Marine Biomedical Institute

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.