“Thanks to the help of our international collaborators and access to curated museum collections, we were able to obtain specimens to unravel the mystery behind the complicated reproductive processes of these jellyfish.” Jimena Garcia-Rodriguez
In this study, a research team examined reproductive traits of box jellyfish (Cnidaria: Cubozoa), by analyzing preserved samples from multiple species collected in different regions of the world. Using histology – a technique that allows researchers to study tissues at a microscopic level – they investigated how sperm and eggs develop. These results provide new insights into the reproductive biology of this poorly understood group and help explain how different species function within their ecosystems, which is important for managing their impact on coastal activities and improve predictions of when and where they will appear.
This international collaboration brings together researchers from Tohoku University, the University of São Paulo, the Smithsonian Institution, and European partners like University of Alicante. This work represents one of the most comprehensive studies of reproduction in box jellyfish to date.
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.”
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.
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.
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 in coastal ecosystems” and “What factors drive jellyfish blooms?” respectively. The atmosphere was friendly and engaging, with lively poster Q&As and small‑group conversations.
“This was a great opportunity to share experiences and ideas with researchers from different research fields and backgrounds.” Dr. Jimena Grarcia
The forum gave researchers who rarely interact, a valuable opportunity to connect, exchange ideas and consider their future career paths together. WPI-AIMEC will continue to engage with the WPI community, working towards our common goals such as fostering interdisciplinary and world-leading research.
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.
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.
Falkor (too) has sailed! On board is a diverse group of scientists and specialists composing the cruise crew, working in a collaborative effort to explore the midwater column along the Brazilian coast.
The Schmidt Ocean Institute organized a profile of the current research crew for the “Designing the Future 3” cruise, which includes members of our lab.
Alongside 13 other new species is our lab’s discovery, the Mikazuki no Eboshi (Physalia mikazuki).
These other new species are also incredibly interesting discoveries, spanning a wide range of habitats and phyla. Each has truly unique characteristics and is well worth a look.
