Specimen collection. Researcher holding a small shark caught during a trawl for specimens for bio- logical research at the Woods Hole Marine Biology Laboratory (MBL), in Massachusetts, USA. The MBL studies marine organisms to further understanding of human biology. Animals such as squid, horseshoe crabs, toadfish and rays are studied, with the research encompassing fields as diverse as haemat- ology, immunology, neurology and ophthalmology. It is the largest biology laboratory in the world. Founded in 1888, it is a privately run, grant- maintained laboratory, not affiliated with any other laboratory or university. Many specimens are caught locally, as the waters are rich in life.