🦈 New paper in @sicbjournals.bsky.social: We found that the whip-tail in pelagic rays restores stability during gliding locomotion, acting as a key passive stabilizer. Open access: shorturl.at/gqzzd Thanks to Sawyer Cooper, Connor White & @georgelauder.bsky.social #MarineBiology #Elasmobranchs

Why do eagle and manta rays have long, whip-like tails? 🦈 Our study shows that they act like kite tails, adding drag to keep rays stable as they glide! Thanks to @georgelauder.bsky.social, Connor White, Harvard MCZ, @nhm-london.bsky.social , CSIRO & @tamu.bsky.social Article: shorturl.at/gSf7P

One of the joys of studying museum collections: discovering tiny treasures like this little round stingray! #Elasmobranchs #Sharks #Rays #Museum #MCZ

Our new paper is out as OA! shorturl.at/BueUy Tuna keels aren't just for hydrodynamics—they're mechanosensory! 🐟 They contain a modified lateral line, possibly adapted to detect stimuli in high-noise environments @georgelauder.bsky.social @jackiew8.bsky.social + Dylan Wainwright + Connor White

My first story of the year featuring a puzzling appendage: the whip-like tail of manta rays. @juliachaumel.bsky.social and her colleague posit that these lengthy structures act like fine-tuned antennae, detecting danger before it's too late! Latest for @nytimes.com: www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/s...

Scientists Finally Make Heads of Giant Stingray Tails

The long structures seen in manta rays and their relatives function as an early warning system, rather than a defensive weapon.

nytimes.com

Excited to share our latest article with @georgelauder.bsky.social in @royalsociety.org! We describe how the whip-tail of cownose rays functions as a hydrodynamic antenna, detecting water movements along its length. shorturl.at/8kMM7 Happy to see it in @nytscience.bsky.social too! shorturl.at/n9w0s