Latest news with #marine biologists
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- 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
12-07-2025
- 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)
