Sea urchins have enlarged our understanding of embryology. This
urchin is releasing 20 million eggs that will be used for
research. §
photo © Eric Davidson, California Institute of Technology
Squids make news in neuroscience because they have the animal
kingdom's largest single nerve cell. The giant axon makes them
prime models for studying how nerve impulses travel--with
applications for research on Alzheimer's disease. §
photo © Roger Hanlon, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Octopuses, with advanced eyes and brains, serve as models for
studies of short- and long-term memory and learning
mechanisms. §
photo © Roger Hanlon, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Sponges as research subjects contributed to our understanding of
the mechanisms of human diseases and how to combat them. This
species, Teichaxinella morchella, has shown potential in
antibacterial research. §
photo © John Reed, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution
California sea hares, Aplysia californica, have revealed basic
molecular mechanisms that govern behavior, because the few and
large neurons of the animal's nervous system could be partially
mapped, and then related to specific behaviors. §
photo © Randy Morse/Tom Stack and Associates
Smooth dogfish, the shark Mustelus canis, was used in research
that uncovered the cause of gout, a form of arthritis, and led to
production of effective drug treatments for it. §
photo © Photo Researchers, Inc.
Ocean Planet Exhibition Floorplan
gene carl feldman (gene@seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov) (301) 286-9428