Scientists Studying Biodiversity and Pharmaceutical Potential on Seafloor off California
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 20 October 2020
Scripps scientists will lead a cruise off Southern California to study deep-sea biodiversity in mineral-rich habitats, using ROV Hercules to collect samples and explore ecosystems with potential pharmaceutical and conservation value.
Keywords: Scripps, deep sea, biodiversity, ROV Hercules, Nautilus, pharmaceuticals, mineral habitats
Scientists Reenvision Bioinspired Suction Cup
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 23 October 2020
UC San Diego researchers improved clingfish-inspired suction cups by analyzing papillae structures that enhance grip under wet shear motion. Findings could lead to stronger bioinspired adhesives for medical, food, and industrial uses.
Keywords: UC San Diego, clingfish, suction cup, papillae, biomimicry, adhesives, bioinspiration
New Study Finds That Parasites Can Drain Energy from Hosts Prior to Infection
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Published: 26 October 2020
A UC San Diego–Norwegian study shows brain parasites in killifish drain host energy even before infection, raising metabolic rates. Findings reveal parasites contribute to an "ecology of fear," altering host behavior and energy use early on.
Keywords: parasites, killifish, metabolism, UC San Diego, energy drain, ecology of fear, behavior
