Starfish Study Supported By Crowdfunding

In the first ever crowdfunded study in Japan, researchers have made non-destructive observations the fleshy brittle star.

AsianScientist (Apr. 11, 2017) – Crowdfunders have helped to support the first non-destructive morphological observation of the fleshy brittle star (Asteronyx loveni) using micro X-ray tomography. These results have been published in ZooKeys.

Since taxonomy is generally considered a ‘minor’ discipline within biology, it can be extremely strenuous for taxonomists to apply for and receive funding. Instead, Dr. Masanori Okanishi of Ibaraki University, managed to raise part of the funds via Japan’s pioneering crowd-funding platform, academist.

Okanishi approached academist in April 2014, while he was a Postdoctoral researcher at Kyoto University. Before long, his research project titled “Taxonomy of bathyal euryalid ophiuroids” successfully raised 634,500 yen (~US$5,700).

Having already stumbled across several undescribed species of the brittle star genus Asteronyx, the scientists directed the raised funds towards the genetic and morphological analysis of A. loveni.

As suggested by its common name, the fleshy brittle star (A. loveni) is covered by thick skin, making it particularly difficult for scientists to observe the body in detail without dissolving the skin. However, modern computed tomography with micrometer resolution allowed for the 3D images of skeletal ossicles and soft tissues to be constructed with no physical intervention whatsoever.

“The present case indicates that crowdfunding will increase the chances to finance the funds for researchers in those disciplines and activate the research area,” the authors said.



The article can be found at: Okanishi et al. (2017) Non-destructive Morphological Observations of the Fleshy Brittle Star, Asteronyx loveni Using Micro-computed Tomography (Echinodermata, Ophiuroidea, Euryalida).

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Source: Pensoft Publishers; Photo: Masanori Okanishi.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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