Ctenophores: from the sea to the lab

What are comb jellies or “ribbemanet”? They might look like jellyfish, but they are not. How do we raise them in a laboratory environment? Why do we study these animals in the lab? Dr. Ruth Styfhals and Alexandre Jan from the Michael Sars Centre at the University of Bergen will discuss the establishment of the first aquarium in Europe to raise these fascinating creatures and why we study their brains. 

The Michael Sars Centre at the University of Bergen is an international community of scientists using advanced technologies to study the unique molecular and cellular biology of marine organisms for broad societal impact. 

Dr. Ruth Styfhals is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Burkhardt group, studying the development of the ctenophore nervous system. Previously, she studied the brains of the common octopus at the KU Leuven, Belgium. Her work on octopus cell type diversity shed light on the evolution of complex nervous systems.

Alexandre Jan works as a staff engineer in the Burkhardt group at the Michael Sars Centre, University of Bergen. He is responsible for managing the Ctenophora Facility, where he raises several species of comb jellies for research purposes. With over 6 years of experience exclusively working with ctenophores and jellyfish, he will be showcasing the beauty and importance of these mysterious creatures tonight.

Ocean Science Bar is a collaboration between Statsraad Lehmkuhl, the University of Bergen, the Institute of Marine Research, NORCE, and the Nansen Center. We will present popular highlights from our research, discuss current issues related to the ocean and marine research, and provide a social meeting point for researchers and others interested in the ocean.

The presentations and discussions are held in English. Everyone is welcome!