Specimen collection. Researcher hauling in a net used to collect specimens for biological research at the Woods Hole Marine Biology Laboratory (MBL), in Massachusetts, USA. The MBL studies marine organisms to further understanding of human biology. Creatures such as squid, horseshoe crabs, toadfish and rays are studied, with the research encompassing fields as diverse as immunology, neurology, haematology and ophthalmology. The MBL is the largest biology laboratory in the world. Established 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.