Fundamental questions in meiofauna research highlight how small but ubiquitous animals can improve our understanding of Nature

Communications Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 8(1)

Published: March 17, 2025

This paper identifies the top-50 priority questions for meiofaunal research, highlighting their critical roles in biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity. It calls a balanced research agenda, international cooperation, advances technology to overcome current challenges unlock meiofauna's full potential.

Language: Английский

Meiofauna investigation and taxonomic identification through imaging—a game of compromise

Limnology and Oceanography Methods, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 29, 2025

Abstract Imaging methods have developed rapidly in recent decades, opening new opportunities for taxonomy and biodiversity studies of marine organisms. In particular, the microscopic size range, which used to be challenging study due time‐consuming preparation observation steps, now benefits from high‐throughput quantitative imaging development fast high‐resolution microscopy approaches. Meiofauna, interstitial sediment animals ranging 20 μ m 1 mm, are important components ecosystems. These organisms can serve as bioindicators, group a whole holds immense potential discovery species. However, protocols studying meiobenthos highly time‐consuming, helps explain why this is understudied. We tested five techniques, low high resolution, that could accelerate hard‐bodied meiofauna studies, both ecology species description, address gap our understanding part life. Thus, two flow modalities (in line holographic classic optic microscopy), semi‐automated acquisition procedure, three‐dimensional (3D) fluorescence were used. examined compromises imaging, including throughput, data volume, evaluate using such techniques meiofaunal studies. For ecological surveys, benefit but resolution remains limiting factor. taxonomic 3D fluorescent added relevant information, considering time required acquisition. The motorized procedure purposes according versatility system.

Language: Английский

In what ways do the toxic effects of chrysene and zinc affect one another? Answers from laboratory bioassays using meiofauna from Jeddah shores, Saudi Arabia

Regional Studies in Marine Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 104250 - 104250

Published: May 1, 2025

Language: Английский