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 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 - Chironex box jellyfishes (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Chirodropida) in Singapore: Chironex blakangmati, new species, and range extension of C. indrasaksajiae
New Discovery: A New Species of Deadly Box Jellyfish Uncovered! Iffah Iesa, Cheryl Lewis Ames, Nicholas Wei Liang Yap & Danwei Huang Abstract. Two venomous box jellyfish species of the genus Chironex Southcott, 1956 (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Chirodropida) were collected from Singapore’s coastal waters: Chironex indrasaksajiae Sucharitakul, 2017 and a novel species described herein as Chironex blakangmati, new species.Chironex indrasaksajiae was collected from both the Johor and Singapore Straits around mainland Singapore. Chironex blakangmati, new species, was collected from Sentosa Island along the Singapore Strait and is the fourth species described in the genus. While C. blakangmati’s volcano-shaped pedalial canal and tentacle number are similar to C. yamaguchii Lewis & Bentlage, 2009, its elongated, … - From Brasil to Japan
Cheryl Ames presented the ship to the Japanese public. It was an online tour during which Professor Ames presented the living areas and kitchen, commenting on everything from food options to the work schedule. Then, she showed the lab where her teammates and other international scientists were performing extractions on previously collected samples. The tour was especially interesting because it showcased the entire ROV support and command structure while the ROV was active at a depth of over 500m. This made it possible to see the “behind-the-scenes” of the live ROV dive happening simultaneously on YouTube. The tour helped convey the scale of the endeavor and the massive infrastructure required to collect data from the mid-water—from the initial dives to the final extractions. Stay tuned for more mission updates - Meet our lab team aboard Falkor (too)
Falkor has embarked on the “Designing the Future 3” cruise featuring a diverse team of scientists and specialists dedicated to exploring the midwater column along the Brazilian coast. Among the crew are prominent lab members Cheryl L. Ames, Chanikarn Yongstar, and Kei Chloe Tan. Their collaborative efforts aim to enhance understanding of this crucial marine environment. For more insights on the ongoing research and crew profiles, visit the dedicated page on the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s website. - OceanShot: The Cruise – the Lab Team Embarks on the RV Falkor (too)
We’re officially off! The Lab team — Prof. Cheryl Ames, Chanikarn Yongstar (Nune) and Kei CHloe Tan — is already on board in Salvador, Brazil, prepping for the ambitious OceanShot cruise aboard the RV Falkor (too). While the team is currently settling in and getting the gear ready, the ship is set to depart on 15/04, navigating the coastline toward Fortaleza until May 1st. Throughout the journey, the team will be focusing their research on the mid-water column, utilizing a diverse range of scientific methods to analyze this deep-sea “twilight zone.” The best part? You can join the expedition from …Continue reading “OceanShot: The Cruise – the Lab Team Embarks on the RV Falkor (too)”