Research & Conservation

Featured Research

In a Galaxy (not so) Far, Far Away

On a quick glance, this photo could pass for a shot of outer space, but it’s actually an extreme close-up of a mini-galaxy contained within a crystal jelly (Aequorea victoria) raised in the Aquatic Nursery.

"What you see in the photo is the translucent bell rimmed by the green bioluminescent dots where green fluorescent protein glows when the animal is stimulated," explained Kiersten Darrow, CMA's Research Curator. "By shining a UV light on the jelly, the green fluorescent protein has a fluorescent reaction to the light, creating a similar effect to how actual bioluminescence looks in the wild."

Many different types of jellies use bioluminescent capabilities (an animal's ability to produce light), but the how and why is not well understood and it’s not clear what biological function bioluminescence serves. What's unique about crystal jellies is their color; most bioluminescent animals lack the green fluorescent protein and emit a blue light instead.

The bell of a full-grown crystal jelly can reach up to eight centimeters in diameter, but the bell of the crystal jelly in the photo is 1.5 centimeters. In the wild, crystal jellies live about six months and in captivity they can live up to two years. There are many unanswered questions about how to best raise crystal jellies in captivity. The jelly in the photo successfully reached the adult medusa stage with the help of several high school students doing research projects in the Aquatic Nursery and additional help from CMA part-time research staff.

You can experience a crystal jelly’s green glow by visiting CMA's Exhibit Hall. In the Open Ocean habitat section, there are several crystal jellies on display in a tank next to the Jelly Lab. By pressing a button under the display, a UV light shines on the crystal jellies causing the green fluorescent protein to react bringing a piece of ocean magic to light.

Photo credit: Ben Higgins took this photo using Nikon camera equipment donated by Jeff Neu.

Research at CMA

In the Aquatic Nursery, staff and students are conducting research projects focused on helping threatened and endangered species in our coastal waters. We grow young sea animals, from abalone to lobster to seahorses, and in doing so, we are also growing young scientists.

Research Education

Thousands of schoolchildren of all ages participate in our Science Hatchery program that provides direct research experience. We teach K-12 students how to foster and nurture local marine animals. Learn more about our school programs that feature research experiences.

Want to learn more?

Want to become a researcher?

Send us an email.

Become a Researcher
There are typically two research cycles each year, starting in June for the summer and then starting in September for the school year. Each research cycle begins with a Research Program Icebreaker for the general public. All potential researchers are introduced to the laboratory and staff at this icebreaker and interviews are conducted for future research positions hosted at CMA.

Who Can Become a Researcher?
To participate in CMA's research program, one must be at least 16 years old and become an Aquarium volunteer, which requires application approval and a background check by the City of Los Angeles. Research support volunteer positions are available for individuals 11 years or older.

One of the biggest challenges for a young scientist is committing the time to study live animals. We expect all of our scientists to commit to at least one day a week for at least three months to conduct investigations here. Some research projects demand more hours, so actual schedule varies depending on specific research project.

You Should Know…

Non-invasive experiments on Southern California marine life can be hosted in the Aquatic Nursery laboratory.
Field projects can be conducted by the student on their own time with their own equipment, but CMA staff are available for advising and some water quality tests.
All projects should potentially help an animal to thrive in the wild.
Most model animals are either small adults or can only be studied as embryos or larvae due to facility space constraints.

Are you a teacher interested in getting your students involved in CMA research?

Call for more information: 310-548-7562 x204.

Featured Student Research Projects

Many student projects result in a presentation that is shown in the Aquatic Nursery. Here are just a few.

All research conducted at CMA is carefully guided by a Research Policy developed with the help of an External Research Review Committee. The committee is made up of university faculty and research professionals who advise CMA staff. Individual research projects require approval and must follow ethical guidelines promoting animal health and population conservation.

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