Marine biologists identify new brittle star plankton species off Oregon coast
Nicole Nakata and Richard Emlet published research on newly discovered brittle star plankton larvae in the June 2026 issue of Invertebrate Biology.
Collaborative research at Oregon Institute
Nicole Nakata collected microscopic brittle star larvae from tidal currents near Charleston, Ore. She worked alongside her former doctoral adviser Richard Emlet to analyze these specimens in laboratory settings. Their joint efforts led to the identification of previously unstudied larval forms.
Findings published in scientific journal
The team documented that Oregon's coastal ecosystems connect to the broader West Coast region. They submitted their findings for publication in the June 2026 issue of Invertebrate Biology. These studies highlight the complexity and beauty of microscopic sea life.
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