Articles tagged with Mollusks
Researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanisms behind brachiopod shell formation, revealing evolutionary conserved genetic programs among invertebrates. The study identifies unique proteins and structural resemblances to other animal phyla, providing new insights into the evolution of biomineralization.
Researchers identified two optical structures in a mollusk's shell that reflect blue light, producing its bright stripes. The team believes this natural phenomenon could lead to the development of color-selective, controllable displays for windows and glasses.
Researchers found intact thin sheets of shell proteins preserved for up to 15 million years in fossilized Ecphora shells from southern Maryland. The discovery shares characteristics with modern mollusk shell proteins, providing a unique window into the evolutionary history of these creatures.
Researchers used a combination of traditional and innovative model-building techniques to create a lifelike reconstruction of an ancient mollusk. The model revealed key characteristics of the creature, including its dense spines and shells, which had splayed out and decayed prior to fossilization.
Researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison find that nacre's microscopic structure can be used to measure water temperature and depth, providing a new tool for reconstructing ancient environments. The material's unique signature also holds information on environmental conditions.
A population of the freshwater limpet Rhodacmea filosa, thought to be extinct since the mid-20th century, has been rediscovered in a tributary of the Coosa River in Alabama. The discovery is a conservation success story and highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity in rapidly changing environments.
Scientists have discovered ancient mollusk fossils that may indicate how warm the planet will become if carbon dioxide levels are stabilized at current values. The findings suggest summertime Arctic temperatures could increase by 2-5 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to a permanent ice cap melting and further heating the planet.
Pittsburgh University researchers teamed up with Berkeley biophysicist George Oster to create a computer program generating complex shell patterns. The model shows how mollusks' neural networks process sensory information and past experiences.
A team of scientists led by University of Washington paleontologist Peter Ward has found a similar gap during the same period among non-marine arthropods, largely insects and spiders. They believe a precipitous drop in the oxygen content of Earth's atmosphere is responsible for this phenomenon.
Recent findings by Illinois researchers identified two new serotonin metabolites in the nervous system of marine mollusks, suggesting different chemical pathways exist to convert serotonin. This discovery could provide novel means to target tissue-specific diseases related to serotonin signaling.