Tag Archives: Vampire

Scientists Uncover the Genome Sequence of the Vampire Squid

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The genome of the vampire squid (Vampirotutis sp.) is among the largest of any animal, containing over 10 billion base pairs.

The vampire squid (Vampirotutis sp.) is among the deep sea’s most enigmatic creatures. Image credit: Steven Haddock/MBARI.

The vampire squid, often referred to as a “living fossil,” inhabits ocean basins worldwide at depths ranging from 500 to 3,000 meters.

This creature is soft-bodied and has a size, shape, and color reminiscent of a football.

It features a dark red body, large blue eyes, and cloak-like webbing connecting its eight arms.

When threatened, the squid can turn itself inside out, displaying rows of menacing “siri.”

In contrast to other squid species that reproduce in a single event later in life, vampire squids exhibit signs of multiple reproductive cycles.

“Modern cephalopods, including squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish, diverged into two main lineages over 300 million years ago: the 10-armed Decapoda (cuttlefish and cuttlefish) and the eight-armed Octopoda (octopuses and vampire squids),” explained biologist Masaaki Yoshida from Shimane University and his team.

“Despite its name, the vampire squid has eight arms similar to those of an octopus, yet it shares significant genomic characteristics with cuttlefish and cuttlefish.”

“It occupies a unique position between these two lineages, and for the first time, its relationship has been revealed at the chromosomal level through genome analysis.”

“Although classified within the octopus lineage, it retains features of a more ancestral squid-like chromosomal structure, shedding light on the evolutionary history of early cephalopods.”

A recent study sequenced the genome of a vampire squid from specimens gathered in the Western Pacific Ocean.

“With over 11 billion base pairs, the vampire squid’s genome is nearly four times larger than the human genome and represents the largest cephalopod genome analyzed to date,” the researchers noted.

“Despite its vast size, the chromosomes share a surprisingly conserved structure.”

“Thus, Vampirotutis is termed a ‘living fossil of the genome,’ embodying modern-day descendants of ancient lineages that retain essential features from their evolutionary background.”

The study revealed that while modern octopuses have undergone significant chromosome fusions and alterations during evolution, octopuses have managed to preserve some decapod-like karyotypes.

This conserved genome structure provides fresh insights into how cephalopod lineages branched apart.

“Vampire squids exist right on the boundary between octopuses and squids,” commented Dr. Oleg Simakov, a researcher at the University of Vienna.

“The genome unfolds deep evolutionary narratives about how these distinctly different lineages emerged from a shared ancestor.”

By comparing the vampire squid with other sequenced species, including the pelagic octopus Argonauta hians, scientists could trace the trajectory of chromosomal changes throughout evolution.

“The genome sequence of Argonauta hians reveals, for the first time, a ‘bizarre’ pelagic octopus (paper nautilus) where females have secondarily acquired shell-like calcified structures,” the researchers stated.

“The analysis suggests that early coleoids had a squid-like chromosomal organization that subsequently fused and compacted into the modern octopus genome, a process termed mixed fusion.”

“These irreversible rearrangements may have instigated significant morphological innovations, including weapon specialization and the loss of the outer shell.”

“Although the vampire squid is classified among octopuses, it preserves an older genetic lineage than both groups,” added Dr. Emese Todt, a researcher at the University of Vienna.

“This enables us to study the early phases of cephalopod evolution directly.”

“Our research provides the clearest genetic evidence to date indicating that the common ancestor of octopuses and squids was more squid-like than previously recognized.”

“This study underscores that large-scale chromosomal rearrangements, rather than the emergence of new genes, have primarily driven the extraordinary diversity of modern cephalopods.”

The findings are detailed in a study published in the Journal on November 21, 2025 iscience.

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Masaaki Yoshida et al. 2025. The extensive genome of a vampire squid unveils the derived state of modern octopod karyotypes. iscience 28 (11): 113832; doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113832

Source: www.sci.news

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Review: A Captivating Noir Experience

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YYou awaken as an ancient and formidable vampire in the basement of a crumbling building in Seattle, with no recent memories and a peculiar seal on your hand. The first thing you do is provoke the cop who spots you. In a swift movement, you slam him against the wall, blood painting the bricks. A frenzied display of fangs follows as you seek favor with the local vampire court, while viciously battling hostile undead and their ghouls, all while attempting to remain hidden from the unsuspecting mortals in this sultry city.

Yet, this is also a detective narrative. Young night stalkers share your mind, including a voice named Fabian who speaks like a 1920s gumshoe, likely because he once was one. Unlike you, Fabian isn’t violent. He collaborates with human police and the vampire underbelly, extracting the blood of willing donors and wielding his mind-reading powers to uncover murders. These two narratives present distinctly different gameplay experiences in the same setting. Unfortunately, Bloodlines 2 feels awkwardly pieced together. Having just indulged in AMC’s Interview with the Vampire series, the juxtaposition is striking. One provides a thrilling, sexual, and clever adaptation of vampire lore, while the other is lacking.

“The interactions with the people in Seattle were really puzzling.” … Bloodlines 2. Photo: The Chinese Room/Paradox Interactive

Notably, this vampire tale appears to be under a curse. The original Bloodlines game, a cult classic RPG released in 2004, took more than a decade to spawn a sequel. Development for Bloodlines 2 commenced in 2015 at Hardsuit Labs in Seattle, led by writers from the first game. However, the creative lead was dismissed in 2020, and another writer was involved in a now-resolved cheating scandal. By 2021, a new developer, The Chinese Room, took over the project. The outcome is an intriguing patchwork, with The Chinese Room integrating elements from Hardsuit’s version into a coherent 25-hour narrative that, while not entirely resolved, is mostly understandable.

For instance, the vampire abilities you can acquire are displayed on a large screen, intended to offer multiple approaches to gameplay, such as seduction, coercion, and manipulation. Nonetheless, there’s little incentive to learn more skills as you begin immensely powerful, gaining some of the most enjoyable mind control and dark powers within the first few hours. When I attempted to utilize these abilities creatively, such as possessing dangerous prey on the street or probing someone’s mind for interrogation, the game frequently denied my attempts.

While the vampire interactions held intrigue, the encounters with Seattle’s humans were utterly baffling. Walking down the street, I heard sex workers yell, “I have to pay my school fees!” to no one in particular. A businessman on a bench initially asked, “Do you want to start a business together? A sexy business?” before he commenced following me around, exclaiming, “I can’t wait to have sex!” until my annoyance grew and I ended up consuming him. Although vampires may view mortals as inconsequential puppets, this felt excessively bizarre.

“Some of the most awkward first-person combat I’ve played in decades”…Bloodlines 2. Photo: The Chinese Room/Paradox Interactive

This odd and misplaced behavior from non-player characters further amplifies the feeling of Bloodlines 2 being a product of the late ’00s. Not only does the animation appear dated, but it also conjures memories of the clunky yet captivating first-person games emerging since Deus Ex in 2000. While gliding across Seattle’s rooftops at unnatural speeds is entertaining, much of the gameplay entails traversing the city and speaking with various characters. However, when facing ghouls—of which there are plenty—you’re thrust into some of the most awkward first-person combat I’ve experienced in years. I found it so tedious that I opted to lower the difficulty after a few hours to expedite the monotonous skirmishes.

Hidden within is an acceptable vampire story. Engaging conversations with dangerous fellow vampires represent the most compelling aspect of Bloodlines 2. I appreciated several locations in Seattle, particularly the dive bars pulsating with goth music. The Chinese Room has managed to transform a troubled game development saga into something playable and somewhat engaging. However, as time passed, my motivation to continue stemmed more from curiosity than genuine enjoyment.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Unveiling the Reality of Borneo’s “Vampire Squirrel” and Its Enormous Tail

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Ever find yourself gazing at adorable things until they start to seem a bit creepy? Think of garden gnomes, baby dolls, kids dressed as princesses, and all cats. Well, there’s one more addition to this peculiar list.

The tufted ground squirrel (Rheithrosciurus macrotis) may appear cute with its bright eyes and bushy tail, but the Dayak hunters of Borneo view it as a cold-blooded killer.

This ruthless rodent, nicknamed “Vampire Alice,” is infamous for allegedly flipping deer onto their backs, using its razor-sharp teeth to sever their jugular veins, causing the animals to bleed out.

Those who discovered the remains of a deer in the woods suspect that the squirrel returns to the scene to feast on the deer’s heart, liver, and stomach.

In villages bordering the forest, tufted ground squirrels are also known to prey on domestic chickens and consume their hearts and livers.

The squirrel gained notoriety in 2014 thanks to a paper written by 15-year-old Emily Meyard, titled Academic Paper, which revealed folk tales about animals with a bloodthirsty reputation.

The paper was published in Taprobanica: Journal of Biodiversity in Asia and has since made these once-overlooked creatures go viral. Articles have been written, videos shared, perhaps making Beatrix Potter reconsider her legacy.

In 2015, footage of one caught on camera went viral for the first time, however, it did not catch any herbivores in the act.

Instead, they were seen foraging in Gunungparun National Park in West Kalimantan, where action from the killer critter remained elusive, but new revelations emerged.

The tufted ground squirrel shares its native Borneo habitat with Prevost’s squirrel, a fluffy creature with a black, reddish-brown, and white coat that prefers life among the trees. – Credit: Richard McManus via Getty

In 2020, researchers discovered that the unusual teeth of these squirrels—long incisors with intricate ridges—are adapted for cracking open tough nuts.

Tufted ground squirrels are highly specialized seed predators, with a strong preference for canarium tree nuts.

It turns out the perception of tufted ground squirrels as fearsome creatures is a misconception. They truly have bright eyes and fluffy tails.

In fact, their bushy tails are among the largest proportionally of any mammal, being 30% larger than their bodies.

The reason for this unusual trait remains uncertain. Since they spend most of their time on the forest floor seeking food, it’s not for warmth, as it rarely gets cold in Borneo.

This could be related to attracting mates, deterring predators, or perhaps serving a mysterious form of camouflage. Their tail, which features a charcoal hue with frosty accents, helps them blend into the forest floor.

Regardless, I’ve stopped disparaging tufted ground squirrels and have learned to appreciate them as genuinely fascinating creatures.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Moonlight Peaks: Experience Life as a Little Vegan Vampire | Gaming Adventure

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What would you do if you were a petite, vegan vampire? This intriguing question is posed by Moonlight Peaks, a Z-coded, Tiktok-responsive supernatural life simulation game. Drawing inspiration from the fondness for “cozy games” like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, Moonlight Peaks wraps you in the cape of Dracula’s daughter, who has fled from her father’s corpse to embrace a tranquil new existence.

Before long, she finds her home among werewolves and witches in the enchanting farming community of Moonlight Peaks, where she tends to crops and nurtures animals instead of preying on innocent lives. In this whimsical yet eerie game, you can craft your own plant-based blood substitute, befriend the town’s inhabitants, and resolve the many issues that linger from Papa Dracula’s legacy.

While farming and decorating are central to the gameplay, its creator mentions there is a remarkable array of story-driven quests to uncover. “I’m joking, you’re the town’s therapist,” quips art director Mia Boas. From the soothing woes of a troubled werewolf to the cries of mermaids, from drawing Grimm’s Grim Reaper to engaging in stabbing mini-games, and the developer’s whimsical promises of Little Chicken, the game offers more than just perfecting your haunted homestead.

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“We aimed for a charming and cozy experience,” explains CEO and Game Director Yannis Bolman. “Initially, we had a mechanic that allowed you to bite bystanders. You’re trying to become friends with them, and then you’re chewing on them? It just felt very odd.”

Much like other social media-friendly life sims, Moonlight Peaks offers various romantic adventures for players to indulge in. “If you’re interested in a romantic connection, you can go on dates like stargazing or roasting marshmallows. The ultimate step is that you can transform them into vampires too—but only with their consent and a little nibble. Listen, you bite them.” It’s these adorable touches that can turn your fanged soulmate into a permanent resident of your home.

Bolman and Boas mention that fan feedback has been instrumental in steering the game’s development. With a lively artistic style that feels impressively smooth given the size of the team, Moonlight Peaks is poised to illuminate the dim corners of the SIM market.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Newly Discovered ‘Vampire’ Hedgehog Found Among 234 New Species in Asia

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Vampire-like Hedgehog Hylomys Macaron

Alexei V. Abramov

In 2023, scientists in Southeast Asia’s Greater Mekong River region described an astonishing 234 new species. The discovery was announced in 2023. Report from the nature conservation organization WWF173 species of plants, 26 species of reptiles, 17 species of amphibians, 15 species of fish, and 3 species of mammals.

Since 1997, more than 3,500 new plant and vertebrate species have been identified in the region covered by this report, which includes Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, with an average of 130 new species per year. I’m going up.

Here, we introduce six new species, including a hairy hedgehog named after a vampire, an almost invisible dragon lizard, and an endangered leafless orchid.

Hiromiz macaron

The furry hedgehog family pictured above is endemic to Vietnam. Hiromiz macaron It may seem innocuous, but its name is Macaron Means vampire in Vietnamese. It gets its name thanks to its long, pointed fangs, which remain hidden in this photo.

Hyposideros Kingston

This small leaf-nosed bat lives from Thailand to Borneo. confirmed by DNA analysis Hyposideros Kingston It was born as a new species in 2023.

It’s not known where these tiny bats, which weigh just 4.9 to 7 grams, roost. It has been seen near large limestone caves, suggesting that it may be hiding there, but it is also possible that it lives far from known caves, hiding in the hollows of trees. It is also possible that they are building a roost.

Laodracon calusticola

You need keen eyesight to spot this small lizard (Laodracon calusticola), which lives high on the tops of rugged karsts in Laos, which may explain why this species has been ignored by scientists until now. One of the earliest known sightings of this lizard was by a zipline tour guide.

Zhangixalus melanoleucus

This lime green tree frog (Zhangixalus melanoleucus) was discovered at an altitude of 2000 meters in the evergreen forest of Mount Phu Samsoon in northern Laos. Although the region is home to many other endemic species, it is one of the least studied regions in Asia.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Researchers recreate the appearance of 400-year-old Polish ‘vampire’ Zosia

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“Zosia” was buried with a padlock on her leg and an iron sickle around her neck, and was never supposed to come back to life.

The young woman buried in an unmarked cemetery in Pien, northern Poland, was one of dozens of people feared by her neighbors to be “vampires.”

Now, a team of scientists has used DNA, 3D printing, and clay modeling to reconstruct Zosia’s 400-year-old face, revealing a human story buried in supernatural beliefs.

“In a way, it’s really ironic,” says Swedish archaeologist Oskar Nilsson. “The people who buried her did everything they could to prevent her from rising from the dead…We did everything we could to bring her back to life.”

In 2022, the body of Zosia, a woman buried as a vampire, was discovered in a tomb in Pien, Poland.
Nicolaus Copernicus University/Oskar Nilsson via Reuters

Zosia, as it was named by local residents, was discovered in 2022 by a team of archaeologists from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.

Zosia was between 18 and 20 years old at the time of her death, and analysis of her skull suggested she suffered from a health condition that could cause fainting, severe headaches and even mental health problems, Nilsson said.

According to Nicolaus Copernicus’ team, sickles, padlocks and certain types of wood found in graveyards were all believed at the time to have magical properties that could protect against vampires.

Zosia’s grave was grave number 75 in an unmarked cemetery on the outskirts of Pien, a city north of Bydgoszcz. Among the other bodies found at the scene was a “vampire” child who was buried face down with a padlock at his feet as well.

Little is known about Zosia’s life, but Nilsson and Pien’s research team believe that the items with which she was buried indicate that she came from a wealthy (possibly aristocratic) family.

Nilsson suggests that the war-torn 17th-century Europe in which she lived created a climate of fear in which belief in supernatural monsters was common.

Nilsson’s recreation began by creating a 3D-printed replica of the skull, then gradually built up layers of clay “muscle by muscle” to form a lifelike face.

He combines bone structure with information about gender, age, ethnicity, and approximate weight to estimate the depth of facial features.

“It’s emotional to see a face come back from the dead, especially when you know this young girl’s story,” Nilsson says.

Nilsson said he wanted to bring Zosia back “as a human being, not as a buried monster.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com