Irish Polar Bears?

Irish Polar Bears?

Apparently, the female ancestor of present-day polar bears was a brown bear, living in what presently corresponds to Ireland. An international research team has used mitochondrial DNA (see figure 1)…
The Trans-Pacific Squid Boomerang

The Trans-Pacific Squid Boomerang

It's totally a thing! The vast majority of squid caught off the west coast of the Americas, both North and South, is shipped to the other side of the Pacific Ocean to be processed in Asia. Much of it…
Defining Dallas:  Where Have The Butterflies Gone?

Defining Dallas: Where Have The Butterflies Gone?

A mystery has emerged in the past three weeks that may have a very simple answer -- but an answer that we're not aware of -- and that's the mystery of what happened to the butterflies? The question…
What Killed Florida's Giant Squid?

What Killed Florida's Giant Squid?

It never fails--I take some time off, and a giant squid shows up! A few years ago, it was a half-eaten carcass found floating in Monterey Bay. Every teuthologist dreams of a giant squid sighting in…
Meet Yoda, the World's Ugliest Dog

Meet Yoda, the World's Ugliest Dog

Yoda, a 14-year old female dog of mixed breed (chihuahua and Chinese crested dog) has won the World's Ugliest Dog competition, held in Northern California. Abandoned behind an apartment building, the…
Humboldt Squid Are Still, STILL Not Giant Squid

Humboldt Squid Are Still, STILL Not Giant Squid

One of the nice things about studying a big charismatic animal, like the Humboldt squid, is that you don't have to convince anyone that your science is cool. People are already interested in your…
I Was Not Named After This Squid (Unfortunately)

I Was Not Named After This Squid (Unfortunately)

Whenever friends or family learn that there exists in the depths of the sea a particular species known as the Dana Octopus Squid, they draw the obvious conclusion that I must have been named after…
Colossal Squid in Canada

Colossal Squid in Canada

Wish I could go see this exhibit! Creatures of the Abyss is on display at the Royal Alberta Museum, The exhibition’s focal point is a fibreglass model of an eight-metre long colossal squid caught in…
Giant Squid In Mexico

Giant Squid In Mexico

Chuck over at Ya Like Dags? just posted a compelling piece called 101 Uses for Shark Puke. His list may not have reached (anywhere near) 101 uses, but obviously the most important use is determining…