Spineless

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A former ocean scientist embarks on a journey to explore the captivating world of jellyfish, reigniting her passion for marine science and the fragile ecosystems of the sea. Jellyfish have existed for over half a billion years, showcasing remarkable features such as a venom that can kill a human in minutes and the fastest known motion in the animal kingdom. Composed of about 95 percent water, some species are masters of disguise, while others exhibit bioluminescence that has transformed biotechnology. Despite their long history, jellyfish have been largely overlooked by science and remain poorly understood. After leaving her ocean science career to raise a family in Austin, Texas, Juli Berwald felt drawn back to the sea by the alarming rise in jellyfish populations, which have disrupted power plants and devastated fisheries. Motivated by concerns over overfishing, coastal development, and climate change, she set off on a scientific adventure. Juli traveled worldwide to meet biologists dedicated to jellyfish research, experienced the wild by hitching rides on Japanese fishing boats, and even raised jellyfish at home. Through this exploration, she blended personal memoir with scientific insight, ultimately discovering that jellyfish science is not just about seeking answers; it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility for the planet.