Article

On the Trail of DNA in the Ocean

DNA is everywhere—it can be found in hair, saliva, blood, bones, feces or even...

Article

A New Ocean Zone Described with the Help of a Submersible

Beneath vibrant coral reefs, but above the lightless depths of the sea, lies the...

video

Lionfish on the Loose

The majestic and highly predatory red lionfish (Pterois volitans), native to the...

video

Ice Divers Prepare to Plunge

It takes special equipment and many warm layers of clothing to dive safely beneath...

overview

Scientists Catalog Life on the Island of Moorea

Welcome to Moorea, a tiny, isolated island in the middle of the vast Pacific....

overview

Bioluminescence

You may have seen the sparkle of fireflies on a summer’s night. The fireflies...

slideshow

Bizarre and Beautiful Coral Reef Animals

From parrotfish that cover themselves in a blanket of their own mucus to tiny pygmy...

slideshow

X-Rays of Fish Reveal Diversity

Scientists in the Division of Fishes at the Smithsonian's National Museum of...

Photo

Are You My Mommy?

Human infants often already resemble their parents. Visitors coo, "Oh, she has your...

Photo

Spin Hagfish Slime into Silk

Believe it or not, this unraveling thread is from hagfish slime. Hagfish are...

Photo

Close-Up of Dover Sole Skin

This close-up of the skin of dover sole (Solea solea) masks its true ability: to...

Photo

X-Ray Image of a Tropical Hatchetfish

Tropical hatchetfish (Argyropelecus lychnus), like the one shown in this X-ray...