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These eight-armed cephalopods are quite the multitasker. No other animals are capable of such extreme arm flexibility and control. Octopuses have eight flexible appendages that can bend, shorten, elongate and twist in all directions due to their extensive nervous system and the complex arrangement of their arm musculature, which lack bones. The combination of these arm deformations creates different behaviors that can occur on one or more arms simultaneously, resulting in complex whole animal behaviors. Details from a recent study showed that all eight arms are capable of all arm behaviors; however, front arms were used more often for exploratory behaviors and back arms were used more often for behaviors involved in locomotion. Researchers recorded and analyzed a large catalog of octopus behavior from 25 octopuses across six field sites. Scientific SCUBA divers held their cameras close as the octopus tried to take a “cephie,” or octopus selfie.

Through a method called candling, a flashlight is held up against an egg in the dark to visualize embryonic development. The flipper outline of a developing loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) embryo is visible within its egg, along with the intricate network of extraembryonic blood vessels that sustain growth. These vessels facilitate gas exchange and nutrient transport, serving as visible markers of embryonic development. The egg shown here was incubated at controlled temperatures as part of an experiment investigating temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). In sea turtles, incubation temperature, rather than genetics, determines whether embryos develop as male or female: cooler temperatures produce males, while warmer temperatures produce females. Once hatched, the turtles were raised at the FAU Marine Laboratory, where their sex was identified to advance understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying TSD and to assess how climate change may alter future sex ratios.

This image sequence was captured at about 98,000 feet during the Aerospace Experimental Association’s Mission 3, a high-altitude balloon launch conducted in fall 2024 at �����Դ�ɼ���. It shows the precise instant when the balloon ruptured at the edge of space, marking the transition from ascent to descent. The photograph was taken by a GoPro mounted at the top of the payload, facing upward. The sequence captures the shadow of the balloon as it tears open on one side, releasing a wave of helium that compresses into a small glowing bubble before being pulled into the vacuum of near space. This mission tested a paraglider parachute system designed to autonomously guide research payloads safely back to a landing site. The photograph captures both the scientific value and natural beauty of this moment — when the balloon reaches its physical limit and the journey home begins.

This shot is comprised of 1,260 pictures totaling 10.5 hours of imaging time. The Rosette Nebula is located approximately 5,200 light-years from Earth. It is a large cloud of ionized hydrogen gas. The vibrant red colors seen in images of the Rosette Nebula are primarily due to the emission of light from these hydrogen atoms. The nebula is estimated to have a diameter of about 130 light-years.

This confocal microscopy image captures radial glial cells in the zebrafish central nervous system, highlighting their unique morphology and critical role in neural development. Cell bodies appear in magenta, while their extensive membranes are rendered in turquoise, revealing the elongated processes that stretch from the brain's inner region to its outer surface. These glial cells act as scaffolds for neuronal migration and serve as progenitors for generating diverse neural cell types. Zebrafish provide a powerful model to study radial glia and their function in the nervous system due to their transparency and regenerative capacity, enabling insights into neural development and repair - one of the central themes of research on glial plasticity and nerve regeneration.

Ever tried an activity like kayaking with a partner, only to discover that coordinating paddling is harder than it looks, and end up stuck in some mangroves? Cooperation is a challenge humans often struggle to master, but it is not unique to us. Owl monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) and their cooperative traits are especially fascinating. They live in monogamous pairs, monogamous pairs, share parenting duties and even engage in food sharing - behaviors rarely seen in other primate species. Kai, left, and Winston are one of 10 pairs tested with the “loose string paradigm,” a cooperative puzzle that requires two individuals to pull opposite ends of a string simultaneously to move a sliding platform and access a food reward. In many group-living species, dominant individuals often monopolize the reward, discouraging participation. But would more collaborative owl monkeys succeed? Could they work together to solve the challenge?

Permits for this project include FAU IACUC protocol A25-05 and DuMond Conservancy IACUC protocol 2025-01. Collaborators include faculty and students at Florida Southern College, led by Christy Wolovich, Ph.D., with research assistants Alannah Atibel, Amanda Charana and Sarah Schoppman. Additional collaborators from the DuMond Conservancy include Sian Evans, Ph.D., and Eliza Jones.

Coral reefs are crucial players for their marine ecosystems by protecting coastal areas, promoting biodiversity and providing a plethora of ecological benefits for cohabitating wildlife. Reef-building stony coral species like Porites astreoides, native to South Florida, help contribute to local coastlines. This is a scanning electron microscope image of P. astreoides at 120x magnification depicting the morphology and microstructures of its skeleton. Stony corals protect their soft polyps by building an exoskeleton from aragonite, a polymorph of calcium carbonate, through a hierarchically assembly. This process is known as spherulitic growth, where the aragonite fibers grow and extend radially beginning at nucleation sites called Centers of Calcification. The mineralization process of healthy coral skeletons has been studied extensively, but while many aspects of nucleation and growth are not yet fully understood, even less is known about the effect of diseases on the mineralized skeleton. This work focuses on elucidating aspects of skeletal growth in the context of disease, specifically Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease, which has affected coral communities across South Florida. Using materials characterization techniques like electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction contribute to the understanding of coral skeleton biomineralization and the transformation processes undergoing in diseased stony corals, which can help guide conservation efforts and restoration strategies.

Here, the C. elegans nematodes were left searching for more food, and instead of hiding their need, they etched their hunger into the agar, leaving behind an abstract pattern. What looks like art is actually survival - a biological request written in unexpected lines.

This montage presents fruit in an entirely unique way - through the lens of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By capturing cross-sections with exquisite clarity and without invasive techniques, MRI reveals the hidden architecture of seeds, rinds and pulps in remarkable detail. What appears at first like abstract art is, in fact, the internal world of familiar produce, transformed into patterns of symmetry, texture and contrast. Look closely, marvel at the complexity nature has engineered, and perhaps even play a game: Which fruit is which based solely from its cross-sectional anatomy?

Expanding the View of HD – This 3D video shows human neurons that have been grown in a lab dish for 31 days, derived from a patient with Huntington’s disease. What makes this sample unique is the use of a technique called expansion microscopy. In this process, the cells are embedded in a special gel that physically swells, allowing scientists to visualize tiny structures with much greater clarity. The sample was imaged using the Nikon A1R Confocal System with a 60x objective, capturing a series of optical slices (known as a z-stack) which were then combined into this 3D rendering using Nikon NIS-Elements software.

The neurons were labeled with fluorescent antibodies to detect puromycin, a marker for newly synthesized proteins, and MAP2, which outlines the branching structure of neurons. DAPI, a blue fluorescent dye, was also used to label cell nuclei, helping to orient the viewer within the 3D structure.

This image allows us to explore where new proteins are being made within Huntington’s disease neurons, revealing spatial patterns that may contribute to the disease — and pointing the way toward future therapies.

Chinese Hamster ovary cells (CHO) are an epithelial cell line derived from the ovary of the Chinese hamster. They are widely used in biological and medical research. The image represents the CHO cells, which are engineered to overexpress Delta Opioid Receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor that is involved in pain sensation. These receptor-expressing cells serve as a valuable in-vitro model for various experiments, such as studying opioid receptor function and screening of new therapeutic compounds to see if they can bind to and affect opioid receptors, which is useful for the development of new drugs.

The picture shows a double-labeled fruit fly gut. Animals were genetically modified to add a fluorescent tag (blue color) to an endogenous protein, which has been linked to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity. This allows for visualization and study expression differences of the protein in response to different diets, such as high sugar, high protein or no food. The specimen was also immunohistochemically labeled with antibodies against a structural gut protein (magenta color) to visualize the gut structure. Confocal microscopy was used to acquire images of each fluorescent label. Different colors were assigned to the labels of the two proteins and displayed as a merged image. Two inverted versions of the picture were assembled to make it look like Escher art. The research was supported by the Jupiter Life Sciences and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry.

A type of lime treefrog, the picture shows the distinctive "hatchet" face of Sphaenorhynchus lacteus. The picture was captured near the bank of the only known boiling river in the world, called Mayantuyacu, in a remote area of the central Peruvian Amazon.

These are newly hatched Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) larvae reared at the Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. At just 0 days post-hatch, they have only recently emerged from their eggs and represent the earliest stage of development for this coastal species. Their bodies are nearly transparent, with organ systems and sensory structures still forming. At this stage, the larvae rely entirely on yolk reserves for energy to support rapid cellular growth. They were reared as part of a research project investigating the ontogeny of Florida pompano to better understand the timing of morphological and physiological changes during early development. This knowledge is essential for improving larval rearing practices and establishing successful pompano culture methods.

This image captures a developing zebrafish embryo, a powerful model for exploring how the nervous system takes shape. The embryo is curled as it has not yet hatched. It expresses zebrabow, a genetic tool that fluorescently labels many cells, enabling researchers to visualize cell development and interactions in vivid detail. Because zebrafish embryos are transparent, they provide a window into the earliest stages of life, when the foundations of movement and sensation first emerge. The image has been falsely colored for artistic effect, highlighting the intricate beauty of developing structures that guide our understanding of both healthy and disordered development.

The sunsets are spectacular at West End, the western most point on Grand Bahama Island. It takes about one hour by car to travel from Freeport, Grand Bahama, to West End. This sunset location is about 60 miles from West Palm Beach, Fla. On this particular evening the sunset, the waves and the adult queen conch shell were so picturesque that many photos were taken. This is a wide-angle shot that captures the beauty of the moment. The FAU Queen Conch Lab has a partnership project with Blue Action Lab on Grand Bahama Island. The mobile labs are used to raise queen conch larvae to juvenile stage for conservation, restoration and education. The queen conch is important for the culture, nutrition, livelihood and coastal seas of countless communities in The Bahamas.

False-colored SEM image of 3D-printed beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for bone regeneration. Bone has an incredible, but limited, ability to repair itself. In cases of severe injury, infection, or tumor removal, large bone defects require assistance to regenerate. Traditionally, the gold standard treatment is bone transplantation from another healthy site in the same patient. However, this involves a second surgery, increasing the risk of complications and treatment costs. This image shows a synthetic alternative: 3D-printed β-TCP, a ceramic material with a calcium-phosphate composition similar to natural bone. The structure has a multi-scale interconnected porous architecture (350—1500µm) and fine supporting struts (230—550µm). The manufacturing of such complex geometry is only achievable through 3D printing, resulting in an implant that is both beautiful and functional. The scaffold supports nutrient flow, oxygen diffusion, new blood vessel formation and provide mechanical support to the neighboring bone — creating a microenvironment where new bone can grow. Over time, the β-TCP biodegrades and is naturally replaced by the patient’s own bone. It is fascinating how biologically inspired design can give rise to such geometric and artistic beauty.

Man-in-the-ground vine (Ipomoea microdactyla) is state-listed as endangered. The photographer is researching flora and fauna native to Florida, with an emphasis on at-risk and endangered species. The subjects of the portraits are photographed within their natural habitats or at local conservation organizations. They range from a rare deep red morning glory found primarily in the pine rocklands of Miami-Dade County (man-in-the-ground/Ipomoea microdactyla) to the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), which faces multiple threats, including habitat loss, light pollution and incidental capture by fisheries. The project merges artistic observation with ecological inquiry to reflect Florida’s biodiversity.

This image of a fallen tree reveals the story of time, struggle and survival. Each ring marks a year of growth, while the cracks running through the wood tell of storms weathered and pressures endured. Despite the breaks, the tree remains whole and offers shelter to new plants and moss along its edges. In many ways, this mirrors the human journey through mental health. Life leaves its marks, some visible and some hidden, but resilience is found in how we continue to grow around the fractures. Healing does not erase the cracks; it transforms them into part of our strength and story.

This image was captured using specialized imaging called High-Angle Annular Dark Field with a specific type of microscope called scanning transmission electron microscopy. It uses electrons instead of light to reveal structures far smaller than what regular microscopes can detect. The bright cluster shows nickel particles formed by heating chemicals to 170°C in a polyol liquid called ethylene glycol. The polyol acts like a chemical cooking medium, helping control how the nickel particles form and grow. Though the particles didn’t grow on the salt crystal, the surface beneath them looks like one, creating the illusion of a metallic bloom. Each particle is merely a billionth of a meter wide, several times smaller than a grain of sand, yet together they form a branching pattern shaped by heat and chemistry. Collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York.

This artwork traces the acquisition of the Danish vowel /y/, as in hygge. Through repeated attempts, the speaker’s pronunciation shifts — each spectrogram capturing a moment of articulation in transition. These four images are voiceprints: acoustic and visual records of a phoneme being learned. Subtle changes in formant structure reflect the fine motor adjustments of speech. The data were generated and analyzed using Praat, an open-source tool for phonetic research. Together, the images form a sonic portrait of a vowel, a study in adaptation, where speech and language takes shape through repetition and time. Collaboration with Allison Dobuler and Francesca Cocilovo, research assistants.

Micro-CT images are taken of Octopus Americanus for ongoing research on comparative morphology between local octopus species. Micro-CT offers a non-invasive method of visualizing internal morphology in 3D. This is a cross section directly below the head of the octopus. Each of the eight arms are visible, along with the axial nerve cord in the middle of each arm. Images were taken at the Berlin Family Bioimaging Lab at FAU Lab Schools Marcus Research and Innovation Center.

This is an image of MCF-7 cells breast cancer cells engineered to overexpress the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). Amplification of the EGFR gene causes resistance to hormone therapy in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The cells were stained with an anti-EGFR (528) antibody. The image shows localization of EGFR on the membrane and inside the cell. The image was acquired with an IN-Cell Analyzer 6,000 automated high-content confocal imager at 20X magnification. It captures how EGFR spreads through the cell architecture creating an intricate subcellular distribution pattern.

This reproduction of a Viking jawbone was printed using biodegradable filament in the anthropology lab. 3D printing archaeological reproductions offers hands-on learning that brings history to life. Students and researchers can physically interact with accurate replicas of fragile or rare artifacts, deepening understanding through touch and close examination — something often impossible with originals. These reproductions make ancient objects accessible in classrooms, museums and public spaces worldwide, promoting inclusivity and engagement. They also preserve the form of artifacts that may be too damaged or delicate for handling. For archaeologists, 3D prints support experimental research and reconstruction without risking the original pieces. Additionally, digital models used in printing allow for easy sharing, collaboration and even virtual reality integration, making archaeological education more dynamic, immersive and globally connected. Through technology and prints like this the past is made tangible.

The picture shows part of the Drosophila melanogaster midgut, which releases hormones analogous to GLP-1, also known as Ozempic, in response to a high sugar diet. The guts transgenically express a fluorescent maker for the gene expression of the Drosophila Attractin homolog. Attractin is a transmembrane protein that has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes and neurodegeneration. In addition, all nuclei of the guts were labeled with DAPI dye. The image was taken with a 20x objective using a confocal microscope. The overlays of both fluorescent labels in four iterations, arranged to look like owls, show that the Drosophila Attractin gene is expressed in a large subset of midgut cells. The research was supported by the Jupiter Life Sciences and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry.

This transverse cross section reveals the elegant internal anatomy of a turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) root, an unseen world beneath Florida Bay’s iconic meadows. Prominently featured in this microscopy image are large aerenchyma, or airspace tissues, that form a vital internal oxygen “highway,” transporting photosynthetically derived oxygen from the leaves to the roots. In the sediments where seagrasses grow, oxygen is a scarce but essential resource. These airspace structures are key to avoiding stress associated with low oxygen and enabling respiration where roots cannot rely on the surrounding environment. The root is stained with Toluidine blue, allowing us to determine what compounds compose seagrass cell walls. Cross sections like this offer insight into how anatomy supports function. Seagrasses are vital ecosystem engineers, stabilizing sediments, supporting biodiversity and sequestering carbon. By unraveling the physiological strategies used to survive in challenging environments, it deepens an understanding of resilience and informs efforts to protect and restore these coastal habitats in the face of accelerating change and human impact. This image was taken at the Berlin Family Bioimaging Lab at FAU Lab Schools Marcus Research and Innovation Center.

This image shows part of the brain where memories begin their journey, the hippocampus, a region essential for learning and memory. The red glow highlights a special group of neurons known as granule cells, located in an area called the dentate gyrus. What makes this image unique is the long red “tail” stretching from these cells into other hippocampus regions called CA2 and CA3. This vibrant projection reflects how the brain encodes, organizes and communicates new memories. The green signal, labeled brain cells with NeuN, marks other neurons including pyramidal cells in CA2/3, which are involved in processing and retrieving social memories. Within these neural circuits, the brain begins to transform experience into memory and forms the foundation for how we recall events, recognize others and navigate the social world.

This image of a shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) olfactory rosette was imaged through contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography (microCT). It shows a segmented rosette (blue) enclosed within its capsule (pink). The rosette, located within the snout, is responsible for odorant detection. It is composed of folded, plate-like tissue called lamellae, which increases the surface area for detecting odorants in the environment. Across different species, rosette morphology drastically varies, which could influence patterns of water flow and sensory function. The segmentation visible here highlights the structural organization of the rosette and lamellae in the shortfin mako. At the same time, the surrounding capsule provides protection and support. Image taken at the Berlin Family Bioimaging Lab at FAU Lab Schools Marcus Research and Innovation Center.

The picture shows a triple-labeled Drosophila melanogaster stomach (bulbus structure), anterior parts of the midgut and renal tubes. The animal was genetically modified to label the endogenous Drosophila Distracted protein with a fluorescent label. Loss of function mutations of the homologous gene in mammals is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and neurodegeneration. The research is about understanding the role of this transmembrane protein in the communication between gut and brain to regulate feeding behavior and neuronal health. The preparation was also labeled with DAPI dye to visualize all nuclei as well as with immunohistochemistry to visualize the gut. The image was taken with a confocal microscope, and the different fluorescent labels were overlayed in different color combinations. The research was supported by the Jupiter Life Sciences and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry.

The image depicts the Insulin Producing Cells (IPCs) and Diuretic Hormone 44 (DH44) neurons of Drosophila melanogaster (the common fruit fly), arranged to resemble the fly’s head. Initial images were captured using a 40x objective lens on a confocal microscope. Most of the head structure was comprised of a 13-day-old, starved female Drosophila melanogaster, while the lower proboscis was an 8- to 9-day-old male fly that was fed on a glucose and sucrose rich diet. The cells were genetically modified to express two different fluorescent markers: Drosophila Distracted protein in pink and Drosophila insulin like peptides in green. IPCs (pink) are analogous to mammalian pancreatic beta cells, which release insulin or insulin-like hormones to regulate high blood sugar levels. DH44 neurons (green) are analogous to mammalian corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) which play a crucial role in detecting dietary amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and promote food searching and consumption behaviors. Both IPCs and DH44 neurons play essential roles in maintaining metabolic homeostasis — keeping the body’s internal environment balanced to support optimal metabolic function. Dysfunction in these cell types can contribute to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity, as well as increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This project aims to uncover the mechanisms that drive endolysosomal trafficking — the process which vesicles, called endosomes, transport cellular material to lysosomes for sorting, recycling, or disposal — with a focus on the Distracted protein. The research was supported by the Jupiter Life Sciences.

Lipid droplets, organelles once viewed merely as inert fat depots, are now recognized as metabolically active organelles that regulate lipid storage, signaling and cellular stress responses. Their formation, turnover and interactions with other organelles are tightly linked to metabolic balance and cell survival. The laboratory develops synthetic fluorescent acylglycerol analogs to visualize lipid droplet dynamics in living cells. These chemical probes reveal how neutral lipids are synthesized, mobilized and exchanged across organelles, providing real-time insight into lipid trafficking pathways. Lipid droplets have emerged as key players in the biology of neurodegeneration, where disrupted lipid metabolism and oxidative stress contribute to neuronal dysfunction and disease progression. By illuminating lipid droplet behavior with fluorescent light, this research aims to elucidate how altered lipid homeostasis contributes to conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Shown here is a confocal live cell microscopy image of one of the acylglycerol-based probes (magenta) synthesized by undergraduate researcher Christopher Gomez, and its colocalization with the existing lipid droplet marker – BODIPY (green). Collaboration with Qi Zhang, Ph.D., associate professor, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. Research supported by a seed grant from the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute and FAU Cell Imaging Core Facility Grant.

The picture shows Drosophila oocytes at different developmental stages nested next to the fruit fly gut. Dissected preparations were labeled with antibody against the drosophila attractin homolog (cyan color) as well as with DAPI dye to visualize all nuclei (magenta color). The mammalian transmembrane protein attractin is a multifunctional protein with roles in oocyte maturation, energy homeostasis, appetite regulation, immune responses and pigmentation. Its loss of function has been linked to degeneration of the nervous system and testis, type 2 diabetes and sleep disorders. The overlayed images acquired with confocal microscopy reveal that, like in mammals, the fruit fly attractin homologous protein is also expressed in oocytes and guts. The research was supported by the Jupiter Life Sciences.

Water lettuce, or Pistia stratiotes L., is an aquatic plant that can be found all throughout the globe, with populations on every continent except Antarctica. The varieties found in Florida are unique because there are multiple genetic varieties (haplotypes) that, morphologically, are practically identical. However, the fascination lies in the fact that one of these variations are native to Florida, while another is invasive. This raises questions about how to approach mitigation efforts.

A glimpse at the reproductive and putatively defensive structures of Richardia grandiflora - This image captures a dark field view of the stigma of Richardia grandiflora (Mexican clover, a common weedy plant of S. Florida lawns). The stigma is part of the floral organ responsible for receiving pollen and for female reproductive success. At the center of the stigma, bright green calcium oxalate crystals are visible, arranged as large raphide bundles (groups of needle-like formations) and druses (small, rounded crystal clusters with sharp protrusions) that refract light in a striking display. These crystals, composed of the same compound as kidney stones, are produced by many plants as a metabolic byproduct and can deter chewing herbivores. One current project in the Francis Pollination Ecology Lab at FAU investigates the ecological consequences of variation in these crystal structures across tissues and populations of R. grandiflora.

On the outer surface of the stigma, magenta pollen grains, stained with Basic Fuchsin for contrast, stand out sharply. Some grains have already germinated, sending pollen tubes toward the ovules to fertilize and produce seeds. Each pollen grain carries male genetic material, and its successful journey from the stigma to an ovule is crucial for the plant's male component reproductive success. In this image, we can see many pollen grains competing to germinate, release their genetic contents, and sire the next generation.

The clarity and depth in this image are achieved through a focus stack of nine images, revealing the intricate details of R. grandiflora's reproductive and defensive strategies at a microscopic level.

This is an image of three transgenic zebrafish embryos at 72 hours post fertilization. The zebrafish embryos were imaged using a confocal microscope (10X objective). The Fiji and Imaris software were then used to process and edit the images into this colorful montage, which works to bring attention to the beauty and power of transgenic lines. Transgenesis involves artificially introducing a modified gene into an organism. The transgenic zebrafish imaged for this project express fluorescent markers that allow for cells expressing select genes to fluoresce. The resulting colors are invaluable for studying various cell types, protein expression, biological processes, etc. and provide an astonishing artistic masterpiece filled with color.

In my research, I study the distribution of IL-1R1, a receptor in the developing brain. While working with a 14-day-old mouse, I captured this stunning image from the cerebellum, a part of the brain I don't usually focus on. What's fascinating is that it looks like an eye! In the image, the red color highlights blood vessels and neurons that have IL-1R1, while the green marks all the neurons. Although I don't study this region in detail, the beauty of this image really caught my attention, and I felt compelled to share it with others.

Purifying compounds that we synthesize in the lab can be challenging. This picture shows fractions from the flash chromatography separation during the purification of the fluorescent cholesterol probes being developed in (a researcher's) laboratory. In one or several tubes are the fractions containing the pure compound (most blue)!

A match made in 360m. Despite advancements in medical treatments, diseases such as cancer, drug-resistant infections, and chronic conditions continue to pose challenges to public health and the global economy. The primary goal of the Marine Biomedical and Biotechnology Research group at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is to discover marine natural products with utility as medicines or as tools to allow us to better understand diseases. Marine natural products have long been important in the discovery of new drugs and are increasingly recognized for their contributions, particularly as anti-cancer, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory therapies. To search for new natural products, researchers explore the deep sea in search of sponges and octocorals which can provide researchers with new and important compounds to test as potential therapeutics. During a recent expedition to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Marine Biomedical and Biotechnology group used the Mohawk Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) launched off the Research Vessel F.G. Walton Smith to explore the deep-water habitats for interesting sponges and octocorals.

This beautiful sponge and associated stalked crinoids were observed at a depth of 360 m off Ponce, Puerto Rico. Work is currently underway to determine if this sponge produces compounds that could one day be used as a treatment for human diseases.

Funding for the expedition provided by the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration grant NA23OAR0110316
Vessel Support: University of Miami R/V F.G. Walton Smith
ROV Support: University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Undersea Vehicles Program Mohawk ROV

The Western Veil Nebula is a supernova remnant located about 2500 light years or so away from our Solar System. The exploding star which created the Supernova exploded only about 10,000 to 20,000 years ago. This photo was created by combining 1100, 30 second pictures over several nights from Delray Beach, Fla.

This image shows the renal tubes, the hindgut, and the midgut of fruit fly. Nuclei of all cells were labeled with DAPI dye (magenta). Antibody labeling against the human Attractin homolog (green) shows that the protein is expressed in the renal tubes and midgut but not in the hindgut. Image was taken with a 20x objective using a Nikon AR1 confocal microscope.

Captured during a research cruise in Finland, this image reveals the intricate light scattering patterns as the AUTOHOLO, a custom-built autonomous submersible holographic microscope, descends into the frigid waters of the Baltic Sea. Designed to capture high-resolution, in situ holograms of marine particles and plankton, the AUTOHOLO uses a laser beam to illuminate the volume of interest and records the resulting interference patterns with a camera. Post-processing using machine learning based algorithms facilitates species classification, unveiling details on plankton distribution, abundance and behavior within a 3-D sample volume. Plankton, complex microscopic plants and animals at the base of the marine food web, are critical to ocean ecosystems, supporting the entire aquatic food chain and influencing nutrient cycles. Quantifying abundance and distribution of plankton in the world's oceans at high resolution enables us to address important marine ecological questions as well as understand how climate change is influencing marine ecosystems. The comprehensive view provided by these holograms reveals behaviors and interactions that would remain hidden with traditional 2-D methods. This image, representing patterns caused by light scattering, was recorded as the AUTOHOLO pierced the air-water interface, plunging into the dark waters, poised to unravel the secrets of the fascinating invisible planktonic world.

A stroll along the beach at night can sometimes lead to mesmerizing experiences, where surreal blue lights wink in and out of existence under one's feet near the water's edge, or crashing waves light up the shoreline with an unearthly glow. This sublime display is a result of chemical reactions taking place inside bioluminescent algae which are found in abundance in the oceans. The image shown here depicts the phenomenon of bioluminescence when a smooth spherical ball moves through calm ocean waters at night. The flow pattern around the sphere was obtained using high-fidelity numerical simulations, and the paths of model bioluminescing organisms were computed as they encounter the sphere and move around it. The light-emission intensity was calculated based on the frictional stress levels that these organisms experience as they travel past the sphere. There is a region of recirculating water right behind the sphere where the bioluminescing organisms get trapped, resulting in high light emission intensity.

This Red Drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) larva, is approximately 39 hours old and less than 1.5 mm in length. It was spawned at the Harbor Branch aquaculture facility on October 2nd, 2024. At this early stage, it has developed a rudimentary gut and its first few pigment cells but has yet to form a functional mouth. Over the next few days, its digestive system will mature, its yolk sac will be absorbed, and its mouth will develop, allowing it to start eating on its own. These fish are part of an experiment aimed at making larval culture more sustainable and cost-effective by eliminating the use of planktonic organisms as feed.

Come dance along to the beats of our lab’s sophisticated robot dogs as they groove to influential bands. The robots leverage Artificial Intelligence to emulate the behaviors of canine friends. They respond to commands in the same way a real dog would and mimic the motion mechanics of a real dog. Apart from the typical dog behaviors, the robots can store and process information more efficiently and produce it in a human readable form when compared to regular dogs. The research aims to explore new avenues in the world of human-machine interactions.

The picture shows the taste (proboscis) and smell (maxillary palps) organs of the fruit fly. The image was taken with a 20x objective using a Nikon AR1 confocal microscope. Sensory neurons in these organs can make the same smell or taste to be perceived as attractive or repulsive depending on whether the animal is satiated or hungry. Thus, studying the neurons in these sensory organs is essential to the understanding of normal feeding behavior regulation.

This close-up photograph captures a cheetah in a state of deep sleep, providing invaluable insight into its resting behavior in a controlled environment. Its sleek, spotted fur is in sharp focus, with black spots beautifully contrasted against the light ochre coat. This behavioral study focused on the resting habits of predators like that of cheetahs examine how their sleep patterns reflect the stress levels and adaptability with respect to the environment.

White matter fiber tracts in the brain, identified using diffusion MRI, reveal the pathways of microscopic water movement. The fibers are color-coded according to the direction of water diffusion: Blue represents diffusion in the up-down (inferior-superior) direction, green indicates diffusion in the front-back (anterior-posterior) direction, and red shows diffusion in the left-right direction. The MRI data were acquired from a healthy volunteer at �����Դ�ɼ���'s MRI facility. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-ionizing medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields to generate detailed images. In this case, MRI was employed to capture a series of brain images, each sensitive to water movement along a specific direction. Mathematical models were then used to compute the direction and magnitude of the brain fibers. A tracing technique was applied to identify the white matter fiber tracts, with the visualization color-coding the fibers based on the direction of diffusion.

Using ubiquitously expressed Zebrabow, a genetic tool aptly named for its diverse color profile, we can use confocal imaging to capture a wide array of fluorescently labelled cells. By injecting specific RNA into zebrafish embryos at the one-cell stage, a recombinase facilitates combinatorial expression of red, yellow, and cyan florescent proteins resulting in a range of colorful hues. After only a few days, we can see the rainbow overlay of different cells. Since cells with the same origin will have the same level of recombination, and therefore the same color, this is a valuable tool that can allow us to conduct cell lineage analyses.

The coast of southern Manabi, Ecuador, is the FAU Ecuador Field School scenario, where students and instructors develop archaeological and anthropological research every summer. Within the different landscapes of this unique region, the Cloud Forest of the Machalilla National Park is one of the more interesting. An exuberant nature with several species of mammals, birds, trees, and archaeological sites surrounds the people of the Cloud Forest. For the summer of 2024, our team was excavating one of the monumental settlements with the companion of Howler Monkeys (Alouatta palliata), who lived in the canopy. The monkeys used to howl in the canopy and throw seeds at our excavation place.

Mante?±o people, who lived in this territory at least 500 years ago, shared the same fascination with nature as us today, representing their environment in their cultural representation. Finding a ceramic howler monkey mask in the stratigraphy was a great surprise. This monkey is now part of the stories of the FAU Anthropology Department.

Immuno-stain for Beta3 Tubulin, an important cytoskeletal structural protein involved in axonal transport. Done on Induced-Pluripotent Stem Cells derived from Huntingtons Disease Patient. Imaged using fluorescent microscopy at �����Դ�ɼ���'s Schmidt College of Medicine.

Fluorescent imaging of the tumor microenvironment of glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer. The image shows a small snapshot of the dynamic interactions happening within a tumor that was surgically removed from the brain of a patient.

Octopuses have complex behaviors that involve skin color, skin texture, and body posture. By working under direct neuromuscular control, octopuses can change their behavior in less than one second. This is important for the animal’s camouflage, but also for communication. An octopus may flash a color or expand their arms and arm webbing to startle a predator, signaling “back off.” They also use color patterns and body postures to communicate with other octopuses. This could be between the same or different octopus species. For this mating pair, the male octopus is raising one of its right arms. This may be communication towards the female or a male competitor in the area. The shallow south Florida lagoon where the common octopus is abundant and many interactions are observed can help scientists understand the complex world of animal behavior.

The Thrush Cowrie (Naria turdus) is a marine gastropod native to the Indian Ocean which has recently been spreading throughout the Caribbean. It was first discovered in Florida just two years ago in 2022. Since then, this non-native species has rapidly multiplied in South Florida's waters and very little is known about its potential impacts. I have been observing the Thrush Cowrie population in the Southern Indian River Lagoon to understand its ecology here in Florida. I photographed a female Thrush Cowrie incubating eggs in an empty oyster shell in the mangroves of the Indian River Lagoon, Jupiter Island.

Did you know that octopuses come equipped with their own tiny chainsaw? Pictured is a scanning electron microscope image at 54X magnification of the radula of a common octopus (Octopus vulgaris). The radula is a structure made of chitin supporting hundreds of teeth. This octopus has seven pointy teeth across each transverse row in its radula, with the central, rhachis tooth being the most prominent. The radula is used to grind up food, with the "chainsaw" moving backward like a conveyor to pass food into the throat. The "chainsaw" can also move forward to allow older, worn-down teeth to be absorbed while new teeth form at the back! Radulae are also important in species identification. Similar to dental records being unique to a person, radular morphology is unique to octopus species. Octopus species often look alike and live in the same areas, which makes telling them apart tricky. As my research focuses on identifying these hard-to-discern species, I am using their unique radulae to help in the process. Imaging was performed using a scanning electron microscope at the FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab.

The image showcases a newly developed stereovision imaging system under lab testing at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, in the Tietze Engineering Test Facility. The system is designed for tracking zooplankton swarms in field applications. Zooplankton are vital components of our aquatic biomass and key indicators of ecosystem health. The ability to capture three dimensional swarming characteristics on zooplankton in their natural environment could provide valuable insights into their behavioral ecology. Featuring dual cameras for depth calculation and red light for minimal biological disturbance, it operates in a controlled environment with blocking spheres to eliminate ambient light. The photo was captured with an iPhone 13 Pro using its wide-angle lens through the viewing windows of the testing tank.

This image is of a fractal phenomenon I've discovered called fractal flow. In this case, it's how the Julia set of a random complex function flows around its domain(the complex plane) as the parameter c changes. The result is the meromorphic function you see before you. It is the product of many zeros and poles. Like the random complex function's Julia set, this meromorphic function is a fractal as well. The colors indicate the coordinate velocities of different parts of the fractal. Red is positive real, lime is positive imaginary, cyan is negative real, and purple is negative imaginary. The whiteness is the intensity, so complex infinity looks white. I'm currently investigating the complex dynamics of iterative systems and their orbits. Fractals are fairly good systems for testing such things. For instance, points inside the Julia set never diverge to infinity, and stay constrained to the set's interior. There they travel along various orbits. I will be researching the dynamics of these orbits for Julia sets with several different orbits. Specifically whether points are capable of jumping between orbits, and how chaotic the dynamics are. Because these points never diverge to infinity, their fractal flow is complex infinity. The aforementioned random complex functions have what are known as critical points. Each critical point has an associated Mandelbrot set. Values of c close to the edge of a Mandelbrot set tend to be the most intricate. Fractal flows with multiple Mandelbrot sets oftentimes have a disconnected dust of smaller versions of themselves.

Images 3 and 4 were generated using the same random function. My code is designed to set the location of all critical points are so that all the Mandelbrot sets can be used to find interesting values of c. For whatever reason, this complex function had an extra Mandelbrot set which my code didn't prescribe. This fractal flow was made using a value of c close to this mysterious Mandelbrot set. I will have to investigate whatever led to its mysterious existence.

This image displays a bisection of the fruiting body of the fungus Pisolithus arrhizus, better known as the American Dyeball. I have been studying the way fungi may be utilized in the arts to create environmentally-friendly processes, or replace some of the materials we currently use. This fungus in particular can be boiled, which releases its pigments to create an organic dye that may be used on fabric, paper, and other absorptive materials. The color may be changed by using different binders (mordants) on the materials or by altering the pH of the dye solution.

The vaquita (meaning "little cow" in Spanish) is the world smallest porpoise and most endangered marine mammal. They also have the smallest range of any marine mammal; approximately 1500 square miles within the northern Gulf of California. Since 1997, vaquitas have experienced a detrimental population loss from approximately 600 individuals to an estimate of 10-15 animals to date. At the current rate, vaquitas are expected to become extinct right before our eyes. To preserve this critically endangered porpoise, FAU High School is collaborating on a research project to digitize the entire skeleton. Using micro-computed tomography (CT) scans, we are able to image not only the surface of the skeleton, but the internal structure of all the bones as well. These scans will persist for future research, education, and conservation efforts long after the vaquita is gone. This image is a 3D rendering of the right flipper which was preserved with soft tissue intact (lighter gray material visible between the bones). Micro-CT scans were performed at FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab.

Viewing the morphological structure of hydrogel under Scanning Electro Microscopy imaging to further hydrogel's role as a viable and sustainable biomaterial component for tissue regeneration.

This work was produced with the assistance of Jamie Knab using the Scanning Electro Microscopy at the �����Դ�ɼ��� High School Owls Imaging Lab (RRID:SCR_023805)

In this picture, you can see tiny worms called C. elegans. These worms are used to investigate the long-term effects of embryonic amphetamine exposure. The study found that high doses of amphetamines during embryogenesis altered the expression of key dopaminergic proteins, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), in adult worms, leading to increased sensitivity to the drug. Since C. elegans embryos develop outside the uterus, the research isolated direct effects on the embryo, without maternal influence. The findings highlight C. elegans as an effective model for studying the long-lasting neurological impacts of prenatal amphetamine exposure.

In The Bahamas and other Caribbean islands, the queen conch has an important role for food and livelihoods. In many places, whole communities are formed because of the conch, which is the case pictured here in West End, Grand Bahama. These piles of discarded shells from the harvests are called conch middens. The conch is considered a cultural icon and has been harvested for thousands of years. Since these prehistoric times the conch meat has been eaten and the shells have been used for utensils, tools, jewelry, building materials, and ceremonial items. Today the conch is listed by NOAA Fisheries as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. At FAU Harbor Branch Queen Conch Lab our mission is to grow the queen conch for the sake of the species, seagrass ecosystem, and for the people that depend on the fishery.

This is an image of a transverse section of a zebrafish embryo. The large, dark circle is the notochord, which will be replaced by the vertebral column. The bright area beside it, filled with several branches of neurons and various glia, is the spinal cord. In both the peripheral and central nervous system, glial cells play an important role in supporting and myelinating neurons. Muscles, in addition to glia, can be seen in the periphery surrounding the notochord and spinal cord. Imaging aids in the study of glial migration, development and myelination, allowing for the research of glial cells and their relations to neurological conditions.

Scanning laser microscope, Confocal microscope image of a brain cell type called astrocytes. These astrocytes were cultured in a dish from brain tissue of a mouse. As the name suggests, these cells take the form of what looks like stars or galaxies. Proper astrocyte function is critical for brain health and to prevent the breakdown of brain tissue such as in the case of Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we are using astrocytes to study how oxidative stress negatively impacts the nervous system. To do this, we stain the cells so we can visualize them. In yellow, we see the cytoskeleton and in purple we see the nucleus of the cell, where the DNA is located.

Living in South Florida, people don’t realize there is a small population of wild monkeys right in their backyard. These monkeys face the daily challenges of looking for their next meal, water, as well as dangerous cars, people and powerlines. How does a mother raise a child in this kind of environment? With a little help from family. Alloparenting, or the care provided by other individuals in a group, provides a mother with the much-needed help in raising a child in a hostile environment. My research investigated how monkeys helped each other in childcare while living in this environment.

Neurons in the central amygdala are important for regulating various aspects of social and emotional life and are commonly disrupted in neurological disorders. In our research, we identify circuit abnormalities in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder where the regulatory protein PTEN is removed from a subset of inhibitory cells in the brain called Somatostatin-expressing interneurons. Mice carrying the SOM-PTEN deletion displayed elevated levels of fear expression, anxiety and sensory sensitivity, as well as substantially impaired connectivity and synaptic strength within the central amygdala compared to wild type mice, which could lead to those behavioral disruptions. This image was acquired during a circuit mapping experiment, where we probe cell to cell communication using a combination of 2-photon microscopy, optogenetics and electrophysiology to stimulate and image individual neurons while recording their influence onto a postsynaptic cell. SOM cells are blue and GCamp cells (to read out neural activity) are green.

The various equipment at the FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab plays an important role not only in the collection of scientific data, but also in demonstrating to our students the different types of magnification. Every year we teach students about magnifiers and showcase items under different levels of magnification. Samples with small or microscopic features and texture are great for this purpose because it may be difficult to see with the naked eye but a microscope highlights structure that we would never guess was present otherwise. This image features a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of medical gauze. With the naked eye, the individual fibers are hard to see, but with the SEM it’s easy to spot the weave pattern. Imaging was performed by using a JEOL Neoscope 6000 Plus scanning electron microscope at FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab.

Southeastern Florida is home to a growing nesting aggregation of leatherback sea turtles, the largest species of sea turtles in the world. Leatherbacks return to nesting beaches every one to three years, laying seven to 10 nests per nesting season. Once the last nest has been laid, turtles embark on long distance migrations to foraging grounds located as far north as eastern Canada. Deploying satellite transmitters on nesting turtles allow researchers to monitor their movements after departing nesting beaches in order to identify high-use habitats, track migration patterns, and investigate environmental influences on sea turtle behavior.

The lush, healthy coral cover in the Great Barrier Reef provides a rich habitat that supports a tremendous diversity of marine life. In this photo there are multiple species of hard corals in the sunlight dappled, clear, shallow waters of Agincourt Reef, on the western edge of the Coral Sea. These ribbon reefs form a barrier between the Pacific Ocean and the eastern coast of Australia. The biodiversity on the Great Barrier Reef is among the highest of any ecosystem on the planet and can thus serve as a metric to monitor the effects of species loss due to global climate change. This photo was taken while monitoring fish diversity on the reef.

Coastal marine ecosystems are among the most important providers of biodiversity and ecosystem services, but at the same time are heavily impacted by threats that could risk the health of key species to marine food webs. Despite their small size, microbes play a crucial role in the physiology of animal hosts; however, little is known about bacterial symbionts with octopus and whether such associations aid in octopus health. During scientific SCUBA dives, the octopus’s skin was gently swabbed to identify and characterize their skin microbial community. This is the first study to characterize the octopus skin microbiome for wild octopus species, octopus vulgaris and Macrotritopus defilippi. Turns out, they have a unique microbiome they add to their skincare routine. Understanding the importance of bacterial symbionts can provide insight to the physiology and ultimately the health of these important animals inhabiting many marine environments.

This image depicts the unique eye of the smalltooth sawfish during a health assessment before the fish is outfitted with an acoustic tag to track movements and habitat use in the St. Lucie River and southern Indian River Lagoon. All research was conducted pursuant to National Marine Fisheries Service ESA Permit No. 25864 and in collaboration with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Smalltooth sawfish were once abundant in this area but had been extirpated by the early 1970s. Since 2020, eight juveniles and one neonate have been acoustically tagged to monitor distribution patterns and identifying if a sawfish nursery is re-emerging. This image was captured using a personal iPhone 13 Pro Max in the field near the St. Lucie Inlet and later adjusted in Adobe Photoshop to meet the 300 dpi requirements for entry.

Step into a mesmerizing journey with 'Synaptic Surfing,' a cutting-edge fly-through that explores the intricate connections between two vivid neurons—one orange, one green—in Drosophila muscle. Also, peak inside bulbus boutons to witness the mitochondria that power neural transmission from within. The original SBF-SEM data was collected at the esteemed Max Planck Institute. This work attempts to blend art and science to illuminate the uncharted terrains of neural networks within muscle tissue in fruit flies.

Coral reefs are extremely biodiverse underwater cities that support roughly 25% of all marine life whilst only taking up less than 1% of the ocean floor. To sustain such diverse systems in a small area, most organisms found in coral reefs, including corals, have developed ways of living with each other. A singular coral colony comprises hundreds of individual polyps all living in harmony with each other, responding and acting as one organism. In this image, the polyps are fully extended and feeding as a response to being exposed to food in their water system. The picture was taken as part of a project at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Laboratory of Integrative Marine and Coastal Ecology that is examining the sounds coral polyps make when fed.

Escaping a thread is an important reflex that is hardwired in the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly). A network of just a few neurons relates a sensory stimulus from the eyes and the antenna via the giant fiber interneurons (red) to the jump motoneurons (green and cyan) that send signals to the jump muscles. The signal travels through gap junctions (electrical synapses) from the red to the green neuron. Using a combination of genetic tools and dye fill techniques, the neurons of the circuit can be labeled with different dyes. 3D image stacks of this synapse in the intact nervous system were acquired on a confocal microscope and visualized in 3D as a volume rendering. This synapse is a great model to study molecular mechanisms during synapse formation.

My submission is a computer-generated image portraying a depth first search tree on a grid of pixels. It was generated from a piece of code that I wrote that is only 242 lines long. The program travels from one pixel in the grid to a neighbor pixel in a depth-first manner. The result is that long meandering paths are followed throughout the image. When the program finds a new pixel, it assigns that pixel a color that is slightly different from the color of the pixel where the program is currently standing. If there are no new pixels to find from the program’s current location, then it backtracks until it finds a new pixel. The computation time varies based on how big of an image it’s creating, but the image I am submitting was completed with 20 minutes of compute time.

Mapping of the contours of shark vertebral cartilage: The endoskeleton of sharks is made up of cartilage, rather than bone. Apatite mineral, collagen fibers, and sugars serve as a framework for the strong and flexible material that makes up shark cartilage. The arrangement of these components in the fibers of shark vertebral cartilage affect how it responds to mechanical stress. blacktip We examine and characterize the micro- and nanoscale properties of shark cartilage to figure out how its structure influences macroscale function and performance. Presented here is a 3D model of mineralized vertebral cartilage of a shark (Carcarhinus limbatus) in the nanoscale using synchrotron X-ray nanotomography (SR-nanoCT – like a CT scan, but with stronger X-rays and better resolution). Here, the thickness of the cartilage is correlated with the colors on the 3D model. The thicker red regions are striations that run in the opposite direction of most fibers and are hypothesized to serve as struts that support the complex bending movements that sharks undergo while swimming. Insight into ultrastructure of a natural composite material such as shark cartilage can help in the design of bioinspired materials with specialized mechanical properties for applications in areas such as tissue engineering and materials for marine propulsive robots.

The brain disproportionally possesses a large amount of cholesterol (4% body weight vs. 25% body cholesterol). This is a testimony to cholesterol's criticality in brain cell function and survival. In this picture of a mouse brain slice, two major types of cells, neurons and glial cells, are visualized by blue and green fluorescence. The master cholesterol regulator, SREBP2, is marked by red fluorescence. Together, they give us a bird's-eye view of brain cholesterol distribution and regulation.

Uma is a hybrid between two monkey species, the red-tailed monkey and the blue monkey. Her social group is found in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Uma's physical features suggest that she has more blue monkey ancestry than red-tailed monkey, which provides valuable information when trying to understand trait variation in a long-standing hybrid population.

Trichomes are hair-like structures on the surface of tomato leaves that aid in protection against environmental stress. This photo shows several glandular trichomes, which secrete chemicals in response to stress, on the surface of a tomato leaf after exposure to an army worm walking along the leaf. This image was taken using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at FAU High School's Imaging Lab, to observe damage or changes in trichome structure after stress, and what roles trichomes have in plant survival. The sample was dried, coated in 150-millimeters of gold, and magnified to 50 times to observe these structures. The image was recolored to display the great variety and shapes of trichomes.

This image offers a close-up view of a Rhizopus sporangia, a pivotal fungal reproductive structure commonly found in diverse ecosystems. Captured in my biodiversity lab, the photograph showcases the vibrant colors that accentuate the sporangia's intricate details, which often go unnoticed by the naked eye. this To add a touch of artistry, a subtle grainy filter was applied, emphasizing the microscopic linework within the image. Additionally, enhanced saturation was used to create a sharper and more vivid representation. With four color variants, this image not only celebrates the captivating beauty of microscopic world but also underscores the diversity inherent in the natural sciences.

This is an image of an approximately 30-micrometer thick slice of rock — bone in that case — attached to a glass slide with epoxy, which is a widespread method of studying rocks and fossils. Pictured is a section of a leg bone, which is peripheral, closer to the edge of the bone and both contain different, denser bone tissue, and is somewhat altered by erosion. Portions of the slide have visible haversian canals, which are minute tubes inside a bone and contain blood vessels from a specimen of the Triceratops horridus Marsch, 1889, found in North Dakota. Remains of the triceratops are located at the site that represents a deposit of seismically induced waves from the giant asteroid that struck the Earth 65 million years ago. Although the triceratops probably died shortly before the impact, it is probably one of the last dinosaurs that ever walked in North America. More details about the research on the Tanis site in North Dakota can be found here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6486721/

A small spinyhead blenny (Acanthemblemaria spinosa) makes its home in between the polyps of a great star coral (Montastraea cavernosa). Montastraea cavernosa is an intermediately susceptible coral species to stony coral tissue loss disease, which has dramatically impacted Florida’s coral reefs. My thesis research is focused on molecular techniques to identify the coral genotypes and algal symbionts in Florida’s largest-ever restoration experiment, including M. cavernosa and two additional coral species. This information will be used to strategically improve coral restoration efforts throughout the state.

Tubastraea coccinea is an invasive species of stony coral with origins in the Indo-Pacific region. This coral is adapted to low-light ecosystems under rocks and on deep reefs. It is able to do this due to the fact that it doesn't rely on sugars produced from photosynthesis, like many of its relatives. Rather, this coral gets all of its energy through heterotrophy or active feeding, giving it an upper hand in these challenging habitats. All of these features make this coral excellent at invading its non-native ecosystems in the Caribbean and tropical Atlantic, where it is ecosystems utilizing man-made artificial structures, such as shipwrecks and oil rigs, as a sort of highway to travel up the coastline. This photo was taken underneath an artificial reef structure at the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach, Fla., on a dive, in an effort to catalog the abundance and size of T. coccinea colonies at this popular recreational dive site.

This Time It's Mineral: As sharks swim, their cartilaginous vertebral column bends and deforms, much like a spring — absorbing and releasing energy. Shark vertebrae are particularly interesting due to the interplay between mineralized (hard) and unmineralized (soft) cartilage. Since the structure and properties of biomaterials at the nanoscale influence their response to stresses, we investigate the arrangement of biominerals within fibers of shark vertebral cartilage. From this, we can gain insight into how the interaction between biomineral and collagenous material at the microscopic scale influences bulk material properties and the macroscale swimming efficacy of sharks. Here, we look at mineralization patterns in the vertebral cartilage of blacktip sharks (Carcarhinus limbatus). Mineralized blocks from 1-inch diameter vertebrae were prepared into 70-nanometer slices and imaged using FAU’s Jeol 1400 flash transmission electron microscope. Image colorized to emphasize the amount, shape, size, and orientation of nanocrystalline apatite mineral within the collagen network. Image width: 70μm

An adult Atlantic goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) emerges from a cloud of round scad (Decapterus punctatus) during the seasonal spawning aggregation of goliath grouper in coastal Florida waters. Goliath grouper normally spawn during the night around new moons when the ocean is at its darkest, possibly as an adaptation to avoid egg predation by potential visual plankton feeding egg predators, like the swarming round scad. This picture was taken during an expedition focused on better understanding the contentious conservation conversations about goliath grouper fishery management between anglers and the ecotourism-based dive industry.

In Hawaii, green sea turtles uniquely come ashore to bask and sleep. These adult Hawaiian green turtles are unusual in this behavior, as they are not ashore to nest, and they are not sick. Early in this research trip we needed to identify the best sights to collect data. Dozens of green turtles were coming ashore as the sun was dropping low in the sky. Our local collaborators needed to collect their data and we were exploring potential field sites. As soon as we came onto the beach, the combination of adult sea turtles coming ashore, and the setting sun's light made us stop and appreciate the moment. The warm color from the sun and misty air made the turtles and the nearby lava rocks stand out against the sky strikingly.

Four Types of Sea Vegetables: Sea vegetables are halophyte, or salt-loving, plants and can be found in the coastal areas around the world, including in Florida. They are highly nutritious and can be used in many culinary dishes such as in salads, soups, pasta dishes, stir-fries and also as a garnish. These halophyte plants can also be used for coastal restoration. At FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, we grow four species as part of the Integrated Multi-Tropic Aquaculture (IMTA) system. They grow rapidly on the nutrients produced by the fish in the system. The four species from left to right top are sea blite and sea purslane; from left to right bottom are saltwort and sea asparagus. Funding for this project comes from the Aquaculture Specialty License Plate granted by the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Foundation.

False-colored scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a spider. SEM imaging uses a beam of electrons to visualize specimens and can be difficult to capture images when using biological specimens that are wet and non-conductive. Traditional preparation methods include critical point drying which can damage fragile specimens like insects and arachnids. A solution (literally a solution) to this is NanoSuit, a thin layer added to the SEM specimen prior to imaging. This technology is conductive and conceals the moisture in a vacuum environment to permit imaging of specimens without drying and sputter coating. The NanoSuit solution was applied to this spider and imaged using a JEOL Neoscope 6000 Plus SEM.

This video was taken during the swim performance trial of a loggerhead (Carretta caretta) sea turtle hatchling. Hatchlings are placed in a vest that is connected to a force transducer that measures their swim strength as they powerstroke. My project aims to understand the impacts of global warming on hatchling morphology and locomotion. As sea turtle nest incubation temperatures are becoming hotter on average, this could impact the physiology and thus swimming ability of the sea turtles. This, in turn, could affect the survival of individuals. The video was shot on an iPhone at the front end of the tank for an anterior view of the locomotion.

Sponges are crucial for maintaining life in aquatic ecosystems. They act as natural filters of the water, as well as food and habitat sources. To conserve these sponges in their natural environments, it is vital to have a total understanding of their life cycle. Unfortunately, there is not much research done on sponge reproduction and survival of larvae once spawned. This image is in line with my research to further investigate sponge reproduction. To determine the species being worked with, cuttings were taken from samples collected in the Florida Keys. These cuttings were air-dried and examined under a stereo microscope to produce images such as this one. This image is of Spongia cheiris, or a glove sponge, and shows its species-specific complex internal network that aids in its identification. This research is a part of a larger land-based nursery project, based at the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute's Laboratory of Integrative Marine and Coastal Ecology.

C=0.38+0.2I: If you take the Julia fractal for a given c and vary c by a little, you can see parts of the fractal move around. I wanted to quantify this apparent velocity field and found it was described by an Engel sum of 2z_n. More precisely (dz/dc)= (1/2z₀)(1+(1/2z₁)(1+(1/2z₂)(1+(1/2z₃)(1+(1/2z₄)(1+…))))) is the rate that z₀ has to change in order for z_∞ to remain constant as c changes. I refer to this phenomenon as Julia flow. Interestingly enough, it seems to be an infinite product of terms like (z-a)/(z-b). Typically, complex functions involve a summation of poles, however, this function has many points where the function goes to 0. An example is at point -0.06287405292473552+1.0966065863295078i for c=0.38+0.2i the Julia flow goes to 0.

Pictured here is a leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) hatchling crawling to the ocean minutes after emerging from its nest on Juno Beach, Fla. Leatherbacks are the largest species of sea turtle, and in the next 15 to 25 years, this tiny hatchling will transform into a 1,000-pound adult. The global leatherback population is declining, and the northwestern Atlantic Ocean subpopulation is considered endangered. This highlights the need for continuous monitoring of this species to promote the conservation and recovery of this important subpopulation.

Calcite Relativity: My thesis research involves using calcite (CaCO3) and celestite (SrSO4) model systems to better understand biomineral formation in the presence of carbohydrates. The goal of which is to learn more about the mechanism of polysaccharide incorporation into crystals as well as the relationship between the mechanical properties of a crystal and its structural organization. The research focuses on the role the respective carbohydrate’s chemistry plays in regulating biomolecule incorporation into a crystal, such as calcite and L-aspartic acid, which were used here. To help visualize this crystallization process, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) — an electron-beam technique that provides the crystal morphology and size distribution — was utilized and the original SEM image has been used here.

A microscale image of the surface of a hybrid material synthesized in the lab. Using wood as the vessel, iron oxide particles were synthesized in situ inside the cell wall. The image was taken using scanning electron microscopy, which uses a focused beam of electrons to scan the surface of the sample for data collection. This hybrid material is synthesized for pollutant remediation. Iron oxides are known to absorb pollutants in water bodies, such as our contaminant of focus, arsenic. Inserting these particles into an organic scaffold immobilizes the iron oxides, ensuring they do not leach out into the environment it was created to clean up.

Stem cells are cells in the body from which all other specialized body cells are produced. This photo depicts human neurons grown in the lab from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which hold great promise as the cure for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. The goal behind this image was to explore the use of graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) to enrich cholesterol in neuronal membranes and understand how this can improve neuron maturation and connectivity. These neurons were imaged using a Nikon widefield fluorescence microscope in the laboratory of Qi Zhang, Ph.D., assistant research professor, Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. This image displays the graphene-treated neurons at 40x magnification, one month after initial treatment began. Cells were stained with Tuj1 fluorescence dye, which stains the neurites green, and DAPI fluorescence dye, which stains cell nuclei blue. Ultimately, we believe that GNFs may hold the key to improving scientists' ability to obtain iPSC-derived human neurons with functional synapses.

This is a false-colored scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a sagittal view of a greenhouse millipede. SEMs use a beam of electrons to image specimens rather than light, so grayscale photographs are captured that can be colored. In this photo, the ventral portion of the millipede displays bumps (colored) and the lateral projections (termed paranota) are visible next to a single leg. The image was taken using a JEOL Neoscope 6000 Plus SEM at the FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab.

Cholesterol is structurally essential for all eukaryotic cell membranes. Functionally, cholesterol has been indicated in a variety of disorders beyond cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol and other lipids control many aspects that are relevant for Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Maciej Stawikowski, Ph.D., department of chemistry, and Qiang Zhang, Ph.D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, both also members of FAU’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, teamed up to study novel fluorescent cholesterol probes that enable visualization of cholesterol and its trafficking in the live cells. This picture shows mouse brain cells (astrocytes) five days after short (1 hour) incubation with novel cholesterol probe made in the Stawikowski’s Laboratory. Cells were stained with a fluorescent mitochondrial marker (cyan) and a novel cholesterol probe (yellow). The yellow puncta contain cholesterol probe localized in yet to be identified vesicles, which move within the cell. We believe that the intracellular cholesterol imbalance may hold the key to understanding Alzheimer’s as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.

This photo depicts an electron microscopic image of a chitosan and silver nitrate-based hydrogel, which is being studied as a drug delivery gel for wide spectrum antibiotics. The goal behind this image was to determine how the morphological properties of this hydrogel differ based on the quantity of silver nitrate used and how these properties correspond to the hydrogel's ability to load and unload wide spectrum antibiotics. To image, a small piece of the hydrogel was cut and worked up in ethanol, dried using a critical point dryer, sputter coated in thin layers of gold, and imaged under a scanning electron microscope at 200 μm. The pores on the gel (the holes) will be quantified to determine their impact on the hydrogel’s drug delivery properties. Photo taken using scanning electron microscope imaging at FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab.

Ataxia is a neurodegenerative disease that results in loss of posture, balance, and coordination of movement. An emerging picture is that impairment of a type of star-shaped brain cell called astrocytes is associated with a lack of functional support of neurons that subsequently result in such motor impairments. Here a human astrocyte (red) bearing the mutant gene causing the disease spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) displays aggregates of the ataxin-7 protein (green) within its cell nucleus (blue). Such protein aggregates are characteristic of progressive disease. In healthy cells this protein is more evenly distributed throughout the nucleus where it functions in controlling the activity of numbers of genes.

Octopuses, dubbed as masters of disguise, can change their skin color and skin texture in a blink of an eye! But, what else may this smart skin be important for? Current research at FAU’s Department of Biological Sciences is taking a deep dive in examining the bacterial community (aka microbiome) of the octopus’s skin. Scientific SCUBA dives are conducted in FAU’s backyard (Lake Worth Lagoon) to temporarily bring octopuses on board the floating lab, swab their skin for a bacteria sample, and release them back to sea. This unique set of bacteria could play an important role in keeping octopuses, a key player in many marine food webs, healthy.

The surface colors of estuary outflows through a manmade inlet in St. Lucie County paint a beautifully painful picture of the intersection of natural and anthropogenic forces. First, we see the turquoise blue waters of the warm subtropical Atlantic Ocean, with a harsh line discerning the tidal flux of nutrient packed inshore waters. Unfortunately, the nutrients contributing to primary productivity of plankton at the base of the food chain and vitally important for biogeochemical processes, are murked with the runoff of human development. However, streaks of orange and red suggest that life supporting processes are also occurring in the mix of stratified sediment.

Neurons that produce serotonin and dopamine are located in a region called midbrain, but can communicate with different parts of the brain through these elaborate projections, also known as axons, that travel long distances. These neurons project widely throughout the brain to control several functions including mood, sleep, movement, memory, reward and motivation. Pictured in green are serotonin projections, in magenta are dopamine projections, and in blue are nuclei of brain cells, in a mouse brain cortex‚ which is the outer layer of the brain. Images were acquired using a confocal microscope after labelling the dopamine and serotonin neurons with antibodies conjugated with fluorescent dyes.

The image shows a 3D model generated from a nano-computerized tomography (nano-CT) of an Acantharian skeleton using Dragonfly ORS Software. Acantharia are marine planktonic organisms whose skeleton is made up of strontium sulfate mineral. The intricate shape of its skeleton is achieved through the controlled interaction of mineral and organic components within the cell. The structure of the skeleton and the arrangement of the spicules can shed light on how the organism is able to create complex structures. Through such work, we hope to understand the form of Acantharian endoskeleton (across several species) and extrapolate on possible growth mechanism.

Thresher vertebra: Micro-CT image of a cross section of a thresher shark (Alopias vulpinus) vertebra. Sharks have mineralized cylindrical vertebrae with a calcified internal architecture. We can use micro-CT (computed tomography) imaging which relies on X-rays to visualize the internal mineral structures. The radiating lines from the center are called lamellae which sometimes branch at intersections termed nodes. Thresher sharks have the highest counts of lamellae and nodes which are believed to contribute to the stiffness and toughness of the vertebral cartilage. Here, the most mineralized portions are colored red. Additionally, the projections at the top and the bottom of the vertebra are the neural arch and hemal arches respectively. Image taken using Bruker Skyscan 1173 micro-CT scanner at FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab.

Prion disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Prion fragments (106-128) have a high propensity to accumulate in the brain and cause prion diseases. We want to investigate an anti-prion compound that inhibits or delays the aggregation process. ⁠ Green tea contains polyphenols and flavonoids — an important class of antioxidants — and can therefore fight or even prevent diseases. The AFM image of the prion 106-128 fibrillization reactions in in-vitro conditions, under physiological conditions, incubated for 85 hours in the absence and presence of polyphenols. ⁠

mage 1: The prion peptide itself forms dense amyloid fibrils (without polyphenols).⁠ Image 2: The fibrillization reaction of prion peptides with 100 µM naringenin (polyphenol). Image 3: The formation of amyloid fibrils of prion peptides with 100 µM quercetin (polyphenol). Quercetin slightly inhibits the aggregation of prion peptides.

This is a picture of a Florida pompano born and raised at the FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute aquaculture facilities. It has been treated with a process called clear-stain, which shows the anatomy of the skeleton and helps to study malformations during development. That is why it is called "I'm just normal," because the anatomy of this fish is just beautifully normal. Some of his/her partners in the fish tank are not that lucky, and when this happens too often, we start thinking about in-breeding. After staining, the picture was transformed into a negative.

Image of Scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) scales taken by student by placing shed snakeskin under a scanning electron microscope for use in her Palm Beach County Science Fair project. The goal of the project was to evaluate the effectiveness of varying snakeskin structures in reducing rolling friction. This image was used by the researcher to create the 3D-printed models of snakeskin tires used in this experiment. The ventral scale texture shown ended up producing the most friction, as they were tested on a smooth surface and therefore unable to grip the terrain. However, the greater applications of this experiment includes the use of these wheel structures in devices made to traverse the terrain of other planets, specifically in Mars rovers. This project won third in the category of environmental engineering. Image taken at FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab.

Sandi, Kasekela chimpanzee community, Gombe National Park, Tanzania: Dr. Jane Goodall’s revolutionary scientific research on chimpanzees in Gombe National Park forever altered our understanding of primate social groups. It is an honor to work alongside Kate Detwiler, Ph.D., associate professor, Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, as she continues to expand the breadth of scientific knowledge obtained from groups of Cercopithecus monkeys in this renowned habitat. During our fieldwork, which focused on photo data collection for AI/ML advances in Detwiler’s ongoing studies, we encountered “Sandi” pictured here gazing into the tree canopy. Sandi is a member of the “S” family of primates from the Kasekela chimpanzee community residing in Gombe National Park. Contributing to the legacy of scientific research at Gombe National Park is the highlight of my FAU experience. It was a true pleasure to meet Sandi in the field.

Invertebrate marine biodiversity of the western Atlantic. These slow-growing corals do not contribute to the growth of coral reefs and they do not live in symbiosis with zooxanthellae, which allow them to grow in complete darkness. Picture was taken at night on the wreck of the German steamship Antilla off the coast of Aruba.

This picture represents Figiri, a subadult male red-tailed monkey born in a habituated mixed-species group between red-tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) and blue monkeys (C. mitis) in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Red-tailed monkeys are known for their distinct facial coloring patterns, such as white cheeks and nose, golden crown and dark face. Figiri is eating fruits of the Lukungu tree (Grewia platyclada), which bares fruit only during the dry season between May and September. Cercopithecus monkeys have defined home ranges, but their ranging patterns are seasonal, affected by food availability, which in turn is affected by annual precipitation. During the dry season, members of our study group spend most of their early mornings feeding in the Lukungu trees located on the lake shore.

The Northern Cardinal is the original “Angry Bird” and for good reason. Males are highly territorial, meaning they will aggressively defend their territory and its resources to protect what’s theirs. Males with the best territory have the best resources, such as a fertile female, good nesting sites, plentiful food resources and minimal predators. The main way males defend a territory is by broadcasting songs that communicate aggressive intent, or by chasing away other males that intrude into their territory. Part of my research entails helping undergraduate students test hypotheses about how males communicate with one another. They do this by determining what qualities in these territorial songs they find the most threatening by quantifying aggressiveness during social interactions.

The olfactory system of sharks is important for survival. To learn more about the system, we use histological staining and a compound microscope to examine the different types of cells. The tissue in this image is from a Port Jackson shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni). Image taken with equipment at the FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab.

This image was collected using a scanning electron microscope in the FAU High School Imaging Lab. It is an image of a spider's spinnerets — the silk spinning organs that allow spiders to produce a web.

This picture represents Tamu, a male hybrid monkey born in a habituated mixed-species group between red-tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius) and blue monkeys (C. mitis). Ongoing hybridization between these two species occurs in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, which provides a natural laboratory to study hybridization in the wild. Tamu’s phenotype, or physical characteristics, is intermediate between the two parental species. Amazingly, hybrids in Gombe are known to be viable and fertile, as Tamu’s mother is a hybrid individual herself, which could lead to the creation of a new Cercopithecus species.

Butterfly scales imaged using the scanning electron microscope at the FAU High School Imaging Lab

My research involves the treatment of a bacterial tomato disease (tomato spot disease) with the treatment of a bacteriophage and calcium cation mixture. The image taken was of a 1:10 plant sample serial dilution plate. Fungi and bacteria can be seen on this plate, giving the illusion of a “starry night”. The bacteria closely resemble stars and the fungi being stardust.

A mosquito larvae head imaged using the scanning electron microscope in the FAU High School Imaging Lab

I am a researcher in the department of Geoscience focusing on hydrology. I am researching the movement of water between wetlands and canals and how canal management impacts wetland water loss . Wetlands are referred to as the Earth’s kidneys because they have the ability to transform and purify water. They also are home to an abundance of animals and rare wetland plant species. However, the slightest loss in water puts wetlands at risk for loss of function and shifts in plant communities. The image above is a well we install in the wetlands to reach the groundwater. With the wells I can retrieve water table levels, chemical parameters and water samples to track the movement of water and study interactions. Every once in a while I am met by alligators that call the wetland home!

Not a tongue, but rather, part of the brain of a living fruit fly maggot that allows it to crawl through an apple, peach or banana. Blue reveals the soup inside each nerve cell, while red (or magenta) and green reveal two different organelles within each cell, the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. These colors represent the true fluorescent colors of the proteins labelling different structures within each nerve cell of the living animal. Our ability to genetically modify fruit flies make them invaluable in studies into the genetic basis of neurodegenerative diseases.

This male Northern Cardinal’s bright orange beak, beautiful red feathers, and even its complex song that wakes me up some mornings, may tell a lot about its quality as an individual because ornaments like these and can tell a story about what’s going on under the hood. But while we know quite a lot about how these traits signal a bird’s health, virtually nothing is known about how they relate to a bird’s gut microbiome, which is the community of bacteria that naturally live in the intestines of every animal, including we humans. My research is dedicated to testing for this relationship between microbiome characteristics and a bird’s health, which can ultimately help us understand how our own human gut microbiome relate to health too, and in the sample collection process I have the unique privilege of observing the natural beauty of my study subjects, like this Northern Cardinal.

Ph.D. student Daniel Alempijevic descends from the canopy after setting a camera trap in the Tanoé Forest, southeast Cote d’Ivoire, a country located on the south coast of West Africa. FAU is involved in an international collaboration to find evidence of the existence of Miss Waldron's red colobus monkey, which may be the first primate to go extinct in over 500 years.

For a scientific illustration class, “Audubon’s Nature,” I decided to walk around campus to see if I could find any exciting, local subjects for research. Thunderstorms rolled overhead; I paused, sat on one of the metal mesh tables, and debated my options. Instead, I found a Red-shouldered Bug, Jadera haematoloma, crawling around. I put on a macro lens, got up close, and snapped a shot just before it flew away. This photo reminds me of the interaction between nature and humanity—the unnatural mesh coloration can be regarded like a mesh fence, keeping people (or in this case, insects,) out. In Florida especially, humans have done all they can to carve spaces for only themselves…at the expense of nature that only exists here. Nature still remains, though our relationship is strained. The bug’s red, striking color is a red warning light, signaling us to remember it exists—and must continue.

This photograph depicts the musculature of a zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). This image was taken as part of a project created and designed by a fellow undergraduate student and I to investigate the muscle geometry of zebra finches by using diceCT imaging. The goal of the project is to create a 3D visual reconstruction of zebra finch’s wing and vocal muscle to further studies of muscle biomechanics, sexual dimorphism, and formation of muscle. This zebra finch came from Dr. Rindy Anderson's songbird lab on the Davie campus and was scanned using a micro-CT scanner at the FAU High School Owls Imaging lab.

This image depicts a bar-eyed hermit crab with algae growing on it's shell. This image was taken during a faunal biodiversity study at the Blue Heron Bridge in Riviera Beach, FL.

Primary neuronal culture from mouse cortex. Neuron depicted reaching out to another neuron to form functional connections, known as a synapses. Image was taken on an epifluorescence microscope at 40X magnification.

This domed painting with internal light, 60 x 60 x 10 inches, made of silverpoint and acrylic, names 14 women astronomers, like Henrietta Leavitt, who, "mapped the heavens," and contributed knowledge that changed our view of our universe. Bio-referencing forms, which are poetic forms that allude to biology, rim the center like embryos at the indifferent stages (neither male nor female) and coalesce to form a collaborative web of what is known. The mapping lines of light express desire to understand what we are made of and our location. This painting is offered as homage to the scientists who stand at the threshold of what is known while peering into the vastness of the unknown.

The picture represents Ice, a red-tailed monkey individual from the Mkenke valley group A, which is a mixed-species group between red-tailed monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius), blue monkeys (C. mitis), and their hybrids, in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Specific facial features, such as a white nose spot in the red-tailed monkeys, make individuals recognizable. Ice is a subadult male close to being sexually mature. He is at the edge of dispersing from his natal group to find non-genetically related females for reproduction. The photo was taken during my first field season in May 2019, in the goal of creating a photographic database for the creation of a facial recognition software for individuals in our study group. Due to a long-lasting habituation process in Gombe, scientists are able to spend valuable time observing the animals and collect the data needed to complete long-term research projects. However, it is also an incredible way to share space, looks, and emotions with wild primates in their natural environment. By spending months in the forest among them, we begin feeling part of their social group and sometimes wonder who the individual being followed is.

A researcher in the FAU Geoscience Department is working to find out how beach sand affects sea turtles. Sand samples are collected from beaches in Boca Raton all the way up to Jupiter. Samples are then brought back to the Coastal Studies Lab, put through several sieves, and weighed. The image above shows the next step which is to put the sand into a diluted hydrochloric acid solution in order to dissolve the calcium carbonate fraction (e.g., shells), a process that produces the bubbles seen here. The purpose of this step is to determine the relative mineral composition of the beach sand.

Transportation planners regularly engage communities through public meetings to seek input on planning for the future, and other two-dimensional (2D) media, such as photo renderings. Three-dimensional (3D) virtual and augmented reality visualizations are increasingly affordable and accessible to display on devices such as Microsoft HoloLens Goggles and glasses that connect to smartphones, such as Samsung Gear VR. This US DOT-funded research project, in partnership Louisiana State University and Illinois Institute of Technology, compares 3D technologies depicting SLR in a South Florida location and tests whether 3D technology helps residents better understand the impacts of SLR on transportation infrastructure and communities. In meetings of neighborhoods facing SLR impacts up to the year 2100, participants learn about SLR using traditional methods, such as verbal presentations and 2D photos, maps, and charts showing SLR impacts on their streets and take a survey on what they saw. Then attendees view SLR impacts using 3D visualization technology and indicate via a survey whether the 3D visualization technologies led to a deeper understanding of the issues and whether they might become more engaged in community planning activities.

Retina cross-section image, showing the major structures of photoreceptors, bipolar and ganglion cells and their synaptic layers

A cleared and stained image of Blepsias cirrhosus taken in the FAU High School Owls Imaging lab under the dissecting scope.

Skates are close relatives of stingrays and sharks and their skeleton is composed entirely of cartilage. This preserved clearnose skate (Leucoraja eglanteria) has been cleared and stained to reveal the skull and skeletal elements. A series of chemical treatments renders the tissue transparent and stains the cartilage blue. This enables researchers to study the skeleton in an intact animal. The body of the skate is comprised of individual fin rays that branch as they extend to the body margin. The large number of individually jointed elements provides tremendous flexibility to the body. The long central rostral cartilage extends from the skull, that encapsulates the nasal cavities, the eyes, and the gills. The clear panes on either side of the rostral cartilage are windows of translucent tissue that enable the skate to see through its snout, even in an intact animal that has not been chemically cleared.

Surface of a brain coral Pseudodiploria strigosa with a tiny Sharknose goby (Gobiosoma evelynae) fish. Picture is taken in 20 feet of water during the research dive off Tavernier, Florida Keys.

Although many people don't recognize fungi in their everyday lives; they're undoubtedly benefiting for these organism's existence. Fungi are ubiquitous in the air, soil and marine settings. These distinct organisms form their own kingdom because of their unique diversity and function. These lifeforms form complex soil webs; connecting plants from vast distances as they share nutrients and water. Fungi are marvelous for how they react to other life and capitalize on resources and energy. For example, Cordyceps fungi are known to parasitize arthropods and fruit through their exoskeleton. Others are important decomposers and help to recycle matter upon Earth's crust. Furthermore, they are continuously competing with bacteria and have readily contributed to antibiotics; for example, Penicillium and the infamous penicillin. These beings are even found on dinner plates and in the human imagination as they are major themes in video games such as "The Last of Us". Admire this image of Dacryopinax spathularia, often called the yellow-fanned jelly fungus, growing throughout a stump. This photo was captured after several days of consistent rain that the fungus needed to proliferate through the wood and eventually fruit to release its spores to the world. No matter where you go on Earth you can never escape the complexities, workings and wonders of fungi.

Research into swarm technology is growing and how the parts of the swarm and the whole swarm interact hydrodynamically with each other and the environment are of interest. Pictured here is a snapshot of Basic Research being conducted within the Hydro Dynamic Labs at �����Դ�ɼ��� using a soap film channel, a high-speed camera, and simplified geometric representation of schooling fish. This experiment allows for excellent visualization of an object's hydrodynamic properties in a real-world environment. This and similar images allow for a greater understanding through qualitative observation of how different parameters such as frequency, amplitude, phase difference, and spacing affect a similar swarm's hydrodynamic interaction. Within the swarm the wake pattern of the leading foils affects the wake pattern of the following foils. The wake pattern for this parameter set recombines to form a larger pattern after the flow has passed the swarm entirely.

Marine snail commonly known as "flamingo tongue", Cyphoma gibbosum. The bright spots are thin layer of animals tissue called the mantle

Caribbean reef squid Sepioteutis sepioidea at night. These cephalopod mollusks are free swimmers and are attracted to the dive light. Picture taken during the research dive at night off Deerfield Beach, Florida.

A scanning electron microscope image of the setae on the toes of a gecko taken in the FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab.

This image shows a lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus) hiding among the seagrass of the Lake Worth Lagoon as a diver photographs something in the background, unaware of the seahorse's presence. ⁠