Articles tagged with Shellfish
A new portable device can accurately screen for marine toxins in shellfish, allowing for quick testing on boats and at remote locations. This innovation solves a pressing problem for the fishing industry, enabling safe sale and consumption of tainted shellfish.
A new Cornell University study suggests that examining centuries-old oyster reefs can help restore these vital marine ecosystems. By analyzing fossils and sediment records, scientists can gain insights into how oysters have grown, lived, and interacted with their environments over time.
Researchers from the Canadian Museum of Nature and Fisheries and Oceans Canada describe a new species of giant file clam, Acesta cryptadelphe, found in deep waters off Newfoundland. The clam is genetically distinct from other known species, with characteristics similar to scallops.
Research found that oysters serve as a major reservoir for noroviruses, with over 80% of human norovirus genotypes detected in oyster samples. This highlights the importance of surveillance and safe handling of oysters to prevent transmission.
Research finds that a conch population outbreak and high water salinity are causing a sharp decrease in oyster populations on Florida reefs. The study suggests that restoring the habitat may fail if an area contains or is likely to develop an outbreak of conchs like the one in Matanzas.
Rising sea temperatures and decreased salt concentration are predicted to significantly impact mussel health, favoring disease-causing bacteria that produce toxins. This could threaten the rapidly-growing tropical shellfish industry in South-West India, which is already under pressure from urbanization.
Research reveals Alaskan coastal waters may struggle to support shellfish hatcheries due to ocean acidification, with potential impacts on the industry by 2040. The study highlights the need for effective monitoring and mitigation efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of shellfish farming in Alaska.
The discovery of a 16.7-inch-long, 8.7-inch-wide theropod dinosaur femur from the Late Cretaceous period is the first dinosaur fossil found in Washington State. The fossil is approximately 80 million years old and provides insight into the West Coast's dinosaur record.
New England's spring and summer red tides will be similar in extent to those of the past three years, according to the 2015 Gulf of Maine red tide seasonal forecast. The forecast is part of a larger NOAA effort to deliver ecological forecasts that support human health and well-being.
Archaeologists discovered ancient clam gardens in the Pacific Northwest, revealing a sophisticated marine management system. The findings challenge the notion of First Nations living in wild environments, instead showing they were farmers who cultivated productive clam habitats.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have discovered a new method to detect Vibrio parahaemolyticus, a bacterium that has contaminated oyster beds and sickened consumers in the Northeast. The detection platform uses genome sequencing and analysis to identify specific genes found only in the invasive strain.
Researchers discovered that cancerous tumor cells in soft-shell clams are contagious and can spread from one animal to another. The study found that the cancer originated from a single lineage of tumor cells and has persisted ever since.
A new report warns that US coastal communities dependent on the $1 billion shelled mollusk industry face long-term economic risks from ocean acidification. The analysis identified several 'hot zones' facing a number of risk factors, including the Pacific Northwest and Gulf of Mexico regions.
A study by Smithsonian scientists found that oyster disease is more prevalent in areas with low oxygen levels at night, which can cripple the oysters' defense against the parasite. However, surprisingly, oysters' filtration powers flag during periods of low oxygen but recover afterwards.
A carnivorous oyster mushroom has been found to use a hole-punching protein similar to the human immune system. This discovery could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases, cancer, and bacterial infections, as well as pest control methods for agriculture.
Researchers have visualized the molecular process behind a protein that punches holes into cancer cells, using edible oyster mushrooms as inspiration. The findings could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases, malaria, and pests in agriculture, while also introducing a powerful tool against infectious diseases.
Scientists have discovered a link between ancient mollusk fossils and an increase in parasitic trematodes, a type of internal parasite affecting humans and other animals. The study, funded by various grants, suggests that current climate change may be creating conditions for a surge in these parasites.
A new study found that Pacific oyster and Mediterranean mussel larvae are sensitive to the saturation state of seawater, which is lowered by increasing CO2 levels. The threshold for danger will be crossed decades to centuries ahead of when CO2 increases alone would pose a threat. Shellfish hatcheries alter water chemistry to create mor...
Scientists from USGS and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History discover new genus and species of bivalve mollusk, Wallerconcha, in deep-water sediment cores from the Beaufort Sea. The discovery is named after Dr. Thomas R. Waller and Sara Powell, co-authors of the study.
A new tool provides real-time ocean chemistry data along the West Coast, helping scientists understand changes in water chemistry and aid the shellfish industry. The IOOS Pacific Region Oean Acidification Data Portal offers valuable insights for adapting to ocean acidification.
A survey of 409 physicians found that many are unaware of the latest treatments and guidelines for allergic conditions. The study highlights the importance of seeking a board-certified allergist for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers from Penn and UCSB discovered that giant clams use their iridescent structures to maximize the usefulness of light reaching symbiotic algae within their bodies. This unique system allows the clams to thrive in intense sunlight, leading to potential breakthroughs in alternative energy research.
Researchers found that mussels on restored oyster reefs can filter up to two-fold more plankton than oysters alone, significantly enhancing water quality. This discovery could increase the 'return on investment' for oyster-reef restoration projects.
The study found significant evidence of 'fishing down the food web' in the English Channel, with top predators like sharks and rays declining drastically. The analysis revealed that fish stocks have been removed from the area completely, leaving fishermen to scrape the bottom of the barrel for shellfish.
Lindsey Dougherty, a University of California graduate student, has discovered the source of the disco clam's flashing light show - tiny silica nanospheres on its mirrored lip. The nanospheres reflect blue light, creating the clams' distinctive rippling display.
A new study suggests that oyster aquaculture can remove nearly half of the incoming nutrients from the Potomac River estuary if only 15-20% of its bottom is cultivated. This approach could provide a solution to long-term water quality problems and promote ecosystem balance.
A robotic digger, RoboClam, has been created to mimic the unique mechanisms employed by the Atlantic razor clam. The robot can transform soil into a liquid and achieve deep digging with high efficiency, making it suitable for applications such as anchoring underwater robots and subsea cable installation.
Researchers created a robotic clam called RoboClam that can burrow into undersea soil using little energy. By mimicking the movement of an Atlantic razor clam, RoboClam can liquefy the soil around its shell, reducing drag and allowing it to move quickly and efficiently.
Researchers discovered that ancient clam gardens made by Aboriginal people produced quadruple the number of butter clams and twice the number of littleneck clams as unmodified clam beaches. This study provides practical insights into sustainable ancient marine management techniques for local food security strategies.
New research finds that invasive snails eat 20% more juvenile oysters under ocean conditions forecast for the end of this century. The combination of climate change and invasive predators may make restoration of oyster populations increasingly difficult.
The €3.6 million CACHE programme will study the effects of ocean warming and acidification on shellfish populations, crucial for the European fishing economy and biodiversity. The project will also explore biomimicry and carbon sequestration opportunities.
Allergy expert Dr. David Stukus debunks common myths, including artificial dyes, vaccines, at-home blood tests, dietary restrictions, and pet allergies. He emphasizes the importance of consulting a board-certified allergist for proper evaluation and treatment.
Researchers found that oyster larvae settle in response to habitat-associated underwater sounds, particularly those of oyster reefs. This discovery could provide insights into establishing healthy oyster beds and monitoring the health of undersea reefs.
A team of Swiss researchers has developed a method to extract DNA from cultured pearls, allowing for the identification of species and authentication of luxury jewelry. This technique, which is non-destructive and non-invasive, uses genetic fingerprinting to differentiate between pearls from various oyster species.
Research reveals that contaminated bivalve molluscs contain toxins at higher levels than the surrounding environment, posing a risk to human health.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a neuropeptide called NGFFYamide that triggers the stomach contraction and retraction in starfish, enabling a unique form of external digestion. This finding has potential economic and environmental implications for controlling starfish predation.
Tiny parasites, known as Mikrocytos mackini, have been found to infect Pacific oysters, causing unsightly green lesions and death. The discovery sheds light on the parasites' reduced metabolism and unique relationship with their host.
Scientists discover new clam species, Waldo arthuri, in the Northeastern Pacific Ocean. The species has a thin, translucent shell and long willowy tentacles, and lives on the spines of one type of sea urchin in a commensal relationship.
A new study suggests that oyster populations can recover faster with reduced fishing pressure and improved habitats. The research model indicates that halting or reducing fishing could lead to a healthier population restored within 50-500 years.
Ocean acidification is altering shell formation rates and energy usage in young oysters, leading to increased mortality. However, interventions at hatcheries, such as buffering water with antacids, may help mitigate these effects.
A new study reveals that the Devonian clam fauna experienced fluctuations in species abundance, but its ecological stability remained intact. The research suggests that factors like predation pressure and food web dynamics played a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem's stability.
A new study finds that oyster reefs can buffer acidic inputs to Chesapeake Bay, providing a key ecosystem service. Restoring oysters could help moderate ocean acidity and support marine life.
A recent study found that electron-beam pasteurization can significantly reduce the risk of viral food poisoning from consuming raw oysters. The research, led by Texas A&M University graduate student Chandni Praveen, used human norovirus and hepatitis A virus surrogates to test the technology's effectiveness.
A new study reveals that Antarctic clams' reaction to environmental changes varies depending on their age. Younger clams are more active in responding to hypoxia, while older, sedentary clams remain relatively unchanged. This has implications for future clam populations and ecosystems.
Biofuels have significant ecological impacts due to high-intensity agriculture practices that contribute to water pollution and loss of biodiversity. Cellulosic ethanol, made from grasses and perennial native crops, may offer a more sustainable alternative with reduced resource competition and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and NOAA's ECOHAB program have developed a testing protocol that allows fishermen to safely harvest surf clams and ocean quahogs on Georges Bank. The shellfish industry can now produce up to 1 million bushels of product annually, valued at $10-15 million.
Researchers discovered a new species of brown seaweed, Colpomenia peregrina, in the Gulf of Maine, which has rapidly expanded its range from Canada to Cape Cod. The sea potato, also known as oyster thief, is an epiphytic species that grows on other plants and is competing with native flora for space and nutrients.
A 'moderate' red tide is expected in New England this spring and summer due to toxic algae Alexandrium fundyense. The forecast is based on cyst abundance data and toxicity records, with a range of bloom scenarios possible.
Researchers discovered three new, previously unknown clam species that diverged from a common ancestor over 10 million years ago. A climate-cooling event may have played a role in their evolution, leading to the creation of distinct biogeographic provinces along Australia's coastline.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed an improved purification method for oysters that effectively removes Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria, reducing the risk of gastroenteritis. The new process uses temperature-controlled depuration with ultraviolet light, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria after four to five days.
A new fossil discovery provides evidence that simpler worm-like mollusks evolved from more complex shelled brethren, rather than the other way around. The find clarifies evolutionary relationships among mollusks, including oysters and mussels.
Researchers sequenced and assembled the Pacific oyster genome, uncovering extensive genes that enable oysters to adapt to environmental stresses. The study also revealed a complex mechanism for shell formation, with diverse proteins playing important roles in matrix construction and modification.
A new international study found that increased acidity affects shell size and weight, with a trend observed across multiple marine species. The research suggests that these changes will have significant impacts on humans and the ocean's large animals.
Scientists have discovered a biological marker in marine animals that indicates low-level exposure to domoic acid, a potentially toxic substance produced by certain algae. This finding has the potential to create reliable blood tests for assessing the effects of chronic exposure on humans and wildlife.
Marine researchers have linked ocean acidification to the collapse of oyster seed production at an Oregon hatchery, where larval growth declined due to corrosive water conditions. The study's findings suggest that increased CO2 levels may push oyster larval growth past the break-even point in terms of production.
Research by Oregon State University scientists has found a definitive link between ocean acidification and oyster larval failure, with elevated CO2 levels inhibiting shell development and growth. The study's findings have significant implications for the $100 million annual commercial oyster production industry on the West Coast.
A moderate bloom could cause the closure of shellfish beds along an estimated 126-250 miles of coastline. The forecast is based on computer simulations modeling meteorological and oceanographic conditions that impact the size of the bloom.
Researchers at NOAA's Milford Laboratory have isolated a new probiotic bacterium, OY15, that significantly improves larval survival in oyster hatcheries. The study confirms the protective effect of naturally-occurring probiotic bacteria against bacterial disease and promotes healthy growth.
A new study by University of Georgia researchers found that fertilizer runoff and excess carbon dioxide in coastal waters increase acidity, compromising shell-forming abilities of oysters and other marine creatures. The findings highlight the need to manage fertilizer use and limit fossil fuel consumption to mitigate future damage.
A new algae monitoring method developed by USC scientists aims to predict when and where toxic algal blooms will occur. The research focuses on the increase of harmful toxins in shellfish due to neurotoxin-producing algae.