The #DesigningTheFuture3 expedition, led by Dr. Karen Osborn from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, is utilizing novel technologies mounted on ROV SuBastian and within the onboard labs of R/V Falkor (too). These tools include EyeRIS and DeepPIV from the MBARI Bioinspiration Lab. These advanced imaging systems allow scientists to create detailed portraits of animals in their natural environment. Our lab took part in this expedition, working in the onboard laboratory as part of the OceanShot effort.
Have you ever encountered a jellyfish while walking along the beach, been captivated by their translucent beauty at an aquarium or maybe felt the stinging sensation of their venom while swimming or snorkeling in the sea?
I was fascinated by jellyfish during my first visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium (California USA), which has led to a life-long pursuit of studying these amazingly diverse and complex aquatic organisms. My travels have taken me around the globe, introduced me to the world’s leading researchers and further developed my passion for jellyfish research. Now as a Professor of Applied Marine Biology at Tohoku University (Sendai, Japan), I have the privilege of training the next generation of leaders who will carry this scientific field into new frontiers.
For those of you interested in learning more about jellyfish and my research collaborations, I hope you will find the information here both interesting and useful. If you are a student please consider studying Applied Marine Biology in my International Marine Sciences Laboratory at Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. The ocean awaits, Meet the Lab!
Check out the latest lab updates.
- New box jellyfish name warns of ‘death from behind’ -popsci.com-
The new article from -Pooular Science- foucus a litle more at the Chironex gender and its facinating features like its swimming abitity and its complex eye organs. “Canals or not, they are remarkable creatures. The vast majority of jellyfish don’t rely on vision and passively float in ocean currents, but members of the Chironex genus do not. Instead, they have evolved complex eye organs that help them locate prey. They then use that same musculature supported by the perradial lappets to actively swim through the water towards its target.” Read their full article here: Read the full scientific paper here: - Highly Venomous Box Jellyfish Species Found Off Singapore Waters -wakeup.sg-
The new discovery is raising concerns in Singapore. Several news articles have surged since the announcement. Wake Up Singapore’s coverage focuses on concerns about a perceived shift in box jellyfish populations across Southeast Asia and their potential danger to swimmers. The article also focuses on the naming of the new species: Chironex blakangmati, named after the island’s historical Malay name, Pulau Blakang Mati, meaning “Island of Death Behind.” It becomes the fourth known species in the deadly Chironex genus, a group of jellyfish whose stings can be fatal within minutes. Read the wakeup.sg take on the new species discovery here: …Continue reading “Highly Venomous Box Jellyfish Species Found Off Singapore Waters -wakeup.sg-“
- New species of venomous box jellyfish discovered in Singapore waters, dubbed after Sentosa’s historical Malay name -theindependent.sg-
The discovery of a new box jellyfish species in Singaporean waters is making headlines in Singapore! A news article from the Singaporean news outlet The Independent Singapore, written by Jewel Stolarchuk, covers the fascinating history behind the finding of this new species. It details how a long-standing case of “mistaken identity” was finally resolved through DNA analysis and morphological distinction. The new species initially closely resembled Chironex yamaguchii—a jellyfish Dr. Cheryl Ames had previously discovered in Okinawa during her master’s studies. “But we realized they were completely distinct,” said Dr. Cheryl Ames. Chek out the complete news article here Read … - WPI-AIMEC Postdoctoral Researchers Participate in the WPI Young Researchers Forum – wpi-aimec.jp / Activities –
On 2 March 2026 early-career researchers from all 18 WPI centers gathered at the Mokuzai Kaikan in Tokyo, for the “WPI Young Researchers Forum”. The day included talks by senior WPI researchers sharing their research and career experiences, as well as short talks followed by group discussions。It also featured poster presentations and a networking reception designed to strengthen networks across the centers and support career development. WPI-AIMEC Postdoctoral Fellows, Jutarak Luang-on (Postdoctoral Researcher, JAMSTEC) and Jimena Garcia Rodriguez (Specially Appointed Research Fellow, Tohoku University) took part in the forum. They delivered poster presentations titled “Satellite-based monitoring of harmful algal blooms … - New Species of Venomous Box Jellyfish Discovered in Singapore: Tohoku University Press Release
Published in: Raffles Bulletin of Zoology (May 15, 2026) Collaborative Research: Tohoku University & National University of Singapore For decades, the multi-tentacled box jellyfishes—colloquially known as “sea-wasps”—found lurking in Southeast Asian waters were a mystery. Often misidentified or overlooked due to subtle physical differences, these animals carry a sting that is excruciatingly painful and potentially fatal. Now, a major breakthrough co-authored by Cheryl Lewis Ames has formally rewritten the region’s marine biology records. Read the full story in the Tohoku University press release: Reade the full article at: Raffles Bulletin of Zoology