Unique Parasitic Worms Defy Genetic Norms, Baffle Researchers

Hairworms, parasitic worms known for their ability to manipulate the behavior of their hosts, have been found to be missing about 30% of the genes responsible for the development of cilia, hair-like structures found in almost all other animals. The missing genes were found in both freshwater and marine hairworm species, indicating that this evolutionary change occurred in their common ancestor. The discovery raises questions about the impact of the lack of cilia on hairworms and whether it is related to their parasitic behavior. The study could also help scientists understand common threads in the behavior of organisms capable of "mind control."