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Marine Biomedical Institute (MBI)

Copyright © 2000 University of Texas Medical Branch
The Department of Marine Science's primary focus of research is primarily cephalopods, that is squids, cuttlefishes, octopuses, and the chambered nautilus. These molluscs are considered to be the most highly evolved marine invertebrates, and for more than 60 years many of their organ systems, specifically their sense organs (e.g., eyes and equilibrium receptor systems) and nervous system (brain, giant axon, and giant synapse) have been valuable model systems for comparative morphological, physiological and behavioral research on the equivalent vertebrate systems. In addition, several of their tissues (e.g., the optic lobe, retina, and ink sac) have been utilized because they are extremely rich sources for biomedically important substances (acetylcholine, G-protein, and melanin, respectively). The biological disciplines applied range from anatomy, physiology, neurobiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and pathology, to behavior, ecology and mariculture. The Division also operates three research vessels for nearshore and offshore marine studies; they may be leased for scientific endeavors.

Marine Biomedical Institute

Affiliation:   University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB),  University of Texas at Austin (UT)

Type of Organization:   Marine Research Center or Laboratory

Sector:   Academia

Main Field of Focus:   Comparative Neurobiology

Year Created:   1967

Contact Person:   Willis Jr., William D.

Mailing Address:
UTMB
301 University Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77555
USA
Telephone: +1 409-772-2267
Fax: +1 409-762-9382
E-mail: losimmon@utmb.edu

Home Page URL:   http://www2.utmb.edu/mbi/

Keywords:   Mollusc, Cephalopod, Nervous system

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