study highlights the importance of studying tropical species' migration patterns in response to changing environmental conditions.
A team of researchers discovered that lithodid crabs subsist on bacterial mats at cold sea methane seeps. Crabs were observed grazing on the mats for 400 hours, taking up chemically-produced carbon, and even showing signs of photosynthesis in their bodies.
A new study reveals a direct correlation between ancient reef abundance and decapod crustacean diversity. Modern reef decline may lead to a 50% decrease in crustacean species, affecting human food sources and marine ecosystems. The study's findings suggest that reefs promote the evolution of diverse crustacean populations.
A new study by researchers at Virginia Institute of Marine Science shows that denser seagrass beds hold exponentially more juvenile crabs per square meter than more open beds. The quality of seagrass habitat can influence the population dynamics of blue crabs on a baywide basis.
Researchers uncover new geological phenomena, including mirror-like faults, petit-spot volcanism, and water in nominally anhydrous minerals. These discoveries shed light on the complex processes shaping our planet's surface.