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Wednesday, June 3, 2009 | Reason : Evolution and Biology | print version Print | Comments |

Document Not Just Through The Eyes: Squid 'Sight' Offers Insight Into Treating Human Eye Diseases

by Science Daily

Thanks to rod-the-farmer for the link
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182828.htm

blankIt's hard to miss the huge eye of a squid. But now it appears that certain squids can detect light through an organ other than their eyes as well
That's what researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison report in the June 2 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

The study shows that the light-emitting organ some squids use to camouflage themselves to avoid being seen by predators — usually fish sitting on the ocean floor — also detects light.

The findings may lead to future studies that provide insight into the mechanisms of controlling and perceiving light.

"Evolution has a 'toolkit' and when it needs to do a particular job, such as see light, it uses the same toolkit again and again," explains lead author Margaret McFall-Ngai, a professor of medical microbiology and immunology at the UW-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH). "In this case, the light organ, which comes from different tissues than the eye during development, uses the same proteins as the eye to see light."

In studying the squid for the past 20 years, McFall-Ngai and her colleagues have been drawn to the fact that the squid-light organ is a natural model of symbiosis — an interdependent relationship between two different species in which each benefits from the other.

In this case, the light organ is filled with luminous bacteria that emit light and provide the squid protection against predators. In turn, the squid provides housing and nourishment for the bacteria.
...
Continue reading
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090601182828.htm

Comments 1 - 13 of 13 |

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1. Comment #384332 by nickalito on June 3, 2009 at 9:22 am

 avatarCool, I love the RDF site because of the information it collates, it is probably one of the most informative and interesting sites on the net. Although, I was thinking that the only thing missing is a section on historical/archaeological findings that disprove all these theories about gods. Maybe a report on the historical evidence against certain people in the bible. Just a thought... excellent article though. :o)

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2. Comment #384338 by clatz on June 3, 2009 at 9:41 am

 avatarIsn't that a cuttlefish in the picture?

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3. Comment #384346 by BlueCollar8theist on June 3, 2009 at 10:03 am

 avatarI agree whole-heartedly with nickalito! This site has provided me with more information than I could imagine, in addition to finding a group of people who are strongly united in non/un/dis belief. What a real treasure trove this site is!

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4. Comment #384349 by Ed-words on June 3, 2009 at 10:10 am

Nickalito and BlueCollar8theist - - #1 and #3-

So, you enjoy all those metaphysical debates.

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5. Comment #384359 by nickalito on June 3, 2009 at 10:33 am

 avatarI have been enjoying reading the metaphysical debates, yes. The reason that I said about historical evidence is, largely, due to the fact that I read a lot about how religion has history on its side. I thought it would be an interesting category to have and would compliment the science side nicely. It all adds to our knowledge :o)

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6. Comment #384364 by Mr DArcy on June 3, 2009 at 10:50 am

 avatarPerhaps the cephalopods can teach the religios something about "seeing the light"?

Do they also have anti-sonar organs to fool the sperm whales and other predators? Could be. Some moths have developed anti-bat acoustics. Nature is far more mysterious and wonderful than we yet realise. No need for spooks!

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7. Comment #384365 by SteveN on June 3, 2009 at 10:53 am

 avatarPZ Myers is SOOOOOO going to love this one!

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8. Comment #384366 by KRKBAB on June 3, 2009 at 10:53 am

Mr DArcy- exactley. "Who needs the supernatural, the natural is super enough!"- Carl Sagan

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9. Comment #384397 by RichardofYork on June 3, 2009 at 12:54 pm

Isn't that a cuttlefish in the picture?
Yes it is Clatz well spotted , I think the photo editor went to the Arran Yahya school of photo editing XD

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10. Comment #384399 by Mr DArcy on June 3, 2009 at 1:02 pm

 avatarCuttlefish probably have the same sort of thing, but I don't know that. There's lots to be found out.

Good on ya scientists!

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11. Comment #384449 by bluebird on June 3, 2009 at 3:38 pm

 avatarPBS had a nice program about cuttlefish a while back:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/camo/

I was excited to read about the robot sub Nereus:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8080324.stm
From another article, same subject-"I think we're going to see all kinds of new life forms...expect the unexpected".

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12. Comment #384500 by Beachbum on June 3, 2009 at 7:00 pm

 avatarWhat is really going to blow peoples minds; is going to be when they find out that we are all mobile communities of symbiotic species.

McFall-Ngai and her colleagues have been drawn to the fact that the squid-light organ is a natural model of symbiosis — an interdependent relationship between two different species in which each benefits from the other.


I've got one, try to think of all the different types of evolution going on in the human body. Squid are a great study subject. The eye, reproduction, even their eggs are a special representative in the evolutionary chain.

Oh, and they make a great bate for tuna.

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13. Comment #384571 by DamnDirtyApe on June 4, 2009 at 1:00 am

Ah, shape shifting camouflage masters and bio luminescent bacteria. The complex awe of nature wins again.

it didn't even need to go on the ark.

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