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Hairworms

All articles tagged with #hairworms

biology2 years ago•4 min saved

"Mind-bending revelation: Hairworms manipulate mantis hosts' brains"

Scientists have discovered that horsehair worms, parasitic creatures that control their host's brain and drive them to water where they drown, achieve this mind control by stealing DNA from their host. The worms mimic chemicals in the host's body that act like neurotransmitters, allowing them to manipulate the host's behavior. Researchers found that the worms undergo genetic changes when manipulating their host, suggesting that they steal copies of the host's DNA through horizontal gene transfer. This ability to steal genetic material is usually seen in viruses, making the hairworms one of the larger and more complex organisms to demonstrate this ability. Fortunately, there are no reports of hairworms brainwashing humans, as they can only control their favorite species of host, such as mantises.

via Business Insider|

#biology #dna-theft #hairworms

science2 years ago•2 min saved

"Unprecedented Discovery: Mind-Controlling Parasitic Worm Defies Genetic Norms"

Researchers have discovered that hairworms, parasitic worms known for their ability to control the behavior of their hosts, are missing 30 percent of the genes expected to be found in animals. This surprising finding suggests that the worms have evolved to rely on their hosts for certain functions, leading to the loss of these genes over time. The study sheds light on the intriguing nature of these parasites and may provide further insights into their evolutionary traits.

via BGR|

#evolution #genes #hairworms

biology2 years ago•1 min saved

"Mind-Controlling Worms: Scientists Stunned by DNA Discovery"

Hairworms, parasitic critters known for their ability to "mind control" their hosts, have been found to be missing about 30% of the genes expected in animals, according to a study published in Current Biology. The researchers also discovered that hairworms lack cilia, which are present in a wide range of organisms. The findings raise questions about how hairworms survive without these biological features and suggest further research is needed to understand their unique characteristics.

via Futurism|

#biology #dna #genes

science2 years ago•6 min saved

The Genetic Mystery of Mind-Controlling Parasitic Worms

Hairworms, parasitic worms known for their ability to manipulate the behavior of their hosts, have been found to be missing approximately 30% of the genes responsible for the development of cilia, hair-like structures found in the cells of most animal species. This discovery, made through genetic research, raises questions about the impact of the absence of cilia on hairworms and their parasitic behavior. It also suggests that the loss of these genes likely occurred in the common ancestor of both freshwater and marine hairworm species. Further research is needed to understand the evolutionary patterns and implications of this genetic anomaly.

via SciTechDaily|

#cilia #evolution #genes

biology2 years ago•6 min saved

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."

via Phys.org|

#biology #cilia #genes