Category: Invertebrates
Hydras make up a genus of tiny (up to 10 mm long), tentacle, aquatic, predatory animals that are commonly found in unpolluted ponds, lakes, and streams in temperate and tropical regions. They are of special interest to science because they do not seem to age or die of old age. While generally stationary, or sessile, they are able to move themselves when necessary by bending over and grabbing onto the substrate with their mouth and tentacles while releasing with their “foot” – using this motion, they are able “loop” or “somersault” several inches in a day!
Rub some dirt on it!
Could it be we have been too good at ridding our bodies of parasitic worms? Believe it or not, our efforts at keeping squeaky-clean and sanitary in the developed world may be contributing to increased allergies, asthma, psoriasis, even autoimmune diseases. The human immune system, having evolved with parasitic worms, recognizes them, and has learned to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing when these tiny intruders are sensed. While getting worms may be seen as too high a price to pay for many, for people suffering from severe allergies or colitis, it may be worth it. Victims of multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease have shown a promising reduction in symptoms (even remission in Crohn’s) after ingesting whipworm eggs - a treatment that may be worth it to some until a cure is found!
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
