Osedax, “bone devourer” wormsGREG ROUSE, UC SAN DIEGO
An acid bone meal
Tiny worms that bore into whale bones use acid to get at the nutrients, according to new research presented at the Society for Experimental Biology annual conference in Salzberg, held last week (June 29 – July 2). The mysterious worms, discovered only 10 years ago, have no mouth, gut, or anus. Researchers discovered that symbiotic bacteria break down the ingested fats and oils, but how the worms could dig into bone was unclear. The new study identifies acid-secreting enzymes in the root-like regions of the worms that attach to the bone. The skin cells on the “roots” are long and protruding, with enlarged surface areas that help maximize the amount of acid secreted.
The group of worms, termed Osedax (Latin for ...
