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Seafood mislabelling persistent throughout supply chain, study finds

A recent study by University of Guelph researchers found a 32% seafood mislabelling rate, with the problem persisting throughout the supply chain. The mislabelling rate was highest at retailers, indicating the role of distribution and repackaging in the issue.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalFood Research International·DateFeb 7, 2019
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.

ANU researchers solve the riddle of our most unique fish

Researchers have solved a decades-long riddle about Australia's threatened Lungfish species by discovering its unique life span of up to 80 years. By analyzing Carbon 14 levels in scales, the team was able to determine the age of individual fish and debunk concerns about an ageing population.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 30, 2019

Fish fertilize eggs in their male relatives' nests

Researchers found that 'cuckolder' males and the mother's social partner were more related than expected by chance. This phenomenon allows for inclusive fitness benefits to mitigate costs of cuckoldry, where closely related males work together to compete against host males.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Biology·DateJan 30, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Anemones are friends to fish

A study by University of Delaware researchers reveals that larger-bodied fish, like juveniles, associate with anemones for protection, while smaller species partner with them throughout their lives. This mutualistic relationship is driven by predation and helps fish avoid predators in ocean reefs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 29, 2019

Otoliths -- the fish's black box -- also keeps an eye on the metabolism

Researchers have shown that fish otoliths record information on fish metabolism, providing a unique window into how species adapt to changing conditions. By analyzing the carbon isotopes in otoliths, scientists can infer the fish's activity level and metabolic rate, offering new insights into climate change impacts.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 18, 2019

Electric fish in augmented reality reveal how animals 'actively sense' world around them

Researchers used augmented reality to investigate the link between active sensing movement and sensory feedback in weakly electric fish. The study found that subtle active sensing movements are controlled by sensory feedback, enhancing sensory information reception. This discovery may have implications for neuroscience and robotics.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 21, 2018

First steps

Researchers are conducting a comprehensive study of the walking cavefish to better understand the 'fin-to-limb' transition that enabled the first vertebrates to walk on land. The project aims to identify the genomic, morphological and mechanical qualities that enable fish to walk on land.

SourceLouisiana State University·DateDec 19, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New walking cavefish study explores origins of quadrapedal walking

A comprehensive study of the blind cavefish's vertebrate-like pelvic girdle and phylogeny may provide insights into the evolution of appendages, pelvis, and vertebral column needed for terrestrial life. Researchers will examine the morphological, genomic, and mechanical qualities that enable fish to walk on land.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateDec 19, 2018

Species at the extremes of the food chain evolve faster, study says

A new study reveals that coral reef fish species at the extremes of the food chain, such as strict herbivores or predators, evolve faster than those in the middle with varied diets. This finding has valuable conservation implications for managing fisheries exploitation and preserving functional diversity on coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 17, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Swarming behavior discovered in fish-dwelling parasite

Scientists have observed a previously unrecognized swarming behavior in Spironucleus vortens, a single-celled parasite infecting ornamental fish. The swarm exhibits highly coordinated movement, suggesting interactions between the flagellates, which may contribute to its life cycle and lead to novel treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Eukaryotic Microbiology·DateDec 13, 2018

30 years of experimental evolution results in a new sex chromosome

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have found a novel genomic mechanism for sex determination in swordtail fish, resulting from decades-long hybridisation experiments. The study reveals that introgression and selection of pigmentation phenotypes contribute to the rapid evolution of a new sex chromosome.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

229 new species described by the California Academy of Sciences in 2018

The California Academy of Sciences has added 229 new plant and animal species to the family tree, including 120 wasps, 34 sea slugs, and seven flowering plants. These discoveries were made over five continents and three oceans, highlighting the vast and dynamic planet's unexplored places.

SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 5, 2018
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.

Climate refugee cod

The study warns that a temperature increase of over 1.5°C will cause dramatic worsening in the survival chances of offspring for important fish species, including Atlantic cod and polar cod. This could lead to a significant loss of breeding grounds and population decline, with severe consequences for Arctic seals and seabirds.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 28, 2018

Predators drive Nemo's relationship with an unlikely friend

A University of Queensland and Deakin University-led study reveals that predators drive the evolution of cooperative relationships between species like clownfish and anemones. The research found that fish-anemone mutualisms have evolved at least 55 times across 16 fish families over the past 60 million years.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 27, 2018

ANU study casts new light on fishing throughout history

Researchers have identified a shift in fishing behaviors on Indonesian islands Alor and Timor around 7,000 years ago, likely due to changes in sea levels and environmental conditions. The study used an analysis method traditionally used in biology to identify fish habitat in archaeological material.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateNov 11, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

UCLA researchers and partners work with sushi restaurants to reduce seafood fraud

Researchers and students from UCLA monitor seafood purchases from Los Angeles restaurants, extracting DNA to distinguish between fish species. They find that sushi mislabeling is pervasive, but intentional fraud is less common, with some restaurants already implementing changes based on their findings.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateNov 8, 2018

Undeterred, gulf fish spawn despite hurricane

Researchers found spotted seatrout continued spawning in late August 2017 during Hurricane Harvey, with the storm only briefly disrupting their pattern. This finding suggests these fish are well-suited to handle changing conditions and may be key indicators of climate resilience.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateNov 6, 2018

Oceanographers produce first-ever images of entire cod shoals

Researchers at MIT have developed an innovative acoustic imaging system that enables the instant visualization of massive cod shoals, shedding light on the health of this depleted species. The team's findings suggest that average cod shoal sizes serve as a critical indicator for tracking population recovery.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateNov 6, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Genetics of cichlid fish bower building

Researchers found thousands of genetic variants linked to both pit and castle building behaviors, suggesting complex patterns of genetic variation and regulation. The study provides evolutionary insights into the development of these natural behaviors in cichlid fishes.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 5, 2018

Identifying a piranha by its bark

Scientists have discovered that different piranha species can be identified by the pattern of their barks, which could lead to more efficient conservation efforts. The study's findings suggest that passive acoustic monitoring may be a useful tool for studying piranha behavior in the wild.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateNov 5, 2018

Researchers have assembled Eurasian perch genome

Researchers have sequenced the Eurasian perch genome, which is three times smaller than the human genome yet contains over 23,000 genes. The study reveals the genetic mechanisms behind the species' ability to adapt to extreme environmental conditions and its significant impact on methane cycle in lakes.

SourceEstonian Research Council·DateOct 30, 2018
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.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Higher temperatures could help protect coral reefs

Researchers found that more aggressive farmerfish groups, which defend their territories from intruders, resided near branching corals and provided better protection. Additionally, corals planted in the territories of aggressive fish suffered less damage than those in non-aggressive groups.

SourceOxford University Press USA·DateOct 16, 2018

Extensive trade in fish between Egypt and Canaan already 3,500 years ago

Researchers discovered that the Gilthead sea bream was extensively traded from Egypt to Canaan over 2,000 years, with the majority coming from a hypersaline waterbody like the Bardawil lagoon. This ancient trade indicates an early form of commercial fish exploitation.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 15, 2018

Decline in native fish species -- invasive species on the increase

A study by the Technical University of Munich found that native fish species are on the verge of extinction, while invasive species like rainbow trout and topmouth gudgeon are increasing in population. The analysis of over 30 years of data reveals a decline in specialiszed species with complex life cycles due to habitat changes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalBiological Conservation·DateOct 1, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Sniffing out sharks

A team of scientists from UC Santa Barbara and USGS used eDNA to detect the presence of white sharks in local waters, providing clues for lifeguards and helping monitor the species' recovery. The study's success could lead to real-time monitoring and better understanding of marine biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 14, 2018

Finding Nemo's genes

Researchers have successfully mapped the orange clownfish's genome using high-tech sequencing tools, creating a comprehensive genetic blueprint. The completed genome contains over 26,000 protein-coding genes and will aid in understanding reef fish biology, sex change, larval dispersal, and ocean acidification impacts.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalMolecular Ecology Resources·DateSep 11, 2018

Clown fish: Whence the white stripes?

Researchers found that clown fish stripes are essential for individual recognition and critical to their social organization among sea anemones. They also discovered the evolutionary history of striped patterns, which originated from a common ancestor with three stripes.

SourceCNRS·JournalBMC Biology·DateSep 4, 2018

Preemptive overfishing and marine reserves

Researchers found that fishing in the Phoenix Islands Protected Area doubled before its implementation, leading to excess fishing equivalent to what was prevented by the reserve for 1.5 years. This suggests that anticipating marine reserves can trigger overfishing, undermining conservation efforts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 27, 2018
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.

Fish lice could be early indicators of metal pollution in freshwater

Researchers found that a specific type of fish louse, Argulus japonicus, can accumulate high concentrations of metals, potentially serving as an early warning system for water quality. The lice's unique mechanisms for protecting themselves from toxins may hold the key to detecting metal pollution.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 23, 2018

Shrimp heal injured fish

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.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalMarine Biology·DateAug 22, 2018

Hybridization boosts evolution

Researchers from four international universities analyzed cichlid fish DNA to understand the formation of new species. They found that hybridization between species led to rapid evolution and adaptation, boosting innovation and species development.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2018

Researchers solved mystery of clownfish coloration

The researchers discovered a connection between the colouration of clownfish and the toxicity of sea anemone species they live with. The more venomous anemones have less white stripes on their hosts, suggesting the bright colouration has a protective function.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateAug 6, 2018
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.

Previously overlooked 'coral ticks' weaken degraded reefs

Snail attacks reduce Porites cylindrica coral growth by up to 43% in less than a month, threatening the survival of degraded Pacific reefs. The snails selectively prey on the last remaining coral species, exacerbating the downward spiral of reef decline.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 26, 2018

Adult fish 'predict' availability of food for their young

A recent study by Anna Neuheimer and colleagues found that adult fish adjust their spawning time to match the timing of their prey, allowing their offspring to survive. This adaptation is crucial for population size and future fisheries catch, as it enables young fish to meet their food needs in a seasonal environment.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 25, 2018

Bigger eyes but reduced brain power in nocturnal fishes

A recent study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that nocturnal fishes have larger eyes than day-active species, but smaller optic tecta, indicating a trade-off in brain power. This adaptation allows them to detect movement and navigate in low-light conditions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Evolutionary Biology·DateJul 23, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The first endemic Baltic Sea fish species received its name

A new fish species, Platichthys solemdali, has been discovered in the Baltic Sea and officially recognized as an endemic species. The species can be distinguished from its European counterpart through genetic methods or by studying their eggs and sperm.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJul 11, 2018

Spearfishing makes fishes more timid

Researchers found that fish adjust their escape behavior and keep a safe distance outside the shooting range when a speargun is present. The level of timidity varies depending on the size of the fish, type of diver, and location within protected areas.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateJul 3, 2018

Fish's use of electricity might shed light on human illnesses

Scientists have discovered that fish use brief electrical pulses to communicate without being detected by predators. This adaptation may hold clues for treatments of conditions such as epilepsy and cardiac diseases. The research also provides insights into the genetic basis of unique abilities in animals.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 21, 2018
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.

Marine reserves are vital -- but under pressure

A massive study of tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near heavily populated areas have only a quarter of the fish and are less likely to have top predators. Marine reserves with medium to high human pressure can still have five times more fish than openly fished reefs, offering a conservation benefit.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2018

Marine reserves are vital -- but under pressure

A massive study of 1,800 tropical coral reefs found that marine reserves near human populations struggle to protect fish stocks. However, these reserves still offer significant benefits for key fisheries species and top predators like sharks. The study highlights the importance of targeted conservation strategies in different locations.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

UNH researchers find invasive seaweed makes fish change their behavior

Researchers at UNH found that fish prefer kelp habitats over invasive seaweed species, but the shift may leave them with less refuge and protection. The study suggests that continued reduction in available kelp cover could have cascading effects on cunner populations and other ecosystem members.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateMay 22, 2018