Cassandra Donatelli
LightNews LightNews
banner
cmdonatelli.bsky.social
Cassandra Donatelli
@cmdonatelli.bsky.social
910 followers 97 following 22 posts
Fish | Biomechanics | Chaos | She/her
Posts Replies Media Videos
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
rchoover.bsky.social
We then used open source tools (3D Slicer and a new module, Dental Dynamics) to measure the oral jaw bones and quantify metrics for every tooth in the dentition (>4,000 in total)!
4 species are highlighted with individual segments for each of the teeth in their jaws
May 16, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
rchoover.bsky.social
We used high resolution microCT scanning to capture the fine morphology of the oral jaws and dentition
Figure 1. Phylogeny or tree diagram showing the pricklebacks family tree, with carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores highlighted. CT scans of their skulls are shown.
May 16, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
rchoover.bsky.social
Pricklebacks are a group of fishes from the pacific coast that have been extensively studied for their diverse diets, with multiple evolutions of omnivory and herbivory.

But we wanted to know how they ate their food, specifically the morphology of their jaws and teeth.
Rock pricklebacks from the Oregon coast aquarium
May 16, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
rchoover.bsky.social
My first PhD chapter is out!

How do related fishes adapt to eat different foods? And how do they change as they grow? 🧵

doi.org/10.1002/jmor...
Screenshot of https://doi.org/10.1002/jmor.70131
May 16, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
IOB co author
@lorenzoemartinez.bsky.social presented at SICB in 2026. His research evaluated the functional strengths and weaknesses of the armor of small #fish, called poachers.

news.rhodes.edu/stories/rhod...

connect

www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-m...

& read IOB's
doi.org/10.1093/iob/...
March 10, 2026 at 11:17 AM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
IOB's co authors donated us of their cover image of
doi.org/10.1093/iob/...
for use on SIC'S Fine Art America account

fineartamerica.com/featured/mic...

Profits go to SICB student funds. Pick up some merch for the scientists in your life.

#art #tomography #fish #microscopy #science #biology
March 11, 2026 at 11:18 AM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
IOB
Just one of the incredible figures from our latest
Testing the Limits: Functional Strengths and Weaknesses of Poacher (Agonidae) Armor

@lorenzoemartinez.bsky.social et al

doi.org/10.1093/iob/...

#Science #ecology #tomography #microscopy
figure 2 Damage testing methods. (A) μCT scan of B. alascanus showing the locations along the body used for MTS trials (solid brackets), and the tested region for blunt impact and abrasion quantification (dashed bracket). The scale bar measures 25 mm. MTS line drawings showing (B) a puncture trial performed dorsally between the two dorsal fins and (C) a crushing trial performed dorsally between the two dorsal fins. (D) A poacher in the tumbler with rocks for impact testing. (E) A poacher in the tumbler with sand for abrasion testing. The poachers inside tumblers (C, D) have been highlighted for visibility.
March 12, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
IOB

"We quantified damage to poacher armor and skeleton under different force modes, including crushing, puncture, abrasion, and blunt impact, using micro-computed #tomography, scanning electron #microscopy, and material testing."

by
@lorenzoemartinez.bsky.social
et al
doi.org/10.1093/iob/...
Fig. 4 μCT scans of B. alascanus, previewing selected puncture and crushing damages. Arrows are used to highlight damages. Inset scale bars measure 2 mm. (A) Dislocated vertebrae due to a lateral crush parallel to the first dorsal fin. (B) Dorsal plate fractures due to a dorsal crush between the dorsal fins. (C) Broken dorsal spines due to a dorsal crush at the plate transition. (D) Cracked ventral plates due to a lateral crush parallel to the first dorsal fin. (E) Lateral plate fractures due to a lateral crush parallel to the second dorsal fin. (F) Lateral plate damage due to a lateral puncture on the side of the tail.
March 13, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
Methods used to study these systems—CT scanning, histology, finite element analysis, & mechanical testing—directly influence how the biological principles of armor are defined and understood.
@karlycohen.bsky.social
@cmdonatelli.bsky.social
@schulzscience.bsky.social et al
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
Fig. 2. Comparative osteoderm morphology of fossil and extant armadillos, highlighting the structural conservation of body armor across evolutionary time. (A) Extant screaming hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus) with inset showing a close-up of its osteoderms. (B) Fossil Glyptodon sp. osteoderm, exhibiting a rosette-like pattern characteristic of glyptodonts. (C–D) Fossil osteoderms of Glyptotherium floridanum, showing variation in surface texture and overall shape. (E–I) Fossil osteoderms of Holmesina floridanus, demonstrating rectangular morphology and diverse surface ornamentation. The arrangement showcases the remarkable continuity in osteoderm shape and function from extinct armored xenarthrans to their modern relatives. Fossil specimens were donated for scanning by T. Stankowich. Chaetophractus vellerosus specimen was donated to M. Paig-Tran from the Orange County Zoo and Scott Weldy, DVM.
April 15, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
IOB's latest in issue!

Testing the Limits: Functional Strengths and Weaknesses of Poacher (Agonidae) Armor

doi.org/10.1093/iob/...

@lorenzoemartinez.bsky.social

@fishbiomeganist.bsky.social

@karlycohen.bsky.social

@fishguy.bsky.social

@cmdonatelli.bsky.social

#science #ecology
March 9, 2026 at 10:59 AM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
fishguy.bsky.social
Every other summer we run a fish biomechanics course at Friday Harbor Labs. It is an awesome opportunity to learn the tools of biovisualization while experiencing the rich fish diversity of the Salish Sea. Come join us!
🧪
A flyer for a fish biomechanics course at the Friday Harbor Labs this summer.
January 12, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
karlycohen.bsky.social
Summer fish class at Friday Harbor Labs 🐟
5 weeks, field + lab, real projects.
Open to grads, postdocs, and undergrads. Financial aid available.
Apply: February 16, 2026
Reach out to @cmdonatelli.bsky.social @fishguy.bsky.social or @karlycohen.bsky.social with questions!
Details in the flyer ⬇️
January 12, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
ICB
Form and Function in Mobulids: A Comparative Analysis of Filter #Morphology With #Bioinspiration Applications
J B Teeple ,
news.fullerton.edu/2025/12/biol...
S R Kahane-Rapport ,
K E Cohen ,
L Hamann ,
J A Strother ,
E W M Paig-Tran
& read
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...

#science
January 12, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
ICB
Tapered Tiles Modulate Flexibility in Segmented #Armadillo -Inspired Armor
Teeple
@karlycohen.bsky.social
Stankowich ,
Misty Paig-Tran
Donatelli
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...

#biology #geometry #science
Fig. 1 (A) Armadillos have a diversity of armor types. (B) D asypus novemcinctus highlights 2 distinct osteoderm regions (fixed buckler and moveable bands). (C) D asypus novemcinctus osteoderm micro-CT view of superficial and deep faces, displaying characteristic polygonal shape and nodular patterning. (D) Crosssectional view of fixed osteoderm based on histology from Hill (2006) and Krmpotic et al. (2015). (E) Chaetophractus villosus osteoderm and (F) histology based on Krmpotic et al. (2009). (G) Glyptodon sp. osteoderms (2) micro-CT of superficial and deep faces, showing similar shape as D. novemcinctus. (H) Paleohistology based on Wolf et al. (2012) of Glyptodon clavipes. D asypus novemcinctus specimen from the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture (Seattle, WA, USA). Glyptodon sp. Specimen donated for scanning by T. Stankowich. Phylogeny based on Delsuc et al. (2016). (A) Attributions (top to bottom): D. novemcinctus: by lwolfartist, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Glyptodon asper: by Arentderivative work: WolfmanSF, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Chaetophractus villosus: by Paul Prior, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Chlamyphorus truncatus: by Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons; Priodontes maximus: by Colorado State University Libraries, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Tolypeutes tricinctus; by IQRemix from Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. (B) Attribution: D. novemcinctus: by MUSE, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
January 14, 2026 at 12:25 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
Meet the ICB authors of
Tapered Tiles Modulate Flexibility in Segmented #Armadillo -Inspired Armor
doi.org/10.1093/icb/...
Teeple,
@karlycohen.bsky.social
Stankowich
Paig-Tran
@cmdonatelli.bsky.social

youtube.com/shorts/M9f_E...

#Biomechanics #science #biology #fish #sharks #bio-inspired
Julia B Teeple , https://news.fullerton.edu/2025/12/biology-grad-student-publishes-4-research-papers-in-scientific-journals/ Karly E Cohen , https://www.karlye-cohen.com/ Theodore Stankowich , https://www.csulb.edu/biological-sciences/mammal-lab E W Misty Paig-Tran , https://www.sharks4kids.com/post/2019/07/30/shark-week-meet-biologist-dr-misty-paig-tran Cassandra M Donatelli https://directory.tacoma.uw.edu/employee/cdonatel
January 16, 2026 at 12:36 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
Have you read ICB's issue 6 yet?

with Applied #ecoimmunology in #wildlife health and #conservation

& authors
@schulzscience.bsky.social

@karlycohen.bsky.social Cohen

@thomsanger.bsky.social Sanger

@cmdonatelli.bsky.social Donatelli

Stacy Farina

and more!

academic.oup.com/icb/issue/65/6
December 22, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
sicbjournals.bsky.social
IOB - out now!
Twist and Snout: Head and Body #Morphologies Determine Feeding #Kinematics in Substrate-Biting #Fishes

Tal Perevolotsky, Jacob M Brotman-Krass, Yarden Ratner, Yael Avigad, @fishguy.bsky.social , @cmdonatelli.bsky.social , Roi Holzman

doi.org/10.1093/iob/...

#morphology #science
September 22, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
fishguy.bsky.social
Just wrapped up a week of SlicerMorph/MorphoDepot/MorphoCloud work with @jaimiagray.bsky.social, @cmdonatelli.bsky.social and a great team of folks.

This is Enophrys taurina with a damaged preopercular spine. Fighting or defense?
🧪🐡
Enophrys taurina CT scan. Enophrys taurina CT scan
October 11, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
solomonrdavid.bsky.social
YESSSS @pikaole.bsky.social #GARtwork!!!
pikaole.bsky.social pikaole @pikaole.bsky.social · May 4
Happy gars 🐟
Seven gars are swimming in the lime green background. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. There are heart-shaped water droplets around.
May 4, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
royalsocietypublishing.org
New from #JRSocInterface: Something to sink your teeth into: the mechanics of tooth indentation in frugivorous fishes: royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/... #biomechanics @karlycohen.bsky.social @cmdonatelli.bsky.social @sbcrofts.bsky.social
April 18, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
fishguy.bsky.social
Jack Rosen's paper on biting fruits and seeds is out in @royalsocietypublishing.org Interface. 3D models of pacu and piranha jaws cutting different prey. Pacus are 'better' at fruit. Maybe eating seeds drove the evolution of frugivory from piscivory.
🧪
royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/...
Four panel figure. A lateral CT scan of a frugivorous fish CT scan with an inset showing the jaws in frontal view. A 3D printed model of the upper and lower teeth opposing each other. The 3D printed models mounted in a materials testing system to allow food to be bitten. The load displacement curve that results from biting fruit in with the model jows.
April 16, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
solomonrdavid.bsky.social
UPDATE: @garlab.bsky.social is making good progress👍
March 7, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
uwnews.uw.edu
How 12 UW researchers fell in love with their research bit.ly/4kcgPFt
🧵 3/3

@fishguy.bsky.social
@kendallvalentine.bsky.social
February 14, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Reposted by Cassandra Donatelli
solomonrdavid.bsky.social
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,

These eggs are toxic,
No cavigar for you!
A photo of a Spotted Gar (fish) underwater with inset photo of gar eggs, which are toxic to mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and most arthropods. There are also hearts in the upper left to make this photo romantic.
February 14, 2025 at 10:36 PM
cmdonatelli.bsky.social
Only 5 days left to submit an application to this summer's #REU - BLINKS program! We're excited to have so many awesome projects lined up 🎉
🦊🦀🪸🐠🌕🌱♻️🌏🌊🤖🐚☁️

Please pass this along and check out our website for project descriptions and application info: fhl.uw.edu/research/sum... @fishguy.bsky.social
February 11, 2025 at 4:21 AM