Neurobiology
Counterintuitive? Fish make more brain cells in water rich with carbon dioxide
Fish continuously make new neurons in their brain. Ocean acidification is harmful for marine life, but can it help fish…
Author: Anastasia Yandulskaya
I am a PhD candidate at Northeastern University in Boston. I study regeneration of the nervous system in water salamanders called axolotls. In my free time, I like to read science fiction, bake, go on walks around Boston, and dig up cool science articles.
Neurobiology
Why don’t whales have strokes?
Whales can't breathe underwater. But even though whale brains should be damaged by the lack of oxygen, they aren't. Scientists…
Ecology
The Adventures of Shell-ock Holmes: A case of green sea turtles
How can scientists find sea turtles in the ocean? Traditional methods like capturing and tagging are invasive and expensive. Is…
Neurobiology
Sensitive skin? Dolphins feel touch best on their faces
Hands are among the most touch-sensitive body parts for humans, but what about dolphins? Scientists studied how well dolphins feel…
Behavior
Octopuses can learn from an iPad too
As many universities are moving this semester’s coursework online, some may be wondering if learning from a screen is really…
Neurobiology
Athletic Atlantic salmon grow more brain cells than couch potato Atlantic salmon
Exercise is good for growing muscles - and, as it turns out, cells in the salmon brain. After three weeks…
Developmental Biology
Development of some baby fish may not be harmed by climate change
Climate change is making our oceans warmer and more acidic. These changes are bad for many fish larvae, which may…
Plastic Pollution
You are what you eat: Microplastics travel from food to the brain
Oceans are full of microplastics. These tiny plastic particles end up in the stomach of marine animals. Now, scientists have…
Neurobiology
No nerves lost: Octopuses can regenerate their nervous system.
Octopuses have complex behaviors, like communicating with other octopuses by changing color patterns of their skin. Damage to the nerve…
deep sea
Zombie worms in whale bones
Looking for a cool Halloween costume? Dress up as a zombie worm that lives under the sea and injects acid…
Biology
The Price of Motherhood: Deepwater Fish Regenerate Their Tails to Increase Reproductive Fitness
What happens if a fish gets its tail bitten off? It must survive the injury, but also decide what is…
Neurobiology
Are dolphins losing their minds in blooming ocean waters?
Polluted water is a great source of food for harmful algal blooms, which release even more toxins into the water.…
Neurobiology
Bold Fish, Shy Fish: What’s in Their Brains?
Much like people, some fish individuals are adventurous, while others are more cautious. Do differences in the brain function hold…