Science Leads on Shark Insights

There are two interesting articles today on the web-o-sphere, which makes a refreshing change from the usual killer-death-shock-horror-probe blah that abounds on most days.
First is an article about how scales play a role in aquadynamics in the Mako Shark. The high speed hunters rely on the angle of their scales and can change their dynamic profile which is affected by the position of the fine scales on their skin.
The second piece is slightly wierdly titled leading us to believe that whale sharks can do maths (or math if you're from the states). I think what they mean is that the scientists used maths to justify the principle of their observation, but anyway, interesting notheless. Read it here.

Stingrays use tools to solve problems

Stingrays have been proved to be able to use water as a tool in cognitive tests by scientists from Austria, Isreal and the US. The report here, states that the captive freshwater rays from South Amercia demonstrated ability to solve problems and used jets of water to dislodge food stuck on overhead leaves.
The study recognises that these and maybe other related carteligenous fish share the same cognitive ability, bringing them in line with birds, mammals and reptiles.

(picture source)