Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni)
Though it is known from only a few specimens, current estimates put its maximum size at 12–14 metres (39–46 ft) long, based on analysis of smaller and immature specimens, making it the largest known invertebrate.
Unlike the giant squid, whose arms and tentacles only have suckers lined with small teeth, the colossal squid’s limbs are also equipped with sharp hooks: some swiveling, others three-pointed.
Residing in the Pacific Ocean anywhere from Japan to Australia, the blue-ringed octopus feeds off of small crabs, shrimp and wounded fish. At the size of a golf ball and having a yellowish/brown coloring, it is easily able to camouflage itself into its surroundings. Although small in size, this octopus has powerful enough venom to kill humans with just one bite. With no known antidote, this makes it the most toxic known sea creature.
Though not considered an aggressive animal, the blue-ringed octopus will attack if provoked, and most attacks on humans occur only when the octopus has been picked out of its pool or stepped on. When provoked, blue rings or lines appear in the octopus, making it beautiful to look at but deadly to touch. The octopus injects paralyzing venom that can kill a human in minutes. If bitten it is essential that rescue breathing take place until a hospital can provide artificial respiration. Artificial respiration should continue for about 24 hours to ensure that all the poison is worked out of the system.
Oh look everyone, its the orbweaver Encyosaccus sexmaculatus from Amazonian Ecuador (in the East)…
(photo: Asser @ Archnoboards)
(Source: imreeeeiiiidddd)
Three dimensional structure of the Ebola virus
The causative agent of viral hemorrhagic fever in humans and a potential biological weapon, Ebola virus is presented here in beautiful, three dimensional form.
The Ebola-encoded structures are shown in maroon, while human cells are shown in grey. This model was based on 20 years of virology data, X-ray analysis, and computation biology techniques.
