Science Word of the Week: Chromatophores

The blue-ringed octopus will, out of fear, produce blue-colored rings all over its body to warn predators to steer clear. These rings have been given the name “blue rings of death” for a reason. If this cute little octopus bites you, you will instantly succumb to its lethal venom. Within minutes you could perish due […]

Science Snapshot: Horn Shark Eggs

In the never-ending struggle for survival in this competitive and unforgiving world, it is all about surviving long enough to reproduce and pass on your “fit” genes to the next generation. But the story does not end with reproduction, the offspring must learn to sink or swim if it wants to survive to reproduce in […]

Science Snapshot: Lichen

Vast armies of yellow, orange, green, blue, black, and any other color imaginable spread across the barren landscape. After an asteroid impact wiped out the majority of species on this planet, these colorful symbionts march forth to take advantage of the wide open world. Two unlikely organisms join forces to thrive in this new world. […]

The Secrets Behind the Water Show

There is nothing like the relaxing experience of lounging outside on a mild summer evening while listening to a live band play some of your favorite music. This was my view one evening this week at a local outdoor mall. However, no offense to the wonderfully talented band, the water fountain light show that happened […]

Science Snapshot: Banana Slug

The term, “love at first sight” is commonly used to describe an extreme liking for someone or something upon first seeing them in person. Usually this term matches with a beautiful woman or a delicious cheeseburger. Well, while camping in the Coastal Redwoods of California, I had truly experienced love at first sight! I exited […]

Evolutionary Mash-up Finale: The Cone Snail

The assassin lies in wait for its target to draw near. He has found the perfect cover, hiding motionless beneath the sand, as his target approaches. Once his target is within reach, the assassin uses extreme muscle control to inch a poison tipped harpoon toward his target. Closer and closer the harpoon draws, laced with […]

Evolutionary Mash-up: Coconut Crab

Let’s play a game. You are stranded on an island. You have circled the perimeter of the island and have climbed to the highest point on the island. In your exploration, you find that there are no people on the island and not a single sign of animal life anywhere. Birds do not travel to […]

Evolutionary Mash-up: Electric Eel

There has been a number of occasions in my life where I wished I had the ability to shoot electricity from my fingers. Inspired by the Emperor (or Sheev Palpatine for you star wars fanatics out there) from the Star Wars movie series, shooting electricity from my hands would come in handy when I need […]

Evolutionary Mash-ups: The Northern Lampfish

The transcendent battle between predator and prey has shaped the evolution of animals both on the land and in the sea. An insect blending in with its leafy background to hide from a hungry chameleon. A hungry chameleon blending in with its leafy background to sneak up on an oblivious insect. But this tale as […]

Science Snapshot: Seahorse

As a kid, the seahorse was always my favorite fish. Whenever I visited an aquarium I made it a point to see the seahorses first. My childhood exuberance for the seahorse continues to this day. I hope you enjoy my recent seahorse photos from my latest aquarium trip! But what made the seahorse so appealing […]