North-West University

Scientists have discovered a new species of marine cryptofauna in the Florida Keys. Cryptofauna are the tiny, hidden, organisms that make up the majority of biodiversity in the ocean. The tiny crustaceans are the first new gnathiid isopod to be discovered from the Floridian ecoregion in 100 years and are named after singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. An international team of scientists from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and the Water Research Group from the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management at the North-West University in South Africa have discovered a new species of marine cryptofauna in the Florida Keys. Cryptofauna are the tiny, hidden, organisms that make up the majority of biodiversity in the ocean. The roughly three-millimeter-long isopod is one of only 15 species from the genus Gnathia currently known in the region. The newly discovered species, Gnathia jimmybuffetti, which is a member of a group of crustaceans called gnathiid isopods, were collected using light traps set in shallow water and characterized using photomicrographs and genetic sequencing. "Upon examination, it was determined to be a species that was previously unknown to science," said senior investigator Paul Sikkel, a research professor in the Department of Marine Biology and Ecology at the Rosenstiel School. "It's the first new Florida gnathiid to be discovered in 100 years." These tiny animals, which are found throughout the world's oceans lead a very curious life. The juveniles are most active at night and feed on the blood of fishes like a mosquito or tick. The adults do not feed and live hidden in rubble on the ocean floor. Given their lifestyle, they are grouped as parasites, organisms that require a living host for survival. The current severe marine heat wave events in Florida and other regions of the world that host coral reefs is a big concern for species like Gnathia jimmybuffetti, who cannot simply swim to cooler water. Work by Sikkel's team on other gnathiid species has shown that at above average seawater temperatures, mortality rates increase, and abundance of gnathiids on reefs decrease significantly. To the extent these effects are likely to be similar for the myriad of other small invertebrates that live in or near the benthos (bottom), this can have major impacts on coral reef food webs. Since the species was discovered in the Florida Keys and Sikkel and his team are long-time fans of Jimmy Buffett's music -- which is synonymous with the Florida Keys -- they named the new species: Gnathia jimmybuffetti after the music legend. "By naming a species after an artist, we want to promote the integration of the arts and sciences," said Sikkel, whose research team named a similar species from the Caribbean after Bob Marley (Gnathia marleyi). "All species in an ecosystem play an important role and all species have something to teach us," said Sikkel. "As we discover new species, we are reminded of how many undiscovered species there still are." The researchers emphasize that while these organisms have a parasitic lifestyle, they are in no way likening these artists, whom they admire and respect, to parasites. The study, titled "Morphological description and molecular characterization of Gnathia jimmybuffetti sp. nov. (Crustacea, Isopoda, Gnathiidae): the first new gnathiid in 100 years from the Floridian ecoregion" was published on 12 June 2023 in the journal Bulletin of Marine Science. The authors include Anja Erasmus, Nico Smit, and Kerry Hadfield, North-West University Water Research Group, in South Africa, and Paul Sikkel, University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science. The study was funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.

SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / March 20, 2023 / Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC PINK:PLPL) announces it has entered into a binding memorandum of understanding to close a share exchange agreement with Good Salt, LLC, a Florida limited liability company. Good Salt is the successor in interest to material tangible and intangible assets, cash and cash equivalents, inventory, and the active operations of two Florida limited liability companies, ByoPlanet International, LLC, and Clean Republic, LLC. ByoPlanet is a health and technology company that markets and sells an electrostatic chemical cleansing delivery system. Using its patented "Induction Charged Technology™," certified by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), and proprietary chemistry through its Clean Republic label, ByoPlanet delivers effective and safe infection prevention solutions, providing a proprietary complete and uniform disinfectant coverage of any surface, in less time with less solution, and without the threat of cross-contamination. ByoPlanet's focus is to market and sell its products in a variety of settings, including animal health, plant health, commercial cleaning, restoration, pest control, and public services. Plandai will acquire all of the outstanding interests in Good Salt in exchange for Plandai restricted common stock and Series "A" Preferred stock, resulting in Plandai acquiring the ByoPlanet and Clean Republic assets and business. Since 2020, ByoPlanet has manufactured over 85,000 units for customers around the world, including Fortune 100 companies in industries like Property Restoration, Hospitality, and Animal Health. "I couldn't be more excited about what this collaboration means for our customers," said Rick O'Shea, CEO of ByoPlanet. "Our commitment to providing the latest and most innovative health and wellness products has always been a top priority, and this exciting development only reinforces that dedication. I can't wait to see the potential opportunities that may come from this collaboration, and I'm eager to continue building upon our reputation as industry leaders. Our customers deserve the very best, and we're committed to delivering just that." ByoPlanet's system significantly reduces viruses and pathogens using electrostatic technology that reaches around any surface regardless of shape, allowing for more effective disinfection and up to 75% faster applications using less than half as much disinfection solution. This type of electrostatic spraying improves indoor air quality and eliminates virus and other particulates in the air, including mold. The result is more effective disinfection and significant cost savings for a variety of businesses and institutions. "The closing of this binding share exchange marks a significant shift in Plandai's direction, as we align ourselves with a dedicated team producing an important technology for the world," said Tad Mailander, CEO of Plandai Biotechnology. "We are excited about the potential opportunities this new direction presents and are committed to leveraging our combined expertise and resources to drive innovation and growth. This is a testament to our unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the world, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible." A PCAOB auditor has completed the audits of Plandai's fiscal years ending June 30, 2022, and June 30, 2021, putting the company in a favorable position to meet some of the requirements for an up listing to a major exchange. In preparation for the closing of the agreement, Plandai has filed a corporate action to change its name to ByoPlanet, Inc. and has requested a new trading symbol. These changes are currently awaiting regulatory approval, and the company looks forward to providing further updates to its stakeholders as they become available. About ByoPlanet and Clean Republic: ByoPlanet is the leading manufacturer of innovative electrostatic spray technology and equipment. The electrostatic spray systems deliver 360° wrap-around disinfectant coverage onto all surfaces with less chemistry waste, quicker re-entry into the environment, and better protection against the spread of illness-causing germs. The company was founded by Rick O'Shea and Steve Cooper, who is credited with building the most sophisticated electrostatic sprayers on the market. The Company's goal is to make communities healthier through technological innovations in environmental infection control, and to do so efficiently and effectively. For more information on ByoPlanet International, LLC and Clean Republic, LLC, please visit the website at . Contact: Marla Rosen VP, Marketing ByoPlanet mrosen@byoplanet.com About Plandai Biotechnology, Inc.: Plandai Biotechnology, Inc. previously owned intellectual properties related to its prior research, development and production of botanical extracts including, but not limited to: trademarks, trade secrets, and product formulations for green tea and citrus products from discontinued operations. The Company's intellectual properties were the result of research and development endeavors with North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa, and the Company's former Senteeko Tea Estate located in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Contact: plandai@protonmail.com SOURCE: Plandai Biotechnology View source version on accesswire.com: