A new study found that marine wildlife near coral reefs respond differently to climate change events depending on their distance from the mainland. Surveys of fish and coral habitats showed an increase in herbivorous species in middle- and outer-shelf reefs after severe environmental disturbances, but not near the coast.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDiversity·DateFeb 22, 2019
Climate change is causing fishing communities to adapt by changing their fishing locations and strategies. Large North Carolina-based trawl vessels are now sailing 250 miles north to catch summer flounder and Atlantic croaker off the coast of New Jersey.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalICES Journal of Marine Science·DateFeb 18, 2019
Scientists have developed a methodology to assess fish stocks by combining modern underwater surveys with historical records dating back to the 8th Century AD. The analysis found that some previously classified as
SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2019
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.
Six new species of Ancistrus catfish with unique features such as tentacles and armor-like plates have been discovered in the Amazon rainforest. The findings highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect these creatures and their habitats from threats like habitat destruction, deforestation, and gold mining.
A new study found that warmer water temperatures combined with low-level chemical exposure influence the expression of genes in the offspring of a North American fish species. The finding threatens organisms sensitive to water temperature and highlights the need for reevaluating regulatory decisions based on short-term testing.
Researchers used scavenger study to find evidence of wildlife diversity in Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The team observed 10 mammal and five bird species using fish carcasses as bait.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalFood Webs·DateJan 31, 2019
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Researchers found the Conchos shiner in the mainstream of the Rio Grande at a site previously thought to be free from non-native species. The discovery highlights the need for further research and conservation efforts in the Rio Grande drainage system.
SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalCheck List·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.
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
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
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.
Researchers discovered a mechanism explaining positive correlations in natural populations, highlighting the importance of food web conservation. Complex food webs mitigate environmental variability and make ecosystems more predictable.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalOikos·DateNov 28, 2018
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Researchers developed a genetic probe to identify DNA of alewife and blueback herring, finding that eDNA abundance data corresponded well with traditional field methods. The study created a map of where river herring are spawning across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 1, 2018
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.
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.
Research explores effects of crude oil on native salmon populations, finding exposure causes toxic changes in hearts, brains, and performance abilities. Crude oil also leads to long-term consequences including mortality and brain damage.
A new study finds that individual rainbow trout strains from Canada and California exhibit varying levels of heat and oxygen tolerance. This natural variation may help some fish survive global warming, while others are more vulnerable.
A remarkable new species of bony fish has been described from 150-million-year-old limestone deposits in South Germany, featuring piranha-like teeth. The fossilized specimen's jaws revealed long, pointed teeth and triangular serrated cutting edges, suggesting a mouth equipped to slice flesh or fins.
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.
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.
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
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
Scientists from California Academy of Sciences discover a new species of reef fish with vivid pink and yellow stripes, found in remote Brazilian archipelago. The discovery sheds light on the vast ocean habitats that remain unexplored and highlights the importance of protecting these ecosystems.
SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalZooKeys·DateSep 25, 2018
A study published in River Research and Applications detected over 1,000 endangered razorback sucker and dozens of Colorado pikeminnow downstream of the Piute Farms Waterfall. The fish moved from up to 600 miles away in the Colorado River, suggesting that spawning migrations may be cut off by the waterfall.
SourceBureau of Reclamation·JournalRiver Research and Applications·DateSep 19, 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.
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
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
A team of scientists from Newcastle University has discovered three new species of snailfish in the Atacama Trench, a record-breaking 8000-metre-deep location. The fish, which are part of the Liparidae family, are highly adapted to living in extreme pressure and cold conditions.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Male competition drives evolution of flashy color patterns in orangethroat darters. The males' ability to distinguish their own species from others favors the development of these flashier signals.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateAug 1, 2018
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
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
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.
Climate change is projected to severely hinder conservation efforts for the Nassau grouper and other Caribbean Reef fish. Breeding habitats are expected to decline by 82% by 2100 if no action is taken to mitigate climate change.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateJul 11, 2018
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
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
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.
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
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
A Rutgers-led study found that new fisheries are likely to appear in over 70 countries due to climate change, sparking conflict among nations. The movement of fish species is disrupting fisheries, leading to overfishing and reducing food, profit, and employment for many.
A portable, pressurized chamber called SubCAS has been invented by the California Academy of Sciences and Monterey Bay Aquarium. The device allows scientists to collect and surface rare, deep-sea fish without rupturing their swim bladders.
SourceCalifornia Academy of Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 4, 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.
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