Highway System Or Fungal Contaminants In An In-clinic Diffquik Stain?

If you think science isn’t beautiful, you are wrong.  (All images courtesy of Cell Picture Show)

I am the owner

Of this damage, the weapon

Fired to make the wound

Eyes full of apologies

Belie my gunpowder smile

What has no heart and no brain? No, it’s not your ex… it’s the barrel jellyfish (Rhizostoma pulmo). Also known as the dustbin-lid jellyfish (yes, really), this species can reach an impressive 35 in (90 cm) in diameter and can weigh up to 77 lbs (35 kg)! Like other jellies, this critter relies on its nervous system to function.

Photo: tato grasso, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

the deep sea creatures when a scientist shows up with a flashlight outta no where

Teachers: Earn graduate credit and advance your career in six weeks with our flexible online courses! Connect with the Museum’s scientists, labs, exhibitions, and specimens. You can choose from a variety of courses ranging from Marine Biology and the Solar System to Climate Change and Virology. The courses are asynchronous, providing participants with the flexibility to complete weekly activities at their own pace—and can be taken anywhere at any time! Subject to school/district approval, courses may be used toward professional development, salary advancement, and recertification. Sign up for our summer session today—classes start July 8!

Photo: A. Keding / © AMNH

The Summer Games are here, so let’s meet the gold medal champion for fastest shark in the sea: the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)! This agile predator fish is one of the world’s fastest swimmers, able to reach a top speed of over 40 mph (64.3 kmh). For perspective, the current 100m freestyle world record holder swam at an overall speed of 4.7 mph (2.9 km/h). A model of this shark can be found in the Museum's Hall of Biodiversity.

Want to learn more? Become a Museum Member today! Plus, use promo code GAMES24 and we’ll include a FREE, limited-edition Summer Games tote bag.

Photo:  Alison Kock, CC BY-NC 4.0, iNaturalist