Xenoturbella profunda worm in the Gulf of CaliforniaDeep-sea worms slither around the bottom of the animal tree of life
Xenoturbella profunda worm in the Gulf of California
The deep sea is full of strange and little-known worms. A new paper coauthored by MBARI molecular biologist Robert Vrijenhoek describes four newly named species of flatworms in the genus Xenoturbella have that have mouths, but no eyes, brains, stomachs, or anuses. A detailed analysis of the new species’ DNA showed that they are some of the most primitive animals with bilateral symmetry (bodies with more or less symmetrical right and left sides).
Indian researcher teams up with MBARI on phytoplankton biodiversity study
For the next month and a half, MBARI will be hosting Gurdeep Rastogi, a molecular microbiologist from India. Rastogi is working with MBARI microbial ecologist Alexandra Z. Worden and her team to study populations of ultra-small algae (picophytoplankton).
New website catalogs thousands of deep-sea animals and seafloor features
MBARI's new Deep-Sea Guide makes it easy for anyone to search MBARI's treasure trove of images and scientific observations of deep-sea animals, seafloor habitats, geological features, and research tools. Previously only available for internal use, the Deep-Sea Guide is now available to scientists and the general public.
R/V Western Flyer at shipyard for engine rebuild
MBARI research vessel Western Flyer will spend the first few months of 2016 in dry dock while two of its engines are rebuilt as part of their scheduled service.
Successful launch of new genomic sensor
The new, smaller version of the Environmental Sample Processor made its debut flight in the payload of a long-range-autonomous underwater vehicle.
FEATURED VIDEO
Pteropods: Swimming snails of the sea
Behind the Scenes
Signs of a turbidity event in Monterey Canyon
On Friday, January 15, an event on the floor of Monterey Canyon triggered two sediment transport event detectors. A few days later, a benthic event detector, originally deployed at a depth of 200 meters in the canyon, drifted ashore in Santa Cruz.
MBARI launches redesigned website
MBARI has launched an entirely new version of our website, with expanded access to our data, technology, and research projects.
