<![CDATA[io9: Snails]]> http://cache.io9.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/io9.com.png <![CDATA[io9: Snails]]> http://io9.com/tag/snails http://io9.com/tag/snails <![CDATA[Snail brains prove we learn better at some times than others]]> Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have proved that brains are better at learning at certain periods than others, thanks to analyzing the brains of sea snails. More »
]]> http://io9.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5871621&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Scientists sort out the secrets of bubble-rafting snails]]> For years, scientists have marveled at the seafaring abilities of snails like Janthina janthina (pictured above), which produce a biological bubble-wrap that enables them to float just below the water's surface in oceans around the world. More »
]]> http://io9.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5850750&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Japanese roboticists are building a mechanical slug]]> Researchers at Chuo University's Nakamura Lab are experimenting with Toro II, a robot that emulates the wave-like movements of gastropods. When moving, this omnidirectional robot keeps every segment of its body on the ground, affording it enhanced stability. More »
]]> http://io9.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5818344&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Attack of the Giant Snails! French animated film is like Kaiju by way of Monty Python]]> You've already marveled at Fantastic Planet, the demented 1973 French film about giant blue people holding tiny humans hostage. But have you seen Les Escargots, the 1965 giant snail movie by the same creator? More »
]]> http://io9.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5774668&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[Australian researchers transform sea snail spit into pain-relieving pills]]> The marine cone nail Conus victoriae is venomous to its prey (and humans), but Australian researchers have isolated a non-addictive, pain-relieving chemical from its saliva. This cyclized peptide, known as α-conotoxin cVc1.1, can be ingested orally in pill form. More »
]]> http://io9.com/index.php?op=postcommentfeed&postId=5598863&view=rss&microfeed=true <![CDATA[The Savage Colors of Naked, Toxic Sea Snails]]> There is a kind of soft, toxic snail that lives in the sea called a Nudibranch. The many kinds of Nudibranch all have intense coloration and weird shapes — so weird, in fact, that National Geographic just devoted an entire gallery to the strange creatures. See below for more multicolored, deep-sea weirdness worthy of Cthulhu's spawn. More »
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