Articles tagged with Mussels
A CU-Boulder study suggests that growing numbers of dams and impoundments are facilitating the spread of invasive species into natural lakes. The research team found that such species can create 'stepping-stone habitats' for further invasion, posing risks to lake ecosystems.
Diporeia, a small crustacean, has declined dramatically in Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes, threatening the ecosystem and $4 billion sport fishing industry. Researchers are exploring possible causes, including invasive mussels and pollutants like pesticides and PCBs.
A 20-year study by NOAA reveals a positive trend in reducing contaminant levels in U.S. coastal waters, despite ongoing concerns about metals and industrial chemicals. The report highlights decreasing trends for pesticides like DDT and industrial chemicals PCBs, but notes continued issues with oil-related compounds and flame retardants.
A new study suggests that nearly 60% of the US is at high risk for zebra mussel invasion due to low calcium levels in streams and lakes. The invasive species could spread rapidly through connecting waterways and recreational boating, causing millions of dollars in damage and ecological harm.
A new national map assesses the risk of zebra and quagga mussel invasion in US waterways, with nearly 60% of land areas classified as high-risk. The map uses calcium concentrations to predict mussel distributions, highlighting regions where management resources should be targeted.
A new coating method mimics mussel adhesive properties, allowing for the attachment of various materials to inorganic and organic surfaces. This method has potential applications in fields such as electronics, medical devices, and water treatment.
The invasive green porcelain crab is slowing the growth of small oysters, but not mussels, and may be competing with native crabs for food. The long-term effects on oyster reefs are uncertain due to the crab's rapid reproduction and potential predator shift.
Researchers have developed a synthetic adhesive, called 'geckel,' that exhibits strong yet reversible adhesion in both air and water. The material combines the adhesive properties of geckos with those of mussels, showing improved wet adhesion 15-fold over uncoated pillar arrays.
Researchers have designed a hybrid material that combines the dry adhesive properties of geckos with the underwater adhesive properties of mussels, producing a synthetic material that adheres well under both wet and dry conditions. The geckel nanoadhesive showed improved adherence compared to previous gecko-based synthetic adhesives.
A recent study found that climate change impacts mussels beyond their northern and southern range limits, with temperature variations affecting thermal stress in the rocky intertidal zone. The research suggests conserving areas based on traditional methods may not be enough to protect mussel populations.
Researchers at NIST and NC State University found that Prozac can interfere with freshwater mussels' reproductive cycle. The study, which examined fluoxetine's effect on native mussels, raises concerns about potential health impacts for humans and animals due to continuous exposure to pharmaceuticals in waterways.
Researchers have developed high-efficiency 'plastic' solar cells with potential efficiencies of up to 15 percent, paving the way for wider use. Additionally, scientists have created compounds that block bacterial communication signals, offering a powerful strategy against deadly infections.
A new study suggests that Prozac exposure can prematurely release larvae in freshwater mussels, potentially dooming them. The findings contribute to the growing concern about pharmaceutical pollution's impact on native aquatic species.
A Northwestern University team sheds light on mussel adhesive strategies, focusing on the amino acid DOPA, which forms strong noncovalent and covalent interactions with surfaces. This discovery could lead to development of medical implant coatings.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire found that blue mussels can recognize and respond to two invasive crab species within 15 years. In southern New England, mussels thickened their shells in response to Hemigrapsus sanguineus, while northern populations showed a delayed response.
Research highlights declining hemlock populations due to invasive species, as well as the value of urban forests like Overton Park. Studies also examine economic and ecological costs of exurbanization on Tennessee's southern Cumberland Plateau and document changes in freshwater mussel populations.
Researchers found that mussel body temperatures vary with local climate conditions, even when air and water temperatures are the same. This means that protected areas for conservation may need to be tailored to specific locations.
Researchers found that a 'dead zone' summer in Narragansett Bay led to the death of approximately 4.5 billion mussels, with filtering capacity dropping by 75 percent within weeks. The loss of such a foundation species has lasting effects on the ecosystem.
Biobullets, tiny microcapsules that release potassium chloride, have been developed to combat zebra mussels. The new method poses little threat to other marine animals and is faster than existing methods, making it a promising solution to the ongoing problem.
Jones' master of science thesis described a new species and subspecies of freshwater mussel, utilizing modern genetic techniques in addition to traditional methods. His research highlights the importance of multi-faceted approaches in understanding biodiversity.
The study reveals that wintering waterbirds, primarily tufted ducks and coots, deplete mussel populations by over 90% in waters up to 11m deep. This top-down effect has a significant impact on the littoral community, with mussels recovering during summer months.
Researchers from Virginia Tech's Freshwater Mussel Conservation Center have released several thousand cultivated mussels into the Clinch River as part of a replenishing project. The release aims to restore water quality and support aquatic life after a toxic spill in 1998 killed most aquatic life on that stretch of the river.
The study found that freshwater mussel populations declined gradually between 5000 and 1000 years ago, but accelerated after large-scale maize cultivation started. This suggests human activities like land clearing have measurable effects on aquatic ecosystems.
A new adhesive inspired by mussel protein has been developed, offering superior strength and water resistance. The adhesive is made from natural resources such as soy flour and lignin and does not use formaldehyde or other toxic chemicals.
A new study by Kidwell found that patterns in the fossil record of marine bivalves are not dictated by differences in shell toughness. The study suggests that variations in shell composition may even favor organisms with less durable shells, adding to our understanding of evolutionary history.
The center, established at Virginia Tech, aims to study and propagate endangered mussels. Researchers produce nearly 50,000 juvenile mussels annually and work on projects like surveying bivalves for stress indicators and studying pearl production.
A study found that zebra mussel invasion leads to population declines in open-water fish like American shad, while sunfish species increase in abundance. The mussels' grazing on food particles and increased light penetration create more food for shoreline fish.
A recent study on a rocky intertidal shore in Washington State discovered an alternative state where mussels replace algal dominated assemblages. The starfish play a key role in controlling mussel distribution and abundance, leading to two possible outcomes: gradual recovery or persistent transformation.
Pearly mussel populations are declining due to negative growth rates and environmental degradation. Researchers urge simultaneous research and conservation actions to protect these ancient freshwater organisms.
A new method for studying pollution history using shell remains has been developed, allowing scientists to track environmental changes without harming endangered species. By analyzing geochemical and taphonomic signatures of dead mussel shells, researchers can determine the impact of pollution on ecosystems and track population decline.
A recent study by Michigan State University researchers has found that lakes invaded by zebra mussels have three times higher levels of a toxic algae and twice the levels of its deadly toxin, microcystins. The discovery raises concerns about the potential reversal of water quality gains made in recent years.
Purdue University scientists have discovered that mussels use iron to create their natural adhesive, which could have applications in medicine and industry. The discovery, led by Jonathan Wilker, has the potential to develop new surgical adhesives, rustproof coatings and antifouling paints.
Researchers at Purdue University have identified the secret to nature's super glue, a strong adhesive mesh produced by bivalves using metal ions. The discovery has the potential to develop safer alternatives for surgical and household glues, as well as combat invasive species like the zebra mussel.
Researchers at the College of William and Mary report that seep mussel beds exhibit higher diversity than vent mussel beds. This discrepancy may be due to a physiological barrier to invasion at vents, limiting dispersal and leading to lower biodiversity.
Researchers found that channeled whelks, a species of marine snail, have distinct feeding behaviors along the Pacific coast. Genetic analysis revealed that these differences are likely due to genetic isolation and regional variations in prey availability.
Researchers have created a two-sided coating with sticky and repellant properties to prevent bacterial contamination on medical implants. The new compound could potentially last permanently and be used in various implant surfaces, including tooth coatings and boat hulls.
A common soil bacterium produces a toxin that kills zebra mussels, causing major problems in water-dependent infrastructure. Preliminary tests indicate the microbe does not harm other species, paving the way for commercialization and potential use as an eco-friendly control agent.
Researchers discover that metals like iron are essential for the synthesis of a biological matrix in ocean mussels. This finding could lead to the development of powerful adhesives and antifouling coatings.
Researchers have developed a method to save endangered freshwater mussels by collecting and depositing parasitic larvae onto suitable fish hosts. This process allows for the mass production of juvenile mussels, which can then be released into the wild to improve water quality.
A study found that recreational boating can transport zebra mussels via entangled aquatic weeds, engine cooling systems, and live wells. The risk of spread to new water bodies is significant due to the high volume of transient boat traffic.
Researchers found that low-energy radio waves can kill zebra mussels by depleting calcium levels in the water, which are essential for their survival. This method is considered an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical treatments or molluscicides, and may be effective in preventing pipe clogging.
Researchers found that zebra mussels stimulate bacterial production and increase numbers in sediment, but have a minor impact on the microbenthic community. The study suggests that zebra mussels may not disrupt normal processes of the microbenthic community.
Researchers found that tiny mussels on whale bones and wood fragments are closely related to giant vent mussels, suggesting they could be evolutionary intermediates. The study suggests rotting whales may provide a missing link between vent and shallow-water mussel species.
Researchers found that zebra mussel larvae die in Lake George water within a week due to low calcium levels. However, adult mussels thrive in the same conditions. The discovery provides hope for protecting the lake's ecosystem from invasive species like zebra mussels.
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that zebra mussels can colonize sandy and muddy substrates in Lake Erie, a finding that challenges previous assumptions about the mussel's habitat requirements. The study found that densities of some zebra mussel colonies exceed 20,000 animals per square meter.
A new device invented by Ohio University researchers can control zebra mussel infestations in enclosed water conduits, ballast tanks, and water supplies. The device uses commercially available vacuum systems to lower oxygen levels, preventing mussels from attaching to surfaces.
Researchers found that freshwater sponges can effectively compete with zebra mussels for space on vertical surfaces like canal walls and locks. In a study of 290 sponge-covered mussels, 197 were found dead, suggesting the sponges could be used to control zebra mussel populations in certain areas.