Latest news with #marine biology
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Blue sharks might actually be some of nature's most unexpected chameleons
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. Blue sharks have become very well known for the color of their skin, but new research indicates that these iconic sharks might be more than meets the eye. In fact, blue sharks might just be one of nature's best chameleons, as new data suggests the components responsible for the shark's coloring could allow it to change colors based on its environment. The research comes from a group of marine biologists who shared their findings at the most recent Society for Experimental Biology Annual Conference in Belgium. The researchers say they discovered these findings while more closely inspecting the small tooth-like scales that are responsible for the blue coloring of the sharks. Today's Top Deals XGIMI Prime Day deals feature the new MoGo 4 and up to 42% off smart projectors Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals These tooth-like scales are known as dermal denticles. When looking at them more closely, the researchers found that the scales feature small pulp cavities that contain guanine crystals. These crystals are responsible for the camouflage ability found in chameleons, which suggests that blue sharks may be able to use similar color-changing abilities to hide in different environments. The belief is that these color-changing crystals allow the sharks to blend in with the darker waters of the deep. For example, the researchers suggest that the cells could become more tightly packed together as the pressure increases on the shark's body, thus making the creature's skin much darker when it dives deeper. So far, the researchers have only simulated the possible chances of what might happen when the pressure is increased on the cells. From here, the researchers want to take their findings and try to translate them to the real world by investigating the blue shark's chameleon ability in greater depth. The hope is that they'll be able to prove that the sharks change their color based on their environment, even if that just means they get darker when diving deeper. There's a lot we still don't know about sharks, including why some sharks freeze when turned upside down. But, hopefully, future research like this can help us uncover more about these majestic and terrifying creatures. More Top Deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 See the
Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'These Sharks Are Masters of Disguise': Astonished Scientists Uncover Blue Shark's Unique Ability to Change Color in a Breathtaking Breakthrough
IN A NUTSHELL 🦈 Researchers at the City University of Hong Kong discovered that blue sharks can change their skin color. can change their skin color. 🔍 The color-changing ability is linked to unique nanostructures in their skin called dermal denticles. in their skin called dermal denticles. 🌊 Environmental factors like water pressure and humidity also influence the shark's color variations. and humidity also influence the shark's color variations. 🌐 This discovery has implications for marine biology and conservation efforts, offering insights into adaptive strategies. In a remarkable discovery that has intrigued marine biologists and enthusiasts alike, researchers at the City University of Hong Kong have unveiled a fascinating ability of the blue shark: its capacity to change color. This revelation adds a new dimension to our understanding of this already unique species, known for its striking blue hue. The ability to alter its skin color not only highlights the complexity of its anatomy but also raises intriguing questions about the evolutionary advantages this might confer. As we dive deeper into the specifics of this discovery, the role of unique skin structures and environmental factors come to the fore. The Unique Ability of Blue Sharks to Change Color While creatures like chameleons and octopuses are well-known for their color-changing abilities, the blue shark now joins this exclusive club. The research team, led by experts at the City University of Hong Kong, delved into the shark's anatomy and identified a distinctive feature in its skin. Blue sharks owe their name and color to a unique nanostructure in their skin, a rarity in the animal kingdom. The presence of this structure is key to their color-changing ability. Dr. Viktoriia Kamska, a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Mason Dean's lab, emphasizes the evolutionary significance of producing the rare blue color, which has fascinated scientists. However, the groundbreaking aspect of the research lies not in the blue hue itself but in the shark's ability to change it. This discovery sheds light on the adaptive strategies of blue sharks, enabling them to alter their appearance based on environmental cues, thus offering them potential camouflage and other evolutionary benefits. 'Like a Floating Magic Carpet': Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Creature Stuns Scientists With Its Surreal, Otherworldly Movements The Role of Dermal Denticles in Color Variation The nanostructures on the blue shark's skin are known as dermal denticles, small tooth-like scales that play a crucial role in its color-changing ability. These denticles are composed of pulp cavities containing guanine crystals and melanosomes. Guanine is renowned for its ability to reflect blue light like a mirror, while melanosomes absorb other light colors. This unique composition allows for dynamic color shifts. Depending on the spacing between guanine crystal layers, the shark's skin may appear blue, green, or even golden. When the crystals are densely packed, the skin exhibits a dominant blue shade. Conversely, when the crystals are spaced further apart, the skin takes on a greenish hue. This fascinating mechanism illustrates the complex interplay of biological structures in determining the shark's appearance. 'Large Black-Eyed Creature Discovered': Scientists Identify Bizarre New Species Lurking in Papua New Guinea Gold Mine Environmental Factors Influencing Skin Color While the spacing of guanine crystals is the primary determinant of color variation, other environmental factors also play a role. Researchers found that the depth at which the shark swims can cause its color to shift to a darker blue, influenced by the water pressure compressing the guanine crystals. This finding highlights the dynamic interaction between the shark and its environment. Professor Mason Dean explains that even slight changes in humidity or water pressure can subtly alter the shark's skin color. These fine adjustments can affect how the animal camouflages itself in its natural habitat. Such insights into the blue shark's adaptive strategies reveal the complexity of its interactions with the marine environment and underscore the importance of understanding these mechanisms for conservation efforts. 'Lost for 62 Years Then Found Alive': Ultra-Rare Egg-Laying Mammal Resurfaces in Remote Indonesian Rainforest Against All Odds Implications for Marine Biology and Conservation The discovery of the blue shark's color-changing ability has far-reaching implications for marine biology and conservation. Understanding how these sharks adapt to their environment can inform strategies to protect them, especially in the face of changing oceanic conditions due to climate change. The insights gained from this research could also have broader applications in material science and technology, where biomimicry of natural color-changing processes could inspire innovative solutions. This research highlights the intricate link between an organism's anatomy and its environmental interactions. As scientists continue to explore the mysteries of the blue shark, they open new avenues for understanding the complexities of marine life. What other secrets might these enigmatic creatures hold, and how can these discoveries shape our approach to preserving the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (27)
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
They're not ALL like Jaws! Five unloved sharks species you may never have heard of... including one that lives up to 500 YEARS
While you may be well aware of the dangers posed by a tiger, bull, or Great White shark, would you know what to do when face to face with a megamouth shark? Our oceans have an estimated 90 per cent of species still undiscovered yet people don't even know the species that have been revealed. There are over 500 species of shark and yet the average person, even those who claim sharks as their favourite animal, fail to name more than five, with those five being the same species recycled from person to person. Great White, bull, hammerhead, tiger, and whale sharks are all heavily regarded as the most popular sharks, with movies such as Jaws greatly boosting their fame. However, other, arguably more interesting, sharks remain lurking far beneath the surface. With over eight billion people, surely all 500+ shark species deserve to be somebody's favourite. From scary to sweet, these are five of the most underrated sharks to add to your list of favourites. Greenland shark The Greenland shark is far too underrated considering the absolute marvel of its lifespan, having baffled scientists for years as the oldest shark. Due to their particularly slow metabolism, delayed sexual maturity, and cold Arctic water habitats 2,000m below the surface, the Greenland shark has adapted to have a lifespan of up to 500 years. In 2016, carbon dating of a Greenland shark's eye lenses revealed it was from 1627 and was almost 400 years old. However, you needn't fear these gentle giants, as they are also the slowest-moving shark with a top speed of 2.5km/h. And even if you were to be caught up, you'd be more at risk if you took a bite out of the shark than if it were to bite you. The high count of trimethylamine oxide in their flesh, which can cause cancer and heart diseases, leaves the Greenland shark completely toxic to consume, making the 1,000kg of meat more dangerous than their fifty-two teeth. Wobbegong sharks Wobbegong is the name given to carpet sharks, bottom-dwellers best known for their impeccable camouflage and interesting distinctive features. Due to their intricate patterns and skin folds, carpet sharks are able to seamlessly blend into coral reefs along the seabed. This aids them in hiding but also hunting, with their ability to hide allowing them to easily strike and capture their prey, making them efficient ambush hunters. This hunting advantage is highly successful as the wobbegong, similarly to the Greenland shark, are slow swimmers. Their innate ability to 'disappear' into coral reefs is made even more impressive when you consider their grand size of 10ft. Megamouth sharks The megamouth shark is often overshadowed by whale and basking sharks, its fellow plankton-eating species, however it has no reason to be as the megamouth is far more unique than its popular counterparts. While the megamouth has been known to swim closer towards the surface for feeding at night, it spends the majority of its time 15,000ft below the surface. This has caused it to be the rarest spotted shark, with only 117 documented sightings. However, if you were lucky enough to spot one of these creatures you would know immediately, as the megamouth has one of the most distinctive builds of any shark. And whilst its appearance may initially scare you, they are easily kept at bay with a slight tap of their nose. With its bulbous head, large lips, and impressive length of 18ft, the megamouth could easily become one of the most recognisable sharks if only more people knew they existed. Cookiecutter sharks The cookiecutter shark is undeniably one of the most remarkable shark species, from unique feeding techniques to its glowing stomach, all at a measly 50cm (20in). The cookiecutter shark is named after the hole it leaves behind after it feeds. They are ectoparasitic as they will live on the outside of their host, and can also live off of krill and small fish rather than feeding on larger lifeforms. Many of their prey are attracted to them by their phosphorous underbelly which glows green, particularly effective due to the darkness of its natural habitat 3km below the surface of the water. They are such efficient predators because of their powerful jaws and bone structure, strengthened by their tendency to swallow their own teeth as a way to intake calcium. Dwarf Lanternsharks If a fear of sharks is why you don't want to learn more about them, then the dwarf lanternshark is perfect for you. The dwarf lanternshark is the smallest breed of shark, growing up to 21cm (just over 8in) - no bigger than a carrot. They are also bioluminescent, allowing them to glow in the deep, dark waters in which they inhabit. While you may assume this would disadvantage them, making them stick out as an easy prey, they instead use this to lure prey to them. They are also camouflaged by the black markings that form patterns with the bioluminescent colourings. So, if a fear of sharks is putting you off, simply think of the dwarf lantern shark as no more harmful than a glow in the dark carrot.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Science
- The Independent
Scientists discover another animal that can change colour
A new study indicates that blue sharks may possess the ability to change their skin colour, akin to chameleons, owing to unique structures on their skin. The shark 's distinctive blue colouration is generated by tiny nanostructures located within the pulp cavities of its dermal denticles, which are specialised skin scales. Guanine crystals function as blue reflectors, while the pigment melanin absorbs other light wavelengths, with these two components working collaboratively to produce the shark 's hue. Researchers discovered that the interplay between guanine and melanin not only creates the colour but also enables the potential for its alteration. Environmental elements, such as increased water pressure at greater depths, can influence the spacing of guanine crystals, leading to the shark 's skin darkening for enhanced camouflage.
