Researchers at University of California - San Diego found that vertebrates acquired a special protein from bacteria more than 500 million years ago. This discovery reveals a new piece of genetic material introduced from foreign bacterial genes, leading to unique functionality in vertebrate eyes.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2023
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.
Scientists discovered that male yellow crazy ants have maternal and paternal genomes in different cells, making them chimeras. This unique phenomenon occurs within a single fertilized egg, contradicting the fundamental law of biological inheritance where all cells should contain the same genome.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience·DateApr 11, 2023
Human activities are causing rapid changes to the ocean soundscape, harming invertebrates through cellular and ecosystem-level impacts. The study highlights the sensitivity of various invertebrates to underwater sound and emphasizes the need for urgent research and mitigation strategies.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 17, 2023
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a way to deactivate mosquito sperm, preventing them from swimming to or fertilizing eggs. This breakthrough could help control populations of Culex mosquitoes that transmit infectious diseases like encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 16, 2023
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.
New research suggests brown widow spiders actively seek and kill nearby black widows, displacing them in parts of the southern US. Brown widow females are also larger and more fertile than black widows, with a higher reproductive success rate.
SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2023
Researchers from Hiroshima Shudo University and the University of Tokyo have successfully identified species of deep-sea brittle stars using a novel metabarcoding approach. This method analyzes environmental DNA released from marine invertebrates, enabling efficient and cost-effective monitoring of biodiversity.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalMetabarcoding and Metagenomics·DateFeb 28, 2023
A study by Pusan National University researchers investigates the effects of mild acid hydrolysis on sulfated fucans in sea cucumbers and sea urchins. The results show selective 2-desulfation, leading to an 8-sugar-long oligosaccharide production.
SourcePusan National University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023
New research collates 100 years of data, suggesting significant declines in UK earthworm abundance could have occurred due to changes in the countryside. The study highlights the importance of monitoring soil invertebrates and their impact on ecosystem health.
A husband-and-wife research team at UC Riverside found a simpler gene network is involved in specifying the gut in nematodes related to Caenorhabditis elegans. The discovery was made possible by the COVID-19 pandemic, which freed up time for the researchers to explore their question of how nematodes develop their gut.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalDevelopment·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers discovered a unique anatomical design in octopus nerve cords that connects arms symmetrically, providing new insights into alternative nervous system structures. This discovery may aid in the development of new engineered technologies, such as robots and autonomous underwater devices.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 28, 2022
Researchers found that less intensively managed grasslands had greater diversity of plant species and correlated with better soil health, including increased nitrogen and carbon levels. In contrast, intensively farmed plots showed fewer plant species, but some saw improvements in soil health over time.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 25, 2022
A new study reveals that global warming can lead to an exponential increase in heat injury accumulation for ectothermic organisms, with temperatures exceeding their tolerance level resulting in severe injuries. The rate of heat injury doubles for each degree the temperature rises.
Researchers have discovered that reef halos, visible from satellite imagery, can provide insights into coral reef health globally. These bands of bare seafloor surrounding coral patch reefs are more common and dynamic than expected, with the potential to serve as a window into reef health.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe American Naturalist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2022
New research by Frank Schroeder's team reveals two parallel biosynthetic pathways for serotonin production in C. elegans, challenging the long-held assumption that serotonin is made and quickly broken down. The findings suggest new therapeutic targets for treating anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A research group from Japan has found a new genus of fungus in the Kickxellales that inhabits the guts of cave crickets, suggesting the evolutionary transition between saprobes and gut-inhabiting fungi. The discovery sheds light on how fungi in the Kickxellomycotina evolved to live inside animals.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMycologia·DateOct 11, 2022
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical cocktail in human skin that summons disease-spreading mosquitoes. The combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acids, elicits a scent that attracts female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vectors of Zika and other viruses.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022
A high-resolution map of ant biodiversity has been created, revealing areas with high diversity and potential for new species discovery. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting critical regions with high ant diversity.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 3, 2022
A recent study has identified an important molecular analogy between the octopus brain and the human brain, specifically with LINE transposons active in both species. This discovery sheds light on the secret of the intelligence of these fascinating organisms, suggesting a convergent evolution of cognitive abilities.
SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2022
A new species of sea anemone has been discovered off the coast of Japan, forming a symbiotic relationship with the hermit crab. The anemone attaches itself to the crab's shell using a hard shell-like secretion, while the crab taps and pinches the anemone to move it to its new shell.
SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalBiological Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2022
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.
Researchers analyzed DNA of Demodex folliculorum mites living in human hair follicles, finding unusual body features and behaviors due to their isolated existence. The study suggests these mites may transition from external parasites to internal symbionts as they shed unnecessary genes and cells.
SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2022
A UC Riverside genetic discovery found that mosquitoes lack the primary ecdysone transporter, allowing researchers to develop a mosquito-specific insecticide. This breakthrough could help control Zika, dengue, and other virus-carrying mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2022
A team of University of Hawaii researchers found that the number of hours of darkness during the lunar cycle triggers mature Hawaiian box jellyfish to swim to shore to spawn. The study also revealed that jellies are likely to come from the lee of Diamond Head Crater, where they benefit from shelter and food.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRegional Studies in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 20, 2022
A large-scale international study, led by Tel Aviv University's Dr. Omri Bronstein, found that many species of echinoids, including sea urchins, survived a mass extinction event 50 million years earlier than thought. The findings suggest that estimates of evolutionary timelines may err by tens of millions of years.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered 17 new species of twisted-claw millipedes, including Nannaria swiftae, named after singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. The millipedes play a valuable role in decomposing leaf litter and have unique characteristics such as shiny caramel-brown bodies with white spots.
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.
Fossil analysis reveals mollusk communities were resilient to major climatic shifts but struggled under human-induced changes, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateApr 18, 2022
A new study found that mountain streams are signaling climate change through changes in invertebrate populations, which can indicate ecosystem health. The researchers discovered that diversity tends to increase downstream but is lowest near lakes, highlighting the need for protecting these ecosystems from diversions and habitat damage.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEcological Monographs·DateApr 7, 2022
Researchers sequenced DNA from hundreds of bryozoan specimens to study their evolution. They found that species with brooding chambers had higher diversity, as these structures confer a clear benefit to the parent colony.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022
Researchers found that faster-moving ants in a raft lead to expansions and protrusions, potentially used for sensing environments. The team's findings can inform the development of intelligent swarm responses for robotics and next-generation materials.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 2, 2022
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.
A new study reveals that marine organisms attach themselves to plastics and are transported by marine currents, contributing to the introduction of non-native species. The research found diverse marine life attached to plastic debris, including bryozoans, which could become invasive and alter ecosystems.
SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022
Scientists have discovered that the genomes of marine invertebrates have been surprisingly stable across deep time. The study found that chromosomes are remarkably similar among sponges, jellyfish, scallops, and even humans, with some genes traveling together for almost a billion years.
SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022
Scientists at UCR have discovered a new species of nematode parasite that infects and kills tarantulas, exhibiting strange behaviors like walking on tiptoe and loss of fang control. The parasite, Tarantobelus jeffdanielsi, is named after actor Jeff Daniels, who saved fictional spiders in the 1990 film Arachnophobia.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Parasitology·DateJan 19, 2022
A recent comprehensive assessment reveals drastically increased species extinctions and declining populations, indicating the onset of the Sixth Mass Extinction. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts and a recognition of humanity's common responsibility to mitigate the crisis.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalBiological Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2022
A massive fossil of the giant millipede Arthropleura has been discovered in Northumberland, England, revealing it was up to 2.7 meters long and weighed 50 kilograms. The find sheds new light on the animal's habitat and evolution, suggesting it preferred open woodland habitats near the coast.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of the Geological Society·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A study by UC Riverside scientists has identified a set of genes on a single chromosome associated with the production of male or female offspring in ant colonies. The discovery sheds light on the complex relationships between genetics and environmental factors in shaping the sex ratio of these societies.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2021
A group of Croatian students used photographs from iNaturalist to describe a new species of pygmy grasshopper, challenging traditional methods. The study highlights the potential of citizen science and encourages people to engage with nature to raise awareness about conservation.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalJournal of Orthoptera Research·DateDec 14, 2021
A new study from Australian Institute of Marine Science reveals that reef fish such as emperors, tropical snappers, and rockcods play a crucial role in controlling crown-of-thorns starfish numbers on the Great Barrier Reef. By removing these fish species, the abundance of coral-eating starfish increases.
SourceAustralian Institute of Marine Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 8, 2021
A new study reveals that Asian honeybees use distinct signals to alert nestmates of giant hornet attacks, employing a sophisticated communication system. The research found that these signals are designed to get the attention of colony members and convey a sense of urgency.
SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers describe a new modern-looking tardigrade fossil, Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus, found in Miocene Dominican amber. The study reveals unique foregut organization and contributes to the scant tardigrade fossil record, providing insight into the ancient superfamily Isohypsibioidea.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 5, 2021
Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of tardigrade fossil, Paradoryphoribius chronocaribbeus, preserved in 16-million-year-old Dominican amber. The specimen is the first tardigrade fossil recovered from the Cenozoic era and offers insights into the evolution of this ancient lineage.
SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeNews article·DateOct 5, 2021
Researchers at University College London discovered that worm mothers secrete a milk-like fluid to support their offspring's growth. This unique selfless act helps explain mysteries about the biology of ageing in nematode worms, which could have far-reaching implications for understanding human ageing.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021
A study published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment reveals that ʻopihi age, growth, and longevity are influenced by the Hawaiian intertidal environment. The research team found that ʻopihi species grow rapidly, reaching maturity within 8-9 months, and can live up to 5 years old.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2021
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.
Researchers describe two new species of fossil ctenophores from Utah with preserved nervous systems and up to 24 comb rows. These findings suggest that Cambrian ctenophores had more complex nervous systems than living species, with specific nerve tracks along the body and a ring around the mouth.
SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournaliScience·DateAug 20, 2021
A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.
Researchers at Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute characterize an acute marine hypoxic event in the Caribbean, impacting brittlestars and corals. The study reveals a resilient microbial community that adapts to deoxygenation, providing insights into the historical context of such events.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A 48-year record of Australian collecting trips has been made publicly available, providing accurate details on specimen collection dates and locations. The data is now accessible via the Zenodo open-data repository in Darwin Core format.
SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateJul 29, 2021
The deep-sea ecosystems of the Salas y Gomez and Nazca ridges are characterized by exceptional biodiversity, hosting rare and unique species of fish and invertebrates. These findings have significant implications for conservation efforts, emphasizing the need to protect these unique environments.
A recent study identified 363 marine invertebrate RNA viruses from 58 samples, revealing high genetic diversity and elasticity. The findings suggest possible virus transmission across different ocean areas and host species, shedding light on the origin of hantaviruses.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJun 27, 2021
A mathematical model reveals how two radically different communities coexist beneath California's iconic kelp forests. The model accounts for the growth rate and mortality of algae and invertebrates, as well as the lifecycle of giant kelp and sunlight availability. This dynamic foundation species allows competing groups to dominate at ...
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology·DateFeb 22, 2021
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.
Researchers studied leech reproduction and found that EE2 had little impact on abundance but some effects on gonad size. Leeches may be less sensitive to endocrine disrupting compounds than previously thought.
SourceSociety of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJul 21, 2020
Researchers developed a novel machine learning procedure that resolved Paleozoic biodiversity to within 26,000 years, clarifying diversification and extinction events. The improved resolution revealed new aspects of Paleozoic biodiversity and showed a correlation between atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and paleobiodiversity change.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJan 16, 2020
A study of 15 South Tyrolean waterways found that extensive pastures increase biodiversity in streams and rivers. Aquatic macroinvertebrates perform more diversified tasks in pastures, with greater species diversity than in woodland and rocky areas.
SourceEurac Research·JournalFreshwater Biology·DateJan 7, 2020
Scientists warn that Antarctic species are at risk due to declining oxygen levels in the ocean, which could lead to extinction for larger marine invertebrates and fish. The study found that some species have evolved mechanisms to compensate for reduced oxygen, but many large species will likely be impacted by climate change.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 16, 2019
The study analyzes genome data from multiple species, including humans, mice, and zebrafish, to understand the evolutionary transition from invertebrates to vertebrates. The research identifies key differences in gene regulation between vertebrates and invertebrates, highlighting complex gene regulation and specialization.
SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A new invasive species, Bugula neritina, has been detected in the Ketchikan region of Alaska, along with three other non-native species. The discovery highlights the importance of early detection and monitoring to control the spread of invasive species in Alaskan waters.
SourceSmithsonian·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateSep 27, 2018
A recent study reveals that the marine heatwave had a significant impact on fish and invertebrate communities across the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. The loss of coral was only part of the story, with changes also occurring in other animal populations.
Researchers from University of Texas at El Paso discover that high desert winds disperse small invertebrates and colonize hydrologically disconnected basins. The findings have large implications for understanding the wind-aided dispersal of freshwater organisms, which are crucial to the food web.
SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·DateMar 13, 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 mapped the global impact of shrinking glaciers on river invertebrates, revealing a consistently patterned response across diverse regions. The study highlights the potential to track environmental impacts on invertebrate groups using trait-based approaches.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateDec 18, 2017
The discovery of 15 new species in the genus 'smiley faced' spiders challenges previous estimates of biodiversity in the Caribbean. Researchers named these species after notable figures including Obama, Sanders, David Bowie and DiCaprio to promote awareness about human rights, equality and climate change.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateSep 26, 2017
A new study sheds light on the largely understudied area of vertebrate scavenging ecology. Researchers found that vertebrate communities are efficient at locating varying sized carcasses, but not as efficiently in warmer months when invertebrates and microbes are more active.
SourceOregon State University·JournalEcology·DateAug 1, 2017
A new study reveals that marine invertebrate predators have increased in size over the past 500 million years, while their prey has remained relatively constant. The 'escalation hypothesis' is supported by the findings, which show a significant increase in predator-prey size ratio driven by changes in marine ecosystems.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 15, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.