Last Wednesday, we had the privilege of hosting Professor Richard Thompson OBE, from the University of Plymouth, in Singapore to speak about marine litter. His research focuses on the effects of plastic debris in the marine environment, and the term ‘microplastics’ originated from him!
[Research Seminar] Professor Richard Thompson’s talk on Marine Litter Read More »
From local biodiversity to ecologically important tubeworms and their larval culture, we focused on various aspects of polychaete biology research conducted by scientists at the St John’s Island Marine Laboratory (SJINML). As we wrap up the International Polychaete Day special series, we share one more exciting research ― polychaetes found from deep sea biodiversity expeditions undertaken by scientists at the SJINML.
International Polychaete Day Feature Series IV Read More »
This week’s feature on polychaete research at the St John’s Island Marine Laboratory (SJINML) continues on the subject of tubeworms but with a twist, literally and figuratively ― we introduce the biofouling spiral tubeworms known as spirorbins.
Tubeworms actually refer to polychaetes from the family Serpulidae, which include the species Spirobranchus kraussii from last week’s Feature Series II and the spirorbins that we will talk about today. Last week, we shared about their special ability to build hard calcareous tubes that encase their soft bodies. The tubes are important protective structures against predators and also desiccation when the tubeworms are out of water, for example during low tides.
International Polychaete Day Feature Series III Read More »
Last week, we mentioned polychaete species that are relatively mobile in the sediment. Today, we shift the focus to a tubeworm species and its larval culture.
Tubeworms are sessile worms that build their homes (tubes) around their bodies. The tubes are usually attached to a fixed substrate. Some tubeworms can grow to large sizes. For example, Riftia pachyptila is one of the largest known tubeworms that can grow up to 1.5m in length, 4mm in diameter. It is found on the deep-sea floor at hydrothermal vents that are rich in hydrogen sulphide.
International Polychaete Day Feature Series II Read More »
In this four-part series celebrating International Polychaete Day (1st July), we will feature four different polychaete research carried out at the St John’s Island Marine Laboratory. We are kicking it off with a subject closer to home ― the biodiversity of polychaetes in Singapore.
If you have heard of bloodworms, bristleworms, fanworms, feather-duster worms, fireworms, ragworms, scaleworms, sea mouse, spaghetti worms, tubeworms, would it surprise you that they are all actually polychaetes!
International Polychaete Day Feature Series I Read More »
SJINML celebrates International Polychaete Day!
Come Sunday, the 1st of July, we will be celebrating International Polychaete Day. The date commemorates the birthday of the late Dr Kristian Fauchald, a world-renowned polychaete scientist. This marks the fourth year of celebrations and the marine lab is definitely not letting it pass this time!
SJINML celebrates International Polychaete Day Read More »
Researchers here have found that some marine organisms may be able to retain tiny pieces of plastic in their bodies for several days.
Join our scientists as they explore the deep ocean off the south-west coast of Java with scientists from Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) on board the research vessel Baruna Jaya VIII….
The South Java deep-sea biodiversity expedition—SJADES 2018—sets sail from Jakarta on 23 March 2018, to the deep waters off the southwestern coast of Java via the Sunda Strait.
South Java Deep-Sea Biodiversity Expedition Read More »
Researchers from the marine lab report the identity of the latest alien invader as Mytella strigata (Hanley, 1843) in the latest issue of the journal, Molluscan Research.
Official link to NUS website: Here
Links to online news:
Lianhe Zaobao: Here
Straits Times: Here
Channel News Asia: Here
New Marine Alien Invader Found Read More »
The Young Scientists (YS) Community of the World Economic Forum, in consultation with senior researchers and ethicists, developed a universal Code of Ethics for Researchers to serve as a guide with ethical principles on how to be ethical scientists in today’s world. In response to increasing fake news and science deniers, the YS community hopes to use this Code to guide and shape the behaviour of individuals in making positive changes of culture in the scientific world.
Code Of Ethics For Researchers Read More »
