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In recent field studies, suspected gymnophallid metacercariae were histologically located in the mantle of mussels from the Norwegian Sea. Mussels from the sites in which that infection was detected also presented abnormally high pearl numbers. It has been previously described that gymnophallid metacercariae could cause pearl formation processes in mussels, as a host reaction to encapsulate these metacercariae. Given the pathological host reaction these parasites elicit, a study was performed to identify gymnophallid metacercariae found in mussels collected from Tromsø at morphological and molecular level and to assess, by the use of molecular tools, the relationship between the parasite and the biological material inside the pearls. As a result, Gymnophallus bursicola metacercariae infecting Norwegian Mytilus edulis were identified according to morphological characters, along with the first 18S rDNA and COI sequences for this trematode species. In addition, parasite DNA from the core of the pearls was extracted and amplified for the first time, confirming the parasitological origin of these pearls. This procedure could allow identifying different parasitic organisms responsible for the generation of pearls in bivalves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New research from the Arctic University of Norway (UiT) explores the impact of trematode infections on blue mussels. The study found that even moderate levels of infection by the trematode Himasthla elongata can have detrimental effects on the survival and growth rate of wintering mussels. These parasite-induced costs during winter may potentially affect populations of blue mussels in coastal habitats, with implications for the entire ecosystem. The research highlights the regulating roles that parasites play in different ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers from the Universidad de Concepcion in Chile examined the effects of hypoxia on the blue mussel Mytilus chilensis. Hypoxia, caused by climate change, affects the health and survival of mussels. The study found that hypoxia induced a transcriptome shift in the mussels, leading to metabolic and immunological alterations. These changes could have negative implications for the mussel culture industry and natural bed populations. The research provides valuable insights into the adaptive traits of M. chilensis and offers candidate genes for further study. [Extracted from the article]

In the hottest scenario, all sea stars died before the 13-day heatwave ended. Ecology INCREASINGLY hot and long spells of ocean warmth could kill all common sea stars by 2100. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada investigated the seasonality of spermatogenesis in cultured males of Mytilus edulis, a type of blue mussel, in a cold-ocean environment. The researchers examined the cellular transitions within the testicular acini during early and advancing spermatogenesis, focusing on the histology of the epithelium, gene expression, condition, culture environment, and season. They found clear seasonal changes in the spermatogenic cell population and observed variations in the expression of molecular markers for spermatogenesis. These findings suggest a link between male gametogenesis and the environment in higher latitude regions. The research has been peer-reviewed and provides valuable insights into the reproductive biology of blue mussels. [Extracted from the article]

A systematic review conducted by researchers at Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University in Patan, India, has found that microplastic pollution is causing harm to biodiversity and food safety in Asia. The review analyzed 75 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2023 and identified 79 species of Crustacea and Mollusca that have been contaminated with microplastics. The study also revealed that China has the highest number of contaminated species in both phyla. The research emphasizes the need for urgent action to address plastic pollution and protect the environment and human health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Ocean University of China examined the effects of strontium exposure on the marine blue mussel Mytilus edulis. The study found that while no acute lethality was observed, sublethal damage was evident. Strontium accumulated in the hemolymph, leading to disturbances in the redox equilibrium state in hemocytes, DNA damage, and damage to lysosomes. The study concluded that the disruption of intracellular redox homeostasis is a possible explanation for strontium-induced toxicity in M. edulis. Further research is needed to fully understand the impacts of alkaline earth metals on marine organisms. [Extracted from the article]

Trematode prevalence and abundance in hosts are known to be affected by biotic drivers as well as by abiotic drivers. In this study, we used the unique salinity gradient found in the south-western Baltic Sea to: (i) investigate patterns of trematode infections in the first intermediate host, the periwinkle Littorina littorea and in the downstream host, the mussel Mytilus edulis, along a regional salinity gradient (from 13 to 22) and (ii) evaluate the effects of first intermediate host (periwinkle) density, host size and salinity on trematode infections in mussels. Two species dominated the trematode community, Renicola roscovita and Himasthla elongata. Salinity, mussel size and density of infected periwinkles were significantly correlated with R. roscovita, and salinity and density correlated with H. elongata abundance. These results suggest that salinity, first intermediate host density and host size play an important role in determining infection levels in mussels, with salinity being the main major driver. Under expected global change scenarios, the predicted freshening of the Baltic Sea might lead to reduced trematode transmission, which may be further enhanced by a potential decrease in periwinkle density and mussel size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study conducted by researchers at the Universidad de Concepcion in Chile explores the role of epigenetic variation mediated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the adaptive genomic differentiation of the blue mussel Mytilus chilensis. The researchers analyzed the gene expression of lncRNAs in the gill and mantle tissues of M. chilensis individuals from two ecologically different sites in southern Chile. They found tissue-specific differences in lncRNA sequences and identified differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) in both locations. The study suggests that DE-lncRNAs serve as complementary biomarkers to DNA sequence variation in maintaining adaptive differences and phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental changes. [Extracted from the article]

Haplosporidian protist parasites are a major concern for aquatic animal health, as they have been responsible for some of the most significant marine epizootics on record. Despite their impact on food security, aquaculture and ecosystem health, characterizing haplosporidian diversity, distributions and host range remains challenging. In this study, water filtering bivalve species, cockles Cerastoderma edule, mussels Mytilus spp. and Pacific oysters Crassostrea gigas, were screened using molecular genetic assays using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) markers for the Haplosporidia small subunit ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid region. Two Haplosporidia species, both belonging to the Minchinia clade, were detected in C. edule and in the blue mussel Mytilus edulis in a new geographic range for the first time. No haplosporidians were detected in the C. gigas, Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis or Mytilus hybrids. These findings indicate that host selection and partitioning are occurring amongst cohabiting bivalve species. The detection of these Haplosporidia spp. raises questions as to whether they were always present, were introduced unintentionally via aquaculture and or shipping or were naturally introduced via water currents. These findings support an increase in the known diversity of a significant parasite group and highlight that parasite species may be present in marine environments but remain undetected, even in well-studied host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent report from the Ministry of Agriculture in Qingdao, China, discusses the effects of different heating treatments on the content of paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) in mussels. The study examined the five most common heating methods (steaming, boiling, frying, water-bath heating, and microwaving) and found that all of them effectively accelerated toxin release into the cooking liquor. Microwaving resulted in the most significant toxin degradation. These findings contribute to the understanding of PSTs in mussels and can aid in risk assessment. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Oceanology and Limnology. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from St. Petersburg State University in Russia have published a new report on neoplasia, specifically focusing on the bivalve transmissible neoplasia affecting the blue mussel Mytilus trossulus in the Subarctic Sea of Okhotsk. The study found that neoplasia was identified in 11 out of 214 mussels studied, with genotypes identical or similar to known MtrBTN (MtrBTN1 and MtrBTN2) ones. This is the first description of neoplasia and MtrBTN in mussels from the Sea of Okhotsk and the Subarctic, as well as the first direct comparison between these transmissible cancers. The research provides valuable insights into the prevalence and genetic diversity of neoplasia in this region. [Extracted from the article]

Gdynia, Poland, Europe, Antibacterials, Antibiotics, Antiinfectives, Antimicrobials, Drugs and Therapies, Health and Medicine, Oxytetracycline Therapy, Pharmaceuticals, Tetracyclines Keywords: Gdynia; Poland; Europe; Antibacterials; Antibiotics; Antiinfectives; Antimicrobials; Drugs and Therapies; Health and Medicine; Oxytetracycline Therapy; Pharmaceuticals; Tetracyclines EN Gdynia Poland Europe Antibacterials Antibiotics Antiinfectives Antimicrobials Drugs and Therapies Health and Medicine Oxytetracycline Therapy Pharmaceuticals Tetracyclines 1548 1548 1 08/07/23 20230808 NES 230808 2023 AUG 11 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Drug Week -- New research on Drugs and Therapies - Antibiotics is the subject of a report. The news correspondents obtained a quote from the research from the University of Gdansk, "Amongst those, oxytetracycline (OTC) belongs to the most detected antibiotics in the marine environment. [Extracted from the article]

For more information on this research see: Arsenic speciation in low-trophic marine food chain - An arsenic exposure study on microalgae (Diacronema lutheri) and blue mussels (Mytilus edulis L.). Keywords: Bergen; Norway; Europe; Arsenic; Food Chain; Food Safety; Food and Farming EN Bergen Norway Europe Arsenic Food Chain Food Safety Food and Farming 56 56 1 07/24/23 20230727 NES 230727 2023 JUL 27 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Food Weekly News -- New research on Food and Farming is the subject of a report. [Extracted from the article]

Marteilia refringens causes marteiliosis in oysters, mussels and other bivalve molluscs. This parasite previously comprised two species, M. refringens and Marteilia maurini , which were synonymized in 2007 and subsequently referred to as M. refringens ‘O-type’ and ‘M-type’. O-type has caused mass mortalities of the flat oyster Ostrea edulis. We used high throughput sequencing and histology to intensively screen flat oysters and mussels (Mytilus edulis) from the UK, Sweden and Norway for infection by both types and to generate multi-gene datasets to clarify their genetic distinctiveness. Mussels from the UK, Norway and Sweden were more frequently polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive for M-type (75/849) than oysters (11/542). We did not detect O-type in any northern European samples, and no histology-confirmed Marteilia -infected oysters were found in the UK, Norway and Sweden, even where co-habiting mussels were infected by the M-type. The two genetic lineages within ‘ M. refringens ’ are robustly distinguishable at species level. We therefore formally define them as separate species: M. refringens (previously O-type) and Marteilia pararefringens sp. nov. (M-type). We designed and tested new Marteilia -specific PCR primers amplifying from the 3’ end of the 18S rRNA gene through to the 5.8S gene, which specifically amplified the target region from both tissue and environmental samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive parasites can spill over to new hosts in invaded ecosystems with often unpredictable trophic relationships in the newly arising parasite-host interactions. In European seas, the intestinal copepod Mytilicola orientalis was co-introduced with Pacific oysters (Magallana gigas) and spilled over to native blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), with negative impacts on the condition of infected mussels. However, whether the parasite feeds on host tissue and/or stomach contents is yet unknown. To answer this question, we performed a stable isotope analysis in which we included mussel host tissue and the primary food sources of the mussels, microphytobenthos (MPB) and particulate organic matter (POM). The copepods were slightly enriched in δ15N (mean Δ15N ± s.d.; 1·22 ± 0·58‰) and δ13C (Δ13C 0·25 ± 0·32‰) with respect to their host. Stable isotope mixing models using a range of trophic fractionation factors indicated that host tissue was the main food resource with consistent additional contributions of MPB and POM. These results suggest that the trophic relationship of the invasive copepod with its mussel host is parasitic as well as commensalistic. Stable isotope studies such as this one may be a useful tool to unravel trophic relationships in new parasite-host associations in the course of invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to news originating from Concepcion, Chile, by NewsRx correspondents, research stated, "The blue mussel Mytilus chilensis is an endemic and key socioeconomic species inhabiting the southern coast of Chile. Keywords: Genetics EN Genetics 952 952 1 05/15/23 20230519 NES 230519 2023 MAY 19 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Genomics & Genetics Weekly -- Investigators publish new report on genetics. [Extracted from the article]

However, the effect of low voltage variable frequency electric field and compound preservative on the freshness of steamed mussels in ice-temperature storage are still unknown. The results show that compared with the preservative group and the low voltage variable frequency electric field group, the compound preservatives combined with the electric field group had the highest overall score and thus the best preservation effect. [Extracted from the article]

The Renicolidae are digenean parasites of piscivorous and molluscivorous birds. Although they exhibit few morphological autapomorphies and are highly variable, the numerous suggested re-classifications within the family have never been supported by any molecular analyses. We address the possible synonymization of species within the Renicola pinguis complex suggested previously by Odening. We provide and analyse sequences of two nuclear (ITS2, 28S rDNA) and two mitochondrial (CO1, ND1) DNA loci of central European species of the Renicolidae, namely Renicola lari, Renicola pinguis and Renicola sternae sp. n., and we also provide first sequences of Renicola sloanei. The combined molecular and comparative morphological analysis confirms the previously questioned validity of the three Renicola spp. of highly similar morphology, which display strict niche separation in terms of host specificity and selectivity. We identify two previously unreported clades within the genus Renicola; however, only one of them is supported by the analysis of adult worms. We also provide comparative measurements of the three examined closely related central European renicolids, and describe the newly proposed tern-specialized species Renicola sternae sp. n., which was previously repeatedly misidentified as Renicola paraquinta. Based on the extensive dataset collected in 1962–2015, we update the host spectrum of Renicolidae parasitizing central European birds (Renicola bretensis, R. lari, Renicola mediovitellata, R. pinguis, Renicola secunda and R. sternae sp. n.) and discuss their host-specific prevalence and intensity of infections. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Designs are mostly hand-knitted in the homes of Faroese, Jordanian and Peruvian women, and all Faroese yarn comes from sheep used for meat to ensure no wastage. This Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant, located in one of the city's oldest buildings, transports diners to 16th-century Tórshavn. The national Faroese airline, Atlantic Airways, flies direct from Reykjavik, Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Paris to Vágar. atlanticairways.com. [Extracted from the article]

Reports on the use of the legs of oil production platforms in California's Santa Barbara Channel as a nursery for Mytilus edulis , the blue mussel. Growing of mussels in an open ocean; Growing of commercial mussels in tidal mud flats; Effects of pollution on shellfish beds in the Mediterranean; Approximate pounds of mussels to be sold by Ecomar.

Deals with the findings of a study by a team of researchers at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana on the adhesive secreted by blue mussel. Remarks from assistant professor Jonathan Wilker on the mussel glue; Function of the protein-based bioadhesive; Capability of mussels to adhere to nonstick surfaces coated with polytetrafluororthylene.

This article describes the efforts by J. Herbert Waite, a marine biochemist at the University of Delaware in Lewes, to learn how the marine mussel Mytilus edulis manufactures an underwater adhesive. For the past 20 years, Waite has made it his business to learn how the marine mussel, the indigo-shelled bivalve that often ends up in soups and appetizers, manufactures an underwater adhesive that ranks with the world's best. No synthetic glue designed for watery settings comes close to rivaling nature's own, he says. Sooner or later, water's many acts of adhesive vandalism cause synthetically bonded surfaces to come unglued, usually with the help of mechanical stresses. Water can chemically degrade or deform adhesive materials. Moisture can form a weak boundary between bonding surfaces. In cold settings, freezing and thawing can pry glued parts apart. Like oil and vinegar, adhesion and water just do not seem to mix. And that makes biological adhesives all the more enviable, Waite says. "All living things in nature are exquisitely assembled from adhesively bonded parts," he noted in October 1990 at a meeting on biomolecular materials in Washington, D.C. Despite constant encounters with water, plants and animals need no nuts, nails or bolts to keep from falling apart.

Making the most of waste is nothing new in restaurants, where scraps are used to flavour stocks and old loaves become panzanella. Melbourne's Vue Group, however, takes this practice to the next level with Iki-Jime, Seafood by Vue and Vue de Monde saving used scallop, mussel and oyster shells and donating them to Nature Conservancy's Shuck Don't Chuck project. That translates to nearly 35,000 courses of Iki-Jime's Moonlight flat oyster selection, 10,000 courses of Iki-Jime's steamed blue mussels with diamond clams, or 100,000 Chef's Menus at Vue de Monde (which features one oyster per diner - or more if you ask nicely). [Extracted from the article]

High I p i CO2 levels affect metabolic rate, but not feeding behavior and fitness, of farmed giant mussel I Choromytilus chorus i . (2018) exposed juvenile I C. chorus i specimens in a laboratory setting to three I p i CO2 treatment conditions (500, 750 or 1200 µatm) over a period of 30 days to evaluate its physiological response to ocean acidification. Elevated seawater temperature, not p CO2, negatively affects post-spawning adult mussels (Mytilus edulis) under food limitation. [Extracted from the article]

The article informs about the Canadian Organic Aquaculture Standard certifications given to various blue mussel processing companies in Newfoundland.

The article presents a chart describing the growth relative to growth at current pH for Mytilus chilensis or Chilean mussel, including statistics of the decline in pH from the present and results from individual experiments.

The article presents updates on issues related to navies. High school senior Emilee Sena has won a contest of designing a logo for the Virginia-class attack submarine New Mexico. Scientists at the Idaho National Laboratory are examining the ability of Atlantic blue mussels to stick to anything. Submariner Alexander Panov of the Russian Navy will be imprisoned for two years after being convicted of growing cannabis in his barracks and dispersing it to his shipmates.

Provides information on the behavior of Common Mussels (Mytilus edulis). Way of dogwhelks in dispatching their mussels; How mussels react to the presence of dogwhelks.

The article discusses research on how blue mussels (Maerua edulis) tolerate high carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2) in sea waters. It references a study by J. Thomsen et al, published in a 2013 issue of the journal "Global Change Biology." The study gathered data by analyzing the annual pCO2 levels of the blue mussel habitat in Kiel Fjord, Germany and the combined impacts of food availability and elevated pCO2 in blue mussel growth.

The article discusses the growing demand for blue shell mussels in New Zealand.

The article presents data on fertility relative to fertility at current potential of hydrogen (pH) of the specie Mytilus edulis.

The article discusses the study conducted by J. Thomsen and colleagues about the calcifying marine invertebrates (CMI) in the naturally-carbon-dioxide (CO2)-enriched Kiel Fjord located in the Western Baltic Sea. The researchers found that blue mussels from the site can sustain control rates of somatic and shell growth at a partial pressure of CO2 of 1400 parts per million. They also observed that there is no causal association between the acid-base status and metabolic depression in CMI at high levels of ocean acidification.

The article focuses on the study conducted by Jonathan Wilker and his team at Purdue University on marine biological adhesives. It mentions the production of non-toxic and strong bond adhesives mollusks Mytilus edulis and Crassostea virginica. It relates that such adhesives are in demand for bonding wet tissue like surgical adhesives and in orthopedics which can act as bone cement. It adds that in personal care, the adhesives can be used in topical patches, nail glues, and eyelash adhesives.

The article presents facts and figures about food. Chestnuts that are consumed today come from Asian trees. The apple pie was a favorite food of early American settlers because apple could be dried and stored in barrels during the winter. How the Mytilus edulis or blue mussel was spread throughout the Northern Hemisphere is explained. The origin of brunch is presented.

Reports that cryobiologists in the U.S. have identified two novel compounds in the blood of winter-acclimatized blue mussels which protect one kind of membrane and two enzymes against freezing and thawing damage. Reasons for the failure of scientists to find cryoprotectant in intertidal organisms; Move of scientists to systematically separate components of blood in size and weight of other freeze-tolerant animals.

Discusses the survival rate of California mussels, Mytilus californianus, that have shells covered with a red algae known as Endocladia muricata. How this insulation becomes useful in warm weather; Why the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, can withstand a relatively wide spectrum of temperature; Findings that Endocladia is attracted to the barnacles on mussel shells.