Blog

Undergraduate experiential learning leads to peer review publication

BMSC Scientific Diving class goes under to explore the effects of handling and captivity on red sea urchins.

Read More

With great sadness we inform you of the loss of our friend and colleague, Tomonari Kaji

Today we were informed that Tomonari Kaji, a BMSC researcher and friend, has unexpectedly passed away.

Read More

How do snails grow complex shells?

On growing a beautiful shell: How do snails coordinate the placement of shell sculpture?

Read More

Dr. Stephanie Green Awarded the Sloan Research Fellowship!

Dr. Green is the 4th person ever from the U of A to receive this fellowship, which is awarded annually (since 1955) in recognition of distinguished performance and a unique potential to make substantial contributions to their field. Congratulations Dr. Green!

Read More

The answer to a long-standing mystery regarding the function of lamellose snail shell sculpture results in publication of BMSC undergraduate research

Although the frilled dogwinkle (Nucella lamellosa) is a well-studied intertidal snail, questions have remained regarding the purpose of some variations in shell form found commonly in individuals of this species. The function of axial lamellae, an external shell structure giving some individuals of this species a frilled appearance, has remained a mystery. As a part…

Read More

Invasive European green crabs in Barkley Sound demonstrate faster attack rates and handling times for prey

Appetite for destruction: Invasive European green crabs in Barkley Sound eat faster and grow bigger

Read More

Hook-induced injuries hamper suction feeding performance in marine shiner perch

Recreational fishing is popular throughout the world and has significant socioeconomic impacts. Catch-and-release fishing is beneficial for a number of reasons, but the immediate impact of hook removal is poorly understood. Melissa Thompson, a University of Alberta undergraduate student, during our 2017 Biology of Marine Fishes course (co-taught by Tim Higham and Sean Rogers), caught…

Read More

New research on the genetics of behaviour and biomechanics in fishes at the BMSC

Multiple body parts must work together to accomplish a task. For example, the coordination of visual and locomotor systems is critical for animals that hunt for food. For fishes, both swimming and feedings systems must work together to  capture prey. How this process impacts survival, or how it differs depending on ecological conditions, is…

Read More

BMSC Marine Invertebrate Zoology student observations inspires range expansion publication

Typically found on the wave-exposed sandy beaches of California and Oregon, the Pacific sand crab, Emerita analoga, was first noticed by our Marine Invertebrate Zoology students on Keeha Beach in 2016, leading to a publication by instructors, Dr. Mar Wonham (Quest U) and Dr. Mike Hart (SFU).

Read More

Dr. Matthew Morris wins best thesis award in Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary

Dr. Matthew Morris, Dr. Sean Rogers’ recent PhD graduate, has won an award for best thesis in Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary. Congratulations Matthew!

Read More